The Shelly STEM Challenge is an annual event hosted by the Roanoke Valley Governor's School that gives students an opportunity to work in teams to solve engineering/design/problem-solving challenges developed in collaboration with industry partners. The program started in 2016 for RVGS students, and starting in 2018 the challenge has invited students from Governor's Schools across Virginia to allow collaboration and fellowship between students from different programs. Students register in advance, but enter the challenge without prior information regarding the specific challenge they will face. Over the course of the day, they learn the background information needed to tackle the professional problem they encounter and work together to generate a solution. Industry partners select a winning project from among the groups, but all students have the opportunity to challenge themselves in a unique and enriching way!

Dr. Richard Shelly:

The Shelly STEM Challenge program is named to honor Dr. Shelly, the beloved founding Director of the Roanoke Valley Governor’s School. His vision for the school has carried through over three decades to continue to provide a unique learning environment for gifted students in the areas of Science, Mathematics, and Technology in our region. This program is dedicated to his memory in recognition of his years inspiring critical thinkers.