Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) hosted the fourth annual High School Innovation Challenge @ Dahlgren (ICAD), bringing together approximately 120 students from 12 Virginia school districts for an engaging STEM competition held at the University of Mary Washington Dahlgren Campus from Feb. 28 to March 1.
The NIGHT mission – Navigate. Inspect. Gather. Haul. Triage. – challenged students to use Python coding to program pi-top [4] robots as they navigated a congested environment, inspected objects, gathered critical resources and created safe zones while triaging the mission area. Designed to provide an immersive and fun environment, the event showcased the importance of STEM education in solving real-world challenges.
NSWCDD subject matter experts played a pivotal role in the event’s success by designing the competition curriculum, mentoring educators and fostering hands-on learning opportunities. Their dedication ensures a strong foundation for the next generation of STEM professionals, equipping students with skills and experiences to thrive in technical fields.
The ICAD aligned with the efforts of the Potomac Tech Bridge, an outreach initiative led by NSWCDD, emphasizing community innovation and collaboration. The event was hosted in partnership with the University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg Regional Military Affairs Council and MITRE Corporation.
Eighteen teams from 17 schools participated in this year’s competition, including students from the following institutions:
Academy of Technology and Innovation at the University of Mary Washington, Bridging Communities STEM Academy, Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School Glenns Campus, Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School Warsaw, Fredericksburg Academy and Fredericksburg Christian School, along with Caroline, Colonial Beach, Courtland, James Monroe, King George, Mountain View, North Stafford, Rappahannock, Riverbend, Sptosylvania and Westmoreland high schools.
On the first day, the event opened with remarks by NSWCDD Technical Director Dale Sisson Jr., P.E., SES, alongside NSWCDD Chief Technology Officer Todd Graves and STEM Director Tyler Truslow, who announced the rules and fielded questions. Virginia Del. Hillary Pugh Kent, representing District 67, added her support by meeting the participating teams after the kickoff.
Day two featured a keynote address from Sarah O’Donnell, Presidential Appointee to the National Science Board and Chief Engineer of Naval Programs at MITRE. Her insights underscored the importance of STEM innovation in shaping the future. Teams then commenced their competition runs, culminating in a lightning round before the awarding ceremony.
Sisson concluded the competition with closing remarks to the student competitors highlighting the critical role of such events in energizing youth about STEM careers. “In our great nation, there aren’t enough scientists, technologists, engineers, mathematicians and computer scientists in the mix right now,” said Sisson. “So we are really excited about your role in the future workforce of STEM.”
Award winners were presented cash prizes, plaques and robotic kits, with Rappahannock High School capturing first place, North Stafford High School coming in second and Fredericksburg Christian School taking third.
This year, the newly introduced Esprit de Corps Award recognized the team from the Academy of Technology and Innovation at the University of Mary Washington for best embodying spirit and collaboration throughout the event.
NSWCDD is a leading hub of technological innovation, driving solutions and fostering partnerships that ensure national security while inspiring the next generation of technical professionals. Initiatives such as the High School Innovation Challenge add value and positively impact local communities.
For further information, please contact Jennifer Erickson in the NSWCDD Public Affairs at (540) 653-5859.
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