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Sponsorships
As the premier intercollegiate competition for structural engineering design and construction in the country, the Student Steel Bridge Competition (SSBC) offers you an unparalleled pipeline to the future of the industry. No matter your budget, SSBC Sponsorships give your company a highly effective platform for raising brand awareness, broadening exposure, gaining corporate recognition, and facilitating recruitment.
Get involved in the all-important work of supporting and developing the industry’s next generation of creative and practical engineers and sponsor SSBC!
Why Sponsor?
As a sponsor, your support directly empowers SSBC teams by helping fund stipends that support their fabrication and travel needs. It also helps cover essential competition costs such as standardized equipment, host school support, award plaques, and more--plus, you gain exposure to hundreds of students while also supporting them in their academic and professional endeavors!
And remember: It’s not just about bridges but also steel and construction in general. While the competition centers around creating a scale-model steel bridge, the participants, most of whom are civil engineering students, will go on to work in all areas of design and construction when they graduate.
Check out the table of sponsorship benefits below! And for more information or to secure a sponsorship, contact Geoff Weisenberger at [email protected] or 312.493.7694.
Other Ways to Participate in SSBC Sponsorship
Software Sponsor—$15,000
This additional sponsorship gives software developers the opportunity to provide their software and online tutorials to SSBC teams at no cost to assist them in designing their bridge. Keep in mind that your software doesn’t have to be focused solely on bridges. Rather, this is an opportunity for any steel- or construction-related developers to put their offerings on display for the next generation of industry professionals. Examples include structural analysis, connection design, project management, or other related software types. Note that students typically begin analysis and design in September 2025. In addition to receiving Gold sponsorship benefits, this sponsorship includes:
- one 30-minute feature presentation during “Software Week” in late September/early October, where you can demonstrate your products and resources available to student teams through an AISC-hosted webinar
- a link to your company’s website on AISC’s SSBC website
- a notification email to the SSBC mailing list and AISC Student Club contacts with a link to your company’s website
- promotion of Software Week via AISC’s social media channels
In addition, companies can also promote their involvement in Software Week however they wish!
Regional Competitions
Are you interested in supporting the SSBC at a local level? Regional competitions are organized independently by American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) student chapters at host schools under the guidance of ASCE and are typically held during ASCE Student Symposia. Outstanding performance in one of these competitions qualifies eligible teams for the national finals.
Visit the Regional Competitions page to learn more about these competitions, see what schools are in each region, and find links to contact host schools about their specific sponsorship opportunities.
Individual Team Sponsorship
Want to support your alma mater or a specific team directly? We can put you in touch with the team’s leadership to arrange for your team sponsorship.
Many student teams rely on the support of local sponsors to acquire materials and send students to the exciting competition events. Teams may also benefit from mentorship when it comes to design review, safe access to fabrication equipment, and sharing expertise in the shop.
Check out the Participating Teams Map to see competition locations and the teams planning to participate in the 2026 SSBC. (Note that the 2026 map will be finalized in November 2025.)
Have an idea? Let's talk!
Do you have something else in mind? We welcome creative ideas that support SSBC and connect with the students. If you’re interested in exploring additional sponsorship opportunities, feel free to suggest them to Geoff Weisenberger!
