Our Vision: Every Young Person Can Become a Scientist or Engineer

91ÖÆÆ¬³§ is committed to expanding access to high-quality 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ education for all students. Increasing 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ literacy empowers students with the critical thinking and decision-making skills necessary to live healthy, civically engaged and economically productive lives. The 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ was founded on the belief that science literacy is essential to a well-functioning society – that fact holds true now more than ever.

ISEF 2024 - Los Angeles, CA - Education Outreach/Public Day @ISEF - the International Science and Engineering Fair
ISEF 2024 - Los Angeles, CA - Education Outreach/Public Day @ISEF - the International Science and Engineering Fair Chris Ayers Photography/Licensed by 91ÖÆÆ¬³§

With one quarter of US jobs in 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ fields – and job growth in this sector predicted to outpace non-91ÖÆÆ¬³§ fields – it is vital that all students have an opportunity to explore and experience 91ÖÆÆ¬³§.
Those who gain an interest in 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ must have an opportunity to pursue their passion, which can open the door to high-paying 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ careers. It is the only way to build the strong and diverse 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ talent pipeline necessary to solve our global challenges and ensure a thriving economy.

stem research grant grid

Our 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ Outreach Programs

Through the 91ÖÆÆ¬³§â€™s 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ Outreach Programs, we seek to ensure that any student can become a scientist or engineer if that’s what they want to do. We work to reach young people across the country – in every state and in urban and rural areas, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Science News Learning

Through Science News Learning, the 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ is expanding student science literacy across the U.S. by supporting a community of nearly 6,000 middle and high schools and more than 17,000 educators with equitable access to Science News Media Group’s award-winning print and online journalism, an expansive library of ready-to-use lesson plans – each designed to incorporate recent applications in 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ research into core curricula – and 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ literacy professional development opportunities. This program operates in every state in U.S. and is open to all.

 

High School and Middle School Research Teachers Conferences

Through the High School and Middle School Research Teachers Conferences, the 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ brings together research teachers of all experience levels to share best practices, troubleshoot challenges and learn more about 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ and the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Popular sessions have touched on supporting students in research communication and strategies for managing research projects. Participants in this all-expenses-paid, peer-led conference are selected via a lottery. Any 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ teacher, regardless of where they live or where they teach, is invited to apply.

Advocate Program

The Advocate Program is a  year-long professional development program that supports teachers and mentors who are working to increase the number of students who enter 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ research competitions. The Advocates receive training and support from 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ staff, mentorship, a stipend, and an all-expense-paid trip to attend the Advocate Training Institute in Washington, D.C.. Educators across the country who want to expand scientific research in their schools are encouraged to apply.

91ÖÆÆ¬³§ Research Grants

The 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ Research Grant program is an initiative dedicated to expanding inquiry-driven science education in middle and high school classrooms nationwide. The grants come in two forms: (1) research kits assembled and distributed to teachers by 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ and (2) funds paid directly to teachers intended for 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ equipment. 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ educators whose classrooms would benefit from additional equipment are encouraged to apply.

91ÖÆÆ¬³§ Action Grants

The 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ Action Grants program provides small grants of up to $5,000 to innovative nonprofit organizations led by social entrepreneurs. The program aims to bolster and support community-driven nonprofit organizations that are working to enhance the public’s understanding of science and to increase participation in 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ for all communities.

 

Our 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ Competitions

The 91ÖÆÆ¬³§â€™s three 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ competitions – the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS), the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC) – are all merit-based competitions. The 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ is continually seeking to expand the number of students who apply to Regeneron STS or compete in one of the 91ÖÆÆ¬³§â€™s Affiliated 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ Fairs so that they can earn a spot to participate in Regeneron ISEF or apply to Thermo Fisher JIC

2024 ISEF project floor on Public Day, Los Angeles, CA
91ÖÆÆ¬³§/Chris Ayers

Our Impact

91ÖÆÆ¬³§ has built the largest 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ talent pipeline in the world.

We start with building science literacy, then cultivating the future of 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ talent and lastly – through our competitions – inspiring and engaging the next generation of 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ talent.