NAWIC MILWAUKEE BLOCK KIDS - 2026

Limited to first 45 registrants.

The NAWIC Education Foundation’s Block Kids Building Program is a FREE, hands-on building competition designed to introduce K–6 students to the exciting world of construction. Our Milwaukee Chapter is proud partner with MSOE | STEM Center to host this year’s event and bring this nationally recognized program to local students.

What to Expect

Participants will use only the approved, provided materials to design and build a construction-related project — completely on their own, with no adult assistance. Students will have 40–60 minutes to build, followed by a short conversation with our judging team about their project, design choices, and ideas.

Materials Provided

Each student receives:

• A minimum of 75 (up to 100) interlocking “micro-size” blocks
• Up to three additional approved materials:
  
  • Small rock/stone (≤ 2 inches)
  • String (≤ 12 inches)
  • Foil (≤ 18″ × 18″)
  • Construction paper (≤ 18″ × 18″)
    No cutting tools permitted.

Why Your Student Will Love It

• Encourages creativity, problem-solving, and independent thinking
• Builds confidence and introduces real-world construction concepts
• Fun, supportive, and educational environment
• Local winners move on to the regional and potentially national competition

About the Competition Path

The Milwaukee Chapter hosts the local event. Local winners are submitted to NEF for regional consideration; regional winners advance to the national level. National winners are announced at the NEF Annual Conference.

Questions?

Contact NAWIC Milwaukee’s Block Kids Committee Chair, Meagan DeGroot: mdegroot@hunzinger.com