Virtual STEM Challenge 2026-2027
Fall Cohort
Present. Practice. Prepare for Your Science Fair.
Students in Grades 3–12 across the United States are invited to submit original science and engineering projects for virtual judging, recognition, and awards.
Preparing for a school or regional science and engineering fair? Present your project to STEM judges, practice answering questions through an optional live Zoom interview, and build confidence before your next fair.
Students who do not have access to a science and engineering fair through their school or district, as well as those seeking additional opportunities, are encouraged to participate, showcase their work, and gain valuable project-presentation experience.
Investigate a scientific question, address a real-world problem, or develop an innovative solution inspired by your interests, experiences, and community. Compete for STEM4ALL awards and additional sponsored recognition, including IEEE-sponsored awards.
Important Timelines
Early Registration: Sep 25 to Nov 16, 2026
Project Submission: Nov 16 to Jan 31, 2027
Judging Interviews on Zoom: Feb 2027
Awards: March 2027
Register early to attend exclusive project-development webinars featuring researchers, engineers, past ISEF and JIC finalists, and Award recipients.
These sessions will provide practical guidance, project inspiration, presentation strategies, and insights from individuals with experience developing and showcasing science and engineering projects.
In Partnership with
STEM Challenge Fall Cohort at a Glance
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Eligibility: Students in Grades 3–12
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Format: Fully virtual
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Participation: Individual or teams of up to three students
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Project Areas: Science, engineering, technology, and mathematics
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Submission Requirements: Abstract, project poster, and video
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Optional Zoom Interviews: February 2027 (dates will be announced in January)
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Awards Announcement: March 2027 (date will be posted in February)
Who Is This Challenge For?
The Virtual STEM Challenge - Fall Cohort is designed primarily for two groups of students:
1. Students Preparing for a Regional Fair or a Feeder School Fair
Students planning to present their projects at a school, district, county, or regional science and engineering fair can use this challenge to:
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Practice explaining their work
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Present their project to STEM judges
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Develop confidence answering questions
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Strengthen their poster, abstract, and presentation skills
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Prepare for fairs that may offer eligible students advancement to a state fair, the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC), or the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
2. Students Seeking Access or Additional STEM Opportunities
The challenge also welcomes students who do not have access to a science and engineering fair through their school or district, as well as students seeking additional opportunities to develop, present, and receive recognition for their work.
These students can participate independently to:
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Explore a topic that interests them
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Complete an original STEM project
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Develop research or engineering-design skills
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Present their work to STEM professionals
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Receive recognition for their effort and achievement
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Learn, participate, and grow through a virtual science and engineering experience
Participation in the STEM4ALL Virtual STEM Challenge is independent of other fairs. It does not provide or guarantee advancement to a state fair, JIC, ISEF, or another competition.
How to Participate?
Step 1: Register
Students do not need to have a completed project at the time of registration. Project titles, categories, and other details may be developed or updated before the final submission deadline.
Individual Project Registration
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Early Bird Registration (By Nov 16) = $50
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Regular Registration (By Dec 31) = $65
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Late Registration (By Jan 16, 2027) = $75
Team Project Registration
Teams may include two or three students.
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Early Bird Registration (By Nov 16) = $100
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Regular Registration (By Dec 31) = $130
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Late Registration (By Jan 16, 2027) = $150
For Team Registrations - Please register one student and one adult leader (parent or guardian) at the time of registration. You will be able to add other team members with their parent details at the time of project submission.
Step 2: Explore a Project That Matters to You
Students are encouraged to pursue ideas inspired by their curiosity, personal interests, communities, or desire to make a positive impact.
Projects may:
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Investigate a scientific question
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Address an everyday or community challenge
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Develop and test an engineering solution
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Explore an emerging area of science or technology
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Use mathematics, computing, or data to study a problem
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Propose an innovative solution for the future
Step 3: Submit Your Project
Registered participants will receive a secure link to the project-submission portal by November 16.
Project Submission Dates: November 16, 2026, to January 31, 2027, 11.59 p.m. Pacific Time
Each submission must include:
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Project abstract
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Project poster
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Project video
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Project Category
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Required project and participant information
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Headshots of all participants
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Optional ISEF category
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Optional SDG alignment
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Adult/ Parent/ Guardian Consent on Safety, Ethics, Compliance, and Media Release.
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The project video is mandatory for every individual and team project, including students planning to participate in a live Zoom interview.
Step 4: Judging
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Projects will be evaluated based on the submitted abstract, poster, and project presentation (video).
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Optional live Zoom interviews will be offered in February 2027. Interviews are recommended for students who want to practice presenting their projects and responding to judges’ questions. Multiple interview dates will be offered in February based on number of projects and judge availability.
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Students attending a Zoom interview will be scored on the live presentation instead of the submitted video.
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Students who do not attend an interview will be evaluated using their submitted video. Only one presentation format—the video or Zoom interview—will be scored.
