10 Best National Awards for High School Students
Many high school students who want to improve their academic standing apply for prestigious national awards, especially in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Getting these honors not only enhances college applications but also shows a student's dedication, enthusiasm, and problem-solving skills. A high school student's journey, especially in STEM can be greatly aided by participating in these competitions, which not only offer recognition and awards but also develop vital skills like problem-solving, research methodologies, and professional communication.
In this blog, we list the top 10 national awards for high school students!
1. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
Held annually by the Society for Science, an organization well-known for its commitment to STEM education, the Regeneron Science Talent Search (previously known as the Intel STS) is a science and mathematics competition program for seniors in high school. Out of 300 semifinalists, 40 finalists present their original research projects in Washington, D.C. The top prize is a $250,000 scholarship, and all 40 finalists receive awards ranging from $25,000 to $50,000. This fiercely competitive event serves as a springboard for future scientists and innovators, with many alumni going on to have significant careers in science and research.
Eligibility: High school seniors in the United States.
Prize Amount: Up to $250,000.
Application Deadline: November 7, 2024.
Location: Washington, D.C.
2. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
High-achieving teenagers who have finished a noteworthy project in the humanities, sciences, or music are eligible to apply for this prominent national award. For students who are 18 years of age or younger, the program offers $10,000, $25,000, or $50,000 in scholarships. Scholarly projects deemed significant and inventive by professionals in the field are sponsored by the scholarship. At an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., the chosen Fellows receive recognition for their contributions.
Eligibility: High school students aged 18 or younger in the United States. For more information on eligibility, click here.
Prize Amount: Up to $50,000.
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Unlike other research competitions, the MIT THINK (Technology for Humanity Guided by Innovation, Networking, and Knowledge) Scholars Program does not require a completed project for submission. Instead, participants are required to submit a ten-page research proposal in a STEM field of their choice. Six finalists will receive mentorship from MIT students and seed funding of up to $1,000 to help realize their projects. Additionally, finalists receive an expense-paid invitation to visit the MIT campus, where they can engage with professors one-on-one and take advantage of specialized tours of the university's laboratories.
Finalists are also invited, if space permits, to an all-expense-paid, four-day visit to the MIT campus, where they can explore labs, give presentations of their work to faculty and students, and socialize with the THINK team.
Eligibility: High school students residing in the United States.
Prize Amount: Up to $1,000 in seed funding.
Application Deadline: January (tentatively, based on previous years)
Location: Virtual and MIT’s campus.
With the goal of encouraging students to envision future technologies, Toshiba and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) organize ExploraVision, an initiative that aims to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students work in groups of two to four to predict scientific breakthroughs that may happen ten years or more from now. Winners of this competition, which has been running for over 30 years, receive Chromebooks, savings bonds, and paid trips to Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: U.S. and Canadian high school students.
Prize Amount: Up to $10,000 in savings bonds.
Application Deadline: January (tentatively, based on previous years)
Location: Virtual and Washington, D.C.
5. USA Biology Olympiad (USABO)
For high school students who are enthusiastic about biology, the USA Biology Olympiad is an extremely demanding competition. It is administered by the Center for Excellence in Education and consists of several rounds of online exams. The top 20 students then go on to an intensive, hands-on training program. These winners will have the chance to compete in the International Biology Olympiad as the US team. The program's goals are to develop students' potential and increase their biological knowledge. Apply here.
Here is a list of other international olympiads you should check out!
Eligibility: U.S. high school students.
Prize Amount: Medals and the opportunity to compete at the international level.
Application Deadline: 2024 registration is closed; 2025 opens in August 2024.
Location: Various locations for training and international competition.
6. International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
The largest pre-college STEM competition in the world, ISEF attracts competitors from over 80 countries. Independent research projects are submitted by participants in a variety of scientific categories; winners are chosen based on their capacity to communicate abstract concepts. Students receive laboratory equipment, internship offers, scholarships, and awards ranging from $500 to $75,000. Because of its well-known diversity and international representation, ISEF is a great place for scientific research, networking, and advancement.
Here is everything you need to know about ISEF!
Eligibility: High school students globally.
Prize Amount: Up to $75,000.
Application Deadline: Students must qualify through local fairs. Dates vary based on the region.
Location: Los Angeles, CA.
7. U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize
Students are required to use research projects to address important water-related issues as part of this competition. Winners advance to the national and eventually, the international stages of the competition, which starts at the state level. In Stockholm, Sweden, the United States is represented by its national winner in the International Junior Water Prize. The winner receives a $10,000 scholarship, with the criteria for judging being relevance, creativity, and methodology.
Eligibility: High school students in the U.S.
Prize Amount: Up to $10,000 and a trip to Sweden.
Application Deadline: April (tentatively, based on previous years)
Location: Location varies
8. FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
Every year, groups of high school students create and assemble robots to take on a new challenge. The competition has a reputation for fostering technical proficiency, leadership, and teamwork. Teams compete in regional competitions before moving on to the national finals, where prizes are given out for ingenuity, originality, and teamwork. Grants and scholarships are frequently offered to participants.
Check out these tips to win the FRC!
Eligibility: High school students worldwide.
Prize Amount: Scholarships and recognition.
Application Deadline: April (tentatively, based on previous years)
Location: Houston, TX.
Students compete in teams of 10-15 to find creative solutions to real-world problems in the Conrad Challenge, an entrepreneurial competition. In addition to creating a website and filming a video pitch, participants also submit an "Innovation Brief." To pitch their projects to professionals in the field, finalists are invited to Houston, Texas' Innovation Summit. A fantastic opportunity for aspiring business owners to refine their abilities and obtain visibility is provided by this competition.
Here are 8 tips to win the Conrad Challenge!
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18.
Prize Amount: Scholarships, internships, and product development support.
Application Deadline: There are several deadlines, varying from different stages
o Activation Stage (Now to November 2024)
o Lean Canvas Stage (Deadline: November 1, 2024)
o Innovation Stage (Deadline: January 10, 2025)
o Power Pitch Stage (April 22-25, 2025)
Location: Houston, TX.
Participants create projects that apply STEM knowledge to address global problems. Students between 13 and 18 can enter the Google Science Fair, an international online competition. Winners receive scholarships and other valuable prizes, including the grand prize of a $50,000 scholarship. The final presentations will be held at Google's California headquarters, and the finalists will be invited.
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 globally.
Prize Amount: Up to $50,000.
Application Deadline: Varies by region.
Location: Mountain View, CA.
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Image Source - ISEF Logo