Fluid Power Action Challenge Turns 11

This year marks the 11th year of the NFPA Fluid Power Action Challenge and together with NFPA, members, and educations partners, there have been over 100 events, introducing over 10,000 students to fluid power technology and careers in the industry. The Action Challenge is a design-and-build competition where students learn about hydraulic and pneumatic technologies, their real-world applications, engineering challenges, and fluid power careers.

Here are the latest milestones in this nationwide, industry-driven educational program:

  • Hydrotech, Inc. launched its first Fluid Power Action Challenge event with Plains Jr. School near Cincinnati, Ohio. Hydrotech held Workshop Day at their facility in conjunction with Junior Achievement and provided a tour for the students.
  • Purdue University and Cleveland County Schools both hosted their fifth annual events this year, reaching new Challenge Champion milestones. Purdue hosted 10 teams from their local 4-H club in Indiana and Cleveland County Schools hosted 45 students from their district in Shelby, North Carolina.
  • Sponsored in part by Orange Seal, LLC., and with support from NFPA and the University of Florida, the Florida Technology Student Association (FL. TSA) worked to embed the Action Challenge into its Competitive Event Guide. This is a selection of competitions offered to teams of middle school students within FL. TSA’s membership. After piloting the Action Challenge the 2018-19 school year, the FL. TSA board has approved it as an annual event for their middle school student members.

Thank you to all NFPA members and education partners who serve as Action Challenge event hosts, judges, and sponsors for your support of this program. Together, we are helping students learn about teamwork, problem solving, getting them excited about math and science and creating awareness about fluid power technology and the rewarding careers in the industry.

To get involved with the Fluid Power Action Challenge, contact Stephanie Scaccianoce at sscaccianoce@nfpa.com.

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