Students presenting colorful science projects at regional science fair competition
Our Programs

STEM Programs for Florida Students

From classroom to international competition

Young elementary students examining colorful volcano science experiment with magnifying glass
K-12 Science Fairs

Where Scientific Discovery Begins

Our K-12 science fair programs provide statewide participation opportunities for students at all grade levels. From elementary curiosity to high school innovation, we support young scientists as they develop critical thinking skills and explore the world around them through hands-on experimentation.

All Grade Levels

Programs designed for elementary, middle, and high school students

Statewide Access

Available in all 67 Florida counties through local schools

Open Topics

Students explore any scientific question that interests them

Getting Started

Students work with teachers and mentors at their schools to develop projects throughout the academic year. Projects are first presented at school-level fairs before advancing to regional competitions.

Regional Science and Engineering Fairs (RSEF)

37 Competitions Across Florida

Regional fairs bring together 20,000+ students annually to compete, learn, and connect with scientists and judges from their communities.

North Florida

Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Gainesville regions

9 regional fairs

Central Florida

Orlando, Tampa, Lakeland regions

12 regional fairs

South Florida

Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach regions

11 regional fairs

Other Regions

Panhandle, Southwest Coast, Treasure Coast

5 regional fairs

Annual Competition Timeline

Step 1
September-December

Project development and school fairs

Step 2
January-March

Regional science fairs held statewide

Step 3
April

State fair and ISEF qualification

Step 4
May

International competitions

20,000+

Students exhibit at regional fairs annually

Volunteers

Regional directors, judges, and mentors

Jan-March

Regional fair season across all 67 counties

Competition Pathway

From Local to International

Our structured pathway provides clear advancement opportunities, guiding students from their first science fair to global recognition.

1

School Science Fair

Students present projects at their local schools. Winners advance to regional competitions.

2

Regional Fair

Compete in one of 37 regional fairs across Florida. Top projects qualify for state competition.

3

State Fair

Best regional projects compete at the state level. Winners receive scholarships and ISEF qualification.

4

International ISEF

Represent Florida at the International Science and Engineering Fair held each May with students worldwide.

Hundreds

Florida students advance to ISEF annually

May

International competitions held annually

Global

Recognition and networking opportunities

Program Impact

Student Success Stories

"The regional science fair gave me the confidence to pursue engineering. I learned presentation skills and scientific methodology that I still use in college."

Carlos Martinez
University of Florida Engineering Student
Former Regional Fair Winner

"Competing at ISEF was life-changing. I met students from around the world and realized science has no borders. It inspired me to pursue research."

Emily Chen
MIT Biology Major
ISEF Finalist 2022
Get Involved

How to Participate

Join our statewide community of students, educators, and volunteers dedicated to advancing STEM education.

For Students

Ready to start your science fair journey? Learn how to develop a project and compete at regional fairs.

Get Started

For Educators & Schools

Bring science fair programs to your school. Access curriculum resources and teacher training.

Educator Resources

For Volunteers & Judges

Become a science fair judge or regional director. Help students showcase their scientific talents.

Volunteer Sign-Up