Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the STEMz Project and 2022 competition details

Build Smart Challenge

Does it cost anything to participate?

No. Registration is first come, first serve and is completely free.

What is the eligibility criteria for my student to be able to participate?

Our goal is to provide STEM-related learning to all students by removing common barriers to entry. Because of this, any student is able to participate as long as:

  • The student is in grades 7-12 
  • The student has reliable transportation to and from each session and race day

Registration is on a first come, first serve basis and is limited to 20 students.

Who is teaching the program?

The curriculum is designed by our partner, STEM Education Works. Program volunteers are employees of AxiaTP, who have been trained to deliver the curriculum and support individual participants through completion of the program.

All AxiaTP volunteers have completed nationwide background checks as part of the employment process, which includes the National Sex Offender List.

What should my student bring with them to each session?

Students are provided with everything they need to participate in the Build Smart Challenge, including IT equipment and program materials. Students will not need to bring anything with them.

Will my student get to keep the micro-kart they build during competition

Yes! Participants will get to take home their completed micro-kart on Race Day (June 25, 2022).

Are snacks and/or drinks provided to students during sessions?

Bottled water and pre-packaged snacks will be available to students. Participants may bring their own water bottle, but no outside food will be allowed.

We will avoid snacks that have ingredients found to be a common allergy, such as peanuts. Should your child have any allergies or need special accommodations, note this during registration.

What happens if registration is full?

Because we are limiting the Build Smart Challenge to 20 students on a first come, first serve basis, it’s likely the program will fill up quickly. When this happens, you’ll be able to sign up for the waitlist should one of the registered participants cancel their registration. Should a spot open up, we’ll notify the contact who filled out the waitlist form.

All waitlisted students will receive a final determination message via email prior to the start of the program (March 9, 2022).

Do you allow early drop-off and/or late pick-up?

With the program taking place at a functioning office building and for the safety and security of all participants, arrival and departure must occur during the following times.

Arrival/Drop-Off : Participants should arrive between 5:10 – 5:20 pm. Instruction will begin promptly at 5:30 pm.

Departure/Pick-Up: Participants may depart once the program concludes at 7:30 pm. All participants should be picked up no later than 7:45 pm.

Although this is our standard policy, we will provide contact information before each session to let us know of an emergency or special accommodation needed.

Can parents wait on-site during sessions?

Unfortunately, we will not have access to areas in the building that will allow for a waiting area for parents. If parents would like to wait during our challenge sessions, we encourage waiting in their cars in the parking lot.

Parents will be invited to stay during the challenge Race Day on June 25, 2022.

Safety Protocols and COVID-19

What COVID-19 safety protocols will STEMz Project follow for the competition?

Our programs require students to be on site. To ensure safety for all participants, here is our operating plan:

  • Participation is limited to 20 students for the Build Smart Challenge
  • Social distancing at all times during drop off and pick up
  • Symptom screening completed upon arrival for each learning session
  • Students are assigned separate, dedicated workspace with needed technology and supplies
  • Each student will be provided with their own storage bin for curriculum-related items
  • No parents or visitors will be permitted in the building, unless part of the program
  • Surfaces and equipment will be sanitized before and after each learning session
  • Students and guardians will be notified of any potential exposure to COVID-19
  • Masks are not required during the program, but are recommended. They will be made available for any student who would like one.
  • Any student that displays symptoms of or tests positive for COVID-19 will stay home from any on-site session and RISE will aim to provide a make-up option for any missed sessions.

Please be aware that the volunteers leading each session are not required to be vaccinated. 

How will you ensure each student is picked up by an authorized individual?

During registration, we ask about authorized individuals who are allowed to pick up each student. There will be a sign-out form for each session.

Students 14 years old and older will be able to sign themselves out. For students 13 and younger, our staff will assist in sign out. Our staff is required to check for a photo ID and cross check it with the list of individuals who have been authorized to pick up your child. Please be prepared to bring your photo ID at each session for pick up.

Race Day

How do students race their micro-karts?

Students will compete on Race Day in two challenges: the speed race and incline challenge. The speed race will be a bracket-style competition, racing two karts at a time until there is a grand champion. The incline challenge awards points for students whose karts are able to climb the varying heights of the ramp. 

Will race day split up participants in age groups?

We will have two age groups for race day: grades 7 – 10 and grades 11-12. Please note that age groups could change based on registered participants grades to ensure an even split for competing.

How will winners be chosen?

Points from the speed race and incline challenge will be tallied to determine 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each age group. There will be prizes for each of the three winners.

Not seeing what you’re looking for?