SARSEF programs teach critical thinking
With SARSEF, children don’t have to wait to become scientists or engineers. With curiosity as their guide, they can start asking questions they care about and use science and engineering to find solutions that are meaningful to them, and even, the world.
Every program uniquely prepares students for the future by giving them the tools and support they need to think like scientists and engineers, opening up career opportunities and helping them become informed citizens.
STEM in practice
SARSEF Regional Science and Engineering Fair
- Competition
- Grades PreK–12
- Throughout Southern AZ
- Culminates in March
This culminating event of science fairs throughout Southern Arizona provides students the opportunity to win over $100,000 in scholarships, trips, and prizes to reward them for high-quality research.
Learn moreRacing the Sun
- Competition
- Grades 9–12
- Throughout Arizona
- Fall–Spring
Students team up to design, build and race solar-powered go-karts throughout the school year with the help of community mentors.
Learn morePRISM
- Research experience
- Grades 11–12
- In-person & virtual options
- Fall
- Mentorship
PRISM is a mentorship program that matches two students and one mentor to engage in scientific research that address a scientific question or egineering problem. PRISM prioritizes participation of students from Title I schools and rural schools.
Learn moreImmersed in STEM
ACES Camp
- Camp
- Grades 6–8
- Sunnyside Unified School District
- July
- For girls
Middle school girls from Sunnyside Unified School District attend summer camp to explore exciting careers & academic opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math. Some years, we are able to offer ACES Camp to other districts, including Tucson Unified School District.
Learn moreSummer STEM Camps
- Camp
- Grades 4–8
- In-person across Tucson
- Summer
SARSEF invites campers in grades 4-8 to join us in exploring the world of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)! SARSEF Summer STEM Camps are hosted across Tucson and provide hands-on activities and the chance to explore STEM careers. Each week of camp centers around a different theme from topics as broad as STEM exploration to more specific subjects like desert ecology! SARSEF Summer STEM Camps are offered under a pay-what-you-can model.
Learn moreGALS Arizona
- Camp
- Grades 9–12
- Throughout Arizona
- Fall
- Experiencing outdoors
- For girls
High school girls from across Arizona experience field research, place-based science, and leadership learning through outdoor experiences during a fall overnight camp.
Learn moreSARSEF Science Ambassadors
- Fall–Spring
- In-person across Tucson
- Age 16+
Share your passion for STEM by bringing hands-on learning to preK-12 students in the community.
Learn moreSTEM exploration
Arizona STEM Adventure™
- Grades 4–8
- In-person & virtual options
- Fall
- Students and educators
4th-8th grade students explore the wide world of STEM while their teachers receive professional development.
Learn moreNotice and Wonder
- Grade PreK–12
- Year-round
- In-person throughout Southern Arizona
- Activty
SARSEF offers in-school and out-of-school workshops tailored to your needs. Through hands-on STEM learning, students are challenged to notice and wonder about their world around them and to investigate real-world problems.
Learn moreCultivating Curiosity
- Year-round
- In-person & virtual events
- Educator professional development
Educators explore lesson design, activities, and resources to make science accessible to all students and learn how to integrate student-led, inquiry-based learning into everyday teaching.
Learn moreFair Director Conferences
- Educators
- Fall
- One-day conference
Educators attend workshops to gain confidence and skills in encouraging student research and inquiry-based learning in the classroom.
Learn moreSARSEF Endorsed School
The SARSEF Endorsed school program is a rigorous set of standards that aim to ensure quality and robust STEM education opportunities exist in Arizona PreK-12 learning communities that will serve to increase equity, accessibility, and diversity throughout STEM culture and opportunities.
Learn more