Students from across the world came to Chico State Thursday, to participate in the American Society of Civil Engineers Mid-Pacific Student Conference.

During the Mid-Pacific Student Conference, students from over 14 universities like UC Berkley and Sacramento State, gather to test their engineering skills against one another in a number events. These events include a steel bridge strength competition, a geowall building contest and a sink or float test with concrete canoes. The steel bridge strength competition happens on Friday near the Bell Memorial Union.

“It gives students hands on experience to use tools themselves that some may not of had growing up,” Chico State civil engineering student Jose Brajas said. “It’s important for them to participate in this because it’s a really good learning experience and its eye opening to civil engineers and what civil engineering is about.”

The last time Chico State hosted the Mid-Pacific Student Conference was in 2010. The university estimated 610 people were in attendance.

George Johnston can be reached at [email protected] or @gjohnston786 on Twitter.