The State Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF) serves as the pinnacle of our statewide continuum of K-12 science education programming, providing an opportunity for students to showcase their science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) research.
Each year, 500 of Minnesota's best and brightest middle and high school students qualify for SSEF out of more than 2,500 students competing at Regional Science Fairs. Through the state fair, students network with like-minded peers and STEM professionals and compete for up to $20,000 in prizes and awards. Some also advance to national competitions like Regeneron ISEF and Broadcom Masters.
Through this annual, project-based competition, we aim to help students become informed citizens well-versed in scientific research methods—and to inspire them to pursue STEM majors and careers.
To get an idea of what an in-person State Science Fair is like, check out this video slideshow of a past fair. To learn more about what a virtual fair is like, view the 2020 awards page or scroll down for more information about last year’s fair. SSEF will be held virtually in 2021. Learn more.
Tentative schedule
Submit projects by: March 23
Judging: March 26-30
Scheduled Q&A: March 28 (times TBD)
Public Viewing: March 31
Awards: April 1 and 2
Cost: $100 / project + $25 per addl. team member (scholarships are available for cases of financial hardship, please contact the Minnesota Academy of Science for details)
Awards: $15,000 in cash prizes + awards from 35 orgs. top 6 projects advance to ISEF
