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high school student research paper competition

20 Science Research Competitions for High Schoolers

What’s covered:, why should you enter a science research competition, how do science research competitions affect my admissions chances.

Participation in science research competitions offers many benefits to students; for example, it can make them more competitive candidates for college admissions and provide them with valuable experience in a sought-after field. There’s a wide variety of science research competitions for high schoolers, including the high-profile contests listed below.

Entering a science research competition demonstrates that you take initiative and that you care about academics beyond the grades in your courses, both of which are qualities that colleges appreciate in prospective students.

Participation in competitions is a strong extracurricular activity, and successes—like making the finals or winning—can provide you with a chance to earn a scholarship, make your college application more attention-grabbing, or even open doors, such as laying the groundwork for a career in science research and helping you land an internship.

Win or lose, taking part in a science research competition allows you to explore an interest and learn about a fascinating field.

1. American Academy of Neurology – Neuroscience Research Prize

Grades: 9-12

Type: National

The AAN Neuroscience Research Prize competition challenges students to investigate problems regarding the brain or nervous system. The competition is only open to individual students—group projects are ineligible. Teachers are encouraged to provide guidance and support; however, they should allow students to demonstrate their own creativity. Winners and their projects are highlighted at the AAN Annual Meeting.

2. Envirothon

Type: State and National

Envirothon is North America’s largest environmental education competition, with more than 25,000 students participating in the multi-level competition each year. Student teams are first challenged at state-level competitions with the winners moving on to face top teams from across the globe at the annual international competition.

The international competition is a six-day event held in a different location each summer—for example, in an open range of the western U.S. one year, and at a Maritime coastal community of eastern Canada the next. The competition offers participants the chance to win thousands of dollars in scholarships.

3. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

Type: Local, Regional, and International

The Regeneron ISEF is the world’s largest international pre-college science competition—more than 1,800 high school students, representing more than 75 countries, regions, and territories, take part. Students showcase independent research and compete for roughly $8 million in awards across 21 categories .

This is not a group-based competition—individual students enroll in local school science fairs before advancing to upper-level competitions in hopes of reaching the national stage.

4. National Science Bowl

Hosted by the Department of Energy in Washington, D.C., the National Science Bowl is a highly publicized competition that tests students’ knowledge in all areas of science and mathematics, including biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, energy, and math. Students compete in teams of four (plus an alternate) and have a teacher who serves as an advisor.

The National Science Bowl is one of the largest science competitions in the country—roughly 330,000 students have participated in it throughout its 32-year history.

5. National Science Olympiad

One of the nation’s premier STEM competitions, the National Science Olympiad is the pinnacle of achievement for the country’s top Science Olympiad teams. In 2022, the U.S. top 120 teams, plus a Global Ambassador Team from Japan (for a total of more than 2,000 students) squared off in a variety of events for the chance to be named the Science Olympiad National Champions.

Teams also compete annually for the opportunity to win prizes and scholarships, including a one-time $10,000 Science Olympiad Founders’ Scholarship. About 6,000 teams compete each year, beginning at the regional level in hopes of reaching the national competition.

6. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)

Established in 1942 and hosted by the Society for Science, the Regeneron Science Talent Search is considered the most prestigious high school science research competition in the nation. The competition tasks young scientists with presenting their original research before a panel of nationally recognized professional scientists.

Of the 1,800 entrants, 300 Regeneron STS scholars are selected—they and their schools are awarded $2,000 each. Forty finalists are then picked from the pool of scholars. They receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., where they compete for an additional $1.8 million in awards, with a top prize of $250,000.

7. Stockholm Junior Water Prize

Type: Regional, State, National, and International

In this competition, students from around the world seek to address the current and future water challenges facing the world. Competition for the Stockholm Junior Water Prize occurs on four levels: regional, state, national, and international.

  • Regional winners receive a certificate and a nomination to compete in the state competition.
  • State winners receive a medal and an all-expenses-paid trip to compete in the national competition.
  • National winners receive a trophy, a $10,000 scholarship, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the international competition in Stockholm, Sweden.
  • International winners receive a crystal trophy and a $15,000 scholarship, along with a $5,000 award for their school.

In order to participate, students can begin to research and develop a practical project proposal either as an individual or with a group. To reach the national level, students must be nominated by a national organizer representing their country.

8. TOPSS Competition for High School Psychology Students

To participate in this competition, students must submit a video of up to 3 minutes that demonstrates an interest in and understanding of a topic in psychology that they think could benefit their local community and improve lives. Students must also utilize at least one peer-reviewed research study on their topic, and must include a closing slide citing their source(s). Up to three winners are chosen to receive a $300 scholarship.

9. Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) National Competition

Type: Regional and National

The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium National Competition is one of the country’s longest-running STEM competitions—participants are required to submit and present scientific research papers and compete for military-sponsored undergraduate scholarships.

The JSHS national competition is the result of a collaborative effort between the Department of Defense and academic research institutes nationwide. It is designed to emulate a professional symposium. Research projects are organized into categories such as Environmental Science, Engineering and Technology, and Medicine and Health. After competing regionally, about 250 students are chosen to attend an annual symposium to showcase their work.

10. MIT THINK Scholars Program

In the fall of each year, interested students can enter project proposals into competition for selection from a group of undergraduate students at MIT. If selected, students will be able to carry out their project—receiving up to $1000 in funding to complete their research. They’ll also be invited to a four-day symposium at MIT the following year.

Finalists are guided with weekly mentorship and will have the opportunity to present their findings to MIT students and faculty at the end of the program.

11. Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision

Grades: K-12

In this competition, students compete in groups of 2-4 to select a technology and forecast how it will evolve over the next decade or beyond, while discussing the scientific achievements that will need to be made to get there.

Students will submit an abstract as well as a detailed description paper that is not to exceed 11 pages. In doing so, they will be entered into competition and considered for a number of financial awards, as well as a trip to Washington, D.C., for the ExploraVision Awards Weekend. The competition is nationally recognized and is sponsored by Toshiba and the National Science Teachers Association.

12. Conrad Challenge

Teams of 2-5 students are tasked with designing and detailing project proposals to tackle various problems categories such as Aerospace & Aviation, Health & Nutrition, Cyber-Technology & Security, and Energy & Environment. In doing so, they will identify problems in the world and come up with a feasible and innovative solution, working with judges and mentors along the way.

Finalists will be selected from the competing teams and invited to the Innovation Summit in Houston, where they will pitch their projects to judges and potentially receive numerous prizes and awards, ranging from scholarships to consulting services.

13. USA Biolympiad Competition

Type: National and International

Over the course of two years, students will undergo multiple rounds of testing that will eventually pinpoint twenty finalists to be selected for training in a residential program with the goal of representing the USA in the International Biology Olympiad. As such, this is one of the most prestigious and difficult competitions, not just in biology, but in all high school sciences. However, the experience is second to none, and is the ultimate test for students devoted to the future of biology.

14. Davidson Fellows Scholarship

While not exclusive to STEM, the Davidson Fellows program offers various major scholarships for students interested in careers in sciences. Listed as one of the “ 10 Biggest Scholarships in the World ,” this program requires students to submit a variety of components related to an independent research study with the broad goal of contributing positively to society through the advancement of science. Students will submit multiple essays as well as a video summary, and must include an additional visual model reporting their findings.

15. Destination Imagination

Type: Regional, State, National, International

Destination Imagination is another worldwide competition that includes a variety of subjects, but it specializes in science-based challenges. Students will form teams and choose from a list of different challenges to compete in in categories such as Technical, Scientific, and Engineering.

Students will solve these challenges and present their solutions in regional competitions. Regional winners will move on to statewide competitions before being invited to the Global Finals, where over 8,000 students from 28 states and 12 countries compete for awards. 150,000 students compete annually in the competition at some level.

16. Breakthrough Junior Challenge

For students looking for a more creatively inspired and unconventional competition, the Breakthrough Junior Challenge tasks students with creating a short two-minute video in which they explain and demonstrate a complex scientific concept.

Does that sound simple enough? Over 2,400 students from over 100 countries submitted videos in 2022, meaning there’s no shortage of competition here. Winning applicants will need to demonstrate immense creativity and understanding of complex scientific concepts, but rest assured—the prize is worth the difficulty.

The winner will receive a $250,000 scholarship for accredited colleges and universities, as well as a $100,000 grant to the winner’s school for the development of a science lab, and a $50,000 award to a teacher of the winner’s choosing.

17. Biotechnology Institute: BioGENEius Challenge

Students from across the country are invited to participate in the Biotechnology Institute’s BioGENEius Challenge, where they’ll be able to choose to complete a project in the Healthcare, Sustainability, or Environment categories. If accepted, students will need to complete an extensive research project and demonstrate results, and then compete in either local or a virtual “At-Large” competition, with other student competitors from around the world.

18. Genes in Space

Grades: 7-12

For students interested in the science of space and its overlap with our current understanding of the human genome, this competition combines these two worlds by tasking students with designing a DNA experiment that addresses challenges in space exploration and travel.

Students will submit a project proposal, and semifinalists will be selected to pitch their experiments in Seattle. After doing so, finalists will be selected to work with mentors and scientists from schools, such as Harvard and MIT, to design a real-life experiment. One finalist’s experiment will win the opportunity to be conducted at the International Space Station. The lucky winner will travel to the Kennedy Space Center to see the winning experiment’s launch!

19. Odyssey of the Mind

Students will form teams to compete in a variety of STEM-based challenges in this global problem-solving competition, culminating in a World Finals competition that takes place in East Lansing, Michigan.

Over 800 teams from 33 states and 15 countries compete each year in challenges ranging from designing vehicles to building small structures that can withstand hundreds of pounds. These challenges are designed to encourage creativity in the performative and presentational elements of competition.

20. U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad

Type: Regional, National, International

Students interested in Chemistry are able to participate in the USNCO, in which they’ll take rigorous exams to prove their skills in the Chemistry field. Top test-takers will be selected to attend a prestigious Study Camp, where they’ll compete for the chance to represent the U.S. at the International Chemistry Olympiad. Interested students can contact their Local Coordinator, who can be found through the program’s website.

The influence your participation in science research competitions can have on your college admissions varies—considerations such as how well you performed and the prestige of the event factor into how admissions officers view the competition. That being said, the four tiers of extracurricular activities provide a good general guide for understanding how colleges view your activities outside the classroom.

The most esteemed and well-known science research competitions are organized into Tiers 1 and 2. Extracurricular activities in these categories are extremely rare, demonstrate exceptional achievement, and hold considerable sway with admissions officers. Tiers 3 and 4 are reserved for more modest accomplishments—like winning a regional (rather than a national) competition—and carry less weight at colleges than their higher-tiered counterparts.

Generally, participation in a science research competition will be considered at least a Tier 2 activity. As stated before, this varies depending on the competition and your performance. For example, being a finalist or winner in something like the Regeneron Science Talent Search or the International Biology Olympiad—prestigious national and international competitions—is very likely to be considered a Tier 1 achievement.

However, lower-tiered extracurriculars are still valuable, as they show colleges a more well-rounded picture of you as a student, and highlight your desire to pursue your interests outside of school.

Curious how your participation in science research competitions affects your odds of college admissions? Collegevine can help. Our free chancing calculator uses factors like grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities—like science research competitions— to calculate your chances of getting into hundreds of colleges across the country! You can even use the information provided to identify where you can improve your college profile and ultimately bolster your odds of getting into your dream school.

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high school student research paper competition

  • Student Life

35 Top Science Competitions for High School Students

high school student research paper competition

If you love science — or even if you’re just curious and want to explore STEM subjects — the best science competitions for high school students offer different and exciting ways for teens of all levels and interests to learn and shine!

Science competitions for high school students – more than just science fairs.

high school student research paper competition

When you think of a science competition, your mind may bring up images of an elementary school science fair with play dough volcanos spewing baking soda and vinegar “lava” in school gymnasiums. In reality, high school science competitions are much more sophisticated, engaging, and fun than many students expect!

Science competitions for high school students come in many different forms, offering a wide range of opportunities to learn about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) subjects or to showcase STEM skills you already have. Whether you love the classic science fair, want to focus on a specific STEM subject, or are looking for an opportunity to innovate and make a real-world impact, there’s a science competition out there for you!

Don’t Be Intimidated by High School Science Competitions! 

You don’t have to be a scientific genius to enter and win science competitions for high school students. Why?

First: There are science competitions for all levels of high school students and, as we explain below, there are many different kinds of competitions. In addition to the traditional “science fair” competition format, there are competitions (such as video, essay, innovation, and building competitions) for teens who may not be interested in doing scientific research. There are even competitions where you learn all the science you need along the way!

Second: While some elite, research-focused science competitions for high school students can be pretty intimidating, we’re going to let you in on a “secret” that most teens don’t know: the students who participate in those competitions get a lot (yes, a lot!) of help from professionals like teachers, scientists, and other mentors, and there are ways that YOU can get help, too!

How? There are many programs and other resources that help students do scientific research for science competitions.  Many of these programs are free (or will even pay students to participate!) AND encourage students from underrepresented groups like Hispanic and Latino/x students to apply. These include science research and mentorship programs and STEM internships , all of which we feature in the Teen Resources section of Lateenz. Interested in learning more? We’ve written a whole article about how Hispanic and Latino/x (and other underrepresented) teens can enter and win science competitions for high school students .

The 6 Types of Science Competitions for High School Students

high school student research paper competition

Science competitions for high school students can be grouped into six categories: (1) Explanation; (2) Research; (3) Knowledge; (4) Writing; (5) Application; and (6) Innovation.

Science Explanation Competitions. These competitions ask students to communicate a scientific concept in an interesting and accessible way, typically through a short video. The goal is for participating students to “learn by teaching” while also spreading their knowledge and enthusiasm for science with other teens.

Science Research Competitions. One of the most well-known types of science competitions for high school students is the science research competition.  These competitions involve students using the scientific method to investigate a question of their choice about the natural world. (The scientific method is a systematic process that includes making observations, formulating a question or hypothesis, conducting research, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.) Students then present their findings either in person (at a science fair, in the form of a project or display) or by submitting a research paper. Science research competitions are usually held at the local, regional, or state level and are organized by schools, science clubs, professional societies, or science industry organizations.

Science Knowledge Competitions. These competitions, also known as olympiads or bowls, are exam-based competitions designed to challenge students’ academic and technical knowledge of various STEM subjects, such as biology, chemistry, physics, or computer science. These competitions are held on a single day or weekend and, in addition to tests, can include a variety of events such as lab experiments and hands-on building activities. They are organized by state and national organizations and held at different levels, from invitational to regional, state, and national. In some cases, national winners go on to compete in international competitions.

Science Writing Competitions. These competitions ask students to explore and comment on an aspect of science’s role in society. Like other types of science competitions, students must understand the scientific principles behind what they are writing about, but they must also go further and analyze, critique, or advocate for an element of science based on how they think it affects the world.

Science Application Competitions. Applied science competitions offer students the chance to demonstrate their skill in the practical, real-world application of a STEM area – usually a form of engineering – such as computer programming, robotics, or rocketry. Because the topics of applied science competitions aren’t typically taught in high schools, these competitions usually involve a learning component guided by a teacher or other adult mentor who supervises a team of students. Applied science competitions are often organized as multi-level tournaments (similar to science knowledge competitions) where the winning teams at each level (regional and state) move on to compete for a national or international title.

Science Innovation Competitions. These competitions are designed to promote innovation and may take the form of hackathons, business plan competitions, or design challenges. The goal is for students to develop and present new ideas, prototypes, or business plans that have the potential to solve real-world problems such as environmental conservation, energy efficiency, or disease/disability.

35 Science Competitions for High School Students, 2023

Here are 35 examples of some of the best and most interesting science competitions for high school students in 2023 . . . plus, if you hang with us to the end, we’re featuring a special BONUS competition that we think is creative and fun. Don’t miss it! 

Science Explanation Competitions

high school student research paper competition

1. American Association of Physics Teachers: AAPT High School Physics Photo Contest

The AAPT High School Physics Photo Contest is an international science competition for high school students. Participants take photos or create picture illustrations of a physics concept or phenomenon and write an explanation. The contest is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Teachers must register for the competition online first, and then they receive instructions and a link to submit the names of the students who will be entering photos. There are two categories (natural photos and contrived photos). Both categories are judged on the quality of the photo and the accuracy of the physics in the explanation that accompanies the photograph. Awards for 1st-3rd place students include $50–$100 and certificates.

  • Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
  • Focus: Photography, Physics, STEM
  • Participation: Submission

2. American Psychological Association: TOPSS Competition for High School Psychology Students

The American Psychological Association: TOPSS Competition for High School Psychology Students invites students to submit a video (max. 3 minutes) showcasing their understanding of how the results of a published study they have learned about related to psychology have the potential to benefit their school/community and improve people’s lives. Submissions should cover a topic related to social psychology, personality, multiculturalism, gender, motivation, or emotion. Up to 3 winners will receive a $300 scholarship.

