The Real World Design Challenge (RWDC) supports Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in high schools through an annual competition that provides students with the opportunity to apply the lessons of the classroom to the technical problems currently faced in the engineering field; thus, the goal of the RWDC is to motivate and prepare students for the STEM workforce and teach innovation. The RWDC is Real World in the following ways: Students (1) solve Real Problems; (2) use Real Tools; (3) play Real Roles; and (4) make Real Contributions. Through their participation in RWDC each year students are challenged to optimize the design of a plane. School teams of 3-7 students compete in State Competitions. The State Champions are invited to compete in the National/International Championship. The State Challenge runs from September through January and the National/International Championship runs from February through April.