The water industry faces a critical challenge: attracting and retaining young talent. The Future City Competition offers a compelling solution by engaging middle school students in a dynamic, hands-on STEM challenge. Student participants design a city set 100 years in the future, introducing them to the societal impact of architects and engineers while fostering creative problem-solving to address real-world issues. Teams blend research, engineering, and innovative thinking to craft essays, build scaled models, and present their visionary cities to expert judges. Each year, a new design prompt inspires fresh solutions; this past year’s theme, “Above the Current,” tasked students with designing floating cities that prioritize safety and well-being. The Tennessee Region of Future City actively involves STEM professionals in this transformative educational experience. This presentation features insights from the Tennessee Region’s Co-Regional Coordinator, a Water/Wastewater EIT with 3 years of experience in the industry. She will provide an insider’s look into the competition’s process, from research and model-building to live presentations. Attendees will discover how the program sharpens critical thinking, strengthens communication, and cultivates problem-solving—skills essential for addressing pressing global challenges like water resource management. A seasoned mentor, who has guided the winning regional team for two consecutive years, will also share her experiences. She’ll offer practical strategies for inspiring young innovators, balancing constructive feedback with encouragement, and fostering curiosity that extends beyond the competition. Additionally, she’ll highlight how mentoring students has enriched her own professional development as a Water/Wastewater Engineering Intern, particularly in preparing her for project management. The Future City Competition empowers professionals in the water and STEM industries to shape the next generation of engineers. Attendees will discover how they can contribute their expertise to inspire young minds, promote sustainable solutions, and ensure the future of the engineering workforce by serving as volunteers, judges, or mentors.