  • Focus:  Film/Video, Psychology, STEM

3. Breakthrough Junior Challenge

The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is an international science video contest for young people ages 13-18. Students are asked to explain an important scientific theory, concept, or principle in the fields of physics, mathematics, or life sciences by creating a short video (1 minute and 30 seconds max). One prize will be awarded to the winner of the contest, consisting of – are you ready for this? – (1) a $250,000 college scholarship; (2) $100,000 to the winner’s school for the renovation or addition of a science lab; and (3) $50,000 to a teacher selected by the winner. WOW!

  • Grades: (Ages 13–18)
  • Focus: Biology, Film/Video, Mathematics, Media, Physics, STEM

4. National Eye Institute: Eye on the Future Teen Video Contest

The National Eye Institute: Eye on the Future Teen Video Contest is a video contest sponsored by The National Institutes of Health and is open to teens currently living in the U.S. Students are invited to create a video about why science is important in 1 of 3 categories: science in your world, science in the field or lab, or science in your future. Videos must be between 30 seconds and 3 minutes long. Submissions can be made by individuals or groups of up to 3 people. First-place winners in each category will receive $2,000 cash and a trip to the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland for a day of science, networking, and fun. Videos will be judged on scientific context and accuracy, relevance, engagement, creativity, and level of effort, with bonus points for videos that are eye-health or vision science related or that focus (pun intended!) on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Submissions are encouraged from populations that are underrepresented in the U.S. biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences research enterprise, which includes individuals from racial and ethnic groups and/or those with disabilities and disadvantaged backgrounds.

  • Grades: (Ages 13–19)
  • Focus: Film/Video, STEM
  • Outreach: Black, Disability, Economically Disadvantaged, Hispanic or Latino/x, Underrepresented

Science Research Competitions

high school student research paper competition

5. American Academy of Neurology – Neuroscience Research Prize

The American Academy of Neurology – Neuroscience Research Prize is an award designed to encourage high school students to do original research and help solve problems related to the brain and nervous system. To apply, students must submit a completed application form, a 300-word abstract, a research report, and a bibliography. Four winners receive a $1,000 prize, and three winners and their teachers get the opportunity to present their work at the AAN Annual Meeting in Boston, MA. One winner and their teacher will present their work at the 2023 Child Neurology Society Annual Meeting.

  • Focus: Biology, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Medicine, STEM

6. Biotechnology Institute: BioGENEius Challenge

The Biotechnology Institute: BioGENEius Challenge gives high school students the opportunity to compete and be recognized for outstanding research in biotechnology in one of three different categories: healthcare, agricultural sustainability, and environmental protection. Students begin by entering the At-Large or Local BioGENEius Challenges, depending on whether their state has a local challenge. Information on how and where to compete in each state is provided on the competition website.

  • Focus: Agriculture, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Environment, Medicine, STEM
  • Participation: In Person, Submission

7. Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarship

The Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarship is a science competition for high school students that awards scholarships of $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000 to high-achieving students who have completed a significant piece of work in categories such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Eligible applicants must be 18 or younger as of the application deadline, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and be able to attend the awards reception in September in Washington, D.C. Teams of two are allowed, and the scholarship money will be split evenly between team members. This competition is looking for students whose projects are at, or close to, the college graduate level with a depth of knowledge in their particular area of study.

  • Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 (must be 18 or younger)
  • Focus: STEM

8. Junior Science and Humanities Symposium National Competition

The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) National Competition (JSHS) is a multilevel (regional and national) competition where high school students (grades 9-12) present their STEM projects before a panel of judges and an audience of their peers. Students also get access to hands-on workshops, panel discussions, career exploration, research lab visits, and networking. Students compete in eight categories: Physical Sciences, Environmental Science, Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Medicine & Health/Behavioral Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences, and Chemistry. The JSHS experience starts with a Regional Symposium. JSHS Regions cover all 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Department of Defense Schools in Europe and the Pacific. Students are expected to compete in their home region. Winners at the regional level move on to the national competition. Prizes include recognition, scholarships, and connection to future research opportunities through other STEM programs and networks with university and industry professionals. Please note that only the students who are citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) of the United States can receive the scholarship.

  • Focus: Biology, Biomedicine, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environment, Geosciences, Mathematics, Medicine, Physics, STEM, Technology

9. Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT THINK Scholars Program

The MIT THINK Scholars Program is a competition designed to motivate U.S. high school students to come up with a creative idea for a new STEM research project and then help the students complete the research. This competition is different from most research competitions because it doesn’t require students to have a finished project. Instead, this competition asks students to submit proposals for a new research project in any area of science, technology, or engineering. Selected finalists then get up to $1,000 to work on their projects and have weekly mentorship meetings with THINK team members for technical guidance, helpful resources, and progress updates. Finalists are also invited to a four-day all-expenses paid trip to MIT’s campus, where they tour labs, present their research to MIT students and faculty, and hang out with members of the THINK team. Finalists who successfully complete their projects are given the title of MIT THINK Scholars.

  • Focus: Engineering, Mentoring, Science, STEM, Technology

10. NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery Health Science Competition

The NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery Health Science Competition is for 9th-12th grade students from Nassau/Suffolk Counties in New York. Teams of 1–3 students are eligible to participate by experimenting and testing any innovation in health science. The competition has two rounds. In Round One, teams submit a website with a digital poster, 8-minute video, abstract, etc. that is judged by regional medical professionals. In Round Two, the top 10 teams present their research in person to judges. $80,000 in score-based awards are available for students.

  • Focus: Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Medicine, STEM

11. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is arguably the most prestigious science competition for high school students in grades 9–12 from around the world. As its name suggests, the ISEF has a science fair-type format, but, unlike other science fairs, students can’t just register to compete. Instead, students must start by participating in local/school science fairs and advance to an ISEF-affiliated fair. From there, promising students must be invited by Regeneron to participate at the ISEF. To be clear, this is not a competition that students can do on their own. To have any shot of being invited to the ISEF (and to win), the vast majority of students need and get help from a professional scientist who agrees to act as their mentor and support their research. Over 1,800 students are invited to participate in ISEF each year. The winner receives a $75,000 award, second and third place each receive $50,000, and there are additional prizes ranging from $3,000 to $500. ISEF is considered the most competitive science fair in the U.S. and, even if you don’t win an award, just being chosen to compete is very impressive. As you might expect, this competition is challenging and requires significant time and effort, but it’s worth it!

  • Participation: In Person

12. Regeneron Science Talent Search

Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is another very prestigious Regeneron science competition for high school students who perform original research. STS is different from the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in that: (1) it’s for U.S. high school seniors only; (2) it’s not an in-person science fair-type competition — students submit research papers instead; and (3) this competition judges the whole student (academics and extracurriculars) in addition to just their submitted research. To compete, students are required to submit a written research paper about their work and an application that provides submission information about their academic interests and performance and their extracurriculars. STS is judged on the quality of the research but also on academic ability and the student’s potential to become a scientific leader in the future. Three hundred scholars are awarded $2,000; with an additional $2,000 going to their high schools to support STEM education. The top 300 scholars will also receive an invitation to apply to Regeneron’s summer internship program. All 40 finalists win an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC for the Regeneron Science Talent Institute, where they explain their research to some of the country’s top scientists and compete for the top 10 awards. The top award is $250,000. Like the Regeneron ISEF, to have any shot at winning this competition, the vast majority of students need a professional mentor who agrees to help and support their research. (But remember – you can get help from a professional mentor , too!)

13. Stockholm Junior Water Prize

The Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP) is a prestigious international award for high school students who have conducted water-related science projects. The competition is open to public, private, or independent high school students in grades 9–12, who have reached the age of 15 by Aug. 1 of the competition year and have conducted water-related science projects. Teams of up to two students may enter. Projects should be aimed at enhancing the quality of life through the improvement of water quality, water resources management, or water and wastewater treatment. The entries are judged based on six different criteria: relevance, creativity, methodology, subject knowledge, practical skills, and report and presentation. The national winner of the competition will represent the U.S. in the international competition.

  • Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 (min. age 15)
  • Focus: Aquatic Science, STEM

Science Knowledge Competitions

high school student research paper competition

14. American Association of Physics Teachers: Physics Bowl Contest

The Physics Bowl Contest is a science competition for high school students focused on physics, where teams from different schools compete against each other at the regional level. The test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 45 minutes. The exam covers topics taught in high school physics courses, with two divisions for first and second-year physics students to encourage award distribution. Approximately 10,000 students participate in the contest each year.

  • Focus: Physics, STEM

15. Envirothon

The National Conservation Foundation Envirothon is an environmental and natural resource education program and science competition for high school students across the United States, Canada, and China. It involves in-class learning and outdoor field experiences, followed by an academic competition for scholarships, prizes, and recognition. The first-place team from each participating state, province, and country attends the NCF-Envirothon annual international competition, hosted in a different location each year. During the competition, student teams are tested on their knowledge of five subject areas (aquatic ecology, forestry, soils/land use, wildlife, and an additional current environmental issue), do lab work, and also give an oral presentation. This competition emphasizes oral communication (speaking) skills and the application of knowledge to real-world environmental and natural resource issues.

  • Focus: Aquatic Science, Ecology, Environment, STEM

16. National Science Bowl

The National Science Bowl is a nationwide academic competition run by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that tests middle and high school students’ knowledge in all areas of science and mathematics. Teams of four students, one alternate, and a teacher-advisor participate in a fast-paced question-and-answer format. The high school questions cover seven categories at a college freshman level: biology, chemistry, earth and space science, energy, mathematics, and physics. (The middle school questions are in life science, physical science, earth and space science, energy, and mathematics.) Over 9,000 high school and 5,000 middle school students compete in 65 high school and 50 middle school regional tournaments each year. The DOE Office of Science sponsors the national finals competition.

  • Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
  • Focus:  Aeronautics, Biology, Chemistry, Geoscience, Mathematics, Physics, STEM

17. Science Olympiad

Science Olympiad is a science competition for middle school (Division B) and high school (Division C) students. Teams of up to 15 students compete in Regional, State, and National events, which cover 23 different areas of science. Team members are assigned 3–4 events and prepare for competitions by regularly meeting for each event with their teammates and event coach. There are two types of events: study events (preparing for a test) and building events (hands-on building of projects). Most schools have a meeting once a week for each event, making Science Olympiad a significant time commitment. The goal of all this preparation is, of course, the Science Olympiad competitions, which are held on college campuses and consist of 4 levels: Invitationals, Regionals, State, and Nationals.

  • Grades: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
  • Focus: Science, STEM

18. USA Biology Olympiad 

The USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) is a biology competition for U.S. high school students. It’s held annually and consists of four rounds of exams: Open Exam, Semifinal Exam, National Finals Exam, and the International Biology Olympiad. Eligible students must be in grades 9–12, attend a USABO-registered school (ask your biology teacher if your school is registered), and be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. The competition is open to all students interested in biology (no formal coursework is required), but this competition is probably better for students who have completed at least one biology course and are willing to teach themselves more advanced concepts and information. The top four winners in the National Finals are invited to represent the U.S. in the International Biology Olympiad.

  • Focus: Biology, STEM

19. U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad

The U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad is a multi-tiered chemistry competition for U.S. high school students sponsored by the American Chemical Society. Students interested in competing must work with their high school chemistry teacher who registers the school to participate in the program. Nearly 16,000 students participate in advancing rounds of local chemistry Olympiad competitions. Top-scoring students at the end of those rounds move on to the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad, which consists of three parts: a 90-minute multiple-choice exam, a 105-minute written exam, and a 90-minute laboratory practical. The top 20 students at the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad are invited to attend a study camp, where the best four students are chosen to represent the U.S. at the International Chemistry Olympiad. To participate, students must be US citizens or permanent residents, graduating high school no earlier than May 1st of the competition year, and under 20 years old on July 1st. Up to two students from each high school can participate.

  • Focus: Chemistry, STEM

Science Writing Competitions

high school student research paper competition

20. American Society of Human Genetics: Annual DNA Day Essay Contest

The American Society of Human Genetics: Annual DNA Day Essay Contest is open to students in grades 9–12 worldwide. This contest asks students to examine, question, and write about a specific topic related to genetics. Essays are expected to be well-reasoned arguments that indicate a deep understanding of scientific concepts related to the essay question. Essays must be written by one individual student; group submissions are not permitted. Essays must be in English and no more than 750 words. Winning essays are published on the ASHG’s website, and the winners also receive cash prizes: First Place — $1,000; Second Place — $600; Third Place — $400; Honorable Mention — 10 prizes of $100.

  • Focus: Essay, Genomics, STEM, Writing

21. EngineerGirl Essay Contest

The EngineerGirl Essay Contest asks students to write an essay on an annual topic dealing with engineering and its impact on the world. The contest is open to individual students in the following three competition categories: Elementary School Students (grades 3–5), Middle School Students (grades 6–8), or High School Students (grades 9–12). Judges include professionals from various engineering fields. Essays are judged on how well written and persuasive they are, as well as how well they demonstrate engineering’s positive and essential role in society, and why engineering needs unique and diverse perspectives from people from a wide range of backgrounds. Extra credit may be given for outstanding originality, creative presentation, or particularly engaging examples. 1st place wins $500, 2nd place wins $250, and 3rd place wins $100. Winning entries (including honorable mentions) are published on the EngineerGirl website.

  • Focus: Engineering, Essay, STEM, Writing

22. Genome Medical: Force for Good Essay Contest

The Genome Medical: Force for Good Essay Contest is for U.S. high school sophomores or juniors who identify as a member of one or more underrepresented populations based on race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, country of origin, culture, language, religion, spiritual beliefs, health history, disability, financial hardship, and/or others. Students are asked to write about a changing topic related to genetics or genomics and submit their essays online in English. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards of $2500, $1000, and $500, respectively, to go to the winning essays which are picked by a diverse essay review committee made up of both clinical genetic and genomic healthcare providers and non-clinical employees of Genome Medical. Winners also receive public congratulations and their essays are posted on social media.

  • Grades: 10, 11
  • Focus: Essay, Genomics
  • Outreach: Black, Disability, Economically Disadvantaged, ESL, Female, Hispanic and Latino/x, LGBTQIA+, Underrepresented (All)

23. New York Times STEM Writing Contest

The New York Times STEM Writing Contest invites middle and high school students (ages 11–19) to write a 500-word explanation of a science, technology, engineering, math, or health-related topic that interests them. Each essay should include an engaging hook, quotes from experts and research, and an explanation of why the topic matters in terms of its relevance to the field, the world, and our lives. Winning essays are published in The New York Times.

  • Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 (ages 11-19)
  • Focus: Essay, STEM

Science Application Competitions

high school student research paper competition

24. American Rocketry Challenge

The American Rocketry Challenge gives U.S. middle and high school students hands-on experience solving engineering problems through the design, build, and launch of model rockets. (There are also competitions for marketing and explaining rocketry.) Teams of 3–10 students (grades 6–12) compete against hundreds of teams nationally for the chance to win $100,000 in prizes. Teams must be supervised by an adult approved by the principal of the school, or by an officially-appointed adult leader of a youth organization. What if you don’t know much about rocketry? The American Rocketry Challenge features a nationwide network of aerospace professionals and rocketry experts from the National Association of Rocketry and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (listed on the website!) who are willing and available to mentor your team. These mentors can help with organizing, rocket building, and career pathway exploration.

  • Focus: Aeronautics, Engineering, Marketing, STEM

25. Best Robotics Competition

In the Best Robotics Competition , school-based teams of high school students (and middle students) compete against each other to build robots on a real-time basis using a provided “kit” of materials. The robots must navigate obstacles and perform specific tasks (which are kept secret until the day of the competition) on a 24-square-foot field. There are rounds of competitions to determine the winners in 5 categories as well as an overall winner (the best score in all 5 categories).

  • Focus: Robotics, STEM

26. FIRST Robotics Competition

The FIRST Robotics Competition is an annual program for high school students that challenges teams to design, build, and program industrial-size robots to play a field game in alliance with other teams. Teams must also fundraise, design a team brand and promote STEM in the community. Mentors and volunteers guide each team, and the season culminates in district and regional events and the FIRST Championship. The program welcomes all skill levels and offers opportunities to collaborate, compete, use cutting-edge technology, solve problems, and be exposed to new ideas and scholarships. Events include Kickoff, District and Regional events, the FIRST Championship, and Off-Season events.

27. Rube Goldberg Machine Contests

The Rube Goldberg Machine Contest® is a STEM competition open to individuals or teams of all ages. It challenges students to make interesting machines out of found or discarded household items. The machines can be any size and must complete a specific task. Students take videos of their machines in action for submission. There are also 2 variations of this contest: The Rube Goldberg Cartoon Contest® (where students draw cartoons of a Rube Goldberg machine) and The Rube Goldberg Minecraft Challenge® (where students in grades 3–12 create a virtual Rube Goldberg machine on Minecraft). Prizes include Visa gift cards, Rube swag, trophies, and being showcased on social media.

  • Focus: Art, Engineering, Fine Art, Information Technology, STEM

28. TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science)

TEAMS is an annual, multilevel (state and national) STEM competition that gives middle and high school students (grades 7–12) the opportunity to work together on a theme-based engineering challenge. Students participate in teams of 2–4 members plus an adult coach. The competition has three components: (1) Design/Build: Using designated materials, teams complete a hands-on design challenge related to the annual competition theme; (2) Multiple Choice: teams answer multiple choice questions on four engineering scenarios related to the annual competition theme; and (3) Essay: each team researches and writes an in-depth essay related to the competition theme (submitted electronically prior to the in-person part of the competition). Teams are split into two divisions: 9th/10th-grade level and 11th/12th-grade level. Students that win at the state level advance to the national TEAMS competition. There is a fee to compete of $150 per team and $100 per additional team registered at the same school.

