WALLA WALLA, WA — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District will host its annual STEM competition for students across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho during National Engineers Week, scheduled for Feb. 23–27, 2026.
According to a news release published Feb. 11, the weeklong event will bring Corps professionals into direct contact with students to share their career experiences and highlight opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
This year’s featured activity is the “Paper Tower” challenge. Student teams will compete to build the tallest paper structure capable of supporting a two-pound weight. Organizers say the hands-on project is designed to connect classroom concepts with real-world engineering applications and encourage collaborative problem-solving.
District officials say the outreach effort is part of the Corps’ broader commitment to strengthening the future STEM workforce by investing in students and fostering interest in engineering careers.
“Engineering is about solving real problems that affect real people, like protecting communities from floods, keeping rivers open for navigation and commerce, and helping produce clean, renewable energy,” said Lt. Col. Katie Werback, commander of the Walla Walla District.
Werback added that students do not need to be “perfect at math” to pursue engineering, encouraging those who enjoy building, problem-solving, or understanding how things work to consider the field.
More information about the district’s National Engineers Week activities is available on the Walla Walla District website.
