Benesch-Sponsored STEM Competition Inspires Colorado Students
DENVER, CO – Students from around the Denver area gathered to put their structural engineering skills to the test at the 2024 Gingerbread Bridge Competition. As a sponsor of the Structural Engineers Association of Colorado (SEAC) event, Benesch volunteers were on site to assist and inspire.
Project Manager Melody Forry’s support of STEMBlazers, an organization working to promote science, technology, engineering and math professions to girls, originally prompted Benesch’s involvement.
“Prior to joining Benesch a few years back, I volunteered with STEMBlazers as a guest speaker at several middle school and high school chapters. Once I shared the mission of this program with some of my Benesch colleagues, I was thrilled that many were interested in getting involved. It is extremely important to me to spread the message to young women and people of diverse backgrounds that engineering fields are not scary and are in fact a place that can feel like where you belong,” said Melody.
Through STEMBlazers, Joe Elliston and several other Benesch staff were introduced to the Gingerbread Bridge Competition. They assisted the SEAC Young Members Group with organizing the event and mentored teams as they designed their gingerbread and candy bridge ahead of competition day.
“On the day of the competition, four Benesch employees were there to help things run smoothly and keep things fun,” said Joe. “It was amazing to see what the students were able to create and to be a part of making the competition a positive experience for them.”
In addition to supporting the competition, Joe and Melody visit local classrooms to present on structural engineering.
“If I hadn’t been exposed to the multiple facets of civil engineering, I would have never found this amazing career. I hope that my work with STEMBlazers and SEAC helps kids see all the opportunities our profession has to make difference in the world and that all types of people can be engineers,” shared Joe.
Visit STEMblazers.org to learn more about their work and click here to see the 2024 Gingerbread Bridge Competition results.