  • Focus: Engineering, Essay, STEM, Writing

29. Zero Robotics Competition

The Zero Robotics Competition is a robotics programming competition run by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Student teams remotely program SPHERES satellites inside the International Space Station (ISS) to solve an annual challenge. The competition starts online, and finalists are selected to compete in a live championship where an astronaut conducts the competition aboard the ISS. There are two types of tournaments: the High School Tournament for students in grades 9–12, which takes place from September to December, and the Middle School Summer Program, a 5-week program for younger students. The tournament objectives are to win a technically challenging game by programming the SPHERES satellites to complete game objectives while conserving resources and staying within specified time and code-size limits.

  • Grades : 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
  • Participation: Submission and In Person

Science Innovation Competitions

high school student research paper competition

30. Biomimicry Institute: Youth Design Challenge

The Biomimicry Institute: Youth Design Challenge is a team competition for students in middle school (grades 6–8) and high school (grades 9–12). Working with an adult coach, student teams choose an environmental or social problem. The teams then work together to apply biomimicry to address the chosen issue, by studying how organisms in nature have adapted to similar problems and applying that knowledge to create innovative solutions. The final project can be entered into a nationwide competition, where prizes are awarded by the Biomimicry Institute. First, second, and third place award winners as well as honorable mentions are selected in middle school and high school categories, and winning teams have their work featured online. Students don’t need to have experience with biomimicry to participate. The Challenge provides resources and training opportunities, including access to lesson plans, to help the teams and their coaches.

31. Conrad Challenge

The Conrad Challenge is an international competition for students aged 13–18 that encourages them to apply science, technology, and innovation to solve global problems. Participants form teams of 2–5 students and go through four stages: Activation, Lean Canvas, Innovation, and Power Pitch. The competition aims to develop students’ collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills. Teams compete for awards and recognition, with the best teams named Pete Conrad Scholars. Competition categories include Aerospace & Aviation, Cyber-Technology & Security, Energy & Environment, Health & Nutrition, Transforming Education Through Technology, and Smoke-Free World. In the final stage, the Innovation Summit, teams present their projects to a panel of expert judges.

  • Grades: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 (ages 13–18)
  • Participation: In-Person, Submission

32. Exploravision

Toshiba ExploraVision is a science competition for K-12 students of all interest, skill, and ability levels. Students work in groups of 2–4 guided by a team coach and optional mentor to research a current technology.  They explore what the technology does, how it works, and how, when, and why it was invented.  The students then try to imagine what that same technology could look like 10 or more years in the future, and determine what scientific breakthroughs need to occur to make it a reality. First prize winners receive $10,000 in US EE savings bonds, second prize winners receive $5,000, national finalists receive a trip to Washington DC for the awards weekend, regional winners receive a Chromebook and awards ceremony, and honorable mentions receive a unique prize and certificate. Coaches of winning teams receive trips, Chromebooks, certificates, and gifts, and schools of regional winners receive technology or science-related gifts.

  • Focus: STEM, Technology

33. Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior

The Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior is an international competition for students aged 13–18. Participants learn about artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity.  They then apply these technologies to come up with a concept or idea to make a difference in the world. Teams of 1–6 students are led by a Team Leader (such as a teacher or mentor). Microsoft provides access to Azure for Students (to help teams build prototypes) and Minecraft: Education Edition (for lessons on AI). The competition includes resources like a Beginners Kit, Deep Learning Modules, and a Team Leader Toolkit. Teams submit their projects through a PowerPoint template and a video. The top ten teams receive trophies and prizes.

  • Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 (ages 13–18)
  • Focus: Computer Science, STEM, Technology

34. Samsung Solve for Tomorrow

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a $2 million national technology competition for public schools grades 6–12. Teams of students work with a teacher-advisor to create and showcase a project that uses STEM skills to come up with innovative solutions to real-world issues in their local communities. Students can win up to $100,000 in prizes for their school, plus the opportunity to work with Samsung employees to develop their prototypes.

35. Spellman Clean Tech Competition

The Spellman Clean Tech Competition is a global research and design challenge for high school students between the ages of 15–18. Students identify an environmental or resource issue they want to change and design a sustainable solution using clean technology. In the first round of the competition, teams must submit an electronic paper outlining the problem they have identified and proposing a clean technology solution. The top 30 teams are selected as semifinalists, and the top 10 are named as finalists and invited to the second round of the competition. In the second round, finalists create a prototype of their solution using a $200 stipend and participate in a live judging event. There are 10 cash prizes ranging from $1,000 to $7,000, and the first-place team receives continued mentorship to develop their winning idea.

  • Focus: Engineering, STEM

Hey, there – you made it to the BONUS Competition!

As promised, because you stuck with us to the end of this list, we’re letting you in on a really cool and fun competition that we came across. This competition is a bit “non-traditional” and falls somewhere between Science Application and Science Innovation competitions (and is less intense than the Biomimicry Institute Youth Design Challenge), but it’s just so awesome that we wanted to highlight it.  The competition ran in 2022 and they’re bringing it back for 2023, so start designing NOW!!

36. The Natural Robotics Contest    

The Natural Robotics Contest is an opportunity for anyone to have their idea for a bioinspired robot turned into a reality. If you’ve ever watched an animal (or plant!) do something cool and thought “Why can’t we do it that way?”, this is the competition for you. A team of robotics researchers (affiliated with some major European universities) is hosting a design competition for students all over the world to submit their ideas for robots inspired by nature. The key to winning is to let your imagination run wild (pun intended)! If you watch the video below, you’ll see that the “designs” don’t have to be complex blueprints or schematics — these researchers are just looking for a great idea and a basic description and drawing that explains it. There’s no cash prize, but the best ideas will be posted on their website and the researchers will make a working model of the winning design!  How awesome is that?!

  • Focus: Art, Design, Engineering, Robotics, STEM

Want to See More? Check Out the Lateenz Teen Resources catalog of High School Internships , Programs , Competitions, and Scholarships

This is just a small sample of the many competitions you can find in our database. And, even if you’re not interested in competing, there are many programs and internships that offer more great opportunities in STEM and other areas! Be sure to check them out!

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2024 Regeneron Science Talent Search 40 finalists - photo grid of headshots

Congratulations Regeneron STS 2024 Finalists!

Society for Science and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. congratulate the 40 finalists in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2024, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. The finalists are competing for more than $1.8 million, with a top prize of $250,000.

The 40 finalists were selected from 300 scholars and 2,162 entrants, the largest pool of applicants since the 1960s, based on the originality and creativity of their scientific research as well as their achievement and leadership both inside and outside of the classroom.

Meet the Finalists

View the Press Release

Congratulations 2024 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars!

Congratulations to the 2024 Regeneron STS Top 300 Scholars!

Society for Science  proudly announces the top 300 scholars in the  Regeneron Science Talent Search  2024, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Scholars were selected from an applicant pool of 2,162 applications from 712 high schools across 46 states, Guam, Puerto Rico and ten other countries.

Check out the list of scholars

The Nation’s Oldest and Most Prestigious Science and Mathematics Competition

Regeneron STS is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science research competition for high school students. Started in 1942 as the Westinghouse Science Talent Search, Regeneron STS recognizes and empowers our nation’s most promising young scientists who are developing ideas that could solve society’s most urgent challenges.

Each year, thousands of students enter Regeneron STS, submitting original research in critically important scientific fields of study. Unique among high school competitions, Regeneron STS focuses on identifying, inspiring, and engaging the most promising scientists among the nation’s high school seniors.

How to Compete:

Regeneron STS 2023 Finalist Linden James at Public Day.

Official Rules

2022 STS Finalists at the US Capitol

Application Requirements

Top 3 Regeneron Science Talent Search winners Emily Ocasio, Neel Moudgal, and Ellen Xu.

For Educators and Mentors

Regeneron STS 2023 Finalist Ishika Nag at Public Day.

Spread the Word!

Important dates for sts 2024, sts application period.

June 1 – November 8, 2023

Top 300 Scholars Announced

January 10, 2024

Top 40 Finalists Announced

January 24, 2024

Regeneron STS Finals Week

March 6-13, 2024

Public Exhibition of Projects

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Winners Announced at Awards Ceremony

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Regeneron STS 2023 Finalist Ozioma Obi at Public Day.

Regeneron STS 2025 Application to Open June 1, 2024!

High school seniors living in the United States, and US citizens living abroad, who have completed independent research projects are encouraged to apply online for the chance to win up to $250,000!

The 2025 application will open June 1, 2024 and close November 7, 2024.

Regeneron STS 2023 finalists and top winners at the awards ceremony on March 13, 2023.

Watch our 2023/2024 Webinar Series!

View helpful information still relevant for the 2024/2025 season. Sign up for our webinar series and links will be emailed to you 30 minutes prior to each session.

  • August 8 at 4pm ET: Early Bird Tips for Getting Ahead on Your Application!
  • September 14 at 8pm ET: What is a Future Leader in STEM? Identifying Tomorrow’s Leaders through STS
  • October 18 at 8pm: Show Me Your Application—Tips from Finalists, Judges, Evaluators, Rules Readers and more!
  • November 2 at 8pm ET: Advice from Last Year’s Winners!

Regeneron STS 2023 Finalist on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

Meet the 2023 Finalists

Visit the Virtual Project Exhibition of Projects to learn about the top 40 finalists from this past year’s competition, view their project videos and more!

Meet the 2023 Top 300 Scholars !

Need More Information About Regeneron STS?

Get program updates by e-mail.

Congratulations Regeneron STS 2023 Top Winners

Regeneron and Society for Science announced the top ten winners of the Regeneron Science Talent Search, headed by Neel Mougdal, 17, of Saline, Michigan, who won the $250,000 top award.

  • Press Release
  • Video: Awards Ceremony
  • Virtual Public Exhibition of Projects
  • Finalist Book
  • Video: STS 2023 Highlights

The Top 3 Award Winners at the 2023 Regeneron Science Talent Search: Neel Moudgal (center)Emily Ocasio (left) and Ellen Xu (right)

Kamisi Adetunji, Regeneron STS Finalist 2023

“ Regeneron STS validated my place in research and science as a whole and allowed me to realize that I have potential and a future in the field. Although I had an idea of what I wanted my future career to be, STS, and Finals Week in particular, allowed me to see that my path does not have to be linear. It boosted my passion for science and intensified my curious mindset. I am incredibly grateful for Regeneron STS! “

Regeneron STS 2023 Finalist Diego Emilio Suchenski Loustaunau at Public Day.

Diego Suchenski Loustaunau, Regeneron STS Finalist 2023

“ Regeneron STS is life-changing. There is no better program, and there are no better people to do it with. The people are the real prize. Showing that your humanity is as strong as your research is the key to success in STS. “

2022 STS Finalist Nyasha Nyoni

Nyasha Nyoni, Regeneron STS Finalist 2022

“ I believe students should apply to STS because STS is such a great opportunity to showcase your scientific research and meet like-minded, passionate students who love science! “

2022 STS Finalist Atreyus Bhavsar

Atreyus Bhavsar, Regeneron STS Finalist 2022

“ Students should apply to the Regeneron STS because it is an amazing opportunity to build community with some of the hardest-working student scientists. I encourage those to apply to the Regeneron STS while keeping in mind that you do not need to be the smartest in the room to apply, but instead the dedicated and passionate about science. “

2022 STS Finalist Heloise Hoffmann

Heloise Hoffman, Regeneron STS Finalist 2022

“Not only did I gain incredible connections to cutting-edge researchers and the opportunity to meet with some of the most impactful scientists of our time, but I also made lifelong friendships with other like-minded students passionate about their work. Though STS is at its core a competition, nothing about our camaraderie felt competitive because we all felt so motivated by each other’s accomplishments and passions! I feel a renewed invigoration to follow my love for research to make a positive impact on the world, specifically in the curing of rare diseases.”

Carol Bauer in 1947 at Hydrocarbon Research, using a slide rule and drafting tools.

Carol Bauer, 1942 Westinghouse Science Talent Search

“At the time, majoring in engineering was a daring choice. My experience with the Westinghouse Science Talent Search gave me the confidence to make this decision.”

high school student research paper competition

Amber Yang, 2017 Regeneron Science Talent Search

“The Science Talent Search is arguably the most reputable science competition for high schoolers in the entire world.”

From the Society Blog

Several finalists speak with a Society for Science alum during the 2023 Regeneron Science Talent Search alumni dinner.

Celebrating National Mentoring Month with Regeneron STS 2024 scholars and finalists

Top 40 high school scientists in prestigious regeneron science talent search to compete for $1.8 million in awards.

A grid of four images showing someone taking notes in a notebook, a canoe in the water, a woodworking tool and a blank crossword puzzle.

Beyond the lab: the extracurricular pursuits of the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2024 scholars

high school student research paper competition

Our Sponsor: Regeneron

In 2016, Regeneron made a generous commitment to serve as the exclusive partner for the Science Talent Search through 2027. Together, we are helping the nation identify, encourage and reward talented high school seniors in their pursuit of excellence in science, math, engineering, and medicine.

National Leadership Council

Science Talent Search alumni have gone on to receive some of the world’s most esteemed academic honors, including 11 National Medals of Science, five Breakthrough Prizes, 18 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships, two Fields Medals, and 13 Nobel Prizes. They have founded top science-based companies and invented groundbreaking new medical treatments.

Have a Question?

high school student research paper competition

9 Best Cancer Research Competitions for High School Students

Divya Bhansali headshot

By Divya Bhansali

Columbia University; Biomedical Engineering PhD candidate

4 minute read

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Cancer research is a critical field with the potential to change lives and save countless individuals. High school students interested in science and medicine have the opportunity to make a significant impact by participating in cancer research competitions. These competitions not only offer valuable experience but also encourage young minds to explore this challenging field. In this blog post, we will explore the best cancer research competitions for high school students.

1. National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Research Competition

Benefits: Recognition and the chance to contribute to cancer research.

Deadline: Typically in April.

The NCI offers a cancer research competition specifically for high school students. This competition focuses solely on cancer research and offers young scientists the opportunity to contribute to our understanding of this complex disease.

2. Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF)

Benefits: Scholarships, internships, and global recognition.

Deadline: Varies by region.

Competition Date: Typically held in May.

ISEF is the largest pre-college science competition globally, and it welcomes projects from various scientific fields, including cancer research. High school students can present their findings on the global stage and potentially win scholarships, internships, and other valuable prizes.

3. Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology

Benefits: Scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and national recognition.

Deadline: Typically in September.

Competition Date: Regional competitions occur in November, with the national finals in December.

The Siemens Competition is another renowned competition that encourages high school students to conduct cutting-edge scientific research. Cancer-related projects can be a significant part of this competition. Participants get the chance to collaborate with mentors, develop research skills, and compete at regional, national, and international levels.

4. Regeneron Science Talent Search

Benefits: Scholarships, national recognition, and the opportunity to present innovative research.

Deadline: Typically in November.

Competition Date: Finalists announced in January .

The Regeneron Science Talent Search is one of the most prestigious competitions for high school students. While it's not exclusively focused on cancer research, it provides a platform for young scientists to delve into various scientific disciplines, including cancer biology. Participants can explore innovative solutions to pressing problems in oncology and present their findings.

5. Conrad Challenge

Benefits: Mentorship, global collaboration, and the opportunity to address real-world problems through innovation.

Competition Date: Regional and national events are held in the spring.

The Conrad Challenge is an excellent opportunity for high school students to work on innovative projects that address pressing global challenges, including those related to cancer. Participants have access to mentors and resources that can help them turn their ideas into real-world solutions. The competition encourages collaboration, creativity, and a focus on making a positive impact on society. Keep in mind that application deadlines and competition dates may vary each year, so it's important to check the official Conrad Challenge website for the most current information and application details.

Complete a research project in just 6-weeks!

Dive into highly concentrated content on a specific topic with the guidance of expert mentors in artificial intelligence, computer science, finance and creative writing, and build your own unique project in just 6 weeks!

Computer Science Student

6. National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)

Benefits: Scholarships and networking opportunities.

Competition Date: Regional events are held in the winter, with the national competition in April.

JSHS is a competition that encourages high school students to conduct original research in the sciences. While not cancer-specific, students with a passion for cancer research can use this platform to present their work and connect with other young scientists.

7. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)

Award: Scholarships up to $250,000

Deadline: Usually in November

Competition Dates: January - March

The Regeneron STS is one of the most prestigious research competitions for high school students. While not solely focused on cancer research, it offers a platform for students to showcase their work in various scientific fields, including cancer biology.

8. Cancer Unwrapped High School Essay Contest

Award: Prizes up to $1,000

Deadline: March 1, 2024

Competition Date: Winners are announced in the spring.

