Virtual STEM Challenge 2026-2027
Fall Cohort
A national virtual science and engineering competition for students in Grades 3–12 across the U.S.
In Partnership with
Inviting Young Scientists and Engineers Across the U.S.!
The STEM Challenge is a national virtual science and engineering competition for students in Grades 3 -12 to showcase original STEM projects, receive feedback from STEM professionals, and earn recognition and awards.
Students may participate individually or as a team. Projects are evaluated through submitted materials including an abstract, project poster, and short presentation video.
All eligible projects are reviewed by STEM judges. Selected high-scoring projects advance to the Finalist Round and are invited to a live virtual interview with a judging panel. Finalists have the opportunity to discuss their work, answer questions, and further demonstrate their understanding of the project.
Students who are also participating in school, county, regional, or affiliated science fairs may use the feedback and presentation experience to further strengthen their research communication skills. This competition does not have SRC and IRB approval process and does not advance your project to any other fair.
Fall Cohort Timeline
Registration
September 25 -December 31, 2026
Students do not need to have a completed project when they register.
Project Submission
November 16, 2026, to January 16, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time
Finalist Zoom Interviews
January 23 - February 7, 2027
Awards Announcement
February 14, 2027
Heading 2
Register early to receive program updates and learning resources!
Who Can Participate?
The STEM Challenge is open to students in Grades 3–12 across the United States.
Students may participate:
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Individually
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In teams of up to 3 students
Projects may be developed independently, through school, research programs, clubs, science fairs, or other STEM learning experiences.
How It Works?
Step 1 - Register
Register for the Fall Cohort by Dec 31, 2026
We recommend registering early to be on our roaster for useful information.
Step 2 - Develop Your Project
Students are encouraged to pursue projects inspired by their curiosity, interests, communities, or desire to solve a real-world problem.
Projects may:
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Investigate a scientific question
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Solve an engineering problem
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Explore an emerging technology
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Use mathematics or computing to study a problem
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Apply AI, data, or digital technologies
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Address an environmental or sustainability challenge
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Develop an innovative solution to a real-world need
Step 3 — Submit Your Project
Project Submission Deadline - January 16, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time
Each project submission should include:
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Project Abstract
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Project Poster
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3–5 Minute Project Presentation Video
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Optional United Nations Sustainable Development Goal alignment
Step 4 - Finalist Interviews
Live Virtual Interviews, January 23 - February 7, 2027
Selected high-scoring projects are named STEM Challenge Finalists and invited to a live Zoom interview with STEM judges. Finalists discuss their project, answer questions, and demonstrate their understanding of the work.
Step 5 - Awards & Recognition
Awards will be announced on the website by February 14, 2027
Projects will be recognized within three 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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Project Category Awards
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United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Awards
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Sponsored Awards
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Honorable Mentions
Award categories may be combined depending on participation and the distribution of eligible projects. Awards may not be presented in every category.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Awards
Projects that meaningfully address one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) may be considered for additional recognition. Students may identify an applicable SDG during project submission and briefly explain how their project contributes to that goal. Participation in the SDG recognition program is optional and does not affect eligibility for other awards.
Sponsored & Special Awards
Additional recognition may be provided by participating corporations, professional organizations, universities, researchers, and community partners. Organizations interested in recognizing student creativity, research, engineering, sustainability, innovation, or community impact are invited to support a special award.
STEM4ALL Educator Awards
Recognizing Educators Who Expand Access to STEM Opportunities
Behind every student project is an educator who encourages curiosity, creates opportunities, and inspires students to share their ideas.
The STEM4ALL Educator Awards recognize educators who encourage and support student participation in the Virtual STEM Challenge. Honorees will receive a personalized digital certificate and will be recognized on the STEM4ALL website.
During project submission, students may identify one supporting educator by providing the educator’s name, school, and school or professional email address. The project will count toward that educator’s eligibility for the STEM4ALL Educator Awards once the submission is complete and determined eligible. Team projects count as one project. Educator recognition is separate from student judging and does not influence project scores or awards. eligible p
Recognition Levels
Bronze Award - 1 to 2 Projects
Silver Award - 3 to 5 Projects
Gold Award - 6 to 9 Projects
Platinum Award - 10+ Projects
Project Evaluation and Scoring
Projects are evaluated based on factors such as:
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Clear problem or research question
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Scientific or engineering approach
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Student understanding
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Creativity and originality
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Analysis and results
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Real-world relevance or impact
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Quality of communication
Scoring
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Video Presentation: 50 points
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Project Poster: 40 points
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Abstract: 10 points
Scoring rubric for the finalist round will be shared with the finalists before the interviews
What Participants Receive?
All eligible participants receive:
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Project review by STEM judges
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Constructive feedback
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Participation recognition
Selected finalists additionally receive:
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STEM Challenge Finalist recognition
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Live virtual judging interview
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Consideration for awards and special recognition
Ready to Present Your Project?
Whether you are preparing for an upcoming regional Science & Engineering Fair or looking for an opportunity to develop and showcase your STEM project, the STEM Challenge — Fall Cohort gives you a platform to present your work, receive constructive feedback, strengthen your presentation, and earn recognition.
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.