Five MCPS Schools Advance to Statewide 2026 MESA STEM Competition
Students from five MCPS schools will represent the district at the state finals of the Math, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) program. Advancing schools include Lucy V. Barnsley Elementary School, Roberto W. Clemente Middle School, Hallie Wells Middle School, John F. Kennedy High School and Paint Branch High School.
- Lucy V. Barnsley Elementary School competing in Storybook Theme Park Ride Challenge and Wearable Technology
- Roberto W. Clemente Middle School competing in Planetary Lander, Wearable Technology and NEDC
- Hallie Wells Middle School competing in Community Clean Up
- John F. Kennedy High School competing in Community Clean Up and NEDC
- Paint Branch High School competing in Planetary Lander and Wearable Technology
At the showcase, students presented innovative STEM projects, including themed storybook rides, trash-cleaning robots, spaceships and wearable devices designed to alert athletes to potential heat exhaustion. Students also addressed real-world challenges through the National Engineering Design Challenge (NEDC).
In total, 27 projects were submitted. Volunteers from MCPS, FIRST Chesapeake and the Montgomery College STEM Club judged the projects virtually using MESA rubrics.
In partnership with the Applied Physics Lab at Johns Hopkins University, MESA supports students in grades 3-12 to spark their interest in STEM education and STEM careers.
First-place teams advance to the MESA State Competition on May 2 at Johns Hopkins University. The National Engineering Design Challenge winners have the chance of going to the National Competition if they place first in the state competition.
