Students issued a challenge today to build a replica of the new Milwaukee Bucks Arena.

Prism Technical and Grandesco Solutions, Inc. has partnered with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, the Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Mortenson and Populous to host "Engineer the Future...Building A Greater Milwaukee."

The ETF event on Thursday included a hands-on building activity that will expose some 200 students, ninth through twelfth grade, to different facets of construction and engineering by building a replica of the Milwaukee Bucks arena.

"Our objective is to show the kids what life can be like if they have any interest in engineering and the building trades," said Randy Crump, Chief Executive Officer Prism Technical.

Mayor Tom Barrett, Wisconsin Lt. Governor Kleefisch and Milwaukee Alderwoman Miele Coggs were all on hand to offer encouragement.

 It's hopped the event  will motivate and inspire pre-college students who might otherwise never consider a construction trade or STEM related career path to excel in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).  

Students spent the afternoon learning the ins and outs of the engineering and construction process of building the arena, and then construct an acrylic replica of the arena.