On March 25 and 27, 2025, the Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) hosted the 12th Annual Regional STEM Design Challenge, bringing together 56 student teams from across Berks County. The event featured 40 teams in the Grades 4–5 division and 16 teams in the Grades 6–8 division, all showcasing creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Thermo Fisher Scientific generously sponsored the challenge.
A panel of judges evaluated student teams based on six key criteria: Creativity, Teamwork, Design, Presentation, Blueprint, and Journals.
This year’s challenge invited students to tackle a real-world issue aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. Participants were tasked with designing a prototype that addresses challenges related to infrastructure, transportation, or urban development, emphasizing solutions that are efficient, sustainable, and accessible.
Participating schools included: Brandywine Heights Area SD, Conrad Weiser Area SD, Diocese of Allentown, Exeter Township SD, Governor Mifflin SD, Kutztown Area SD, Oley Valley SD, Reading SD, St. Catharine of Siena School, Twin Valley SD, Wilson SD, and Wyomissing Area SD.
Winners of the 2025 Regional STEM Design Challenge -
Grades 4–5 (Announced March 25, 2025)
• 1st Place: Sweet Read City Transportation Authority – Brecknock Elementary School
• 2nd Place: K’Nex Creators of Cumru – Cumru Elementary School
• 3rd Place (Tie): STEM Gems – Oley Valley Elementary School
• 3rd Place (Tie): Artistic Architects – Oley Valley Elementary School
• Fan Favorite: Beauty & Brains – Whitfield Elementary School
Grades 6–8 (Announced March 27, 2025)
• 1st Place: Team WAVE (Wind-Assisted Vehicle Engineering) – Twin Valley Middle School
• 2nd Place: Infrastructure Initiators – Oley Valley Middle School
• 3rd Place: Flood Fighters – St. Catharine of Siena School
• Fan Favorite: Adventure Bay Inventors – Wilson Southern Middle School
The two first-place teams, Sweet Read City Transportation Authority and Team WAVE, will advance to represent the region at the State STEM Design Challenge, held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg on Friday, May 9, 2025.
This annual event continues to showcase the innovative spirit and collaboration of Berks County students while preparing the next generation of STEM thinkers and problem-solvers.