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For Parents

Future City will unleash your child’s ingenuity, strengthen their critical thinking skills, increase their motivation to learn science and math, and introduce them to engineering. As they imagine, design, and build a city of the future, they will discover talents they never knew they had and gain confidence in their abilities.
I was amazed at what my children accomplished! Future City was an unforgettable experience and a middle school highlight." - Ileana Perez-Quintairos, Florida Parent

Contact your Regional Coordinator for more information.

 

What will my child be doing?

Students will work in teams to brainstorm, design, and build a city of the future!Check out the Step-by-Step Guide

 

How can I help?

Future City runs on the power of volunteers. Explore how you can join in.Get Involved

For Parents

Testimonial Author: 
- Ileana Perez-Quintairos, Florida Parent
What will my child learn in Future City?

Future City is designed around the engineering design process—identifying problems; brainstorming ideas; designing solutions; testing, retesting and building; and sharing results. With this at its center, your child will learn how to break down a large problem into manageable pieces, strengthen his or her understanding of core science and math concepts, learn the value of teamwork, and gain an understanding of engineering.

What is the time commitment for my child?

Students may spend 70 to 100 hours on the project. Future City can take place in the classroom, in a afterschool club or sometimes it is a mix of the two.

How can I help my child?

Like any team-based experience, there will be ebbs and flows of energy. Help keep your child motivated and focused. Don't let your adult world limit your child’s imagination. It is amazing what ideas he or she will generate. Be supportive of their ideas no matter how outlandish. Celebrate his or her achievements.

The program seems very demanding. Is it appropriate for middle school students?

Yes! 33,000 middle school students participate every year. Kids are the drivers of the Future City experience. They come up with the ideas and execute the plan. By owning the project, with assistance from adults, they develop skills in such areas as leadership, time management, systems thinking, and teamwork.

Is my child eligible to participate?

Future City is open to children in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. It is for children of all abilities, learning styles, and academic interests.

Does my child have to compete?

No. Future City is first and foremost an educational program. Encourage your child to talk to the educator coach or engineer mentor about what role best suits his or her talents and interests.

How much does it cost?

There is a low registration fee of just $25 per organization. That fee covers all of an organization’s teams, from one to twenty. Additional costs include the $100 budget for the model and presentation supplies. A team may also incur some travel costs going to the Regional Competition. Talk to your educator coach about any financial support that the team might need.

I home school my child, can we form a team?

Absolutely. Teams from home schools are welcome.