In a buzzing gymnasium at New Bedford High School, Massachusetts, the future of marine engineering took center stage. Seventeen teams of middle school students, their faces a mix of determination and excitement, gathered for the second annual Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport SeaPerch Derby. The challenge? To pilot a SeaPerch, a remote-controlled underwater vehicle of their own making, through a series of tasks designed to test their skills and creativity.
Teams from five middle schools—Normandin, Keith, and Roosevelt in New Bedford; Kickemuit in Warren, Rhode Island; and Pennfield in Portsmouth, Rhode Island—brought their custom-built SeaPerchs to the competition. The vehicles, constructed under the guidance of NUWC scientists and engineers, were a testament to the students’ hard work and ingenuity.
“The SeaPerch curriculum teaches students how to read a technical manual and follow the instructions to create a useful product from raw material,” said Mike DeSousa, Division Newport’s program manager of K-12 STEM Educational Outreach. “It also teaches students how to properly use tools like power drills and soldering irons and gives students the confidence to purse difficult challenges that might appear daunting at first.”
The competition was fierce, with teams tackling two main challenges. The first was an obstacle course consisting of five suspended hoops, requiring precision and control to navigate. The second challenge was a mission to survey and repair underwater infrastructure damaged by a storm, simulating real-world scenarios that marine engineers might face.
The atmosphere was electric as teams cheered each other on, their camaraderie a reminder that this event was about more than just competition—it was about fostering a love for STEM education and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
“The SeaPerch Derby is more than just a competition; it’s an opportunity for students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to a hands-on, real-world challenge,” said Drew Canfield, one of the NUWC engineers serving as a judge. “It’s incredible to see the creativity and problem-solving skills these young minds bring to the table.”
The top two teams, “The Whalers” from Kickemuit and “Delta” from Pennfield, earned an invitation to the SeaPerch International Competition, set to be held in May 2026 at the University of Maryland. Their success is a testament to their hard work and the supportive environment created by the NUWC Division Newport.
For the students, the SeaPerch Derby was more than just a competition—it was a journey of discovery and growth. They learned valuable skills in ship and submarine design, naval architecture, and marine and ocean engineering concepts. But perhaps more importantly, they gained confidence in their abilities to tackle complex challenges and pursue their passions.
As the event drew to a close, the gymnasium was filled with the sound of laughter and excited chatter. The students, their faces glowing with pride, knew they had achieved something special. And for the NUWC scientists and engineers who had guided them along the way, it was a reminder of the power of education and the endless possibilities that lie ahead for these young minds.
The SeaPerch Derby is more than just a competition; it’s a stepping stone to a future where these students might very well be the ones leading the charge in marine engineering and beyond.