Summary: Cadets are challenged with an intercollegiate competition that supplements their education with a comprehensive, student-driven project experience from conception and design through fabrication, erection, and testing. This experience culminates in a steel structure that meets client specifications and optimizes performance and economy. The Student Steel Bridge Competition increases awareness of real-world engineering issues such as spatial constraints, material properties, strength, serviceability, fabrication, erection processes, safety, aesthetics, project management, and cost. Success in competition requires application of engineering principles and theory, and effective teamwork. Future engineers are stimulated to innovate, practice professionalism, and use structural steel efficiently.