The National Engineering Design Challenge can be done over four, eight, or ten weeks, or as a one-semester program. Upon registration, a NEDC Coach Manual is sent to all teams that register for a competition. It includes hints and tips, suggestions on selecting and preparing student teams, techniques for creative problem solving, representative engineering activities, engineering strategies, and related materials. Schools pay a fee to participate in an NEDC event. The competition fees are determined by the regional NEDC host and include a Coach Manual.
Teams are responsible for the costs related to their solution and to attending events.
The first place team from each regional competition will be eligible to attend the national finals. Schools are responsible for transportation expenses incurred to get to the national competition as well as for lodging, food, and other expenses as designated by the national competition coordinator. The NEDC program serves as a rewarding activity for everyone involved.