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The same presentation criteria and point values will apply to both formats.
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For team projects, all available team members should attend the same scheduled interview.
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In case students are unable to attend any of the offered interview slots, scoring will be done based on their video submissions. There is no penalty for not being able to attend a live interview.
Project Evaluation
Projects may be evaluated on:
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Clarity of the scientific question or engineering problem
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Background research and subject understanding
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Scientific method or engineering-design process
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Creativity and originality
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Data collection, testing, and analysis
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Conclusions and understanding of results
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Quality of the abstract, poster, and presentation
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Potential relevance or impact
Scoring Rubric: Interview or Video = 50 points, Poster = 40 points, Abstract = 10 points
Step 5: Awards and Recognition
Awards will be announced and posted on the STEM4ALL website in March 2027, with certificates available for download. Exact date will be announced towards the end of February 2027.
Projects will be recognized within the following grade divisions:
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Elementary School: Grades 3–5
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Middle School: Grades 6–8
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High School: Grades 9–12
Recognition may include:
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Grade-division awards
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Subject-area awards
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SDG awards
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Sponsored awards
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Special recognition awards
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The number and type of awards may vary based on the number, quality, and distribution of eligible submissions. Project categories may be combined when there are insufficient eligible entries to support separate category awards.
SDG Awards
Special recognition may be presented to outstanding projects that meaningfully align with one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Students wishing to be considered for an SDG Award should identify the applicable goal and briefly explain how their project relates to it.
Selecting an SDG is optional and does not affect consideration for other awards.
Sponsored Awards
Additional awards may be supported by corporate, professional, academic, research, and community partners.
Confirmed award sponsors, eligibility requirements, and selection criteria will be posted as they become available.
Organizations interested in recognizing student creativity, scientific inquiry, engineering innovation, sustainability, or community impact are invited to sponsor an award.
Important Participation Information
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Participants must be students in Grades 3–12 residing in the United States.
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Projects may be completed individually or by teams of up to three students.
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Every team member must complete the required participant information and parent or guardian consent.
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Submitted work must be original and accurately represent the students’ contributions.
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Students and their parents or guardians are responsible for ensuring that projects are conducted safely, ethically, and with appropriate adult supervision. Projects must comply with all applicable laws, safety requirements, and challenge rules. Registration or participation does not constitute STEM4ALL’s approval of a project’s safety.
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Participation does not guarantee an award or advancement to another competition.
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Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Refunds will not be provided if a participant withdraws, does not complete or submit a project, misses a deadline, or is unable to participate.
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Project Display and Media Consent: Participation requires parent or guardian consent for STEM4ALL to display and share the student’s name, grade division, school, project title, project poster, project images, video presentation or excerpts, and award information for challenge-related exhibition, recognition, and communications. These materials may appear on the STEM4ALL website, official social media channels, newsletters, award announcements, presentations, and program reports.
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Additional rules, consent requirements, and submission instructions may be provided to the registered participants.
Local STEM Sponsors and Partners
We are pleased to invite students in Grades 3 through 12 in the United States to participate in our Virtual STEM Challenge 2026-2027 - Fall Cohort, and submit their innovative Engineering and Science projects for virtual judging, recognition, and awards
Students are encouraged to explore ideas driven by their personal passions, curiosity, and desire to make a positive impact. Projects may be inspired by everyday challenges in their communities, global issues, or innovative solutions for the future
To further inspire meaningful problem-solving, students may choose to align their projects with one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as clean energy, quality education, climate action, health and well-being, or sustainable cities. However, this is entirely optional, and students are welcome to pursue any topic that reflects their interests and ideas
Virtual STEM Challenge Outline
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Create a science or engineering project based on your personal passion that aims to solve a real-world problem
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Projects may optionally be inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while remaining open to any innovative idea or area of interest
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Students can participate individually or in a team of 1-4 students. All participants must complete an individual registration before submitting the project
Key Deliverables and Timelines
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Step 1: Register at this LINK
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Registration Fee for Individual Projects: Early Bird (By Oct 31) = $50, Regular (By Dec 31) = $60, Late (By Jan 31, 2027) = $75
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Registration Fee for Team Projects (Max 3 students per Team): Early Bird (By Oct 31) = $100, Regular (By Dec 31) = $120, Late (By Jan 31, 2027) = $150
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Register Early to be on our mailing list for resources and updates throughout the Challenge!
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Step 2: Submit your project at this link ( by Jan 31, 2027, 11.59 pm PT)
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Step 3: Judging
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Projects will be evaluated based on the submitted abstract, poster, and project presentation. A project video is required at the time of submission.
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Optional live Zoom interviews will be offered in February and are recommended for students who want to practice presenting and answering judges’ questions. For students attending an interview, the Zoom presentation will be scored instead of the video. Students who do not attend will be evaluated using their submitted video.
