Future Engineers in Action: Northeast Florida students tackle real-world challenges at the 24th Annual Engineering Career Day

Lt. Col. Matthew Westcott, deputy commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District observes students from as they begin testing their boat designs during the first “Surprise Problem” challenge at the 24th Annual Engineering Career Day Feb. 27, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida. Teams constructed small boats using limited materials and added coins to evaluate buoyancy and structural stability. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Aaron Church)