The 2025-2026 MCAA Student Chapter Competition was released on September 10th. MCAA extends its sincere appreciation to Helm Group (Freeport, IL) for providing the project, which requires the teams to act as the mechanical contractor for a water park project in Florida.
The purpose of the competition is to provide student chapter members with an experience that will enrich their education by challenging their problem-solving and management skills, technical acumen, creativity, resourcefulness, and knowledge of mechanical systems. Students gain valuable experience in working with a team of peers against a schedule to prepare a written proposal (round 1), and planning and delivering of an oral presentation (round 2, if selected for the Final Four).
Proposals are due by 4PM Central Time on Wednesday, December 10th and the Final Four will compete at the 2026 MCAA Convention on Tuesday, March 17th.
Special thanks to Procore for letting the students use their project management software, Trimble for giving students hands-on experience with Estimation MEP and AutoBid, and Ferguson for providing current unit pricing for the required pipe, valves, and fittings.
For a second year, DEWALT will be sponsoring the competition prizes:
- First Place ($10,000)
- Second Place ($5,000)
- Honorable Mention ($2,500) x2
- Merit Award ($1,000) x6
- MVP ($500)
Competition Mentors Wanted!
Looking to get involved with your local MCAA Student Chapter? Consider volunteering to mentor their competition team as they work their way through the project this fall.
Check out the University Directory for a listing of chapters and get in touch with the faculty advisor or your Affiliated Association Executive to coordinate a meeting. If distance is an issue, online meetings work too!
Mentor Recommendations
- Set 2-3 meetings throughout the semester.
- Help the team stay on track by setting (early) due dates for each segment.
- Review the Guidelines for Advising for a list of Do’s and Don’ts.
- View the Student Chapter Competition page on the MCAA website for videos of previous Final Four presentations, GreatFutures Forum Competition Skills sessions, and GreatFutures Forum Competition information sessions.
Not only does mentoring help the students learn about mechanical and grow their interest in our industry, but it also offers an opportunity for your company to network and get in valuable face time with potential future interns or new hires.
Looking for Additional Ways to Get Involved with the Career Development Initiative?
- Post internships or full-time new hire positions on the MCAA GreatFutures Job Board.
- Contact MCAA Director, Career Development, Michele Hoffman (mhoffman@mcaa.org) with questions or Sean McGuire, JRGF Executive Director (smcguire@mcaa.org) regarding scholarship donations or research.