National STEM Festival U.S. Edition
Rated Advanced, The 2027 U.S. edition is a free individual STEM project competition for eligible Grades 7–12 students who usually live in one of 56 U.S. Competition Regions. Applications close at 11:59 PM ET on 11 April 2027, followed by two review phases and an in-person Washington, DC festival for up to 64 Champions. Entrants must develop an original individual STEM project and present it through written responses, an anonymous PDF and a downloadable video; advancement depends on impact, originality and clear communication across two review phases.
Verified information
Competition details can change. Always confirm dates, eligibility and entry requirements on the official organiser's website.
Official website ↗OVERALL COMPETITION LEVEL
Advanced Level
5 evaluation dimensions have source-backed automatic scores; 0 dimensions need conflict review.
Competition overview
Key information
Eligible ages
From 13
School level
Grades 7–12; applicant must be at least 13 by 11 April 2027
Registration method
Individual Allowed
Competition stages
Applications open 11 January 2027; close 11:59 PM ET on 11 April; Phase 1 review 12 April–11 May; Finalists announced 12 May; Phase 2 review 13 May–11 June; Champions announced 22 June; Washington, DC Festival 19–24 October 2027
Fee
Free; no purchase or payment required
Online / in-person
Hybrid
Dates
Competition timeline
Registration opens
11 Jan 2027
Registration closes
12 Apr 2027
Competition starts
19 Oct 2027
Competition ends
24 Oct 2027
Editorial perspective
Our Take
The complete rules now published for the 2027 U.S. edition replace uncertainty with a demanding but readable application path. Entry is free, but participation is restricted by grade, age and usual residence; students also have to submit a finished individual project package in one sitting rather than return to a saved draft. The scoring makes the organiser's priorities unusually visible. Half of the first-stage score comes from Positive Impact, while originality and clarity divide the remaining points; the later video contributes one quarter of the overall result. That balance rewards a project whose value can be demonstrated through evidence and explained plainly, not merely a polished-looking prototype.
Read full guide →Source information
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