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FAQ's
What is the NEDC?
The JETS National Engineering Design Challenge is an annual real-world design challenge for high school students. It’s a team competition in which students design an assistive technology device (AT) to help people with disabilities enter or advance in the workplace. The NEDC is a cross-curricular activity that involves problem-solving skills, math, science, research, writing, presentation, and drafting/design skills. In addition to designing a real AT device to help solve real challenges, NEDC teams can win prizes, including a free trip to Washington, DC, and cash prizes for their schools.
How is NEDC structured?
The NEDC competition involves three rounds.
- Round I: Take the Challenge
Teams complete an Internet Scavenger Hunt, learn about the workplace challenges facing individuals with disabilities, identify and research a problem to solve, and come up with a preliminary device design. Teams are chosen by a panel of judges to advance to Round II.
- Round II: Start Building
The teams selected to advance to Round II build a prototype of their device and submit a professional report. Five (5) teams are selected to compete in the final round.
- Round III: National Finals
The 5 teams selected for the National Finals refine their prototype and present their design in Washington, D.C. at the National Finals Competition.
Who can start an NEDC Team?
Any math, science or other teacher, advisor or group leader who is willing to coach a team of students may start a team. A team can be an entire class, a select group within a class or a group participating in an after school program (i.e. boy scouts, after school engineering club, home school group). Your team can be any number of students however we recommend teams of five to twenty-five.
Who Judges the NEDC submissions?
Judges are professionals in a variety of engineering disciplines and experts in disability workplace issues.
Where do I find information about disabilities?
The JETS NEDC Internet Scavenger Hunt has been provided to help teams begin their disability research. You may also find information at:
NISH
National Organization on Disability
U.S. Department of Labor
Infinetec
Assistive Technology Solutions
Job Accommodation Website
What is the financial cost to participate?
There is no registration fee to compete in the NEDC. There is no cost to participate in Round I. There will be some cost in building the prototype for Round II. The NEDC offers a $150 scholarship to help with this cost. The five finalist teams will receive airfare and lodging for the five team members and one coach to the national finals. This includes all expenses and shipping of your device.
How much time will a team have to devote to the project?
It is the coach's responsibility to schedule time for the students and time will vary from team to team. Coaches can spend from 8-16 hours on Round I and 20-30 hours on Round II.
Must all students on a team be from the same school or group?
Yes.
Can more than one team per school compete?
Yes. You may have as many teams from one school as you like as long as a student is not on more than one team.
How many copies of Solidworks are available for each registered school?
JETS has partnered with SolidWorks Corporation to provide your JWOD/JETS NEDC team with a complimentary copy of SolidWorks 3D CAD software. Each registered school will receive one copy Solidworks.
Will using Solidworks influence judging of my submission?
Using SolidWorks software will in no way influence the judging of your submissions. You are welcome to use any CAD (or other) software you choose for your NEDC submissions. It is highly recommended that you use CAD for your design drawings.
Is it necessary to have a technical mentor work with the students?
No. While students will benefit from the help of a technical mentor, we understand that it is difficult to find a professional to help with the competition.
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