The Cancer Unwrapped Essay Contest provides an excellent opportunity for high school students to express their thoughts and ideas about their experiences with cancer through well-crafted essays. This competition not only encourages writing skills but also raises awareness about cancer and its impact on society.

9. The Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Benefits: A $250,000 post-secondary scholarship, a $100,000 science lab for the winner's school, and the opportunity to present a scientific concept in a creative video.

Deadline: Typically in June.

Competition Date: Winners are announced in December.

The Breakthrough Junior Challenge encourages high school students to communicate complex scientific concepts in a creative and engaging manner. While not exclusively focused on cancer research, participants can explore a wide range of scientific topics, including those related to cancer. The substantial scholarship and the chance to contribute to their school's science education make this competition an exciting opportunity for aspiring scientists and communicators. As deadlines and competition dates may vary, please check the Breakthrough Junior Challenge website for the most up-to-date information and application details.

More Cancer Opportunities For High School Students

A Polygence mentor can help guide you on your cancer project - whether you plan to enter a competition or are taking it on to explore your interests. Conducting research is a great way to learn more about engineering, and working with a research mentor who has expertise in the field, as well as the research process itself, is invaluable. Polygence’s Core program gives you this opportunity. In the program, middle and high school students are matched with a research mentor to complete a student-led research or passion project of their own.

Related Content:

13 Cancer Research and Passion Project Ideas for High School Students

11 Cancer Research Internship Opportunities for High School Students

Top 10 Medical Research Project Ideas for High School Students

Top 10 Medical Summer Research Opportunities for High School Students

Research and Prepare for your Competition or Fair

Polygence pairs you with an expert mentor in your area of passion. Together, you work to create a high quality research project that is uniquely your own. Our highly-specialized mentors can help guide you to feel even more prepared for an upcoming fair or competion. We also offer options to explore multiple topics, or to showcase your final product!

Student exploring their passions

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Student opportunities, david mccullough essay prizes.

David McCullough in front of a student-painted American flag at Trinity School..

David McCullough at Trinity School in Manhattan, October 15, 2019

The Gilder Lehrman Institute is now accepting submissions for the 2024 David McCullough Essay Prizes. The contest has been recently overhauled, and will recognize fourteen outstanding high school student research and interpretive essays with cash prizes of up to $5,000. This contest is named in memory of David McCullough (1933–2022)—a Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and Gilder Lehrman Life Trustee—and honors his career telling America’s stories and examining its histories. Learn more about his life and legacy here .

High school students attending schools in our Affiliate School Program are eligible and encouraged to participate. (Email [email protected] if you are not sure whether your school is an Affiliate School.) They are invited to submit an original essay, written independently or for a 2023–2024 class, that has been revised, expanded, and adapted to conform with the new McCullough Prize specifications. The two essay categories are as follows:

Research Essay: Students are invited to submit a research essay incorporating primary and secondary sources on a topic in American history from 1491 to 2001.

Interpretive Essay: Students are invited to submit an interpretive essay focusing on close reading and analysis of one primary source from American history, 1491 to 2001, in the Gilder Lehrman Collection of more than 85,000 historical documents.

More requirements for both essay categories can be found in these updated David McCullough Essay Prizes 2024 Rubrics .

All participants will receive a certificate of participation suitable for framing. Prize winners in each of our two categories—research essays and a new interpretive essay category—will receive cash awards as follows:

  • 1st Prize: $5,000 (plus a $500 prize awarded to the school)
  • 2nd Prize: $1,500 (plus a $500 prize awarded to the school)
  • Five 3rd Prizes: $500 each

To be considered for the David McCullough Essay Prizes, students, or their teachers or parents, can submit the student entry by 8:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 28, 2024 . A panel of Gilder Lehrman master teachers will choose the pool of finalists, from which a jury of eminent historians will choose the winners. Essays will be evaluated for their historical rigor, the clarity and correctness of their style, their use of evidence, and their qualities of empathy and imagination. Winners will be notified and announced no later than Friday, September 13, 2024.

General Requirements

Font and Page Style: Papers should be submitted in 12-point, Times New Roman font with one-inch margins at the top, bottom, and sides. Essays should be free of teacher commentary or other notes.

Organization: Top essays have an introduction, body, and conclusion and a clearly stated, well-developed thesis statement with supportive historical evidence.

Essay Topics: Essays can be on any topic related to American history from 1491 to 2001. Essays in the interpretative category must feature a primary source (letter, broadside, art, political cartoon, speech, etc.) from the Gilder Lehrman Collection .

Virtual Research Night

To help students, teachers, and parents prepare for the David McCullough Essay Prizes, the Institute is hosting a Virtual Research Night led by Professor Kenya Davis-Hayes (Professor of History, California Baptist University and a Scholar Judge for the prizes) to support student research at the high school level. The program will also feature members of the Gilder Lehrman Institute staff to highlight primary and secondary sources and strategies for high-quality research and writing. Register here for the Virtual Research Night on Thursday, February 29, 7 p.m. ET.

Dawe, Philip (ca. 1750-1785) The Bostonian's Paying the Excise-man, or Tarring & Feathering

Philip Dawe, The Bostonian's Paying the Excise-man, or Tarring & Feathering , London, 1774. (The Gilder Lehrman Institute, GLC04961.01)

Past Winners

SL

2023 Contest Winners

Read the eleven prize winners, selected from more than one hundred and fifty students’ entries.

2022 Contest Winners

Read the eleven prize winners, selected from more than seventy rising 11th and 12th grade students' entries.

2021 Winners

Read the twelve prize winners, selected from more than seventy rising 11th and 12th grade students' entries.

2020 Contest Winners

Read the twelve prize winners, selected from more than 200 rising 11th and 12th grade students' entries.

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10 History Competitions for High School Students

Are you in high school and looking to participate in a history competition? Check out this curated list below of opportunities from across the country!

Competing and performing well in a history competition can offer valuable exposure by indicating your interest in the subject of history to potential colleges. Competitions also grant the opportunity to improve one’s skills in writing, public speaking, or debate , for example. Additionally, you can also choose to conduct independent research on various topics that come under the umbrella of history, and publish them in prestigious journals like the Concord Review !

Below are 10 history competitions to consider, some of which are offered in the summer and others during the school year. The programs range from live quiz competitions to essay competitions to oratory contests , so there is something for everyone!

We’ve also covered some great history programs in this blog, and research ideas in history here !

1. International History Olympiad

One of the most popular competitions at the high school level, the International History Olympiad is a competition attended by hundreds of students from all over the world. The multi-day series of events features numerous competitions (as well as non-competitive events) that offer many opportunities for students to win awards and connect with other individuals. The Olympiad takes place in a new location around the world each year (with past editions being held at Honolulu, Berlin, Rome), deeming it also a great opportunity to take advantage of in terms of international travel. Qualification is conducted through participation in regional, national, and international qualifying events.

Application Deadline: July 2024

Location: TBD, 2023’s competition took place in Rome

Prizes: Prizes vary by rank and competition

Eligibility: All high school students are eligible through participation in regional, national, and international qualifying events

2. The National History Bee

This popular competition takes place on an annual basis in the capital of the United States. In order to qualify for participation at the national level of the competition, students must advance beyond rounds at the local and state levels in their respective districts. The History Bee is a buzzer-based history quiz that occurs at the individual level, without the help of teammates. Students compete 1-1 over many rounds where they answer paragraph-long questions about various historical topics . Visit the National History Bee’s website to learn more about specific competition rules and formatting. This is a very esteemed competition where you can network with other students, learn more about historical facts, and impress colleges.

Application Deadline: TBA

Location: Washington, DC and Arlington, VA

Eligibility: All high school students younger than 19 years old: Varsity (11th and 12th grade), Junior Varsity (9th or 10th grade)

3. Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest

This contest is offered by The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and is an oration competition. Each participant must draft and present an original oration between five to six minutes in length . Then, students must deliver the oration from memory without notes or props. The topic must be an event, personality, or document related to the Revolutionary War. The oration must also show a relation between the chosen topic and America today. This is a great way to simultaneously develop public speaking and writing skills!

Students must get through preliminary local rounds, state levels, and then advance to the national level at which place scholarships and prizes are awarded. The orations are evaluated on composition, delivery, significance, historical accuracy, and other secondary criteria. Winners on the national level in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place receive cash prizes, as well as an Olympic-sized medal.

Application Deadline: TBA, varying by state and SAR chapter

Location: Virtual

Prizes: Varying cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners

Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12th

4. George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest

Offered by The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), this essay competition invites students to submit an 800-1,200 word essay. The essay needs to be based on an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution , Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the U.S Constitution. Essays will be judged on historical accuracy, clarity, organization, grammar, spelling, and documentation.

Like other competitions offered by the SAR, the contest is conducted in stages on the local, state, and national level. Contact your local chapter to enter into the competition. All essays must additionally include a title page, bibliography page, and a biography page. The prizes vary for the top 5 essay writers. However, the first place winning essay will be submitted in the SAR magazine and will have an opportunity to visit Washington, D,C. This is a great opportunity to strengthen one’s ability to conduct research and synthesize historical information .

Location: Virtual, through each SAR chapter

Prizes: Varying cash prizes for winners at each tier

5. The National History Day National Contest

The National Contest of National History Day is a massive gathering of nearly 3,000 individuals offered annually by the organization to student scholars and their families. National History Day invites successful winners of local and affiliate contests to share their research and other history-related work widely. Beyond competing in a variety of competitions, partnerships with local museums and cultural institutions offer students dynamic programming and professional development opportunities .

The gathering takes place in Maryland for a week-long series of events inviting students from all across the U.S., and the world. Students can also take the competition as a chance to explore Washington, D.C and benefit from the plethora of historical sites at the nation’s capital. This is a fantastic opportunity! To compete on such a national level is an amazing opportunity and very impressive feat that is sure to demonstrate your passion for history and historical reasoning to colleges.

Application Deadline: June 9-13, 2024

Location: University of Maryland, College Park

Prizes: Varying prizes per category of the competition

Eligibility: All high school students, teachers and parents are also invited

6. The National History Bowl

In a similar fashion to The National History Bee, The National History Bowl is offered once a year in the nation’s capitol to students who have advanced past local, regional, and state History Bowl competitions. The format is a buzzer-based history quiz with teams of up to 6 students . Students seek to answer questions faster than their opponents about topics covering: the history of the arts, sciences, religion, philosophy, language, historical geography, recent history, and even a bit of the history of sports and entertainment. Questions can reference all eras of history in all geographic regions of the world . Check out their website for specific information about the tournament format and how to advance in each round.

Note : We’ve covered the competition in depth here !

Application Deadline: TBD

7. World Historian Student Essay Competition

Offered by the World History Association, this international contest asks students to address a historical topic and its relation to student’s personal lives and world history at large. An example of a past paper topic is: “My ancestor walked with Abraham Lincoln from Illinois to fight in the Black Hawk War of 1832." The essays are judged based on the thesis, evidence of critical-thinking, organization, and other criteria. Overall, this written competition is a pretty good opportunity to assess your writing ability from a renowned organization in the discipline of history.

Application Deadline: May 1, 2024

Prizes: $500 Prize and a one year membership to the World History Association

Eligibility: An international competition for students in grades K-12

8. The American History Essay Contest

Presented by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), this essay competition seeks to introduce younger students to employ creativity in thinking about the history of the United States . The DAR set out a unique topic for each competition cycle and the submissions are judged for historical accuracy, topic adherence, organization of materials, originality, and writing quality. The essays are evaluated on a local, state, divisional, and national level. The contest is carried out through participating chapters of the DAR organization.

Application Deadline: Varies, contact your local DAR chapter

Prizes: Certificate of participation for each student and varying medals and awards for winners at each division (local, state. national)

Eligibility: Students in 9th-12th grade

9. Write Your Own Historical Fiction Competition

The Write Your Own Historical Fiction Competition is offered by The Historical Association each year to students across the world. Although varying by year, the organization typically does not assign a firm theme for the entries to the competition. The essays, ranging from 400 to 3500 words, are evaluated for their historical accuracy, convincing storytelling, effective use of historical vocabulary, and creativity. Do note that entries must be submitted by a teacher on behalf of a school.

Although the competition’s premise is a bit unconventional for a history competition, this contest offers students a unique opportunity to channel their creativity through the lens of an important academic subject . This will prove very beneficial when writing applications to colleges, or other writing endeavors at large.

Application Deadline: TBA, likely June 2024

Prizes: Cash awards for winners as well as a specially-designed notebook

Eligibility: Students in Years 5-13. Internationally

10. The David McCullough Essay Prize

Named after the Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, this essay competition offered by The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History , recognizes outstanding high school student research essays each year. Essays for the competition (between 1,500-2,000 words) are required to center primary source analysis of a document in American history from 1493 to 2000. This is a solid opportunity to conduct historical research very similar to collegiate writing , with citations, a bibliography and secondary sources attached.

Prizes: Cash awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and a certificate of participation for all students

Eligibility: Students in 10th-12th grade part of the National Academy of American History and Civics

If you are interested in doing university-level research in history and politics, then you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , a selective online high school program for high school students. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Aisha is a student at Princeton University, studying Anthropology and Global Health. On campus, she is involved with student groups centered around health equity and cultural affinity. In her free time, she enjoys podcasting, learning languages, and trying new recipes.

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Neuroscience Research Prize

Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and Child Neurology Society. The application period is closed.

This award is designed to encourage high school students to explore the world of the brain and nervous system through research, identify and reward those students whose scientific skill and talent indicate potential for scientific contributions in the field of neuroscience, and recognize the efforts of science teachers who have demonstrated support for students interested in neuroscience.

  • Applications open: June 27, 2023
  • Applications close: November 2, 2023

Benefits for three winners of the AAN Neuroscience Research Prize:

  • Each winner will receive a $1,000 prize, certificate of recognition, and the opportunity to present their work during a scientific poster session at the AAN 76 th Annual Meeting in Denver, CO*
  • Each winner and their parent or mentor will receive coach airfare, two nights hotel, $100 per diem for expenses (up to two days), and complimentary meeting registration.

Benefits for one winner of the Bhuwan Garg High School Neuroscience Research Prize:

  • Winner will receive $1,000 honorarium, certificate of recognition, and the opportunity to present their work during a scientific poster session at the 2024 Child Neurology Society Annual Meeting*
  • Winner and their parent or mentor will receive airfare, three nights lodging, ground transportation, and complimentary meeting registration.

       Funding for this prize is provided through the Child Neurology Society

*Travel, housing, and per diem benefits are dependent on the ability to execute the in-person portion of the Annual Meeting.

Eligibility

  • Students must be enrolled in secondary school (grades 9-12) in the United States, regardless of age. Applications must represent original research as well as the original written work of the applicant.
  • Projects do not need to occur in formal/traditional lab settings.
  • Each project should be the work of an individual student; group projects are not eligible (teachers are encouraged to provide guidance as needed, but must allow each student to demonstrate his/her own creativity)
  • Family members of the judges, the AAN Science Committee, or AAN staff are not eligible to apply

All entries will be reviewed by a panel of physicians and scientists who are actively engaged in neuroscience research at academic institutions throughout the US. Four prize winners will be selected through two rounds of competition.

Application Requirements

  • Completed application form
  • Maximum 300-word abstract
  • Research report
  • Bibliography
  • An e-signature from your parent/guardian, teacher, and mentor are required and will be needed to complete your application.  Please make sure they are aware so the application can be processed on  time.   This will be done through this application.

Judging Criteria

All project entries received by the deadline date will be judged by physician and scientist members of the American Academy of Neurology based on the following criteria: 

  • Relevance to Neuroscience: The problem being investigated concerns the brain or the nervous system including, but not limited to: anatomy, physiology, pathology, function, and behavior. Behavior and psychology projects are not encouraged unless there is a clear link to neurophysiology. 
  • Creativity: Creativity will be based on the originality of the problem-solving approach, even if the specific problem being addressed is not a new or unusual one. 
  • Interpretation of Data: The scope of the hypothesis and methodology is feasible. The potential significance of the experiments is placed in the proper perspective. Potential pitfalls of the methodology or interpretation have been addressed 
  • Research Report: The report is organized, well-written, and the accompanying figures and tables are clearly labeled and readable.

Finalists: Ten finalists will have the opportunity to have their project reviewed by two additional judges. The winners will be selected based on the judging criteria listed above. 

  • Applications Open: June 27, 2023
  • Applications Close: November 2, 2023
  • Application Review: December 2023
  • Notifications Sent: late January 2024

For more information or questions, please contact the Scientific Awards Team at  [email protected] .

Meet the high schoolers competing for $1.8M to solve the world’s most immediate challenges

40 teens from around the country made it to this year’s regeneron science talent search’s finals, and their innovations range from mental health to prosthetics and more..

Thomas Maxwell headshot

Gavriela Beatrice Kalish-Schur is just 18 years old, but she recently came up with a novel idea for how fruit fly research might help people suffering from anxiety.

The high school senior always had an interest in science. Growing up in Philadelphia, she regularly enjoyed visiting city institutions like the Franklin Institute and the Natural History Museum. Now, that interest has won her $25,000 — and she has a chance to win even more as a finalist in the Regeneron Science Talent Search STS .

