High School Category Pilot at steelChallenge-20
Introducing High School Students to the world of steelmaking
As part of our ongoing commitment to talent development, steelChallenge-20 is piloting the inclusion of high school students as a new competition category. The aim is to provide a meaningful, real-world learning experience for students at the secondary level through a simplified, simulation-based challenge tailored to their context.
This closed pilot is being developed in collaboration with Techint Group and Hadeed, two companies with long-standing commitments to technical education and youth development in their regions.
Techint contributes to this pilot through its Gen Técnico programme, which supports technical education in the communities where it operates. Recognised for its emphasis on Project-Based Learning, state-of-the-art labs, and a community-driven model, the programme provides a strong educational foundation for engaging younger students in industrial problem-solving.
Hadeed, a consistent partner of steelChallenge, supports the pilot through its regional connections and commitment to nurturing young talent in Saudi Arabia.
Key features
- New Participant Category: High school students will participate in their own dedicated category, separate from University Students and Industry Professionals.
- Regional Championship Only: High school participants will compete only in the Regional Championship and will not progress to the World Championship.
- EAF-Only Simulation: Competitors will use only the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) simulator.
- Accessible Case Study: The challenge will feature a case study suited to secondary-level education.
- Real-World Context: Students will be introduced to realistic decision-making and trade-offs found in the steelmaking process.
Objectives
Inspire younger generations to explore careers in steelmaking and related industries.
Introduce real-world problem-solving through simulation-based learning.
Promote curiosity and development through critical thinking, innovation and creativity, hands-on learning and experimentation, and interdisciplinary knowledge
Strengthen industry–education partnerships through collaborative development.
What’s next?
Further information on registration and access to the EAF simulator will be shared in the coming weeks. The official rules for the High School category will also be published soon.
This pilot represents an exciting step in expanding the reach of steelChallenge, connecting early-stage learners with real industry challenges, and opening the door to future careers in the steel sector.
Following this pilot, the High School category will be officially included in the next edition of steelChallenge and open to participants worldwide. This marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to bringing competitive, project-based learning experiences to younger students across the globe.