Send the Cal Poly Soil Judging Team to North Carolina!

Cal Poly’s Soil Judging team has qualified to compete at the 2026 National Collegiate Soils Contest to be held in North Carolina in March! During the competition, we describe, classify, and interpret soils as a professional soil scientist would, while experiencing new soil types and properties unique to the contest location. This year our team is bigger than ever, with 13 students preparing to compete, so we need to raise funds to cover student travel, lodging, and registration costs to attend.

The team has a longstanding tradition of excellence dating back more than 50 years. Many of our soil science alums fondly remember attending competitions across the state and the country, showcasing Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing spirit, and making lifelong friends in the process.

“Attending the national soil judging contest is a valuable opportunity to develop and apply our skills in new contexts, represent Cal Poly on a national stage, and is overall one of the best parts of being a soil science student at Cal Poly." — Nick Baham, current Soil Judging Team member

We are proud to continue to represent Cal Poly’s Soil Judging Team and uphold this legacy of success!

We ask that our alumni, family, and friends dig deep to support the team’s participation in the 2026 National Collegiate Soils Contest. We will make sure you are Cal Poly Proud of how we represent the University. Thank you for your support!