The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) celebrated the creativity and technical skill of the state’s youth at the 24th Annual West Virginia Bridge Design and Build Contest, held at WVU Tech in Beckley on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The event drew 41 middle and high school students who competed in 26 teams, testing their skills in both virtual bridge design software and physical balsa wood construction.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers
This annual STEM competition is a key part of the WVDOT’s mission to foster local talent. By challenging students to solve real-world engineering problems, the department hopes to highlight the rewarding career paths available right here in West Virginia.
“The purpose of this competition is to introduce West Virginia’s students to the field of engineering and let them know there are good jobs available in our state. WVDOT is always hiring engineers, technicians, and bridge inspectors as well as a wide variety of career types.”
— Jennifer Dooley, WVDOT Public Relations Division Director
2025 Contest Winners
Students competed in two primary categories: Software Design (focused on cost-efficiency) and Balsa Wood Construction (focused on structural strength). Students used various truss designs to maximize the strength-to-weight ratio of their bridges.
Balsa Wood Competition Results
| Rank | Middle School Division | High School Division |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Place | Arabella Webb (Eastern Greenbrier Middle) | Aiden Miller (Princeton Senior High) |
| 2nd Place | Emma Vincent & Ellie Burns (Eastern Greenbrier Middle) | Ethan Coleman & Parker Worline (Putnam CTC) |
| 3rd Place | Jayce Bush & Brysan Hamrick (Eastern Greenbrier Middle) | Larry Du & Maxwell Chen (Morgantown High) |
Software Design Competition Results
| Rank | Middle School Division | High School Division |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Place | Emma Vincent & Ellie Burns (Eastern Greenbrier Middle) | Larry Du & Maxwell Chen (Morgantown High) |
| 2nd Place | Rebecca Chen & Emily Gu (Suncrest Middle) | James Ludwig (Oak Hill High) |
| 3rd Place | Laura Du & Riya Zinn (Suncrest Middle) | Connor Atkins & Lucas Messenger (East Fairmont High) |
Community and Mentorship
The event coincided with the ASCE Virginias Student Symposium. Despite competing in their own collegiate events, WVU Tech student volunteers spent their day mentoring the younger participants. This spirit of "giving back" was a highlight of the weekend, showcasing a strong chain of mentorship within the West Virginia engineering community.
Honoring a Legacy: New River Gorge Bridge Walk
On the Sunday following the competition, students and families participated in a special Bridge Walk tour at the New River Gorge Bridge. The tour was held in memory of Benjy Simpson Jr., co-founder of Bridge Walk and a long-time collaborator of the contest, who passed away in early 2025. Benjy’s passion for STEM education and the West Virginia landscape continues to inspire the contest's mission.
Media and Future Participation
Interested in next year’s contest? The competition is free to all West Virginia middle and high school students. Visit go.wv.gov/wvbdb to learn about scholarships, co-ops, and registration dates.
Accessibility Statement:
The West Virginia Department of Transportation will, upon request, provide reasonable accommodations including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in our services, programs and activities. Please contact us at (304) 558-3931. Persons with hearing or speech impairments can reach all state agencies by calling (800) 982-8772 (voice to TDD) or (800) 982-8771 (TDD to voice), toll free.
