Arlington, Va. – The Aerospace Industries Association’s (AIA) American Rocketry Challenge—the world’s largest student rocketry competition—today announced an exciting new partnership with the United States Space Force (USSF). Through the partnership, USSF and the American Rocketry Challenge aims to engage with young talent and spark interest in aerospace careers.
“The American Rocketry Challenge has been an inspiration for future leaders in aerospace and engineering for over two decades — and we are always looking for new and exciting ways to reach the next generation,” said Jessica Pedersen, AIA Senior Director for American Rocketry Challenge and STEM Engagement. “By partnering with the United States Space Force, students can explore the unique pathways in STEM that contribute to our country’s national security and open new doors to meaningful careers in aerospace and defense.”
“The American Rocketry Challenge is exactly the kind of program we’re proud to stand behind,” said Major Bryan Davis, Chief of Marketing, United States Space Force. “It’s hands-on, competitive, and mission-focused—just like the U.S. Space Force. These students are building more than rockets; they’re building the mindset our nation needs to lead in space.”
The American Rocketry Challenge and USSF unite in a shared mission to ignite a passion for STEM among American middle and high school students. By engaging with ARC students, the USSF cultivates top-tier talent, inspiring future leaders who may one day serve and propel advancements in space technology.
In collaboration with USSF, the American Rocketry Challenge will facilitate career connections between students and USSF mentors and professionals, helping them explore opportunities in engineering, rocketry, and space innovation. The partnership reinforces the importance of leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving in shaping future STEM professionals.
The American Rocketry Challenge has impacted over 100,000 middle and high school students since its inception in 2002. The 2025 National Finals will take place at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA, on May 17. The requirements for the National Finals will be modified to introduce a new challenge to the teams.
Finalists will compete for $100,000 in prizes and the prestigious title of National Champion. The winning team will then represent the United States and compete at the International Rocketry Challenge at the Paris Air Show in June.
Sponsored by AIA, the National Association of Rocketry, and 15 industry, government, and academia partners, the American Rocketry Challenge is the aerospace and defense industry’s flagship program designed to encourage students to pursue study and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The competition has inspired more than 100,000 middle and high school students to explore education and careers in STEM fields.
About the American Rocketry Challenge
Since 2002, the American Rocketry Challenge, the world’s largest student rocket competition, has engaged more than 100,000 middle and high school students in model rocketry. The annual challenge invites students to design, build, and fly rockets to exacting requirements and gain hands-on experience solving engineering problems. Sponsored by Aerospace Industries Association, the National Association of Rocketry, and more than 15 industry, government, and academia partners, the American Rocketry Challenge is the aerospace and defense industry’s flagship program designed to encourage students to pursue study and careers in STEM. The program has launched countless careers in aerospace and defense, and its alumni are helping to engineer the vehicles that will take us back to the moon, and, one day, to Mars. www.rocketcontest.org
About United States Space Force
The mission of the United States Space Force is to secure our nation’s interests in, from, and to space. The U.S. Space Force is the newest branch of military service. It is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping Guardians to conduct global space operations to protect U.S. and allied interests around the world. Access to and freedom to operate in space underpins the United States’ national security and economic prosperity. The Space Force recruits over 800 enlisted positions and 100 officer positions per year in five core specialties: Space Operations, Cyber, Intelligence, Acquisitions, and Engineering. Details on Space Force career fields and specifics can be found at: https://www.spaceforce.com.
###
