STEM competitions offer individuals or teams the opportunity to use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to solve specific challenges or problems. These competitions often address real-world issues, fostering creativity and critical thinking for innovative solutions. Beyond the academic benefits, participating in STEM competitions also provides students with valuable soft skills, such as communication, leadership, work ethic, time management, and teamwork.

One notable STEM competition is the Microsoft Imagine Cup, which has been running since 2003. Considered the “Olympics of software design,” this prestigious competition attracts over 2 million competitors from 150 countries. Participants create projects that align with the Imagine Cup theme of using technology to solve tough problems. The competition is open to computer science students aged 16 and above, currently enrolled in an accredited high school or college.

Another renowned competition is the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS), which has been recognizing and engaging high school students in STEM research since 1942. This competition aims to identify and inspire future leaders in STEM fields. Over the years, 13 STS alumni have gone on to win Nobel Prizes. High school seniors are eligible to participate in this competition, and the application period for the 2024 competition is open until November 8, 2023.

For those interested in robotics, the FIRST Robotics Competition provides an excellent opportunity to experience real-world engineering challenges. Students work in teams to raise funds, design team brands, build industrial-sized robots, and compete in a challenging field game against other teams. This competition is open to teams of 10 or more high school students, and registration for the next competition is open until November 13th.

The Congressional App Challenge is a public challenge for high school students to code and build their own apps. Hosted by members of Congress, district-wide competitions are held to judge the apps. Winners have the opportunity to display their apps in the US Capitol Building and be featured on the House of Representatives’ website. Registration for the 2023 competition is still open, and the coding deadline is November 1, 2023.

Another large-scale robotics competition is the VEX Robotics Competition, recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest robotics competition in the world. This competition offers different leagues for various age groups, where students design, build, program, and drive robots to complete challenges and compete against other teams.

Engaging in STEM competitions provides students with hands-on learning experiences, fosters teamwork and collaboration, and offers the chance to win prizes and recognition. These competitions help students develop essential skills and passion for STEM fields, setting them on a path towards future success.

Sources:
– Built By Girls https://www.builtbygirls.com/articles/best-stem-competitions-to-check-out
– Microsoft Imagine Cup https://imaginecup.microsoft.com/
– Regeneron STS https://www.societyforscience.org/sts/
– FIRST Robotics Competition https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc
– Congressional App Challenge https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/
– VEX Robotics Competition https://www.vexrobotics.com/vexedr/competition