Close to 20 schools from the Charleston area, including many from the Charleston County School District (CCSD), participated in the 16th Annual Charleston SeaPerch Challenge on February 25, 2026. The event took place at the North Charleston Sports Complex and featured students from grades 5 through high school who designed, built, and operated Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles (ROVs) as part of an international STEM education program.
The SeaPerch Challenge is intended to help students develop skills in engineering, science, mathematics, teamwork, and problem-solving by working with low-cost materials to construct underwater robots. The competition included pool-based mission and obstacle courses as well as technical design challenges. Organizers say that the event aims to generate interest in engineering and marine science careers while offering practical experience in STEM fields.
This year’s regional challenge was organized by the CCSD K–12 STEAM Initiative along with the CCSD Curriculum & Instruction (Science) Office.
Several teams qualified for the International SeaPerch Challenge, which will be held at the University of Maryland in College Park on May 30, 2026. The qualifying teams are:
“Hunley Park SeaBees – First Place Overall Middle School (MS) Stock Class
Nation Ford Mechanical Manatees – First Place Overall High School (HS) Stock Class:
Academic Magnet Bling Rays – First Place Overall Open Class”
Additional awards were presented for individual competitions. Winners include Academic Magnet Bling Rays for Mission Course, Technical Design, and Obstacle Course in the Open Class; Charleston Charter School for Math and Science Team Scubas for Mission Course in MS Stock Class; Hunley Park SeaBees for Technical Design in MS Stock Class; St. James MS Tech Turtles for Obstacle Course in MS Stock Class; Nation Ford Mechanical Manatees for Mission Course in HS Stock Class; Academic Magnet The Rocks for Technical Design in HS Stock Class; and Charleston Charter School for Math and Science Team Phobia for Obstacle Course in HS Stock Class.
Organizers highlighted that events like this reflect a commitment by both the region and district to preparing students for future careers related to STEM subjects while encouraging creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
For more information about the event or program, contact CCSD’s Office of Communications at (843) 937-6583.
