ISEF Grand Award, $50k
"Science fair was my first real research. It got me into MIT."
Amara J.
12th grade • Houston
Research • Access • InnovationDiscover where curiosity
Discover where curiosity
becomes innovation.
A student's guide to science fairs, research programs, mentors, competitions, and scholarships — built for middle and high schoolers ready to start their STEM journey.
- 50+
- Opportunities
- 12+
- Competitions
- $10M+
- Scholarships
How it works
Three steps to your first STEM win.
01
Discover
Take the STEM interest quiz and get a personalized pathway.
02
Find opportunities
Browse 50+ curated fairs, programs, and research openings.
03
Take action
Track deadlines, save favorites, and take the next step.
Why STEM matters
More than a competition. It's a launchpad.
Science fairs and research programs give students something classrooms rarely can: real problems, real mentors, and real recognition. They open doors to scholarships, college admissions, and careers you didn't know existed.
- Original research is what admissions officers remember
- Competitions unlock $10M+ in scholarships every year
- Mentorship connects students to professionals in their field
- Confidence to say: I did that.
Explore pathways
Find the STEM field that fits you.
Engineering
Design, prototype, and build the world around you.
Mechanical EngineerCivil Engineer
Computer Science
Software, algorithms, and the systems that run our world.
Software EngineerData Scientist
Artificial Intelligence
Machine learning, neural networks, and applied AI.
ML EngineerAI Researcher
Medicine & Health Sciences
From cells to systems — study human health.
PhysicianBiomedical Researcher
Biology
Life at every scale — from molecules to ecosystems.
BiologistGeneticist
Environmental Science
Climate, ecosystems, water, and sustainability.
Climate ScientistConservation Biologist
Featured opportunities
Local fairs, global finals, summer research.
NationalRegeneron Science Talent Search
The oldest and most prestigious U.S. science competition for high school seniors.
View details
InternationalRegeneron ISEF
The world's largest pre-college science and engineering fair.
View details
RegionalScience & Engineering Fair of Houston
Regional ISEF qualifier for Houston-area students.
View details
NationalGenes in Space
Design a DNA experiment to run on the ISS.
View details
NationalScience Olympiad
Team competition across 23 STEM events.
View details
InternationalDestination Imagination
Team creativity, problem solving, and research.
View detailsStudent stories
Real students. Real STEM wins.
Stockholm Junior Water Prize finalist
"I designed a low-cost water sensor for my neighborhood."
Diego R.
10th grade • Austin
Regeneron STS Scholar
"STEM Explorer showed me competitions I didn't know existed."
Priya S.
11th grade • Sugar Land
Featured scientist
Meet a scientist.
Dr. Katalin Karikó
Biochemist — Nobel Laureate (Medicine, 2023)
mRNA therapeutics — foundational work behind COVID-19 vaccines.
Official profile
1/11
Latest STEM news
What's happening in STEM.
Competition• Fall 2025 cycle• Society for ScienceRegeneron Science Talent Search — 2026 applications
The nation's oldest and most prestigious science research competition for high school seniors. Deadline: November each year.
Research• Rolling• NASANASA Office of STEM Engagement — student opportunities
NASA OSTEM lists internships, challenges, and camps for K-12 and college students across every NASA center.
Competition• May 2026• Society for ScienceRegeneron ISEF — 2026 finalist week
The world's largest pre-college STEM competition. Finalists qualify through affiliated regional and state fairs.
Research• Annual — spring deadline• Genes in SpaceGenes in Space — DNA experiments to the ISS
Students design DNA experiments; winning proposals launch to the International Space Station.
Competition• Registration opens summer• Air & Space Forces AssociationCyberPatriot — national youth cyber defense competition
AFA's national middle- and high-school cybersecurity competition. Teams defend virtual networks.
Last verified: 2026-01. Every story links to its official source.
Ready to find your next step?
Create your free STEM Explorer account and get personalized recommendations for competitions, research, and scholarships.