LIVERPOOL, N.Y. -- After eight weeks of hard work, young engineers got to test out their wind-powered vehicles. The competition was a culmination of the ninth annual Sensis Student Engineering Contest.

For two months, more than 80 students from seven area high schools were mentored by professionals. The goal was to use a pre-determined set of materials to build a wind-powered vehicle. Teams were judged on speed and performance. For the participants however, it wasn't so much about the end-result as it was the process.

"You get to work with new people, new teammates just everyday working together, new ideas developing and it's just been an awesome experience. I love this competition,” said Bruce Gondeck, Chittenango High School senior.

"People seem to want to be dedicated and part of a team. Those are the people you really kind of look for,” said Tyler Howd, Chittenango High School senior.

The top finishers were awarded with plaques. Time Warner Cable and YNN are committed to the Connect a Million Minds program, inspiring youth to develop science, technology, engineering and math skills.

For more information go to www.connectamillionminds.com.