(Tucson, AZ) Judge and volunteer registration is now open for SARSEF’s 68th annual Regional Science and Engineering Fair. The 2023 Fair will be a hybrid event with all student projects submitted digitally, celebrated during an outdoor Community STEM Expo and Award Ceremony at Reid Park, on Saturday, March 11th, in person from 10:00am-5:30pm. Volunteers are needed for both virtual and in-person roles, serving as judges, monitors, and event support. Join us in supporting the innovators, problem solvers, and leaders of tomorrow from the comfort of your own home, or in-person as we transform Reid Park into a STEM wonderland.
For more info on the Fair, visit https://sarsef.org/sarsef-fair/
“Do you remember a teacher or mentor from your childhood who pointed out that you were good at something? As a volunteer or judge at the SARSEF Science and Engineering Fair, you get to be that person encouraging and rewarding students for their hard work in the sciences. Imagine the difference you can make in their lives,” shared Julie Euber, SARSEF CEO.
This year’s judging will take place virtually and in-person from March 6-March 8, 2023. PreK-Middle school judging will be held virtually, while high school judging will take place in-person at the University of Arizona Ballroom.
- Elementary school judges must have a high school education, with some experience with the age level selected, and/or interest in the field selected.
- Middle School judges should hold a bachelor’s degree and have some experience in their field or teach in the selected area.
- Judges at the high school level should be professionals in their fields (at least three to five years’ experience preferred) and/or be in the process of obtaining or hold advanced (master’s or doctoral) degrees.
For more information on serving as a judge and to register, visit https://sarsef.org/volunteers/judges/
“SARSEF is an incredible foundation, with numerous opportunities for scientists and engineers to serve as mentors. I eagerly look forward to volunteering as a judge every year for the SARSEF Regional Science and Engineering Fair. It is an excellent way to support young scientists and to also give back to the community. I learn something new every time that I volunteer, and I feel honored to serve as a mentor to young scientists. I strongly encourage all scientists and engineers to volunteer for this incredible opportunity to support young people in STEM fields.” said Jennifer Noble, Ph.D., Scientist and dedicated SARSEF judge.
The 2022 Fair had over 1,500 projects submitted, representing the work of nearly 7,000 students. Judges gave out over 1,000 awards, prizes, and scholarships, totaling $128,150.38.
642 students won awards on individual and team projects, while 3,990 won awards as part of a class project – 63% of all award winners attended a Title I school. Awards are given to students and teachers in all grade levels and subject areas. Volunteer opportunities are available February 27 through March 11. Time commitments range from a few hours to several days.
For more information on volunteering and to register, visit https://sarsef.org/programs/competitions/sarsef-science-and-engineering-fair/
Beyond the fair, SARSEF works year-round to ensure all students have the resources and access they need to pursue their own science projects. Students are encouraged to think of a problem in their lives, community or world that they would want to solve, while teachers and parents receive guidance on how to support students’ work.
About SARSEF:
SARSEF was formed in 1955 in an effort to increase student interest in the field of science. The mission of SARSEF is to engage Arizona’s Pre-K-12 grade students in critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they participate in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through inquiry-based learning and research.
SARSEF accomplishes this mission through a variety of programming including a high school mentoring program, the STAR Lab, SARSEF Fair Week, educational outreach programs with an emphasis on underrepresented populations in the sciences, teacher professional development, ACES Camp for Middle School girls, Racing the Sun, and Arizona STEM Adventure.
To learn more about SARSEF programs and how students, teachers, and families can get involved, visit https://sarsef.org/
Media Contact:
Yvonne Pysher, Director of Marketing and Communications
SARSEF
(520) 525-5230