Build a trebuchet and boost your bottom line in 2014

Charleston – Just in time for New Year's resolutions, registration is extended for businesses wishing to take part in the Storm the Citadel! 2014 Trebuchet Competition.

Each year, nearly 1000 people are on hand as dozens of teams launch trebuchets (a kind of medieval counterweight launching device) on The Citadel's campus. The event is an opportunity to demonstrate engineering skills and also encourage team building, problem-solving, trust and camaraderie.google-logo

"Participating in the Trebuchet Contest is a valuable way to show what we believe in: an integrated approach to solving a problem," said Darren Prevost, regional coordinator for S2TEM Centers SC - an organization entering a team. "The world does not stop for a few hours every day and do mathematics or science or reading; rather, we live and work an integrated world and we need a workforce that knows how to problem solve and use resources and knowledge on a routine basis."

The event, co-sponsored by The Citadel's STEM Center of Excellence and Google, will be held on February 15th, 2014, as part of the college's Engineers Weekcelebrations. Dozens of elementary and high school teams have already registered. But, registration remains open for the event's Centurion Division, including adult teams for corporate, community and military groups.

"A key goal for the 2014 competition is to increase participation from businesses, demonstrating the Lowcountry’s commitment to STEM education and to the development of a workforce to support the growth of our local economy," says Glenda P. La Rue, director of The Citadel's STEM Center of Excellence. "Dozens of elementary, middle school and high school teams have already registered and we're hoping to get more adult teams registered as well."

Once registered, The Citadel's Physics Department provides a free workship for team leaders. Learn more about Storm The Citadel! 2014 Trebuchet Competition here.

This marks the fourth year of the Storm The Citadel! event. The 2014 trebuchet competition is part of The Citadel's National Engineers Week celebrations to increase public awareness and appreciation of the engineering profession. The Citadel, home to the fifth oldest engineering school in the United States, and Google are dedicated to providing opportunities and initiatives to support science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs in Lowcountry schools. Annually, the event attracts more than 300 competitors from approximately 40 teams.

The Citadel | Media Contact: Kim Keelor| kkeelor@citadel.edu | (843)953-2155