The Capital Area Intermediate Unit (CAIU) hosts numerous regional competitions throughout the year. Many CAIU teams have advanced to place at state-wide events. The following regional competitions occur annually. 

24 Challenge Competition

When: May 6, 2026, 8:30am - 2:30pm (Grades 4-5) and
May 7, 2026, 8:30am - 2:30pm (Grades 6-8)
Who: Grades 4-8
Cost: $40 per team
Contact: Jackie Ford, jford@caiu.org

Based on the 24 Challenge® game, this tournament-style competition features tables of four players, competing in a round-robin format. Separate competitions are offered for students in Grades 4-5 and Grades 6-8.

Grade 4-5 Registration >
Grade 6-8 Registration >

Media and Design Competition (MaDcom)

When: Apr. 1, 2026, 8:30am - 1:00pm 
Who: Grades 6-12
Contact: Jackie Ford, jford@caiu.org

MaDcom highlights students' application skills, creativity, and knowledge through dynamic 3D designs, animation, digital movies, graphic design, programming, and web page design. Students who participate are able to showcase their creativity, better learn how to convey information, and enhance the learning process. Learn More >

PA Invention Convention

When: Feb. 4, 2026 (PETE&C Hershey Lodge)
Who: Grades K-12 (Individual or teams of up to 4 members)
Contact: Jill Neuhard, Ed.D., jneuhard@caiu.org

The mission of the Pennsylvania Invention Convention is to provide students across Pennsylvania with the opportunity to explore, design, and create inventions that meet the end-user's needs and compete against other students for statewide recognition. Learn More >

STEM Design Challenge

When: March 18, 2026, 8:30am - 2:30pm (Grades 4-5) and
March 19, 2026, 8:30am - 2:30pm (Grades 6-8)
Who: Grades 4-8
Cost: $30 per team
Contact: Jackie Ford, jford@caiu.org

The STEM Design Challenge is an engineering design competition for grades 4-8 students. Teams of students are tasked with designing, developing, and implementing a solution to an engineering problem. Students will present their finished product to a panel of judges who will score on creativity, teamwork, and the success of their challenge. The winning team at the regional competition will be eligible for the state competition in May.

Elementary Registration >
Middle School Registration >