STCC team earns 2nd place nationally in Community College Innovation Challenge

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College students earned second place in the 2026 Community College Innovation Challenge (CCIC), a prestigious national competition sponsored by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF).

STCC was one of only 12 community colleges nationwide selected as finalists and the only community college in Massachusetts to advance to the competition's final round. The student team presented its innovative project, HydroShield, during a poster session on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on June 9 before congressional leaders, including U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, STEM leaders, and a panel of judges.

HydroShield is a replaceable washing machine filter designed to capture microplastic fibers before they enter waterways. The low-cost system uses a specialized coated textile layer and a sensor that alerts users when the filter needs replacement. The innovation aims to reduce microplastic pollution, improve water quality, and address long-term environmental health concerns.

The STCC team consisted of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society students Shahmeer Ali, Vincent Githiri and Sophia Landrau, who graduated in May with an Associate of Science degree in biology. The team worked under the guidance of Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and PTK advisor Dr. Reena Randhir.

"Congratulations to our talented students for this remarkable accomplishment,” said Dr. John B. Cook, STCC president. “As Massachusetts' only technical community college, STCC has always focused on connecting classroom learning with practical solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities. We are incredibly proud of Shahmeer, Vincent, and Sophia for earning national recognition under the guidance of Dr. Randhir, who recently was honored as Faculty of the Year at STCC."

Their success reflects months of research, teamwork, and perseverance. Dr. Reena Randhir PTK advisor

Randhir described the accomplishment as “an extraordinary achievement for Sophia, Shahmeer, and Vincent and a proud moment for us.”

“Their success reflects months of research, teamwork, and perseverance. Their courage to believe that their ideas can protect our water, advance U.N. One Health, and create meaningful change is truly inspiring,” Randhir said. “I am deeply grateful to the organizers (AACC and NSF), inspiring interactions with the other brilliant finalist teams, and for the priceless friendships we formed along the way.”

The Community College Innovation Challenge, now in its 10th year, encourages entrepreneurial thinking among community college students by challenging them to develop science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-based solutions to real-world problems. This year's finalist projects addressed issues ranging from food insecurity and water quality to search and rescue operations, energy efficiency, infrastructure, education accessibility, and fraud prevention.

As finalists, the STCC students participated in an Innovation Boot Camp in Washington, D.C., where they worked with entrepreneurs, industry experts, and business leaders on topics including strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, business planning, and marketplace dynamics. The experience culminated in presentations before judges and a public showcase on Capitol Hill.

According to AACC, the 2026 finalist projects showcased student-led innovations that protect the environment, improve infrastructure, and advance public health and safety.

“You have distinguished yourself as creative thinkers and problem solvers,” AACC President and CEO DeRionne Pollard told the students during the event, according to a Community College Daily article.

The first-place award was presented to SUNY Broome Community College of New York for its Hands-On Quantum Education project. STCC earned second place for HydroShield, and De Anza College of California received third place for The Micro-Buoy project.

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth’s only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC’s highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the College—a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution—seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed, and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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