Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge – Sacred Heart University Regional

Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sacred Heart University
Jack Welch College of Business & Technology
3135 Easton Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06825

We’re excited to welcome students to Sacred Heart University for this regional stop of the Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge (MECC), a fast-paced, Excel-powered esports competition that brings together top student “Excel athletes.”

This in-person event is a prime opportunity for students to highlight their Excel skills, build their résumés and connect with peers and professionals across disciplines.

What to Expect

The day’s program will include:

  • Four 30-minute Excel cases
    Students will tackle timed cases that test speed, accuracy and creativity
  • Two competition levels: junior varsity & varsity
    • Varsity: Designed for advanced users ready for complex challenges
    • Junior varsity (JV): Cases mirror the structure of varsity problems but with reduced complexity—ideal for students who are newer to Excel or still building confidence
  • Guest speakers
    Hear from Excel experts, analytics professionals and alumni who daily use spreadsheets and data tools in their careers
  • Networking opportunities
    Meet students from other institutions, connect with Sacred Heart faculty and build relationships with fellow competitors and potential collaborators

Training & Preparation

To help students get ready for competition, the MECC provides an online library of tutorials, practice cases and videos. These resources walk participants through common challenges and strategies for scoring well under time pressure. You can access these training resources and tutorials through the official MECC site.

Sacred Heart University will also host prep sessions leading up to the event, where students can:

  • Practice with past cases
  • Ask questions about case strategy and scoring
  • Get coaching on keyboard shortcuts, efficient modeling and visualization best practices

Prep session details will become available closer to the competition.

Why Compete in the MECC?

  • Participate in a nationally recognized Excel esports event
  • Work to reach the finals in Las Vegas!
  • Demonstrate in-demand spreadsheet and analytics skills valued by employers
  • Strengthen your résumé and LinkedIn profile with verifiable competition experience and digital badges

Badges & Recognition

Participating students are eligible to receive a series of digital badges.

Registration & Cost

  • The registration fee is $10 per student competitor (subject to final confirmation)
  • Faculty and coaches who are attending with teams need not register as competitors but should contact organizers to help with anticipated numbers

A registration link and further instructions (including deadlines, team size guidelines and any travel information) will soon be provided.

Questions?

For more information about the Sacred Heart University regional event, including logistics, accessibility or sponsorship opportunities, contact Michael Gorman at gormanm6@sacredheart.edu.