PenDOT and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced students in grades 9-12 are invited to participate in the third PennDOT Innovations Challenge which encourages students to use their problem-solving, creative and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world transportation challenges in a competition among their peers.

The challenge asks students to look at cost-effective technologies and innovative solutions – aside from laws, programs and educational campaigns – that can be developed in the next five to 10 years to help PennDOT more efficiently, effectively and safely control litter along roadways.

The challenge aims to not only help students explore real transportation challenges PennDOT is facing, but also open their minds to the possibility of working for PennDOT after graduation. Regional winners will be selected and invited to compete in Harrisburg for the state championship. A total award of $3,000 will be divided among the first-, second- and third-place winning teams.

Visit penndot.gov/innovation. Deadline for submissions is Dec. 20.