A free STEM research competition sponsored by the Department of War and administered by the National Science Teaching Association, for high school students doing original research. Students start at regional symposia hosted by partner universities, open to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. About 245 qualify for the national symposium, where the top two regional delegates present orally for tuition scholarships and others present posters for cash awards.
Offered by U.S. Department of Defense. Competition for high school students in USA. Format: Hybrid. Cost: Free. Grades 9–12. Deadline: rolling or not yet announced.
Fields: Research, STEM
Info checked October 2026.
No date is posted for the 2026-27 cycle yet. Check the official page for when applications open.
Yes. Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is free to take part in.
High school students in grades 9 to 12. It runs online and in person (nationwide). Age, residency and citizenship rules are on the official page.
More academic competitions for high school students