The annual contest is hosted by pharmaceutical giant Regeneron in partnership with the Northwest DC-based Society for Science. It has the goal of encouraging the most promising young scientists to pursue ideas that address pressing societal challenges.

An applicant pool of over 2,000 students submitting original research is narrowed down to 40 finalists, who compete for $1.8 million in prizes. Awards range from $40,000 to $250,000, and winners’ schools also receive funding to support STEM education.

See the full list of 2024 finalists

Kalish-Schur’s submission concerns a protein in a fruit fly’s stress response pathway called IRE1 . When the protein isn’t functional, the insect exhibits behavior reminiscent of anxiety in humans. Given the research, Kalish-Schur hypothesizes that individuals with loss of function in the IRE1’s pathway are predisposed to anxiety. By looking at the mechanisms behind anxiety, she suggests, more targeted treatments could be developed.

The Masterman School senior got started in this research by proactively reaching out to university professors whose work she found interesting. She eventually found Nirmala Nirinjini Naidoo, an associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, who took Kalish-Schur under her wing.

She thinks more teenagers would get involved in the sciences if they knew about the resources available to them in their local community.

“Dr. Naidoo permitted me to come join her lab and taught me skills that I needed, and allowed me to develop my own independent projects,” Kalish-Schur told Technical.ly. “I definitely feel very lucky that I was able to get to the lab that I’m in, but I want people to know that it’s an option for them. Especially in Philadelphia, it’s something that can be accessible to students if they’re empowered and supported enough by the rest of their ecosystem.”

3D-printed limbs and galaxy-traveling organisms

Another of this year’s 40 Regeneron STS finalists is Arav Bhargava, a student at The Potomac School in McLean, Virginia. He developed a universal socket for prosthetic limbs that can be produced using a 3D printer, potentially reducing the cost significantly. He imagines it might be most widely used in developing countries.

Bhargava demonstrated a prototype during an interview with Technical.ly, noting that the socket passed evaluations for comfort and its ability to hold weight. It’s made of flexible material and has an open cuff, with dials that allow for adjusting tightness and length — an implementation he likened to a bike shoe.

He’s even made contact with international nonprofits, Bhargava said, that have their own 3D printers and could potentially act as partners to distribute the devices to people in need.

Bhargava, who will attend Harvard in the fall, is interested in commercializing his project into a startup. He said he’s long been passionate about the field of prosthetics, explaining that the space is ripe for innovation as existing solutions are expensive and can be uncomfortable; for instance, the devices can rub against the skin and cause build-up in sweat on the wearer, especially if they aren’t the correct size. A universal solution is much more affordable than custom-made sockets.

“I think it’s a huge problem and it could change the lives of a lot of people, the cost being 1% of the cost of normal prosthetics,” Bhargava added.

Headshots of 40 high school students.

The 40 high schoolers selected as finalists in the 2024 Society for Science Regeneron STS competition. (Courtesy Society for Science)

Another finalist, David Cao from Thomas Jefferson High School in Alexandria, Virginia, submitted research on ‘Oumuamua , the first confirmed object from another star to enter Earth’s solar system. There has long been discussion in the scientific community regarding whether life can be seeded on planets through organisms riding aboard interstellar objects. Cao drew on this work to determine how large something sharing ‘Oumuamua’s traits might have to be to protect microorganisms from gamma rays.

Cao acknowledged much of the research is still speculative, but said it still offers the closest evidence we have to explain the origins of life on Earth and elsewhere. He pointed to interest in last year’s Congressional hearings on UFOs to highlight how many want to learn if there’s life beyond our planet.

Regeneron and the Society for Science have been hosting Science Talent Search for 83 years, according to an announcement , and alumni have gone on to win 13 Nobel Prizes, among other achievements.

This year’s finalists will head to DC for a week-long competition from March 6 to 13, where they will undergo a rigorous judging process. The announcement said that this year’s top 10 winners will be announced during a livestreamed event on March 12. Before then, on March 10, finalists weill have a chance to meet members of the public during an exhibition at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.

Learn more about the March 10 event

All the finalists who’ve made it this far have already won significant sums for their work. Bhargava said winning the top prize isn’t a big deal.

“The real thing I’m excited about is just meeting these other 39 really talented kids,” Bhargava said, “because these people are so passionate about their areas, like I am about mine.”

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  • Youth & Education

Youth Scholarships

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $35,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

VOD winner

Voice of Democracy

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Before submitting your essay, read  the rules and eligibility requirements , and find your sponsoring  local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 . Download and complete the 2023-2024 Voice of Democracy entry form here .

The 2023-24 theme is:  "What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"

About the 2022-2023 winner ...

Scotland Stewart, a sophomore at Franklin County High School in Winchester, Tennessee, was named the 2022-2023 Voice of Democracy first place winner. Scotland’s speech on the theme, "Why is the Veteran Important?" won him a $35,000 college scholarship. Scotland was sponsored by VFW Post 1893 in Estill Springs, Tennessee. Watch as Scotland delivered his speech during the VFW's Parade of Winners award  ceremony or read it here .

Want to catch up on everything that happened this year? You can watch the full Parade of Winners ceremony which was streamed live on Facebook, or see this year's complete list of winners .

Patriots Pen winner

Patriot's Pen

Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000! 

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Before submitting your essay,  read the rules and eligibility requirements , and find your sponsoring local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 . Download and complete the 2023-2024 entry form here . 

The 2023-24 theme is:  "How Are You Inspired by America?"

Leighton Peters, a seventh grade student from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, was named the 2022-2023 Patriot's Pen first place winner. Her essay on the theme, "My Pledge to Our Veterans" won her a $5,000 award. Leighton was sponsored by VFW Post 2204 and its Auxiliary in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

Watch as Leighton delivered her winning essay , during the VFW's Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook, or read  her essay here.  See the complete list of 2023 national winners .

Youth Scholarships Additional Resources

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Voice of democracy rules & eligibility, voice of democracy entry form, voice of democracy national scholarship listing, 2022-2023 patriot's pen winners, patriot's pen rules & eligibility, patriot's pen entry form, patriot's pen national scholarship listing, sponsor a youth scholarship.

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Student Research Paper and Poster Competitions

During the LACCEI Annual Conference (July),  the Student full paper research competition  and  the Student poster research competition  are held. The objectives of the student competitions are:

  • Motivate engineering students to use and demonstrate their creativity, knowledge and skills to solve problems.
  • Promote academic exchange between students from different universities and countries.
  • Provide an opportunity for research professors to recruit potential graduate students.

Description

The work could be based on a final project for a course or a thesis. The work and paper must be original and cannot be results of faculty research. A full paper or short paper must be submitted and accepted to compete. There is a  limit of 3 papers per author and 7 authors per paper  and  Students are required to show their Student ID  when registering at the conference. Presentations must be done by students and at least one student author must be registered (either student or full registration) by the author registration deadline for the submission to be published.

  • Student research full paper competition

A student or team of students submits a full article (10 pages maximum) after it is verified by at least one professor at their university, designated as Mentor (s). All authors must be students and the teacher is listed as a mentor, not an author. The top 10 articles are classified as finalists in the competition and they should give a 5 minutes presentation and answer questions from judges and participants to determine the winners. All papers in this category also compete in Student Research Poster Competition.

  • Competition of poster student

A student or a team of students submits a short article (2 to 5 pages maximum) after it is verified by at least one professor at their university, designated as Mentor (s). All authors must be students and the teacher is listed as a mentor, not an author. All works in this category must be presented to a series of judges for 3 minutes using a poster and they should answer questions from judges and participants to determine the winners.

All the full articles of this contest will be reviewed by 3 members of the technical committee of the student competition stipulated by LACCEI. Short articles are reviewed by 1 member of the technical committee.

The medals and monetary prizes are presented during the Gala Dinner of the annual LACCEI Conference. All participants and mentors receive a certificate of participation, and their paper is published in the Conference Proceedings under ISBN and ISSN numbers and archived online for future citations.

The top 10 finalist papers in the Student Research Full Papers Competition will have DOI and will be indexed by SCOPUS.

First place in the Student Research Full Papers Competition will receive the LACCEI Award medal and a full entry for an international conference or a monetary award.

Instructions for the poster competition

  • We recommend a minimum font size of 24 pts. Bold section names. The poster should be clearly readable from a distance of 2 meters (24″ wide x 36″ high – 60.96cm wide x 91.44cm high).
  • Language: Spanish or English
  • We encourage the use of pictures, graphics, and any other illustrative material.
  • Students who submitted a full paper and were selected as finalists will present in a special session within the conference just prior to the poster competition. The finalists will make a Power Point presentation: 10 minutes maximum.
  • All participants at the poster competition will present in front of their poster an elevator speech (3 minutes maximum) giving an overview of the problem and results at the poster competition. They will be asked questions by the judges and the audience and can give a demonstration or show a video if appropriate.
  • You may want to include the followings: title, authors, affiliations, faculty mentor, abstract, introduction, methods, results, conclusions, and future work.
  • The following links are examples of how to make a poster:

Spanish http://www.postersessiononline.es/diseno_powerpoint.asp English http://www.tltc.ttu.edu/posters/How_to_Make_a_Poster_Using_PowerPoint.pdf http://www.cns.cornell.edu/documents/ScientificPosters.pdf http://www.writing.engr.psu.edu/posters.html http://www.personal.psu.edu/drs18/postershow/

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  • Click  HERE  to go to the submission website EasyChair. Use the track: International Student Research Paper Competitions (Full and Short Papers)

Important Dates (deadlines): April  1st

NOTE: The top 10 Student Full Papers will be published with an ISBN, ISSN and  DOI  and will be indexed in recognition of their effort.

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Physics > Physics Education

Title: using storytelling to foster the teaching and learning of gravitational waves physics at high-school.

Abstract: Studies in Physics Education Research show that interdisciplinary approaches in education foster students' motivation, creativity, curiosity, and interest in physics. We discuss their features and potential role in bringing contemporary physics topics to high school, and how to use them to integrate formal educational programs. We make an explicit example of the use of storytelling and theatrical techniques to introduce secondary school students to black holes and gravitational waves topics. The activity has been designed by the Educational Division of the Physics Department at the University of Cagliari. Participants were 200 high-school students (17 to 19 years old) from five schools (scientific, humanities) in Sardinia. A measure of the efficacy in the use of artistic tools to communicate and teach the proposed subjects has been done utilizing a research questionnaire. We collected 76 answers. Results show that our methodology is useful to introduce students to contemporary physics themes, fostering their interest and learning of such contents. Students from humanities significantly appreciated more the use of poetry and artistic tools than their scientific peers. Finally, we discuss the potentiality of our approach in orientating students towards a STEAM (STEM and Arts) career.

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Bronxville High School Students Make History Day Regionals

BRONNXVILLE, NY — Bronxville Highschool students secured their place in history, or at least the History Day regionals.

From the Bronxville Union Free School District

Having conducted extensive historical research on a topic of their choice, a group of Bronxville High School freshmen and sophomores were named winners in one of several categories at the Bronxville History Day Competition on Feb. 7. Their authentic work focused on this year’s theme of “Turning Points in History.”

“I am so proud of all of the students,” said teacher Dana Landesman, who oversees the program, adding that it was a difficult task to decide who will move forward because of the students’ incredible work. “They put forth amazing projects as a culmination for five months of dedicated research.”

Landesman said she was grateful to the history department, including Chris Doyle, Eva Gambino, Steve Klurfeld, Martin Patmos and Christina Reidel, for working tirelessly to support and motivate students to produce outstanding work, as well as the high school faculty and administration for judging the projects and providing feedback to the students during the competition.

As a result of their outstanding work, the students have advanced to the 2024 Lower Hudson Valley History Day Competition, which will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas College on March 16. At the regional competition, they will be interviewed by professors and scholars and articulate what they’ve discovered through their historical research, which is displayed in either paper, website, documentary, performance or exhibit. Winners in that competition will advance to the state competition and ultimately to the national finals.

Congratulations to the following students who have advanced to the regional competition in these categories:

  • Maya Mincak – first place (tie).
  • Sebastian Jew – first place (tie).
  • Andrew Gay – third place.
  • Xavier Reilly – honorable mention.

Documentary (Individual)

  • Charlie Greenfield – first place.
  • Emma Yeon – second place.
  • Peyton Gallo – third place.
  • Mustafa Khizar – honorable mention.

Documentary (Group)

  • Matteo Del Prete, Lucas Gonzalez, Cooper Keating, Leo Poggi and Kai Schubert – first place.
  • Thomas Freeman, Nicholas Gonda, Simon Leka, John Shah and Fletcher van Tienhoven – second place.
  • Anette Dani, Annie Marshall and Charlotte Murray – third place.
  • Brian Formato, Quinn Hershberg and Patrick Kenny – honorable mention.

Website (Individual)

  • Elizabeth Barnes – first place.
  • Faith Belke – second place.
  • Charlotte O’Friel – third place.
  • Charlotte Davis – honorable mention.

Website (Group)

  • Katelyn Brogan, Molly Clark and Katie Fezza – first place.
  • Rishaan Brainch and Andre Kahraman – second place.
  • Dimitri Kedas and Thomas Ruhanen – third place.
  • Diana McEnroe and Ellie Fahy – honorable mention.

Individual Exhibit (Individual)

  • Travis Hamerling – first place.
  • Eva Mihova – second place.
  • Emerson Dennis – third place.
  • Virginia Hail – honorable mention.

Exhibit (Group)

  • Caroline Hardart, Louise Jacobs and Virginia Shah – first place.
  • Kara Kochansky and Finlay Rowan – second place.
  • Peyton Levine and Isabel Yeon – third place.
  • Jacintha Onslow and Jack Colangelo – honorable mention.

The article Bronxville High School Students Make History Day Regionals appeared first on Bronxville-Eastchester Patch .

A group of Bronxville High School freshmen and sophomores were named winners in one of several categories at the Bronxville History Day Competition on Feb. 7.

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The Winners of Our Ninth Annual Student Review Contest

Read critical commentary by teenagers on Olivia Rodrigo, “Succession,” a state flag, a trendy pink tumbler and more.

high school student research paper competition

By The Learning Network

If you’re looking for something new to read, watch, play, listen to, wear, eat or visit, look no further. Below, we present the finalists of our Ninth Annual Student Review Contest , in which we invited teenagers to play critic and submit original reviews about any kind of creative expression covered in The New York Times.

This year, the subjects include “Succession,” the Utah state flag, MSCHF’s Big Red Boot, “Barbie,” a pink tumbler, a teenage Palestinian rapper, “The Bear,” a restaurant in a renovated bus station, a comedy special, the iPhone 15, a Van Gogh art exhibit, Bad Bunny’s most recent album, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and much more.

You can read the nine winning submissions below. All of these reviews are a joy to read and they have a few other things in common: They express strong opinions and support them with interesting and relevant details; they provide readers with background on the work and put it into context; and they stand out for their creative use of language, style and tone.

We received over 3,200 submissions from teenagers around the world, and have crowned dozens of finalists. Continue scrolling to read the top nine winning reviews and to see all of our winners, runners-up and honorable mentions at the bottom of this post.

Congratulations to our finalists and thank you to everyone who participated. Students, if you enjoyed this contest, we invite you to join the additional student challenges we are offering this school year.

Here’s what you’ll find below:

The winning reviews, all finalists.

Olivia Rodrigo Spills Her “Guts” April Yu, 15, East Brunswick High School, East Brunswick, N.J.

In a musical age of brassy new artists with the life span of a 90-day TikTok trend, Olivia Rodrigo’s story was meant to be over long ago. After her power ballad “Drivers License” went viral in 2021, she followed with her record-breaking album “Sour,” a half-melancholy, half-incensed collage of heartbreak and insecurity. Two years later, Rodrigo returns with her sophomore album “Guts” with more weapons in her arsenal. It’s not just six Grammy nominations, broken streaming records or mass critical acclaim talking — it’s Rodrigo herself, and she’s more pissed off than ever.

The album’s opening line, “I am light as a feather and as stiff as a board,” conjures images of a sleepover that takes a bloody turn — the perfect visual for a track that nosedives from embodying feminine perfection (“I am built like a mother and a total machine”) to swear words and 15 seconds of guttural screaming. Rodrigo turns her classic dry humor and self-deprecation into a hysterical feminist anthem, instantly shaping the unapologetic, lipstick-stained, vicious Riot-Grrrl world of “Guts.”

Through the rest of the album, it’s clear Rodrigo has learned to take shots at herself. Voice dripping with honeyed poison, Rodrigo indicts her social faux pas in “Ballad of a Homeschooled girl”: “I laughed at the wrong time, sat with the wrong guy / Searching ‘How to start a conversation?’ on a website.” Rodrigo also makes endless quips about her dating life; rapping about wanting to “break his heart / Then be the one to stitch it up” in “Get Him Back!” Rodrigo openly owns what society would dub her greatest shames: social anxiety and hookup culture. She reassures young women that girlhood is prime real estate for feeling every possible emotion at once.

Yet the insecure girl who created “Sour” has not disappeared — and herein lies Rodrigo’s true appeal. From pairing Dior dresses with Doc Martens to celebrating her chart-topping lead single “Vampire” with burgers on a grainy livestream, Rodrigo has nailed the duality of global superstar and teenage girl next door. In the ballad “Lacy,” Rodrigo describes her nearly romantic idolization of another girl; whether a nod to queerness, beauty standards or envy in the digital world, Rodrigo’s melancholy can’t help but make you relate on all three counts.

