21st Annual VSRF Junior Ship Repair Challenge

Register Your Team

Middle Schools are invited to register teams for the 2026 VSRF Junior Ship Repair Challenge. Please review the eligibility and team requirements below before registering.

Eligibility & Team Requirements

• The competition is open to middle school students in grades 6–8.
• Teams may consist of no more than six students.
• Schools may register multiple teams to participate; however, each team must complete an independent project.
• Schools are encouraged to open participation to a variety of students. The project includes elements that require many different skill sets, including technical, written, verbal, presentation, and design abilities.
• Each individual school may determine how students are selected for participation.
• Each team must identify a faculty advisor or adult mentor.
• Teams may represent a school, STEM program, or after-school program.

Ready to get started? Complete the Team Registration Form to register your team for the competition.

Register Your Team

The deadline to register is Friday, November 20, 2026.

Become a Mentor

Make a meaningful impact on the next generation of ship repair professionals by becoming an Industry Mentor!

As a mentor, you will be paired with a student team and serve as a resource throughout the competition. Your industry knowledge and experience can help students think critically, solve problems, and connect their ideas to real-world applications.

Mentor Commitment

Mentors are asked to commit to the following throughout the competition:

• Meet with your assigned team at least once a month to provide guidance, answer questions, and offer industry insight.
• Attend your team's Kick-Off Event to meet your team.
• Participate in the Midway Checkpoint to review your team's progress and provide feedback.
• Attend a team run-through prior to Competition Day to help students prepare for their final presentation.
• Join your team on Competition Day to support them as they present their final project.

Why Become a Mentor?

This is a unique opportunity to share your knowledge, inspire students, and help introduce the next generation to the exciting career opportunities available in the ship repair industry.

Your experience and guidance can make a lasting difference. Become a mentor and help shape the future of our industry!

For more information about becoming a mentor, please contact Anika Clickener at AClickener@VirginiaShipRepair.org or call the VSRA office at (757) 233-7034.

Digital Ship Challenge

Please note: The Digital Ship Challenge is a separate competition hosted by the Virginia Digital Maritime Center (VDMC) and is designed specifically for high school students.

While VSRF's Junior Ship Repair Challenge is for middle school students in grades 6–8, the Digital Ship Challenge provides high school students with an opportunity to explore maritime careers and showcase their skills through a hands-on competition. Both competitions will take place at Nauticus on Thursday, March 18, 2027.

Learn More About the Digital Ship Challenge

Resources

Find the resources and materials you need to help your team successfully navigate the Junior Ship Repair Challenge. Check back throughout the competition for important documents, project materials, and helpful tools.

Competition Materials

• Competition Packet – Rules, requirements, and important competition information.
• Competition Timeline – Important dates, deadlines, and competition milestones.
• Rubric – Requirements and guidance for preparing your team's design portfolio and presentation.

For Teachers & Mentors

Teachers, faculty advisors, and industry mentors can use these resources to support their teams throughout the competition.

• Teacher & Mentor Guide
• Virginia Standards of Learning Alignment

Questions? For additional information or assistance, please contact Anika Clickener at AClickener@VirginiaShipRepair.org or call the VSRA office at (757) 233-7034.