2023 Student Steel Bridge Competition John M. Yadlosky Most Improved Team Award

While some teams have access to abundant resources and can learn from a history of success, others may start with very little. The most determined teams will overcome these challenges and take their team’s performance to the next level to set a foundation for future successes. We’re looking for demonstrated year-over-year improvement of your team’s performance and how your team will seek to improve in the future.

For the 2023 SSBC John M. Yadlosky Most Improved Team Award, eligible teams must have participated (presented for aesthetics judging and staged bridge for construction) in an SSBC regional competition in 2023 and 2022.  Participation, rankings, and scores will be verified. As part of the application, teams will also describe their challenges and how they would plan to use the award funds.  

The winning team will receive a $2,000 grant to be used for future SSBC participation. One representative from the winning team will be invited to attend the 2023 SSBC National Finals and will receive travel reimbursement for their hotel and airfare. (Some restrictions apply.) This trip is intended to expose the team to the top level of competition.

Team Performance

Eligible teams must have participated (presented for aesthetics judging and staged bridge for construction) in an SSBC regional competition in 2023 and 2022. Participation, rankings, and scores will be verified.

Note: we understand rankings can be influenced by factors beyond a team’s control, such as the level of competition of the other teams, and we understand that scores cannot be compared year to year due to a different set of rules and loading conditions.

The following information for your team's performance will be considered for this award:

• Rank at the 2023 and 2022 regional competitions
• Qualification for the 2023 and 2022 national finals
• Attendance at the 2023 and 2022 national finals
• Total score for your team in 2023 and 2022

Essay

In 1,000 words or less, please write an essay and address the following questions:

• How did you approach this year’s competition differently from last year?
• What challenges did your team face in terms of funding for materials, equipment, travel, personnel, and other resources?
• Describe your investment in the competition this year (budget, $ donations, person-hours, etc.)
• If you receive the John M. Yadlosky SSBC Most Improved Team Award, what would you do with the funds?
  

Create a PDF of your essay and upload the file below.