In a world where female pop legends are expected to don new personas for every album, Rodrigo has pioneered maturation over reinvention, unapologetically herself in theme and aesthetic. In the closing track “Teenage Dream,” Rodrigo ponders peaking young and her longevity in the entertainment industry. After 12 songs of smashing social constructs and her own worldviews, Rodrigo ends on this pinnacle of fragility — but for now, she doesn’t need to be more. Her story is just beginning.

Underdog on Top: “Succession” Balances Shock and Gratification in Its Final Season Sabrina Akhtar, 16, Mirabeau B. Lamar High School, Houston

Words are everything. Well, sort of.

In the hit HBO show, “Succession,” words can mean everything … but also nothing. A too-tight hug can be a strategic move to secure a vote. Pleasantries with Dad mean you want to steal his company from beneath him. A borderline neo-Nazi presidential candidate who won the election goes back on everything he promised you for your help. And according to Tom Wambsgans (Matthew MacFayden), even your wife telling you she’s pregnant must be some type of play. Sounds exhausting, right?

Imagine being the Roys.

For avid “Succession” viewers like me, the final season conjured two emotions: absolute horror and entranced amusement. From patriarch Logan’s (Brian Cox) unexpected death in “Connor’s Wedding” (an ironic name that suggests the shock was certainly purposeful) to Shiv’s (Sarah Snook) divorce-complicating pregnancy in “Honeymoon States,” to the tension-filled, hyper-realistic “America Decides,” the season covered much-needed ground; the previous had gone stagnant in terms of the endgame.

That is not to say the show has lost its spark. Thanks to producers like Will Ferrell, the humor lives on lavishly. Tom and his personal punching bag, Greg (Nicholas Braun), continue to make for a dynamic that warrants its own spinoff (pro tip: never mix Wasabi and La Croix, and if you do, most certainly do not carry them in a “ludicrously capacious” bag). However, the best performances were those absent of words. Shiv’s glare at Kendall in the finale foretold everything. Even Greg had his moment, his stare down in “America Decides” a pleasant change from his nervous stuttering.

This season has upheld the show’s quality. The score, produced by Nicholas Brittell, is a masterpiece; no scene would be the same without its corresponding track. However, the season’s biggest differentiation was its move to imitating real life. In a show where everything seems so ridiculous and foreign, Jesse Armstrong brings it down to earth by reminding viewers that yes, people like the Roys exist in real life, and yes, their petty sibling rivalries can have serious consequences for us “normal” people.

As we depart from our favorite dysfunctional nepo baby family, we can rest knowing that none of them won; perhaps that was a prize in itself. Armstrong has outdone himself and wrapped up a show that, if greedy enough, HBO would’ve dragged out for far too long. Some may be unhappy with the staggering ending, but to me, it’s perfect. The Roys aren’t equipped to have a happy ending. The feeling itself is foreign to them. Besides, what would the Roys have to do, if not preoccupied with wallowing in their misery up in the clouds of their untouchable wealth, eternally fighting for what they truly wanted: their father’s approval?

Hydration Hype: Unveiling the Stanley Cup Trend Among High School Girls Tina Zhu, 17, Christian Heritage School, Dalton, Ga.

Stanley’s Pink Parade 40-ounce Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler made a grand entrance this past Black Friday and got sold out in the blink of an eye, much like the fleeting whims of high school fashion. Stanley’s tumblers have now unofficially joined the ranks of the classic white Air Force 1 and Lululemon leggings, becoming the “it” item among high school girls. Wondering if its high school adoption is a nod to utility or an overture to trendiness, I got my hands on this glistening newcomer, jumping on the bandwagon that had seemingly captivated the entire TikTok community.

What sets this tumbler apart from the rest? First of all, it does the job. After using this 40-ounce cup for a few days, I noticed a significant increase in my water intake — the glossiest pop of pink bottle with a huge sturdy handle and a straw popping out kept reminding me to take an easy sip, while other water bottles have lids that make the water taking process cumbersome. The Pink Parade has successfully turned my daily hydration routine into a badge of honor.

The Pink Parade apparently has outstanding quality. Its unique double-wall vacuum insulation technology allows my ice-cold water to chill for 48 hours, ensuring it’s refreshing for me after an exhausting soccer practice. A girl on TikTok said that her car caught on fire, but the Stanley Cup survived, and not even the ice melted due to its high-quality stainless steel construction. The anecdote has massively enhanced the profile of the cup, at least for me, and staged it as a trustworthy sidekick that strikes the perfect balance between runway-ready and firefighter-fierce.

Well, the downside of my Pink Parade is also obvious — it is comically huge and heavy, especially for a 5-foot-3 girl like me. Memes about short girls carrying a huge Stanley are everywhere, saying the bottle looks like a giant trash can. However, I do consider this cup a versatile accessory — its cute look pairs well with my wardrobe, matching all my pink outfits and giving a dash of playfulness to my casual black-and-white wear. Moreover, carrying this hefty water bottle everywhere is like a free workout that strengthens my muscles, as well as a walking statement for a healthy lifestyle.

The Pink Parade and other Stanley tumblers’ explosive popularity among high school girls might be partially attributed to the TikTok trend, but it is also a testament to the power of practical chic in the unpredictable whirlwind of high school vogues.

The MSCHF Big Red Boot Is Ugly. I Love It. Gisela Cortadellas, 16, Pine Crest School, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

“I don’t get it.” The minds of countless bystanders sang the same chorus as the MSCHF Big Red Boot entered its way through social media and into street style. MSCHF released their Big Red Boot on Feb. 16, 2023, retailing for $350. The best way to describe the boot would be what a child’s interpretation of a shoe is, using crayons: Round, big, red. Someone at MSCHF decided to give life to the drawing with TPU, rubber and EVA foam. The shoe is unique, almost shiny, and its cartoonish feel makes it look computer-generated.

I’ll admit it. I thought the boot was plain ugly at first too. It’s not aesthetically pleasing, compared to other expensive shoes on the market in 2023. All one color. The silhouette is well, interesting. I even tried on a pair. They’re not comfortable, as you can imagine. How would you even go about styling this thing?

So, why? Why do I love it? Why should you?

Sure, it’s not what we are used to seeing right now. In an era dominated by “fast-fashion,” more and more of these new companies are constantly pumping out and trashing clothing every day. The major fashion houses are derailing as they plunge themselves into cheap materials and boring creative directors who recreate the same collection year after year. Same silhouettes, same patterns, same themes. I’m bored. They are all whispering; the Big Red Boot is shouting.

That’s why I have slowly fallen in love with the boot. It is weird. It is ugly. It is red. It’s not “ready-to-wear,” but why should fashion be?

The best part about this boot is, it worked. Social media forgot that MSCHF is an art and media company that is credited with creating viral and controversial products meant to spark debate. Readers may or may not remember that MSCHF was also a part of the infamous “Satan Shoes” back in 2021, a collaboration with Lil Nas X that landed both contributors in hot water. People went crazy for the Satan Shoes, and people went crazy for the Big Red Boot.

Somehow, these Big Red Boots have stepped their way into street style successfully. MSCHF even released a Crocs version of the Big Red Boot. It is quite the competition between which pair is more audacious.

So, was the original purpose of sparking conversation achieved? Yes. Did people like them? Not necessarily. But it worked. This boot is representative of how art and fashion is treated today; ridiculed and judged. People hate it. People love it. What else is art for, but to be different? The Big Red Boot is just unapologetic about it.

The boots are ugly, and I love them for it.

Not Just Another Piece of Fabric, But an American Ideal Reborn Tessa Elizabeth Ann Cook, 16, Liberal Arts and Science Academy High School, Austin, Texas

As art connoisseurs worldwide reflect on the cultural masterpieces of 2023, there’s one thing on everyone’s minds: Utah’s legislative agenda.

OK, maybe not. And I know what you’re thinking: “I read reviews for something fun and nonthreatening, not an analysis of intricate state-level policy!” But fear not, because I’m happy to leave that to the experts. Instead, I’m here to propose one of the best works of art of the whole year, signed into law by Governor Spencer Cox on March 21, 2023: the new Utah state flag.

Unlike most flag discussions today — which focus on aspects we should take out, like Confederate symbolism — the old Utah flag wasn’t actively problematic. It was just … meh. Unlike what we do with the flag of my home state, Texas, nobody plastered the old Utah flag on their bumpers, nor could most residents pick it out of any of the two dozen other blue seal-on-a-bedsheet U.S. state flags.

Sure, it had the traditional symbol of business and industry — a beehive — that’s often associated with the Mormon Church, but beyond that, nothing about the old flag represented Utah except the state’s name scrawled across the bottom of the seal, which, in my opinion, is vexillological cheating.

The new flag, however, projects “Utah” even with squinted eyes at a mile’s distance. The beehive symbol remains, but instead of the original navy field, it is mounted inside a hexagon, atop a background of dark red rock, snowy white mountains and a deep blue sky. Everything down to even the number of points of the mountain range has a purpose — in this case, to represent the five Indigenous groups that consider Utah sacred land.

But really, beyond what the flag’s individual aspects represent, it is the initiative and motivation of Utah’s people that makes this new flag process impressive to me. There is not much that unites us Americans anymore, and although there was, naturally, some pushback against the change, Utahans needed a strong symbol to identify themselves and their communities, and so they went out and found one. It seems to be rare that Americans are willing to voluntarily work together in the name of unity, especially when it comes to breaking from tradition, like we’ve seen during voting expansion debates and gun control attempts. America was created around the idea of a “more perfect union,” yet when I look at the chaos of climate policy, international conflicts and domestic terrorism in recent years, the current American plan looks more like damage control than active improvement.

Utah’s new flag is more than just fabric; it’s our opportunity to turn the tide back toward progress, and a chance for America to be reborn.

“The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess”: Chappell Roan’s Album of Grandeur, Grief and Irresistible Glamour Sadie Gugliotta, 15, Canton High School, Canton, Mass.

“The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” is a lush, rebellious depiction of self-acceptance as revolution, redefining contemporary camp with disco-synth scintillations and raucous lyricism. Chappell Roan, the creation of Missouri native Kayleigh Amstutz, defies the conventions of propriety and discretion with drama and ecstasy, dressed in rhinestone embellished prom dresses and bedazzled Skechers. Her persona is outrageous, loud and hedonistic, lending the album its overabundant character and depth of feeling, delivered through a pastiche of Carly Rae Jepsen and Lady Gaga, and polished by the oversaturated-pop sensibility of Dan Nigro’s production.

“The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” sparkles with musical zeal and lyrical absurdism. Its second track, “Red Wine Supernova,” opens with compressed synths and crystalline guitar strumming, underlying Roan’s playful narration of a new crush turned sour: “I just wanna get to know ya / Guess I didn’t quite think it through / Fell in love with the thought of you / Now I’m choked up, face down, burnt out.” The juxtaposition of syrupy, hyper-femme vocals against instrumental stylings reminiscent of quintessential ’80s pop are a hallmark of the album’s sound; this pep rally-esque excess shines on “HOT TO GO!” and the almost caricatured decadence of “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl.”

In the more deliberate “Pink Pony Club,” Roan sings of leaving home to pursue her dreams of stardom, despite her mother’s disapproval. The song soars with sparse synths and wailing guitars, a prime example of the album’s appeal; it is an anthem of queer pride and triumph in the face of opposition, cresting in a chorus of unwavering resolve: “I’m gonna keep on dancing at the / Pink Pony Club.”

Roan is just as capable of delivering a bleeding ballad as she is a sleek, stylized romp; “California” makes a spectacle of disillusionment, honeyed vocals and desperately luxurious trumpets mourning promises unfulfilled by Hollywood glory. She sings, “I was never told that I wasn’t gonna get / The things I want the most / But people always say, ‘If it hasn’t happened yet / Then maybe you should go,’” momentarily abandoning the outsized persona with which Roan steels herself to lament the impermanence and disposability of artists in a culture of overconsumption. The track demonstrates the album’s nuance, undulating from subtlety to sequined pageantry with an ease that eludes most pop artists today.

“The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” makes a farce of Roan’s greatest heartbreaks with flippant pettiness and gutsy humor, showcasing her musical versatility and theatrical performance, and shimmering with the uncut confidence of a seasoned pop star. Through brash lyrics, explosive instrumentals and exceptional vulnerability, Chappell Roan solidifies herself as a queer iconoclast and pop mainstay, a “Midwest Princess” for the “Super Graphic Ultra Modern” 21st century.

Balenciaga Fall 2024 Fashion Show: Demna and the Modern American Dream Suryansh Sarangi, 16, Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, England

Erewhon bags, sleek athleisure and cartoonishly chunky trainers. Draped in the golden Californian sun on a pristine neighborhood boulevard punctuated with postcard-perfect palm trees, everything about the Balenciaga fall 2024 collection just screams Los Angeles.

Historically, Demna, Balenciaga’s designer, has not shied away from the brutal, the rugged and the controversial. With previous runways involving mud-splattered models trudging through artificial trenches representing the mud graves dug during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and a human-made blizzard raging through the show in reference to the ongoing climate crisis, the fall 2024 collection contrastingly focuses on the perfect, or rather, the seemingly perfect.

The first models emerge, set against the iconic Hollywood sign. Dressed in casual sports attire, they exude an effortless coolness reminiscent of paparazzi shots capturing A-listers in their daily L.A. lives. The runway then shifts to a nostalgic nod with velour tracksuits from 2005. As the show progresses, high fashion takes center stage with red carpet gowns. The finale features a model in a striking white dress, collar raised, face mostly concealed, leaving only cold blue eyes visible — an enigmatic climax, the dress shielding the figure from the audience like Hollywood royalty.

Having grown up in a dreary “post-Soviet vacuum,” Demna himself states that the very culture he idolized as the perfect, colorful life was that of L.A.’s. Amid his personal cultural revolution, the American dream itself underwent its own revolution. No longer is success symbolized by flaunting wealth and holding Gatsby-esque parties; modern luxury means lazy beauty and quiet comfort. And that’s what the relaxed yet stylish outfits symbolize. Perhaps the mundanity of the clothes at first shows how, behind all the glitz and glamour, celebrities are just normal people. Perhaps celebrities are just like us. But are they? This runway transports us throughout Hollywood, from the whole food store to the gym to the red carpet, taking us through the lives of celebrities in L.A. But at the climax of the show, we see the stern figure clad in white, almost disassociating from the viewer as the collared dress separates us from them. An inherent feature of the American dream is inequality — not everyone can achieve this tranquil, sun-kissed life of luxury — and with the modern dream, this is no exception. On a surface level, celebrities may wear the same clothes as us, go to the gym like us, drink coffee like us, but will we ever be like them?

To be fair, some clothes in Balenciaga’s fall 2024 collection are wearable, with items like the hoodies being attractive to the average consumer. However, through its ironic highlighting of inequality, Demna’s newest work is nothing more than a testament to the modern American dream, an illusory ideal we can only chase, yet never achieve.

Using Rap to Reach Hassan Alazzeh, 14, American Community School, Amman, Jordan

You do not notice his accent right away. Perhaps you are captivated by his catchy rhymes or are simply enjoying the rhythm. Then, the vibe shifts, and you unexpectedly become aware of a line that makes you pause: “He could’ve been a scholar, he dealin’ different problems,” along with the stark revelation that a “Missile hit his home and crushed and killed his Baba.”

Baba: the Arabic word for father. The rapper? Abdel-Rahman al-Shantti, known as MC Abdul. He is Palestinian, from Gaza. Oh, and he is 15.

Suddenly, the rap is deeply political. You wonder if listening to MC Abdul makes you a sympathizer to one “side” of a conflict that is presented as having no middle ground. The short and long answers are: yes. When you listen, you are consciously making a choice to acknowledge that this Gazan teenager is a person, just like you. Educated at a United Nations school in Gaza, MC Abdul taught himself English by listening to music online, and uses rap — traditionally the poetry of the disenfranchised — to reach you.

“The Pen and the Sword” was written in September of 2023, before the horrific Oct. 7 attacks on Israel. The title, a play on the age-old adage, sets the tone for a narrative that is a call to arms, not with weapons, but with words. At the heart of the lyrics is a simple message about the importance of education and the need to defend it, for all children, everywhere.

From the first beat, MC Abdul captures our attention with his blend of traditional hip-hop and contemporary oriental soundscapes. The soft innocence of the choir of children chanting the chorus is striking against Abdul’s choppier rapping. However, what sets this song apart is not its sonic appeal, rather its message, an implicit plea to allow hope for a better tomorrow. The lyrics are peaceful, avoiding words and descriptions that might be edgier to younger listeners.

Abdul’s flow is smooth and commanding; the chorus is simple and memorable. He puts a voice to the casualties of war, an image to statistics that help us forget that each number is a person, with aspirations of playing soccer, and “meeting up by [their] lockers.”

God is invoked several times. Abdul asks, “You think Allah won’t see what you’re doing to his children?” using the Arabic term common to both Christians and Muslims of the Middle East. He reminds us, “We’re all humans in God’s eyes.”

