10 Science Awards for High School Students
As a high school student, participating in national or international award challenges can significantly enhance your resume and college applications. It validates your academic and extracurricular efforts and demonstrates your commitment to excellence and a passion for learning.
College admissions committees often look for candidates who have engaged in meaningful activities outside the classroom, and awards can serve as a compelling testament to a student's capabilities, leadership skills, and dedication to their field of interest. As an aspiring scientist, recognition through prestigious awards can open doors to unique opportunities, scholarships, and networking.
Here is a curated list of 10 notable science awards for high school students that you can pursue. Let’s get into it!
Award: Title of a David Fellow | Scholarships up to $50,000
Location: The award ceremony and other events will be held at Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: Applications for 2025 will be available from November 1, 2024
Qualification: Students must be 18 or younger (no minimum age) by the application deadline and U.S. citizens or permanent residents living in the U.S., or stationed overseas due to active U.S. military duty.
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship honors high school students who have made exceptional contributions in fields like science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, music, and philosophy, with an additional category for innovative projects outside these areas.
To apply, you’ll need to submit a comprehensive project that highlights your talent – whether it's original research or creative work – along with essays explaining the significance and societal impact of your contributions. For science-focused projects, this involves submitting a research paper, visual representations like a poster, or even a photo or video presentation. The process is demanding, but the rewards are substantial – with scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.
Beyond the financial benefits, being named a Davidson Fellow can open doors around the globe. If selected, you’ll attend an award ceremony in Washington, D.C., where you’ll meet other brilliant students and professionals who share your passion, with opportunities for mentorship and collaboration that can help propel your future endeavors.
2. American Academy of Neurology Neuroscience Research Prize
Award: 3 winners will be awarded $1,000, presented with a certificate of recognition, and given the chance to present their research at the AAN 77th Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA. Additionally, one winner will receive the Bhuwan Garg High School Neuroscience Research Prize, along with a $1,000 honorarium, certificate of recognition, and the chance to present their work at the 2025 Child Neurology Society Annual Meeting in Charlotte, NC.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: October 31, 2024
Qualification: Students must be enrolled in grades 9th-12th in the U.S.
The American Academy of Neurology Neuroscience Research Prize encourages high school students to delve into the fascinating world of neuroscience, rewarding those whose research demonstrates potential for future contributions to the field. This prestigious award challenges you to engage with the complexities of the brain and nervous system through original research. Whether you're exploring neural pathways, brain disorders, or cognitive functions, your project must be your own work, showcasing your scientific talent and passion – within or outside of a traditional lab setting.
To apply, you must submit a research report, a 300-word abstract summarizing your findings, a bibliography, and your completed application form. For students eager to contribute to the advancement of neuroscience, this prize offers both recognition and a chance to further your academic journey. Funded by the Child Neurology Society, not only does the prize spotlight your research skills, but it also acknowledges the role of supportive science teachers in fostering your curiosity.
3. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
Award: The first-place prize is $250,000 | Prizes are awarded at all stages of the competition.
Location: Regeneron Science Talent Institute, Washington, DC
Application Deadline: November 7, 2024
Qualification: Students must be high school seniors in the U.S. who have completed individual, independent research
The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is the country’s oldest and most prestigious science competition for high school seniors. Each year, around 2,000 students submit original research projects spanning critical fields of science, aiming to solve some of society's most pressing issues.
The application process is extensive and involves multiple components, such as essays, recommendation letters, and detailed research reports, all of which are rigorously evaluated by doctoral scientists. If selected as a finalist, you’ll undergo two rounds of judging – one on your research project and another that tests your broader scientific knowledge – during a week-long event in Washington, D.C.
Out of the thousands of applicants, 300 are named scholars, and from this group, 40 finalists are chosen to compete for the top awards. Being named a finalist or winner can significantly boost your academic profile and open doors to future opportunities in STEM fields. Scholarships for finalists can reach as high as $250,000, with the top 10 students receiving the largest prizes.
Winning or even being named a scholar in the Regeneron STS marks you as one of the nation’s brightest young scientists, making it an invaluable opportunity for high-achieving students passionate about science and research.
4. Stockholm Junior Water Prize
Award: The first-place winner is awarded a $15,000 scholarship, a trophy, and $5000 for their school.
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Dates: A week in August
Application Deadline: Based on country. The deadline for the U.S. national competition is October 25, 2024.
