STEM competitions are fairly widespread in middle schools and high schools, but do not commonly occur at the university level. We have developed a repeatable model for a one-day competition in which high school, community college and university students can build confidence in their own critical thinking abilities and develop enthusiasm for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The competitions are used to build confidence and excitement in students and to encourage them to consider choosing a STEM degree. [For the complete proceedings, see ED579282.]