Kansas Student Teams Won World KidWind Championships

Governor Laura Kelly honored local students who secured titles at the international wind energy competition.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Homeschooling

Kansas Student Teams Won World KidWind Championships

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Governor Laura Kelly recognized Kansas student teams at the Statehouse for their victories at the World KidWind Challenge held in May 2026. Kansas teams successfully took home championships in all three age divisions at the event.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights the success of Kansas students in STEM-focused programs that foster skills in energy engineering. These competitions encourage hands-on learning in sustainable technology and applied science fields.

A total of 125 teams from 21 states and three countries competed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Kansas teams secured a champion in each of the three age divisions.

The players

Governor Laura Kelly

The current Governor of Kansas who hosted the recognition event at the Statehouse.

Kansas Energy Program

The organizing body that manages regional and statewide wind energy challenges for students.

Kansas Corporation Commission Energy Office

A state agency that provides funding and support for energy-related educational initiatives in Kansas.

The details

Teams participating in the KidWind Challenge design and build wind turbines to test energy output. Beyond construction, students deliver presentations, complete knowledge quizzes, and perform instant challenges to demonstrate their grasp of renewable energy concepts. The Kansas Energy Program organizes these events with funding from the Kansas Corporation Commission Energy Office.

May 2026: The World KidWind Challenge was held.
Sept. 15, 2026: Governor Laura Kelly honored the winning teams.
Sept. 29, 2026: Registration opens for the 2027 Kansas KidWind Challenge.
February 2027: Regional challenges are scheduled to occur.
April 2027: The statewide challenge is scheduled to occur.

The Home Front

This success marks a notable achievement for the Kansas Energy Program in fostering interest in renewable energy engineering. The outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of state-level STEM support in preparing students for technical fields.

Parents interested in STEM enrichment should check the Kansas Energy Program website for 2027 registration details. Encouraging your student to design and build projects can help them prepare for these regional and statewide competitions.

The takeaway

Hands-on participation in renewable energy design builds technical and presentation skills. Families can mark their calendars for September 29 to begin the registration process for next year's challenge.

What happens next

Registration for the 2027 Kansas KidWind Challenge opens on Sept. 29, 2026, with regional events beginning in February 2027 and the state competition set for April 2027.