The Chris Savinda Memorial Chain Reaction Contraption Contest (CRCC) is a spirited, annual STEM competition for grades 9-12 from the greater southwestern PA region, where students design a machine to complete a task through multiple steps.
The 2025-2026 contest task is Plant a Seed!
Under the guidance of an engineer mentor (optional) and a teacher sponsor, student teams:
Learn more: The CRCC Official Handbook contains additional information, rules, important dates and forms.
Registration is now open! Contact us by Dec. 31, 2025, at chainreactioncontest@westinghouse.com.
This year’s CRCC will be held on February 27, 2026, during Engineers Week at Westinghouse’s global headquarters in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania – where student teams will demo their machines and make their verbal presentations.
The National Engineers Week Chain Reaction Contraption Contest is a spirited competition for 9th-12th graders. The contest fosters an interest in engineering by challenging students to create a machine that will accomplish a specific task using a series of steps.
This program is powered by Westinghouse Electric Company LLC.
The goal of the program is to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to consider careers in engineering and technology while enabling students to:
It's fun and a challenge!
Students participating in the program have an opportunity to achieve Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science and Technology: Unifying Themes requirement 3.1.10A, Inquiry and Design requirement 3.2.10D and Technological Devices requirement 3.7.10A.
The Chain Reaction Contraption Contest can be an excellent graduation or senior project. Several schools have used the contest as a class assignment and then held their own competition to choose who will represent the school on contest day.
Prizes will be awarded to first through third place winners.
View the Official Handbook.
Teams will consist of 4 students (9th - 12th grade), a teacher sponsor & engineer mentor (optional).
An orientation/information session for teachers, students and engineers is typically held in September. The session includes details about the program, a demonstration and discussion of the evolution of a previously constructed machine, hands-on activities and prize giveaway. Registration forms and official rule books/manuals will be available. Act 48 credit is available for teachers attending orientation. Please contact us to make a reservation to attend.
Additional information and registration forms can be found in the Official Handbook or by contacting:
Nicole Liberto
Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
1000 Westinghouse Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
412-334-7362
libertnf@westinghouse.com
It is with tremendous respect that the CRCC honors Chris Savinda – a longtime Westinghouse colleague who led this contest for more than two decades before losing his battle with cancer in 2023. The contest was renamed in his honor in 2024.
Chris’ legacy lives on through today’s contest – inspiring students to take on seemingly impossible tasks, use their voice to express their passion, support others in their goals and, most importantly, be kind to others.
