Student Contests

Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge: Make a 1-2 minute video describing your innovative idea for solving an everyday problem. Win $25,000.

DuPont Challenge Science Essay: 7th and up: Write an essay responding to a problem requiring a scientific solution. Due in February. Win $5,000.

Young Naturalist Awards: 7th and up: Investigate something scientific; write an essay; win $2,500 from the American Museum of Natural History and ALCOA. Submit Dec through Feb.

Broadcom Masters Competition: Complete a science project; win $25,000. This is the middle school version of Intel STS and ISEF. Enter second semester.

Christopher Columbus Awards: Work in teams of three to four, with an adult coach, to identify a problem in their community and apply the scientific method to create an innovative solution to that problem; win $25,000.

Toshiba Exploravision: Envision the development of a technology over the next 20 years; win $10,000. Register team of 2-4 and a mentor/coach early in school year. Project due January.

President’s Environmental Youth Award: Do something to advance environmental stewardship; compete for an award from the President. Due December.

eCybermission: In a small team, envision a solution to a community problem using science, math, or technology. Register by Nov. 1. Win $1,000.

Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge: Get a teacher/mentor to sponsor a small team of students in addressing a local environmental problem. Get registered near the start of the school year. Win $50,000.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: 7th grade and above, submit a creative work in December, win $10,000.

Letters about Literature: Write a letter to a favorite author; win an award at the State and even at the U.S. Capitol. Deadline is December?

Secret Millionaire’s Club: Submit a business idea to Warren Buffet in February by yourself or with a team. Win $5,000 and meet Warren Buffet.

C-SPAN Student Cam: Make a 5-7 minute documentary; win $5,000. Enter Nov-Jan.

Prudential Spirit of Community: Complete a significant community service project; win $5,000 in D.C. Due November.

Winston Churchill Student Speech Competition: Deliver a 4-5 minute speech on a leadership topic. Find a teacher sponsor in your building in the fall to submit your entry by January.