Qualification: Students must be enrolled in grades 9th-12th and have completed 15 years of age by August 1.
The Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP) is a prestigious international competition that invites high school students aged 15 to 20 to tackle some of the world's most pressing water-related challenges. Each year, thousands of students from over 35 countries submit research projects focused on improving water quality, water management, or water treatment. The competition encourages students to take a scientific approach, using accepted research methodologies and statistical analysis to conduct experiments and report findings. Finalists from national competitions are judged by a panel of international water experts during the global event held annually at World Water Week in Sweden.
For U.S. participants, the competition progresses from regional to state-level contests, with the national winner receiving a $10,000 cash prize, a crystal trophy, and the opportunity to represent the U.S. at the international finals. Students may enter individually or in teams of two, with their projects evaluated on criteria like relevance, creativity, methodology, and presentation.
If you're passionate about making a positive impact on global water issues, this competition offers an exceptional opportunity to showcase your research skills and engage with an international community dedicated to water sustainability.
5. Genome Medical: Force for Good Essay Contest
Award: Cash prizes up to $2500 for the first 3 winners.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Location: Virtual
Qualification: Applicants must be high school sophomores or juniors in the U.S. who belong to one or more underrepresented groups based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, country of origin, cultural identity, language, religion, spiritual beliefs, health conditions, disabilities, financial challenges, or other aspects.
The Genome Medical Force for Good Essay Contest invites high school sophomores and juniors from underrepresented backgrounds to reflect on the role of genetic counselors in promoting diversity within healthcare. Participants submit their essays in English, exploring the essential qualities these professionals need to improve patient care, particularly in underserved communities. Open to U.S. students from diverse racial, gender, socioeconomic, and health backgrounds, this contest pushes students to think critically about representation in genetics.
The competition offers cash prizes of $2,500 for first place, $1,000 for second, and $500 for third. Along with the cash prizes, the winning essays are celebrated publicly on Genome Medical’s social media channels, providing students with recognition beyond the financial rewards. This contest is a unique opportunity for students to delve into the growing field of genetics, while also contributing to conversations about diversity and inclusion in healthcare – a critical topic that is reshaping patient care in today's world.
6. National Robotics Challenge
Award: Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards are given in each category, recognizing the top-performing teams. Additionally, the Honda Innovation Award honors the team that demonstrates the most creative and innovative design, reflecting the core values of Honda.
Location: Marion, OH
Dates: April 3-5, 2025
Application Deadline: Registration closes on Feb 21, 2025(the fee is $85 per team/school plus $15.00 per robot). For more details, refer to this doc.
Qualification: Open to students enrolled in 6th grade through graduate school.
The National Robotics Challenge (NRC) is a great opportunity for students who want to apply their robotics skills in a competitive and educational environment. Founded in 1986, NRC allows students to apply classroom concepts to real-world scenarios, with a focus on engineering, problem-solving, and innovation.
Each year, students from across the U.S. and internationally compete in various categories, demonstrating their skills in manufacturing processes, robotics, and automation through competitive team-based challenges across 12 categories. These categories focus on areas like manufacturing, robotics, and automation, and you choose one that aligns with your strengths and interests. Your robot must be completely original, meaning all hardware and software components need to be constructed and programmed by you and your team solely for this challenge.
To enter the competition, your team will need to create a robot that addresses real-world problems using the knowledge you've gained in your academic journey. Each contest within the NRC tests different skills; the judging will assess how well your team applies technology principles and engineering concepts, as well as your problem-solving abilities. Competing in the NRC not only sharpens your robotics skills but also helps build a solid foundation in engineering, teamwork, and innovation.
Award: Three National Winner schools will receive a prize package valued at $100,000, which includes Samsung products and educational resources for their classrooms. Prizes are awarded at multiple levels of the competition.
Location: To be announced
Application Deadline: October 24, 2024
Qualification: Students enrolled in grades 6-12 in a public or charter school that is at least 50% funded can apply, the applications must be submitted by the school.
The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition is a unique opportunity for high school students to use their STEM skills to address real-world problems in their local communities. Each year, this national contest invites students to collaborate with their teachers to propose solutions to community challenges, with the chance to win up to $100,000 in prizes for their school.
To participate, your team will engage in Problem-Based Learning (PBL), where you’ll identify a specific issue in your community and devise a practical solution using science, technology, engineering, and math. Along the way, selected teams will even have the opportunity to collaborate with Samsung employees to develop and prototype their ideas, making the process hands-on and highly interactive.
