On February 1, Richland Community College hosted the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE) Competition.  The Academic Challenge is a competitive series of examinations created and administered by WYSE (sponsored by the College of Engineering of the University of Illinois) and offered to high school students in Illinois and Missouri.

Nearly over 200 students representing 14 area high schools participated in the competition. Each school was placed in a division based on the number of students attending their high school.  Students competed in the subject areas of biology, chemistry, English, engineering graphics, mathematics, physics and computer science. 

Winners of each subject area received 30 credit hours, approximately 1 full year, of tuition from Richland Community College.  RCC gave away over $30,000 in tuition over the course of the day.  First and second place winners in each category, including ties, qualified to compete in the sectional competition to be held at Eastern Illinois University in March.  The first and second place teams will also advance to the sectional round.

Local schools advancing to the sectional round include:

In the 300 Division: Central A & M (1st), Sangamon Valley (2nd)

In the 700 Division: Clinton (1st), Meridian (2nd)

In the 1500: Mt. Zion (1st), Decatur MacArthur (2nd)