Thousands of engineering students from the U.S. and abroad are expected to head to Pittsburg State University next May for a vehicle design competition.

The Joplin Globe reports it will be the second time in four years that the school has hosted a Baja SAE-Kansas competition. The events are sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers and held at sites across the U.S. and in several other countries.

Students work in teams to design, build and race off-road vehicles equipped for rough terrain.

The selection of Pittsburg State was announced Thursday.

Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau director B.J. Harris said the event could inject up to $3 million into the area’s economy. He says the Joplin area will likely benefit as well, as competitors patronize hotels, restaurants and other businesses.