Impact and Initiatives
High School Mfg Challenge
For Students, Parents and Educators
The High School Manufacturing Challenge is a unique initiative for up-and-coming engineering students that forges connections between industry, local educators and up-and-coming talent.
SVMA High School Manufacturing Challenge
Stand out to potential employers
Participate in a High School Manufacturing Challenge to refine your skills, shine to local employers, and have fun with like-minded peers.
The annual SVMA High School Manufacturing Challenge is a unique opportunity for local high school students like yourself to participate in a design and manufacturing competition.
The Mfg Challenge gives you an insight into vocational manufacturing careers. It also gives you a chance to connect with local manufacturers, who may sponsor your enrolment in a SVMA Apprenticeship. This is an unparalleled chance to stand out and take the first step towards a real-world modern manufacturing career.
Key benefits
We work with local schools to administer the High School Manufacturing Challenge. These fast-paced competitions challenge you to solve real-world manufacturing problems.
Explore Modern Manufacturing
The Mfg Challenge is a great way to explore if a career in modern manufacturing is for you. Learn about the industry first hand in a fun, competitive environment.
Win Great Prizes
Each year $5000 in scholarships are awarded to students competing in the Mfg Challenge, making it easier than ever to begin your career.
Show Your Skills
We match students to industry mentors for the Challenge. Stand out to potential employers by demonstrating your skills, talent and dedication.
Participate in SVMA Mfg Challenge
Show the world your skills
Strengthen your abilities in innovative thinking and practical application to take your engineering skills to the next level. Compete in the next SVMA High School Manufacturing Challenge.
Step 1: Register
Fill out the registration form and let us know you would like to participate.
Step 2: Speak to your teacher
We work with educators across the region to run the Mfg Challenge each year. Your teacher can help you prepare for the competition.
Step 3: Stand out to local employers
Bring your best game to compete in the upcoming High School Manufacturing Challenge, and show the world what you can do.
Connecting community with industry
Compete and win
All high school students in the Greater Sacramento region are eligible to enter the High School Manufacturing Challenge. The competition is held annually in Sacramento, and encourages innovation and technical skill, awarding a total of $5,000 in scholarships, including top honors such as “Best Overall” and “Most Artistic.”
Your project must be completed individually, and follow the guidelines for each year’s Challenge. For example, in our 2025 Challenge, students had to use mixed media and at least one subtractive manufacturing process to make a functional tic-tac-toe game. Students could use wood, metal and plastic, and their final creation had to fit within a 6.5-inch cube.
There are plenty of ways to stand out to the judges and industry mentors in attendance, including prizes for:
- Best in Show
- Most Innovative Design
- Best Technical Documentation
- Most Complex Approach/Processes
- Coolest Electronics
- Most Artistic
- People’s Choice
Registration for the 2026 Mfg Challenge is NOW OPEN
Stand out from the crowd
Get the inside information on accessing stable, in-demand employment pathways within the thriving Sacramento manufacturing industry. More Info now for information about Apprenticeships, Industry Tours or the High School Manufacturing Challenge. Join our newsletter for parents, students and educators to stay in the know.