CCTA is excited to announce an upcoming Art & Engineering Design Contest open to all high school students in Contra Costa County!
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and technical skills while competing for cash prizes and recognition at the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA)’s 10th annual Redefining Mobility Summit on April 22, 2025 in San Ramon.
Contest Categories
The art contest will have two categories:
1 – Art in Any Medium
This category celebrates artistic expression in all forms, whether it’s visual storytelling, abstract exploration, or technical mastery. We encourage students to submit original artwork that showcases creativity, skill, and personal perspective.
PROMPT: Your favorite destination in Contra Costa County and how you get there (car, bus, bike, walk, electric mode)
Submissions to be Judged On:
- Creative Expression – Pieces that convey emotion, tell a story, or explore unique artistic themes.
- Technical Skill & Craftsmanship – Strong use of artistic techniques, composition, and attention to detail.
- Diversity of Mediums – Submissions can include paintings, drawings (charcoal, pencil, ink, pastels), digital art, mixed media, collages, or even conceptual diagrams.
- Originality & Vision – Unique and compelling pieces that showcase the artist’s individual voice and creativity.
- Thoughtful Composition – Balance, contrast, perspective, and use of color or texture to create an engaging visual impact.
2 – Engineering Design
This category challenges students to think like engineers—solving problems through design, creativity, and technical precision. We welcome submissions in both 2D and 3D design, where students can explore real-world applications of engineering principles.
PROMPT: Design a “Smart City” intersection that prioritizes safety and incorporates current or emerging Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Show how your design protects and benefits all modes of travel—vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and even “flying cars.” Submissions may use 2D or 3D CAD, hand-drawn concepts, or animated visualizations.
Examples of Possible Safety-Focused Features:
- Real-time detection and adaptive signals for all road users
- V2V, V2I, or V2X communication to prevent collisions
- High-definition cameras and video analytics
- Transit Signal Priority (TSP) and dedicated bike/pedestrian lanes
- AI-driven or fully autonomous intersections
- Solar-powered or alternative-energy components
- Data analytics for predictive crash avoidance
- Integration of future modes (e.g., aerial vehicles)
- Showcase innovative ideas and practical considerations that clearly enhance roadway safety while addressing efficiency and sustainability.
Submissions will be evaluated on their ability to enhance safety across all modes of travel while showcasing technical skill, innovative thinking, and practical feasibility. Judges will also consider how well each design integrates or anticipates ITS technologies, addresses real-world challenges, and demonstrates clear, creative problem-solving.
All submissions are due by April 11, 2025.
Prizes
- $1,000 Grand Prize for the overall best entry (in either category).
- Two Category Winners – $500 each.
- Gift cards will be awarded to entries with honorable mentions.
Winners’ Showcase
Selected entries will be displayed at the Redefining Mobility Summit on April 22, 2025, with the winners allowed to present their design to the attendees.
How to Enter
Students can submit their entries via our online submission form, which requires:
- A picture or uploaded PDF of their artwork/design
- Student name and school
- Contact information
Help Us Spread the Word!
We’d love your support in sharing this opportunity with students in your district. Please forward this information to teachers, art and engineering departments, and student groups who may be interested.
Thank you for supporting student creativity and innovation—we can’t wait to see the amazing entries!
For any questions or additional details, please contact Lindy Johnson at ljohnson@ccta.net.
