The Construction Challenge workforce development program of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has been named to the “Associations Advance America” 2009 honor roll, a national awards competition presented by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Center for Association Leadership, Washington, D.C.

The annual awards program, now in its 19th year, recognizes associations that contribute to the advancement of American society through innovative programs in areas including education, skills training, standards setting, business and social innovation, knowledge creation, citizenship and community service.

AEM partners with Destination ImagiNation to produce the Construction Challenge, which is a creative problem solving program designed to engage teens through a hands-on, educational experience. Now in its second year, the challenge offers an opportunity for students, teachers, parents and community leaders to learn more about the rewarding careers available in the construction industry, which faces a severe workforce shortage in coming years.

The program also emphasizes the vital role that off-road equipment plays in creating and maintaining the high quality of life enjoyed in North America, Europe and developing nations around the globe.

ASAE is a membership organization of more than 22,000 association executives and industry partners representing more than 11,000 organizations. Its members manage leading trade associations, individual membership societies and voluntary organizations across the United States and in 50 other countries worldwide. The Center for Association Leadership provides learning, knowledge and future-oriented research for the association profession.

The 2009 AEM Construction Challenge will hold its finals competition May 20 to 23, 2009, during the Destination ImagiNation Global Finals in Knoxville, Tenn. More than 50 student teams from across the United States and Toronto, Canada, will participate after earning top honors in Challenge regional competitions held in early February.

More than 2,000 high school and middle school students comprising 300-plus student teams participated in the regional competitions, held simultaneously in 15 cities.

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