Competitions &
Contests

Do you have a competitive spirit? Do you want to try your hand at building, inventing, discovering, or researching the next big thing? There are a wide variety of STEM-related contests and competitions that are open to you!

Competitions &
Contests

Do you have a competitive spirit? Do you want to try your hand at building, inventing, discovering, or researching the next big thing? There are a wide variety of STEM-related contests and competitions that are open to you!

Contests and competitions are a great opportunity to meet other kids with interests like yours, interact with experts in your field of interest… and there are prizes! Prizes can include tools, scholarships, trips and more — all you have to do to get started is enter! Here are some of the contests and competitions that are available nationally. Please remember that many schools and communities also have local contests and competitions.

BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge: The U.S. Department of Energy’s BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge engages 9th-12th-grade high school teams to research one of five cross-curricular bioenergy topics and design infographics to share what they have learned through various social media channels. Learn more
ExploraVision: ExploraVision challenges K-12 students to envision and communicate new technology 20 years in the future through collaborative brainstorming and research of current science and technology. Learn more
FIRST: FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) aims to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology through “Coopertition,” based on the idea that teams can and should help and cooperate with each other even as they compete. Learn more about the FIRST Tech Challenge and the FIRST Robotics Competition.
Geothermal Design Challenge: The U.S. Department of Energy Geothermal Technologies Office, in partnership with the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and Idaho National Laboratory, sponsors a competition for high school and university students to design an infographic that illustrates the value and potential of geothermal energy. Learn more
Intel ISEF: The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, a program of Society for Science & the Public, is the world’s largest international pre-college science competition. High school students from more than 75 countries, regions, and territories have the opportunity to showcase their independent research and compete for on average $4 million in prizes. Learn more
MIT THINK: MIT THINK is a science, research, and innovation competition that empowers high school students to transform their ideas into reality. Finalists receive $1000 in project funding and an all-expenses paid trip to MIT. Learn more
NASA OPSPARC: NASA’s Optimus Prime Spinoff Promotion & Research Challenge asks students in grade 3-12 to use their imagination and creativity to identify NASA Spinoff technology — such as memory foam, invisible braces, firefighting equipment, satellite television, and more — in their everyday world. Students will display their research and ideas through a Glogster Multimedia Poster that will be shared with NASA. Learn more
National Science Bowl: The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Science Bowl is a nationwide academic competition that tests middle and high school students’ knowledge in all areas of science and mathematics. Learn more
President’s Environmental Youth Award: The PEYA program attempts to promote awareness of our nation’s natural resources and encourage positive community involvement by recognizing outstanding environmental projects by K-12 youth. Learn more
Science Olympiad: Science Olympiad competitions consist of a series of 23 team events in each division. Each year, a portion of the events are rotated to reflect the ever-changing nature of many science disciplines. Emphasis is placed on active, hands-on group participation. Learn more
SkillsUSA: Many competition opportunities are available through SkillsUSA membership, including the SkillsUSA Championships, the WorldSkills Competition, design challenges, and photography and video contests. Learn more
Ten80 Education: Ten80’s secondary education programs are designed to help students cultivate 21st-century skills through team-oriented challenges. Ten80 offers a variety of Student STEM Challenges to address different sets of concepts and skills. Learn more
United States Super STEM Competition: The United States Super STEM Competition is a yearly competition to challenge the creative minds of middle school, high school, and college students, providing an opportunity for students to demonstrate their innovative knowledge and skills. Learn more

ABOUT US

Get Into Energy / Get Into STEM is a ground-breaking program designed to build awareness among students, parents, teachers, guidance counselors, and others about the value of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and the excellent career opportunities available in the energy industry.

Get Into Energy / Get Into STEM is managed by the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), a non-profit consortium of electric, natural gas, and nuclear utilities and their associations.

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