Awards and Recognition
1. Awards will be posted on the website in March 2027
2. Separate Awards for Elementary, Middle school, and High School students:
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Elementary School: Grades 3–5
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Middle School: Grades 6–8
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High School: Grades 9–12
3. Sponsored Awards by IEEE, Corporate Sponsors, Businesses, and Research Institutes
SDG Awards
Special recognition awards will be presented to projects that align with one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Sponsored Awards
Corporate-sponsored awards are available through IEEE and Cadence Systems. Awards sponsored by local STEM businesses are currently provided by Socratic Academy. We are actively seeking additional corporate partners and local STEM education providers to sponsor awards that recognize students for outstanding creativity, innovation, and impact. If your organization is interested in contributing and sponsoring an award, please contact us at info@stem-4all.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Virtual STEM Challenge 2026-2027:
Fall Cohort
1. Which grades are eligible to participate?
Students attending Grade 3 to 12 in Fall academic session 2026-2027 are eligible to participate in this Virtual STEM Challenge
2. What is the objective of the STEM Challenge 2026-2027 - Fall Cohort?
The STEM Challenge – Fall Cohort provides students in Grades 3–12 with an opportunity to develop and present original science and engineering projects, strengthen their project communication skills, and gain experience with virtual judging.
The program is designed both for students preparing to participate in school or regional science and engineering fairs and for students who may not have access to such opportunities through their schools or districts. Through project submission, optional live interviews, recognition, and awards, students build confidence in presenting their work, responding to judges’ questions, and applying STEM to questions and problems that matter to them.
3. When can I register to participate in this Challenge?
Registrations are currently open. We recommend registering early to secure a spot for judging interviews in February.
4. Can I participate individually or do I need a team to participate?
You can participate in this challenge individually or in a Team of 2 to 3.
5. When and how do I register my team?
You will select Team registration at the time of registration. Please enter One Student and One Adult Leader (Parent/ Guardian) at the time of registration. You can add other students in the team with their parent details at the time of project submission.
6. What is the competition format?
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Students can participate in this challenge individually or as a team of up to 3 students
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All participants on a team must complete individual or Team registration.
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Submit - 5 min video, Abstract, Poster, SDG* statement (if applicable), Headshot photos.
SDG* - Sustainable Development Goals by United Nations
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Attend Live interviews on Zoom in February 2027. This is optional but recommended.
7. How is scoring done?
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Video OR Zoom Interview = 50 points
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Poster= 40 points
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Abstract = 10 points
8. Can I cancel my registration and request a refund?
No. All registrations are final. There is no cancellation and refund. The registration fee is non-transferrable to any other participants or any other programs offered by STEM4ALL.
9. How do I participate?
Step 1: Complete your registration (register early)
Step 2: Submit your project details (Video, Poster, Abstract) before the deadline
Step 3: Attend live zoom interview in February (optional)
10. Can my parents register as a Judge?
Parents are welcome to register as a judge. However, they cannot judge your or your team project. Parents can submit their interest to support as a judge when you submit your project.
11. Where to I upload my Project Video?
You will upload this on the project registration link that will be available on Nov 16, 2026
12. What should I cover in my project poster?
A) Science Projects should cover the following:
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PROJECT TITLE
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INTRODUCTION - What is your research question? (purpose, research question, hypothesis)
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METHODS - Explain your methodology and procedures for carrying out your project in details
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RESULTS - What were the result(s) of your project?
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DISCUSSION - What is your interpretation of these results?
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CONCLUSIONS - What conclusions did you reach?
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REFERENCES/ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
B) Engineering Projects should cover the following:
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PROJECT TITLE
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INTRODUCTION - What is your engineering problem and goal?
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METHODS - Explain your methods and procedures for building your design
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RESULTS - What were the result(s) of your project?
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DISCUSSION - What is your interpretation of these results?
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CONCLUSIONS - What conclusions did you reach?
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REFERENCES/ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
13. How are Awards categorized?
There are separate awards for Elementary, Middle, and High school projects in Science and Engineering categories.
Note - If any middle school team has at least one high school student in their team , they will be considered in the High school category and not in the Middle school category. Likewise, if an Elementary team has a Middle school student on the team, they would compete in the Middle school category
Elementary School Awards (Grades 3 to 5)
Category Awards
United Nations Sustainability Goals Awards
Sponsor Awards
Middle School Awards (Grades 6 to 8)
Category Awards
United Nations Sustainability Goals Awards
Sponsor Awards
High School Awards (Grades 9 to 12)
Category Awards
United Nations Sustainability Goals Awards
Sponsor Awards
In addition to the above, there could be Honorable Mentions for projects. Please note: Award categories may be combined, and awards may not be presented in every category. Award availability will depend on the number, quality, and distribution of eligible project submissions.
14. I have additional questions. Who should I get in touch?
Kindly email us at info@stem-4all.org