Geo-Challenge 2026
Tuesday, March 10 | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Showcasing Your Geotechnical Engineering Skills
The Geo-Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers is hosting the Geo-Challenge 2026 at Geo-Congress 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. This competition is a great opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to showcase their geotechnical engineering skills and compete for awards and recognition.
The Geo-Challenge consists of five competitions:
- Geo-Wall: Design and build a model mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining wall. (Director: Dr. Beena Ajmera)
- Geo-Prediction: Develop predictions of auger-cast pile capacities based on full-scale axial load tests. (Director: Dr. Matthew Sleep)
- Geo-Poster: Present your geotechnical research or design work. (Director: Dr. Nancy Ingabire Abayo)
- Geo-Video: Create a short video about a geotechnical engineering concept. (Director: Dr. Mohammad Yamin)
- Geo-Shirt: Design a t-shirt for student participants in the Geo-Challenge competitions. (Director: Dr. Erik Jensen)
Click on the competition name to download the rules and see important dates, deadlines, eligibility, and full competition details.
Student Funding Opportunities
The Geo-Institute and ASCE Foundation are committed to supporting students with opportunities to attend and actively participate in the conference. Two funding opportunities are available for students: the Briaud Students Fund and the Student Career Fair Travel Grant.
Briaud Students Fund
The Briaud Students Fund, offered by the ASCE Foundation, provides ASCE student members with the opportunity to attend ASCE activities such as conferences, the annual convention, and other meetings. This competitive program helps students advance their career, education, and leadership within the profession, community, and ASCE.
For Geo-Congress 2026 (Salt Lake City, March 9–12, 2026), the application deadline is October 1, 2025.
Awards are competitive, cost-sharing is expected, and funds are paid after the event upon proof of expenses and submission of a report.
Student Career Fair Travel Grant
The Geo-Institute offers a Student Travel Grant for currently enrolled US students who are actively seeking employment and plan to attend the Career Fair at Geo-Congress 2026.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
- Time: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Location: Exhibit Hall, Salt Lake City, UT
Eligibility:
- Be a currently enrolled student at a U.S. college or university.
- Be a student member of the Geo-Institute.
- Be actively seeking employment (internships, co-ops, or full-time positions).
- Be able to attend the Career Fair on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Exhibit Hall of the Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah. This is a drop-in event.
Important:
- The grant will be awarded after the event.
- Funds will be distributed once proof of attendance and required documentation are received.
The deadline for submitting the Application Form is December 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.
Even if you are not selected for a grant, you are still welcome to attend the Career Fair on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.