The competition centers on a three-part application process. First, you’ll need to clearly define the community problem you want to solve. Next, you’ll propose a STEM-based solution, explaining how your approach addresses the issue. Finally, you’ll outline how your solution will remain sustainable. Once you’ve crafted your responses, your application will be submitted for judging. If selected, you’ll be on your way to not only potentially winning significant prizes for your school but also making a lasting impact on your community through innovative STEM solutions.
8. Breakthrough Junior Challenge
Award: The competition grants a total of $400,000 to the winning entry. This includes $250,000 in educational prizes for the student, $50,000 for the teacher who inspired them, and a cutting-edge science lab, valued at $100,000, designed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in April and close in June.
Qualification: Students between the ages of 13 and 18 can apply.
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is a global competition designed for high school students who are eager to explore and communicate scientific concepts. As a participant, you are required to create a two-minute video that explains a significant idea in physics, mathematics, or life sciences. The format of the video is flexible, allowing for various styles such as animation, documentary, or even physical demonstrations, as long as the presentation is engaging and creatively conveys a complex idea. Submissions are evaluated based on criteria, such as imagination, engagement, clarity, and the difficulty of the scientific concept being addressed.
This competition encourages students to think critically about scientific principles and hone their ability to explain these ideas in an accessible manner. Organized by the Breakthrough Prize Foundation, the challenge emphasizes the importance of clear science communication and aims to inspire a new generation of innovators. By participating, you can showcase your understanding of complex subjects while gaining valuable experience in video production and public speaking, all within a supportive, creative, and rewarding environment!
9. American Rocketry Challenge
Award: Cash prizes up to $20,000 are awarded to the top 10 winners and the best first-time finalist. Applicants can also participate in the Marketing and Presentation competitions, with up to $3000 in cash prizes.
Location: Great Meadow in The Plains, VA
Dates: May 17, 2025
Application Deadline: Applications close on December 1, 2024, or when 1,000 applications have been submitted
Qualification: Students enrolled in grades 6-12 can apply.
The American Rocketry Challenge is a premier competition that engages nearly 5,000 middle and high school students across the nation each year in the exciting world of rocketry. If you're passionate about rocketry, this competition invites you to explore into the design, building, and launching of model rockets while gaining invaluable practical experience in engineering and problem-solving.
Your mission is to create a rocket that can cradle two eggs on their sides, reach an altitude of 790 feet, and achieve a flight duration of 41 to 44 seconds. This project is an excellent way for participants to apply principles of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in a real-world context, setting the stage for future endeavors in engineering and aerospace.
Beyond the thrilling rocket launch, the competition also includes a marketing competition and a presentation competition. In the marketing competition, students must produce a video designed to promote their team and the Challenge. The presentation competition allows you to showcase your design process, explain how you arrived at your solutions based on test flight data, and articulate the scientific principles behind your rocket.
10. ExploraVision
Award: Prizes worth up to $10,000 are awarded to students, coaches, teachers, and schools. Click here for more details.
Location: To be announced
Dates: The award ceremony weekend will be held on June 11-14, 2025.
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
Qualification: Students must be no older than 21 years of age and must be enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian high school.
The Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision competition encourages young minds to imagine the future and develop innovative solutions to the world's challenges through a structured STEM project format. Each entry requires students to form a team of up to four members and submit an entry form that includes a project abstract, a detailed description, a list of currently available technology, a bibliography, and five web page graphics. This process offers an excellent opportunity to develop problem-solving skills and gain practical experience in scientific inquiry.
If your project advances to the national level, you'll face additional tasks that push your creative boundaries. You will need to build a prototype that demonstrates how your project would function, create a video to illustrate its purpose and utility and develop a website showcasing your original submissions using the graphics you provided.
With national winners awarded first and second place, participating in ExploraVision can be a significant stepping stone for any aspiring scientist or engineer.
Are you looking to start a project or research paper in the field of AI and ML? Consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI is an AI program designed for high schoolers. It’s founded and run by Harvard graduate students. The program aims to give students the opportunity to create unique projects in the field of AI. Participants will get to learn more about AI from researchers and experts and work 1-on-1 with mentors from Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and more. In just the past year, we’ve had over a thousand students learn with us! You too can apply!
Image Source - Samsung Logo