Winning STEM competitions requires a specialized approach and thoughtful mentoring
Somehow Publish Research or Win Awards At Science Fairs?
Many families feel pressure to have students "publish research" — but the reality is more nuanced. Most journals rarely accept high-school-level work, and low-quality publications can actually hurt a student's profile.
Science fairs, on the other hand, offer:
- 🎓Credible feedback from scientists, engineers, and mentors
- 🏅Recognition through respected competitions like ISEF, Thermo Fisher JIC, and JSHS
- 💬Real skill-building — students learn to present, defend, and refine their ideas
These experiences bring authentic visibility and build real confidence.
Once a project earns recognition, it can be refined into a strong paper for a reputable, peer-reviewed journal.
Competitions for High School Students
The world's largest and most prestigious high school science competition, bringing together over 1,600 top young researchers from more than 60 countries. Students qualify by winning at regional or state fairs, earning the chance to present their original research on a global stage. Learn More
The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is the nation's premier science competition for high school seniors, honoring exceptional original research. Run by the Society for Science, it selects 300 Scholars and 40 Finalists who present their work in Washington, D.C., competing for over $1.8 million in awards, including a $250,000 top prize. Learn More
An international high-school competition founded by Terra Science & Education and hosted at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York. It brings together students from more than 50 countries to tackle global environmental and sustainability challenges through science, engineering, and robotics. Learn More
The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a prestigious national research competition for high school students, sponsored by the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force. Students conduct original STEM research, present at one of ~50 regional symposia, and the top finalists advance to the National JSHS, where they compete for significant scholarships and awards. Learn More
Proud to support our partners in promoting STEM Education
At Future Forward Labs, our mission is to broaden the reach of STEM education by helping school students discover the joy of scientific inquiry. Through hands-on research, one that plugs the gap between school curriculum and real world science, they build curiosity, confidence, and real-world skills.
We dedicate 5% of our annual revenue to support organizations that advance STEM learning, believing that investing in young innovators builds a brighter future for all. If your science fair or STEM outreach organization is looking for sponsors or donation, please get in touch with Future Forward Labs.
We also do pro-bono STEM mentoring for a select set of students per year, those who are motivated and are preparing to e fair projects, and are from underserved communites or families enrolled in free or reduced price meals of the National School Lunch Program in the USA.
Competitions for Middle School Students
The premier national middle school science competition in the United States, run by the Society for Science and sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific. Each year, the top 10% of projects from regional science fairs across the country are nominated to apply. From these nominees, 300 students are selected as Top 300 Junior Innovators, and 30 finalists are invited to Washington, D.C. for a week-long competition that includes challenges, presentations, and judging. Learn More
The 3M Young Scientist Challenge is a popular science competition for middle school students (grades 5–8). Organized by Discovery Education and 3M, it invites students to identify a real-world problem and build an innovative solution, then submit a 1-2 minute video of their idea. Top finalists receive a summer mentorship with a 3M scientist and compete for major prizes (including a $25,000 grand prize) and the title "America's Top Young Scientist." Learn More
How our mentors guide students
Preparation
Preparing for a successful science fair or STEM competition begins long before the experiment. The prep process encourages curiosity, planning, and resilience—essential skills for both scientific inquiry and competitive excellence.
Choosing The Right Competition(s)
Idea/Problem Identification
Hypothesis formulation
Initial Research
Lit review, expert outreach, subject prep
Deep Research
Experiments, failure analysis, data collection
Final Report
Manuscript for Research Paper
Poster Preparation
Slides Preparation
Presentation Practice
Q&A Prep
How our mentors guide students
Presentation
Once the prep is complete, it's time to communicate the student's work effectively. Through structured practice and Q&A preparation, they learn to convey their ideas clearly, handle judge interactions with confidence, and leave a lasting impression on their evaluators.
Where Young Minds Compete & Shine
BioGENEius Challenge
International Greenwich Olympiad
Genius Olympiad
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow
Coolest Projects USA
Stockholm Junior Water Prize
And more ...
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