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 high school students as they test their boat designs during the first “Surprise Problem” challenge at the 24th Annual Engineering Career Day Feb. 27, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida. Using only provided materials, teams constructed small boats and added coins to test floatability and stability before the next phase of the challenge focused on mobility. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Aaron Church)