One important role of the arts is to challenge us and expose us to untold stories and different perspectives. MC Abdul’s rap is no different. His life, “ain’t even make news in y’all city” but maybe his song will.

Superficially Redefining Girlhood Through Hot Pink Femininity Evelyn Kim, 18, Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, Conn.

In times of an alarming emergence of online toxic hyper-masculinity, “Barbie” descends on hot pink feathered wings as a possible savior — a gilded messenger of Hollywood. Hailed as the feminist movie that would revolutionize the definition of girlhood in popular culture, Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” was anticipated as a film that would subvert characteristics of the superficial plastic mascot to accurately portray underrepresented difficulties of femininity. The marketing of “Barbie” curated an infallible image of a film that deviated from Hollywood’s male lead standard, embraced “fun girliness” and challenged society’s casting of women in subordinate roles, all while boasting Hollywood darling Margot Robbie.

Primarily taking place in matriarchal “Barbie Land,” the gaudily bright artificial colors of the pink plastic setting match the bubbly-pop hit artists lining the soundtrack. Though fans anticipated a deceptively superficial appearance that would give way to a darker analysis of feminism, this movie was clumsily patched together with a surface-level understanding of feminism claiming that although a patriarchy was bad, a matriarchy — even with Barbies in command — was equally bad. Robbie faces cruel teenagers in the “real world” that dare to raise real criticisms of the harmful effects the Barbie franchise has had on female beauty standards and body issues. Teary-eyed Robbie begs the audience for sympathy, saying she never meant to create these problems, and only wanted a friend, washing her hands of this guilt and allowing Mattel to curate a version of Barbie acceptable to a new generation of consumers.

Womanhood is more than being a mother or girly friends, yet “Barbie” defaults to a traditional emphasis on mothers raising daughters, completely disregarding transgender, non-heterosexual and nonwhite women’s experiences. Though America Ferrera and Ariana Greenblatt exchanged a few words in Spanish, this was nowhere near an actual portrayal of the nonwhite experience of femininity, and more of a shrug of acknowledgment in the direction of women of color.

Anticipation for “Barbie” surpassed the actual movie itself. The experience of dressing up pink to attend screenings of this movie was an invitation to anyone regardless of gender identity or budget — a refreshing way to express collective fun. As long as it was pink, it was perfect. A signal to others in the know to greet you with a bubbly “Hi, Barbie!,” “Barbie-core” was a low-stress way to connect with others, uncharacteristic of the post-quarantine world.

With “Barbie,” we were given hope for a chance at a popular depiction of genuine feminism. And for some, the simple remark “This is what the ‘Barbie’ movie was talking about” is an easily comprehensible way to call out misogyny through pop culture. And yet, to those who have not yet seen this movie — consider it nothing more than a two-hour Mattel advertisement.

In alphabetical order by the writer’s first name

April Yu, 15, East Brunswick High School, East Brunswick, N.J.: “Olivia Rodrigo Spills Her ‘Guts’”

Gisela Cortadellas, 16, Pine Crest School, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.: “The MSCHF Big Red Boot Is Ugly. I Love It.”

Evelyn Kim, 18, Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, Conn.: “Superficially Redefining Girlhood Through Hot Pink Femininity”

Hassan Alazzeh, 14, American Community School, Amman, Jordan: “Using Rap to Reach”

Sabrina Akhtar, 16, Mirabeau B. Lamar High School, Houston: “Underdog on Top: ‘Succession’ Balances Shock and Gratification in Its Final Season”

Sadie Gugliotta, 15, Canton High School, Canton, Mass.: “‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’: Chappell Roan’s Album of Grandeur, Grief and Irresistible Glamour”

Suryansh Sarangi, 16, Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, England: “Balenciaga Fall 2024 Fashion Show: Demna and the Modern American Dream”

Tessa Elizabeth Ann Cook, 16, Liberal Arts and Science Academy High School, Austin, Texas: “Not Just Another Piece of Fabric, But an American Ideal Reborn”

Tina Zhu, 17, Christian Heritage School, Dalton, Ga.: “Hydration Hype: Unveiling the Stanley Cup Trend Among High School Girls”

Adithri Pingali, 15, Penn Trafford High School, Harrison City, Pa.: “Truth Is in the Eye of the Beholder: R.F. Kuang’s ‘Yellowface’”

Ajani Stella, 17, Hunter College High School, New York, N.Y.: “Preaching Resistance and Enduring Racism: ‘Purlie Victorious’ Revival Demands Action”

Cruz Sylvia, 17, Community School of Davidson, Davidson, N.C.: “‘Now and Then’: The Fab Four’s Last Hurrah"

Eliza Bruemmer, 16, Central Catholic High School, Bloomington, Ill.: “‘Who We Are’: An Unreal Reflection on What We’ve Lost”

Eva Sharma, 15, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South, West Windsor, N.J.: “‘Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse’ Swings Through the Joys, Fears and Discoveries of Adolescence”

Gennaro Barca, 17, Saint Joseph High School, South Bend, Ind.: “A Bear Can Eat With Forks?”

Kaylin Spindler, 14, Kettle Moraine School for Arts and Performance, Wales, Wis.: “Plot Twist: Meg’s a Villain! How Lydia the Bard Nailed This Disney Song Rewrite”

Li Fengtian, 13, Basis International School Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China: “88th Dock: Elegant, Homey Hustle-n-Bustle”

Margot Godiwala, 13, Village Community School, New York, N.Y.: “‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’: A Fundamental Failure of Cinema.” Medhya Venkatram, 17, United World College South East Asia, East Campus, Singapore: “Resplendent Royals to Racial Unity: Netflix’s ‘Queen Charlotte’ Bridges Generations With a Blend of Modern Flair and 1800s Charm”

Mia Golden, 16, Rio Americano High School, Sacramento, Calif.: “‘You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah’: The Coming-of-Age Film We So Needed”

Miya Zhang, 16, St. Paul’s School, Concord, N.H.: “Måneskin’s ‘Gasoline’: A Message in Support of Ukraine”

Natalie Kortge, 16, Clarkston High School, Clarkston, Mich.:“‘Good Omens’ Season 2: Sweet as an Angel, Devilishly Witty"

Ruyi Zhang, 15, Wuxi Dipont School of Arts and Science, Jiangsu, China: “Enchanting Echoes: Laufey’s Musical Alchemy of Love in ‘Bewitched’”

Sophia Fu, 16, The American School in Japan, Tokyo: “‘Oppenheimer’: Japan’s Step Toward Healing”

Sophia Kim, 16, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South, West Windsor Township, N.J.: “‘Matt Rife: Natural Selection’: ‘It’s Just a Joke!’”

Yueyi (Taylen) Huang, 16, YK Pao School, Shanghai, China: “Angel’s El Cubano: A Revived Restaurant-Bar Where China Meets Cuba and More!”

Honorable Mentions

Amelie Salette, 15, Polytechnic School, Pasadena, Calif.: “‘Suzume no Tojimari’: Worming Across Japanese History”

Andrew Stamos, 16, Sacred Heart Preparatory, Atherton, Calif.: “‘Barbie (But Really Ken) and the Mirror Men Need”

Annalise Huang, 14, Diablo Vista Middle School, Danville, Calif.: “Pho Banh Mi and Juice: A Rich Reminder of Unique Vietnamese Culture and the Bonds That Surround It”

Anonymous, 16, Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School, Shanghai, China: “Framing the Limitless: If Life Were a Movie”

Arissa Binte Kamaruzaman, 15, Clarkstown High School; North, New City, N.Y.: “‘Twinkling Watermelon: A Fiery Ode to Youth"

Chloe Baghdassarian, 15, Mayfield Senior School, Pasadena, Calif.: “‘Barbie’ Might Have to Go Back in the Box and On the Shelf”

Corina Lowry, 16, Guilford High School, Guilford, Conn.: “‘Thanksgiving’: The Epitome of the Classic Slasher Film”

Jager Perez, 17, Mounds Park Academy, Maplewood, Minn.: “Reviewing a Magical Adventure”

Jason Jiang, 15, HD Ningbo School: “Klutzy Manchester United: Shrewd Analysis From ‘The Kick Off’”

Jon Dong, 16, Tower Hill School: “‘Javelin’: A Piercing Reflection of Grief and Hope”

Judy Akel, 16, West Windsor Plainsboro High School South, West Windsor Township, N.J.: “The Treasure of Tranquillity"

Julia Kozakowski, 16, West Windsor Plainsboro High School South, West Windsor Township, N.J.: “Everlasting Life, Mourning, Joy and Pain: If Van Gogh Was a Tree”

Juliette Hess, 17, The Emery/Weiner School, Houston: “Pitbull: The Man Who Gives Us Everything”

Justin Koo, 16, Seoul Foreign School, Seoul: “‘The Estate Sale’: Tyler, the Creator’s Introspective Extravaganza”

Jwan Balobaid, 15, Al Hamraa International Girls School: “‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret’: Adolescence Done Right”

Leo Murrell, 16, Truckee High School, Truckee, Calif.: “The Aspen Collective Kickoff Show"

Mélia Lemoine, 15, North London Collegiate School, Singapore: “Cedric Grolet: Oui! ou Oui?”

Michelle Yau, 16, West Windsor Plainsboro High School South, West Windsor Township, N.J.: “The Heartbeat of Music: ‘Pulse’”

Noora Fatima, 15, The Barstow School, Kansas City, Mo.: “‘Barbie’: This Unboxing Video Isn’t Clickbait”

Pakawat Poldetch, 13, Ruamrudee International School (Minburi), Bangkok: “The Shortcomings of ‘Napoleon’: A Misguided March Through History”

Paola Reinosa, 17, Sacred Heart Preparatory, Atherton, Calif.: “The Long-Awaited Resurrection: Bad Bunny’s Trap Return”

Ria Jain, 17, Stephen F. Austin High School, Sugar Land, Texas: “‘What Was I Made For?’: A Journey of Self-Discovery”

Rishi Janakiraman, 14, Stanford Online High School, Redwood City, Calif.: “‘Never Have I Ever’: On South Asian Representation in Western Television’

Rose Maliekal, 17, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South, West Windsor Township, N.J.: “‘nothing, except everything.’: A Compelling and Painfully Relatable Modern Work of Cinematic Art”

Saisha Mehendale, 17, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South, West Windsor Township, N.J.: “‘Yours Truly’: Hope for the Hopeless”

Sophia Ma, 16, WFLA: “Surrealism Is Destructive, but It Destroys Only What It Considers to Be Shackles Limiting Our Vision”

Stella Keyes, 16, Mayfield Senior School of the Holy Child Jesus, Los Angeles: “More Than Just Murders in the Building: What Draws an Audience to Hulu’s Murder Mystery”

Suzuko Ohshima, 15, North Hollywood High School, Los Angeles: “‘Paint the Town Red’: A Record From Hell?”

Tristan A. Padilla-Perry, 17, Windham Technical High School, Windham, Conn.: “2025 Genesis GV80 Exterior Design Review”

Willet Cole, 13, Sussex Academy, Georgetown, Del.: “Five Nights at Freddy’s FLOP”

Yuki Wen, 15, Bishop Strachan School, Toronto: “The iPhone 15: Who Needs Innovation When You Can Have Déjà Vu?”

Zackary Kozak, 18, American Heritage Schools, Palm Beach Campus, Delray Beach, Fla.:“‘The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar’: Sharing the Wealth of Words”

Zijing Xin, 16, Shanghai Pinghe Bilingual School, Shanghai: “Avavav Spring/Summer 2024: Unveiling the Unspoken Stress”

Thank you to our contest judges!

Kirsten Akens, Nancy Coleman, Dana Davis, Shannon Doyne, Jeremy Engle, Caroline Gilpin, Michael Gonchar, Annissa Hambouz, Jeremy Hyler, Susan Josephs, Sabrina Karlin, Shira Katz, Phoebe Lett, Mary Marge Locker, Kathleen Massara, Sue Mermelstein, Sharon Murchie, Amelia Nierenberg, John Otis, Kim Pallozzi, Ken Paul, Natalie Proulx, Robin Redfearn, Katherine Schulten, Ana Sosa, Mathilde Tanon, Brett Vogelsinger and Kimberly Wiedmeyer

high school student research paper competition

Craft or Commodity? The ‘Paradox’ of High School Creative Writing Competitions

By propelling winners to elite colleges and empowering them to pursue writing, these competitions can change the course of students’ lives. But the pressure to win can also stunt young writers’ growth and complicate their relationship with their craft and themselves.

One story of his — which went on to win a national award for flash fiction — begins as a dispassionate description of household events, but turns by the end into a heart-wrenching account of a child dealing with the aftermath of his parents’ divorce. In writing it, Heiser-Cerrato says he was inspired by the struggles of friends who had experienced divorce.

He also wrote it to enter into national creative writing competitions.

In other disciplines, high schoolers compete in elite programs that can serve as pipelines to top colleges. Students interested in STEM fields often strive to qualify for the International Science and Engineering Fair, while those hoping to go into law and politics can apply for the U.S. Senate Youth Program or compete in the national championships for speech and debate.

For students like Heiser-Cerrato, a number of creative writing contests now serve as a similar path to elite college admissions.

Heiser-Cerrato, who won multiple national awards for his prose and poetry, submitted creative writing portfolios to Harvard, Princeton, and the University of Pennsylvania, and he’s sure his creative writing is what propelled him to Harvard.

“It was my main hook,” he says.

Competitions like YoungArts and the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards have skyrocketed in selectivity and prestige over the past few decades, becoming a quantifiable way for colleges to identify rising literary stars. The winners of top competitions disproportionately go on to attend elite universities.

However, selecting the nation’s top storytellers is more complicated than selecting its top scientists. Competitions can’t score poems in the same objective way they score students in a Math Olympiad. Instead, who wins these competitions often comes down to taste. Several former high school creative writers say that specific styles and topic areas disproportionately win national writing competitions. Top competitions, they say, incentivize writers to dredge up traumatic experiences or commodify their cultural backgrounds.

By propelling winners to elite colleges and empowering them to pursue writing, these competitions can change the course of students’ lives. But the pressure to win can also stunt young writers’ growth and complicate their relationship with their craft and themselves.

Creative writing contests aim to promote self expression and foster a new generation of artists. But does turning creative writing into a competition for admissions erode its artistic purpose?

‘The Most Important Experiences of My Life’

H eiser-Cerrato went to a “sports high school” where it was difficult for him to receive the mentorship he needed to improve his writing or find a creative community. With so few fellow writers at his high school, he had no way to judge his talent beyond the confines of his English classes.

Creative writing competitions were founded for students like Heiser-Cerrato. Even a century ago, Maurice Robinson — the founder of Scholastic — was surprised at the gap that existed in recognizing students interested in the arts. In 1923, he hosted the first national Scholastic Art and Writing Competition.

By the 2000s, Scholastic no longer had a monopoly on creative writing competitions. YoungArts was founded in 1981, and the Foyle Young Poets Competition held its inaugural competition in 1998. After the Adroit Journal and Bennington College launched their annual creative writing competitions in the 2010s, competing in multiple creative writing competitions became common practice for aspiring poets and novelists.

When students started finding out about competitions through the internet, competitions like Scholastic doubled in size. The Covid-19 pandemic drove submissions to competitions like Foyle Young Poets up even more. Last year, the Scholastic awards received more than 300,000 entries, up from the 200,000 some entries received in 2005.

Collectively, these contests now receive more than 315,000 creative writing entries a year in categories like poetry, prose, and even spoken word. Students submit individual works of writing, or in some cases portfolios, to be judged by selection panels often consisting of professors and past winners. They are assessed on criteria like “originality, technical skill, and personal voice or vision.”

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards boasts an impressive list of alumni who have gone on to win the highest literary prizes in their fields. Past winners include lauded writers Stephen King, Sylvia Plath, Joyce Carol Oates, and Amanda S. Gorman ’20.

Hoping to perhaps join this illustrious group, Heiser-Cerrato began applying to competitions his sophomore year. Spurred on by his high school English teacher — who incorporated contest submissions into assignments — Heiser-Cerrato felt the concrete nature of competition deadlines helped hold him accountable.

“When you’re trying to do something creative and you have no feedback loop or deadline, you can get very off track and not develop,” he says. “I never would have done that if there wasn’t a contest to submit to, because then there was no opportunity to get feedback.”

While Heiser-Cerrato went on to win some of Scholastic’s top honors — a National Silver Medal and Silver Medal with Distinction for his senior portfolio — even some who fare less well appreciate the feedback competitions provide.

“I think a lot of people are very cautious to give negative feedback to younger writers,” says Colby A. Meeks ’25, a former poetry editor of the Harvard Advocate. “I think getting rejections from certain contests and losing certain competitions did help me grow as a writer insofar as tempering an ego that I think young writers can very easily get from English teachers.”

Heiser-Cerrato views his experience with the Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship Program — a program that pairs high schoolers with established writers — as “pretty instrumental to my growth.” After applying during his senior year, Heiser-Cerrato met bi-weekly with his mentor, discussing works of other authors and workshopping two stories of his own.

