Bartlett, Highland Park high schools advance in construction contest

Student teams from Bartlett and Highland Park high schools will be traveling to Las Vegas to compete in the national finals of the AEM Construction Challenge March 21-25 after advancing in the Chicago Qualifying Rally last weekend.

Two teams from each school qualified by demonstrating their creative abilities and imagination by building structures that related to transportation and water infrastructure. At the national championships, the top 24 teams that advance from the nine regional rallies will compete for scholarships and other prizes and have the opportunity to meet and learn from leaders in the construction industry.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers designed the Construction Challenge to engage teens and spark interest in construction industry careers. Event sponsors include Volvo Construction Equipment and Caterpillar Inc.