U.P. middle school earns top prize in creating future city
The team from the Joseph K. Lumsden Bahweting Anishnabe Academy in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, was the overall winner with its future city, called Tkaranto. They were joined on stage by their classmates.
Team heading to D.C. to compete nationally
Feb. 4, 2026
An abundance of ideas, determination and teamwork emanated from hundreds of middle-school students across Michigan in response to one basic question: How can we make the world a better place?
That question is at the heart of the 2026 Future City competition. The national education program is dedicated to inspiring K-12 students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) by involving them in designing sustainable future cities through a hands-on competition.
In January, the Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) hosted the 31st Michigan Regional Future City Competition.
The annual event is a celebration of STEM applied to designing and building a scale model of a city. This year’s event attracted 35 teams from 16 schools across Michigan to the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi, with three students, one educator and one mentor representing each team.
The 2026 competition, Farm to Table, challenged students to design a futuristic city that eliminates food waste. For the third consecutive year, the Joseph K. Lumsden Bahweting Anishnabe Academy (JKL) in Sault Ste. Marie garnered top statewide honors with its future city—Tkaranto.
“This project brings learning to life, helping students connect what they learn in class to the real world while building the skills and confidence they’ll use in their future careers.”
—Allison Marrs
“What makes Future City unique is its real-world approach to learning,” said Allison Marrs, ESD’s Future City program manager.
“Students take on the roles of engineers, architects, city planners and project managers. Along the way, they develop critical skills, including problem solving, teamwork, budgeting, writing and public speaking.”
The Tkaranto team advances to the national competition from Feb. 14 to 18 in an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. This final leg of the competition ushers in Engineers Week, which runs from Feb. 22 to 28.
“I commend ESD and all who participated in the statewide event,” said Kirstie Staelens, senior advisor for community engagement at Enbridge, a major sponsor of the regional competition.
“The students were phenomenal, and it was unbelievably rewarding to witness their intellectual, artistic and problem-solving skills intertwine with enthusiasm and creativity.”
Using recycled materials, teams built a scale model of their city and wrote an essay about it. They also delivered a seven-minute presentation about their city to a panel of judges.
Professionals in architecture, energy, engineering and urban planning primarily comprise the judging panel, which included Staelens.
Enbridge team members Kurt Kindt, Kirstie Staelens, Ryan Kapalla, Brett Somerfield and Dan Quick (L to R) represented the energy company at the competition.
“We are proud of the JKL Tkaranto team,” said Lauren Brown, Enbridge senior advisor, community engagement.
“We wish them all the best as they head to the national competition, where they will represent Michigan.”
View a list of winners from the 2026 Future City competition here.
