American Rocketry Challenge

About this opportunity

The American Rocketry Challenge (ARC) is the world's largest student rocketry competition, having engaged over 100,000 middle and high school students in model rocketry. The yearlong program provides hands-on engineering experience as students design, build, test, and launch model rockets to meet rigorous requirements. Participants work in teams to create rockets that meet specific altitude, flight duration, and safety parameters. For 2026, teams designed and built rockets to safely carry two raw eggs to 790 feet, stay airborne for 41-44 seconds, and return safely to the ground. Top 100 teams compete at National Finals for the title of National Champion. The program fosters leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while deepening students' interest in aerospace and STEM. Winners receive $100,000 in prizes and the opportunity to represent the United States at the International Rocketry Challenge. The 2026 competition attracted a record-breaking 1,107 team registrations nationwide.

What you'll do

• Design and build model rockets to meet specific engineering requirements
• Test and launch rockets to achieve target altitude and flight duration
• Work collaboratively in team settings to solve complex engineering problems
• Apply STEM principles including physics, mathematics, and aerodynamics
• Compete at regional and national levels for recognition and awards

Requirements

Open to middle and high school students organized in teams. Teams from Title I schools are eligible for STEM Innovation Grants. Partnerships with FFA, Boy Scouts, and other youth organizations expand accessibility.