EA Networks is proud to support EPRO8, a hands-on engineering and problem-solving competition that challenges young people to think creatively, work collaboratively and develop practical STEM skills.

The competition brings together intermediate and secondary school students from across the region to tackle engineering challenges that require teamwork, innovation and perseverance.

Ashburton Intermediate recently hosted six events attended by 20 Mid Canterbury Schools. The challenges that students undertook were constructing a scissor lift, a solar power station that tracked the sun, a radio-controlled Mario Kart that released bananas and a contraption for guiding a balloon through an obstacle course.

EPRO8 Manager Kelvin Thiele says EA Networks' support of the Challenge has helped make Mid Canterbury one of the strongest-performing regions in the country.

"Their support meant 20 Mid Canterbury Schools ran the EPro8 School Programme within their schools," Thiele says of EA Networks. "Their support also helped cover the cost of running the inter-school events.  This enables us to keep improving the programme every year."

The positive impact of the programme is reflected in feedback received from students who participated in this year's competition.

"Thank you for sponsoring the EPRO8 equipment for the library," says a letter from the Ashburton Year 7-8 home school team. "This year, thanks to you, we will be able to practice whenever we want and will have a higher chance of winning. Thank you so much again."

"Thank you for purchasing the community EPRO8 kit! Thank you for also sponsoring the EPRO8 competition. I am home educated and am part of the year 5 & 6 team going to the interschools competition," another letter reads. "Therefore, the community kit is helpful for practising. We have been practising weekly.

"Thanks for making the opportunity possible!"

In addition to supporting the local competition, EA Networks has also sponsored an EPRO8 kit for the Ashburton Library. The kit provides young people with ongoing access to engineering and problem-solving activities, extending the benefits of the programme beyond competition day.

Jessica Harris, EA Networks Customer & Business Transformation Manager, says supporting initiatives such as EPRO8 aligns with the company's commitment to investing in the Mid Canterbury community.

"EPRO8 gives young people the opportunity to challenge themselves, develop valuable skills and explore future pathways in STEM. We're proud to support a programme that inspires creativity, teamwork and problem-solving, while helping build capability for the future."

As a community-owned business, EA Networks is committed to supporting initiatives that create opportunities for local young people and encourage the next generation of innovators, engineers and critical thinkers.