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2026 Student Gingerbread Design and Build Competition

Get ready to have some fun in a sweet and friendly Gingerbread Design and Build Competition!

Bring your gingerbread house kit, some edible elements and join ACE DC as we
DESIGN IT...BUILD IT...and WIN IT!

Design It!

10/14 - 12/18

Build it!

10/14 - 12/18

SUBMIT it!

Deadline 12/18

Design It!

October 14 - December 18

Design It!

Your teams will have 3 prompts to choose from as the inspiration for your gingerbread creations. Awards will be given to the top entries for each prompt!

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2026 Gingerbread Design and Build Competition Categories:  

  1. Forgotten Infrastructure

    • Communities around the world are reimagining obsolete infrastructure and

      underutilized places as opportunities to address real needs and reconnect
      neighborhoods. Transform a forgotten or underutilized site into a vibrant public asset
      for the community it serves.

  2. Entertainment Venue

    • Create an edible rendition of an entertainment venue of any kind - theaters, stadiums, arenas, convention centers, concert halls, museums, fairgrounds, or more!​

  3. Community Structure Recreation   ​

    • Recreate an edible rendition of your school or another local structure in your community. 

Build It!

October 14 - December 18

Build It!

 

Put your team's design to work and BUILD IT. Your team may choose to buy gingerbread kits and/or edible supplies, but please stay within budget and follow all of the guidelines below:

 

Competition Guidelines:

  • General Team Guidelines

    • This competition is open to ACE DC Students/Mentor Teams.

    • Teams should be made up of 4-6 students per submission.

      • There is no maximum number of submissions per school

  • Gingerbread Structure Criteria and Constraints

    • Budget: Max spend is $75 on materials per entry

      • Use your creativity. See what you can build within this budget!

      • No more than $75 (per entry) should be spent on building material supplies

      • This cost is to be reimbursed by ACE DC ​​

        • Team leaders should submit a reimbursement HERE.

    • Gingerbread Footprint/Base Size: 11 inches x 17 inches maximum

    • All components of the structure MUST be edible (besides the base). They can include but are not limited to:

      • Store-bought gingerbread kits​

      • Homemade gingerbread

      • Icing

      • Candy

      • Marshmallows

      • Pretzels

      • Cookies

      • Brownies

      • Rice Krispy treats

      • Graham crackers

      • anything edible!​​​​​​​​

Deadline December 18

Submit it!

  • Use the button below to submit your design. Teams of 4-6 students per submission.

    • The team leader, another mentor, or student can submit the design(s).​

  • Provide 3 pictures of your gingerbread creation

    • No people in photos please. Please keep a clean, simple background in photos​

    • Images must be horizontal in order to properly display on the website

    • Please provide at least one photo that is from a bit further back with enough space around the image to crop if needed to properly display on the voting site

    • Be sure your photos look their best, as these will be what people vote on!

  • On the submission form, you will be asked to include your team name and a few sentences describing your entry along with the photos.

January 2026

Win it!

Awards for each category will be selected by a team of judges, with the winners highlighted on social media in January!​​

Submit It!
Win it!
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