Similarly, when Darius Atefat-Peckham ’23, then a student at the Interlochen Center for the Arts, won a National Silver Medal in the Scholastic competition, he became eligible to apply to the National Students Poet Program. From a pool of finalists submitting more than 23,000 works, Atefat-Peckham was selected as one of five National Student Poets.

“It led me to probably the most important experiences of my life. As a National Student Poet, I got to travel the Midwest and teach workshops to high schoolers and middle schoolers,” he says. “That pretty much set me on my trajectory for wanting to be a teacher someday, wanting to apply myself in the ways that I would need in order to get to a prestigious institution.”

‘If You’re Going to Apply to Harvard…’

W hen Daniel T. Liu ’27 opened his Harvard application portal, he knew exactly why he’d gotten in.

“My application to college was almost solely based on writing,” Liu says.

In high school, along with serving on the editorial staff of multiple literary magazines and attending creative writing summer camps, Liu won dozens of contests — including becoming a YoungArts winner and a 2022 Foyle Young Poet of the Year.

“I actually read my admissions file, and they did mention camps that they know, summer camps like Iowa and Kenyon, which are big teen writing summer programs,” says Liu. “They pointed that out.”

According to The Crimson’s analysis of publicly available data and interviews with multiple students, there is a clear link between high school creative writing contest success and enrollment at highly selective colleges.

From 2019 to 2022, among students with publicly available educational history who won Scholastic’s Gold Medal Portfolio — the competition’s highest award — just over 50 percent enrolled in Ivy League universities or Stanford. Fifteen percent more received writing scholarships or enrolled at creative writing focused colleges.

From 2015 to 2020, 55 percent of the students who won first, second, or third place in the Bennington Young Writers Awards for fiction or poetry enrolled in Ivy League universities or Stanford.

“My application to college was almost solely based on writing,” Daniel T. Liu says.

As Atefat-Peckham reflects back on his college application, he knows his creative writing successes were essential in complementing his standardized test scores. While he was proud of his ACT score, he did not believe it would have been enough to distinguish him from other qualified applicants.

Since 2018, three recipients of YoungArts’ top-paying scholarship — the $50,000 Lin Arison Excellence in Writing Award — have matriculated to Harvard. Other winners attended Brown, Swarthmore, and Wesleyan. Recent recipients include Stella Lei ’26, Rhodes Scholar-Elect Isabella B. Cho ’24, and Liu.

Creative writing competitions’ prominence in the college admissions process comes during the most competitive college application environment ever. Harvard’s Class of 2025 received a record-high number 57,435 applicants, leading to the lowest admissions rate in College history.

Eleanor V. Wikstrom ’24, a YoungArts winner and Rhodes Scholar-elect, described YoungArts as “super cool” in allowing her to meet other artists. She also recognized the importance of her participation for college applications.

“I can’t lie: If you think that you’re going to apply to Harvard, it’s very helpful to have some kind of national accolade,” she says.

The ‘Paradox’ of Competitive Art

I n 2021, an anonymously written document accusing student poet Rona Wang of plagiarism made waves in the competitive creative writing community. Wang — who had won awards from MIT and the University of Chicago, was affiliated with Simon & Schuster, and had published a book of short stories — was accused of copying ten works written by other student poets.

According to Liu, this behavior isn’t unprecedented. Several years ago, Liu explains, an “infamous” scandal erupted in the high school creative writing world when a student plagiarized Isabella Cho’s poetry and entered it into competitions.

Liu says more students are beginning to apply to writing competitions out of a desire to have awards on their resume, rather than because of a genuine interest in creative writing.

While creative writing contests can provide valuable opportunities for feedback and mentorship, several students look back on their time in the competitive creative writing circuit with ambivalence. The pressure to write in service of a contest — writing to win, not just to create — can pressure writers to commodify their identities and cash in on their painful experiences, turning a creative outlet into a path to admissions or quest for outside validation.

Liu says he regrets that creative writing competitions are becoming a pipeline to elite college admissions. He’s worried competitions like Scholastic and YoungArts are becoming too similar to programs like the International Science and Engineering Fair.

“Math, science, all these competitions, they all have some aspect of prestige to them,” says Liu. “What makes it so difficult in that regard is that writing isn’t math. It requires a level of personal dedication to that craft.”

“It kind of sucks because a lot of artistic practice should come out of personal will,” says Liu. “To compete in art is paradoxical, right?”

Sara Saylor, who won a gold portfolio prize for her writing, told the New York Times in 2005 that “the awards came to mean too much to me after a while.”

“Whenever Scholastic admissions time rolled around, we began to get very competitive and more concerned about winning the contest than we should have,” she says.

Indeed, students at elite creative high schools like the Interlochen Center for the Arts are pushed by teachers to enter competitions. Hannah W. Duane ’25, who attended the Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts as part of the creative writing department, was required to submit to three creative writing competitions every six weeks.

(These competitions are dominated by schools like Duane’s. In 2019, 23 Interlochen students received national Scholastic awards for their creative writing — a distinction typically awarded to less than 1 percent of entries.)

Though Liu wasn’t required to submit to contests, he felt a different kind of obligation. Liu says writing competitions pushed him to write almost exclusively about his heritage, keeping him from exploring other narratives.

“From the start, I applied with a lot of cultural pieces, like pieces about my family history,” says Liu. “Those were the ones that won. And so it built me into a cycle where I was only writing about these areas — heritage.”

Liu’s experience wasn’t uncommon. When looking at other winning pieces, he noticed a similar trend.

“The competitions — Scholastic, YoungArts, those two big ones — definitely prioritize writing about your heritage,” says Liu. “Part of the reason behind that is for a lot of the students, that’s a very unique aspect of them.”

“In a hyper-competitive environment, what you can write better than anyone else is what’s gonna make you stand out,” he adds.

In an emailed statement, YoungArts Vice President Lauren Slone wrote that YoungArts winners in writing “must demonstrate a sense of inventiveness, show attention to the complexities and technical aspects of language, and have a clear, original, and distinct point of view.”

Chris Wisniewski ’01, Executive Director of the nonprofit that oversees Scholastic, wrote in an email that the competition has been “welcoming to works across many styles, subjects, and points of view” and does not give “implicit or explicit guidance” to jurors or competitors about the content or style of winning pieces. He added that “on the national level, each piece of writing undergoes at least three separate readings from jurors to diversify the views on its adherence to the program’s original and sole criteria.”

Ryan H. Doan-Nguyen ’25, who received a Scholastic Gold Key and won the New York Times’s Found Poem Contest, notes another way young writers try to distinguish themselves.

“Students feel compelled to embellish or to write about really painful things,” says Doan-Nguyen, a Crimson News Editor. “It does tend to be really heavy hitting topics that make the page.”

According to him and multiple others, the creative writing circuit pushes students to expose deeply personal, sometimes traumatic experiences for academic points. (Students make similar claims about the college admissions process .)

Doan-Nguyen was hesitant to publicly open up about vulnerable experiences, so he shied away from writing about traumatic memories of his own. But he fears this reluctance held him back.

“Maybe that’s why I did not win more contests,” he says. “I was always too afraid to be so vulnerable and raw.”

Duane recalls the competitions being dominated by sobering personal narratives: often stories about authors’ experiences with racism, abuse, or sexual assault. However, her school worked to insulate its students from the pressure to sensationalize.

“The constant refrain we would hear is, ‘Writing is not your therapy. Get that elsewhere,’” she says.

Liu says writing contests not only changed his content — they also pushed him and other competitors to write in the specific style of past winners. He says many successful pieces were reminiscent of the poet and novelist Ocean Vuong.

Writers would cut their lines off at odd places “to give the illusion of mystery when there’s no real thought behind it besides, ‘Hey, it should look like this because it looks pretty like this,’” says Liu. He also recalls writers, especially young poets, using “a lot of language of violence.” Liu worries this overreliance on stylistic imitation can stunt young writers’ growth.

He questions whether the existence of creative writing competitions is helping young writers at all.

“If writing is supposed to be a practice of self-reflection, you’re not doing those things when you plagiarize. You’re not doing those things when you submit just a draft of someone else’s style,” says Liu. “It doesn’t align with what it should be as an artistic practice.”

‘I Will Always Be Writing’

S ince coming to Harvard, Heiser-Cerrato has begun writing for a very different purpose. He joined the Harvard Lampoon, a semi-secret Sorrento Square social organization that used to occasionally publish a so-called humor magazine.

With the structure and pressure of creative writing competitions behind them, he and other past winners are taking their writing in new directions.

“My high school writing was very sentimental and very focused on trying to be profound,” Heiser-Cerrato says. “But here, I’ve been more interested in the entertainment side of things.”

When writing for competitions, Heiser-Cerrato says it was difficult for him to define his goals. But for the Lampoon, he says he just wants to make others laugh. There, Heiser-Cerrato has finally found the sense of community he lacked in high school.

Meeks joined the Harvard Advocate, where he critiques poetry instead of writing it. In high school, Meeks appreciated competitions as an avenue through which to receive feedback on his writing. Now, he works to give those who submit work to the Advocate similar guidance.

“Often, submitting to a literary magazine feels like you’re sending something into a void,” Meeks says. “And I really wanted as much as possible, as much as it was manageable timewise, to make sure that people were getting some feedback.”

Like Meeks, Wikstrom and Doan-Nguyen are also members of campus publications. Wikstrom is the former editorial chair of The Crimson, and Doan-Nguyen is a Crimson News and Magazine Editor.

Wikstrom, who was the Vice Youth Poet Laureate of Oakland in high school for her spoken word poetry, says she loved spoken word poetry in high school because of its capacity to spark action. At Harvard, she saw The Crimson’s Editorial Board as another way to speak out about important issues.

“It’s a really interesting middle ground for creative writing, because you do have the commitment to factual accuracy,” she says. “But you also have more leeway than perhaps news to be injecting your personal voice. And also that urgency of, ‘I feel very strongly about this. And other people should feel strongly about this, too.’”

Unlike Heiser-Cerrato, Atefat-Peckham wasn’t drawn to any existing organization on campus. Though he attended Interlochen and succeeded in highly selective contests while in high school, Atefat-Peckham disagreed with the cutthroat, commodifying incentive structure and believed campus literary organizations like the Advocate and Lampoon were too selective.

When Atefat-Peckham returned to campus after the pandemic, he helped form the Harvard Creative Writing Collective, a non-competitive home for creative writing on campus.

Liu is a member of the Creative Writing Collective and the Advocate. But most of his writing at Harvard has been independent. Instead of writing for competitions, Liu says he’s transitioned to writing for himself.

And though Doan-Nguyen is not sure what he wants to do after college, he — along with Liu, Meeks, Heiser-Cerrato, Wikstrom, and Duane — is sure writing will play a role in it.

“It’s a big part of my life and always has been, and I think it’s made me see so much about the work that I wouldn’t have seen otherwise if I didn’t put my pen to paper,” says Doan-Nguyen.

“I know that no matter what I end up doing, whether that’s going to law school or journalism or just doing nonprofit work, I will always be writing. Writing and writing and writing.”

Correction: February 13, 2024

A previous version of this article included a misleading quote attributed to Ryan Doan-Nguyen.

— Magazine writer Cam N. Srivastava can be reached at [email protected] .

— Associate Magazine Editor Adelaide E. Parker can be reached at [email protected] .

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    Regeneron ISEF 2023 - Society of Science. The Regeneron ISEF 2023, an international competition and the world's largest pre-college STEM event, presents high school students with a grand stage to showcase their scientific prowess. Affiliated fairs, part of the Society for Science network, are held at various levels—local, regional, state ...

  9. 9 Best Cancer Research Competitions for High School Students

    The Regeneron STS is one of the most prestigious research competitions for high school students. While not solely focused on cancer research, it offers a platform for students to showcase their work in various scientific fields, including cancer biology. 8. Cancer Unwrapped High School Essay Contest. Award: Prizes up to $1,000. Deadline: March ...

  10. About ISSCY

    ISSCY is a research competition for high school students around the world, co-hosted and sponsored by the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) and GATSVI Challenge. ... Students will submit a proposal for the preliminary round and, if selected, will be invited to submit their full papers. After a careful screening by esteemed ...

  11. David McCullough Essay Prizes

    The Gilder Lehrman Institute is now accepting submissions for the 2024 David McCullough Essay Prizes. The contest has been recently overhauled, and will recognize fourteen outstanding high school student research and interpretive essays with cash prizes of up to $5,000. This contest is named in memory of David McCullough (1933-2022)—a ...

  12. Neuroscience Research Prize

    Criteria. Participate. This award is designed to encourage high school students to explore the world of the brain and nervous system through research, identify and reward those students whose scientific skill and talent indicate potential for scientific contributions in the field of neuroscience, and recognize the efforts of science teachers ...

  13. 16 Research Programs for High School Students in 2024

    1. NASA High School Internship Program. The NASA High School Internship Program provides a unique opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in the world of space exploration and cutting-edge research. Participants collaborate with NASA scientists and engineers, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to real projects.

  14. Post

    This is a very esteemed competition where you can network with other students, learn more about historical facts, and impress colleges. Eligibility: All high school students younger than 19 years old: Varsity (11th and 12th grade), Junior Varsity (9th or 10th grade) 3. Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest.

  15. Research Competitions for Psychology

    Google Science Fair. This global online science competition is open to all students who are between 13 and 18 years old. The competition, which launched in 2011, accepts submissions in all areas science. From thousands of submissions, 60 semifinalists are selected, and 15 finalists are chosen to participate in a final live Google Science Fair ...

  16. Neuroscience Research Prize

    Benefits. Benefits for three winners of the AAN Neuroscience Research Prize: Each winner will receive a $1,000 prize, certificate of recognition, and the opportunity to present their work during a scientific poster session at the AAN 76 th Annual Meeting in Denver, CO*. Each winner and their parent or mentor will receive coach airfare, two ...

  17. High school science competition: $1.8M up for grabs at Regeneron STS

    The high school senior always had an interest in science. Growing up in Philadelphia, she regularly enjoyed visiting city institutions like the Franklin Institute and the Natural History Museum. ... An applicant pool of over 2,000 students submitting original research is narrowed down to 40 finalists, who compete for $1.8 million in prizes ...

  18. Competitive (And Free) Summer Programs For High School Students

    High School Senior Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP) Location: Research groups are located on all NIH campuses. Dates: Varies. Cost: Free; students will receive a stipend. Age requirements: Must ...

  19. Student Research Competition

    The Student Research Competition is a forum for undergraduate and graduate students to showcase their research, exchange ideas, and improve their communication skills while competing for prizes. CHI 2023 is structured as a Hybrid-Onsite full conference from April 23-28, 2023 in Hamburg, Germany. Important Dates.

  20. Youth Scholarships

    Voice of Democracy. Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 million in educational scholarships and ...

  21. Student Research Paper and Poster Competitions

    During the LACCEI Annual Conference (July), the Student full paper research competition and the Student poster research competition are held. The objectives of the student competitions are: ... The poster should be clearly readable from a distance of 2 meters (24″ wide x 36″ high - 60.96cm wide x 91.44cm high). Language: Spanish or English;

  22. Research Paper Competition

    A research paper consists of student or team Investigative Research, which is the written presentation of your investigation and experimentation. Research papers are only allowed for students in 6th-12th grade competing in the middle school/senior high fair. Scientific thought and procedures will receive major credit in the judging.

  23. Art of Problem Solving

    Here is a list of links to High School and College National Olympiads and Competitions on Science (mainly Mathematics) all over the world, in different languages.A good number of websites mentioned in this section are taken from the Countries page of the website of the International Mathematical Olympiad.. NOTE: This page is incomplete.

  24. PDF High school science fair: School location trends in student

    In this paper, we report location trends in U.S. student participation in high school science ... nects High School Students with University Researchers. Journal of Chemical Education. 2017; 94 (2):171-6. 24. ... An exploration of gender participation patterns in science competitions. Journal of Research in Science Teaching. 1995; 32(7):735 ...

  25. [2402.09035] Using storytelling to foster the teaching and learning of

    Studies in Physics Education Research show that interdisciplinary approaches in education foster students' motivation, creativity, curiosity, and interest in physics. We discuss their features and potential role in bringing contemporary physics topics to high school, and how to use them to integrate formal educational programs. We make an explicit example of the use of storytelling and ...

  26. Olympiads

    Every year Lomonosov Moscow State University holds 7 Olympiads of school students included in the List approved by the Order of the Ministry of science and higher education of the Russian Federation No. 658 dated 30 August 2019. Olympiads are held in two stages: qualifying and final. School students of grades 5-11 can participate in Olympiads.

  27. Bronxville High School Students Make History Day Regionals

    As a result of their outstanding work, the students have advanced to the 2024 Lower Hudson Valley History Day Competition, which will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas College on March 16.

  28. The Winners of Our Ninth Annual Student Review Contest

    In a musical age of brassy new artists with the life span of a 90-day TikTok trend, Olivia Rodrigo's story was meant to be over long ago. After her power ballad "Drivers License" went viral ...

  29. Craft or Commodity? The 'Paradox' of High School Creative Writing

    Caden Heiser-Cerrato '26 spent high school steeped in stories. He founded a creative writing club, hosted flash fiction contests, and wrote pages upon pages of stories and poems. He loved ...