PARTICIPATE
Whether you’re a student ready to compete in prestigious STEM research competitions, an educator seeking resources and training, or a nonprofit looking for grants, we offer opportunities for everyone passionate about science. Discover how you can participate in Society for Science programs, and find your path to making a difference in STEM.
Educators
Science News Learning
We encourage all educators to register their middle school or high school for Science News Learning to help increase science literacy. Educators and students at participating schools receive access to ScienceNews.org, which features our award-winning science journalism. Teachers also receive professional development workshops and digital lesson plans so they may integrate articles into their classroom curricula.
Research Teachers Conferences
Educators, come train with Society for Science. We bring together research teachers of all experience levels to share best practices, troubleshoot challenges, and learn more about the Society for Science and our STEM research competitions.
Advocate Program
The Advocate Program is a year-long professional development program that supports teachers and mentors who are working to increase the number of students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups and low-income households who enter STEM research competitions. The Advocates receive training and support, mentorship from a Lead Advocate, a $3000 stipend, and an all-expense-paid trip to attend the Advocate Training Institute in Washington, D.C.
STEM Research Grants
STEM Research Grants provide support to middle and high school teachers engaging their students in scientific research. Priority consideration is given to schools that support students from low-income communities and demographics underrepresented in STEM fields. Teachers can apply for up to $5,000 in order to purchase specialized equipment or $1000 in preselected equipment including Arduino starter kits, soil test kits, and PocketLab sensors.
Students
Regeneron Science Talent Search
Regeneron STS is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science research competition for high school students. Started in 1942, this competition recognizes and empowers the most promising young scientists who are developing ideas that could solve society’s most urgent challenges.
Affiliated Fairs
In order to compete at Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair or apply for the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC), you must first participate in an Affiliated Fair. Affiliated Fairs exist in nearly every state in the US as well as 70+ other countries, regions, and territories. Fairs are conducted at local, regional, state and national levels.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge
Affiliated Fairs are eligible to name the top 10% of their 6th-8th grade participants as Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge nominees. Nominees then need to complete an online application for a chance to compete at the national level.
Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair
To compete at ISEF, a 9th-12th grade student must first qualify through participation at an Affiliated Fair. Each Affiliated Fair has a designated number of projects (individual or team) that they may support to come to ISEF.
Nonprofits
STEM Action Grants
The STEM Action Grant program provides small grants of up to $5,000 to innovative nonprofit organizations led by social entrepreneurs. The program aims to bolster and support community-driven nonprofit organizations that are working to enhance the public’s understanding of science and to increase participation of underrepresented populations in STEM fields.
