FAIRFIELD, CA (MPG) – The 2021 Solano County Science and Engineering Fair competition, hosted by Solano County Office of Education (SCOE), is going virtual in 2021. The event aspires to develop inquiry and problem-solving skills among students, ignite a passion for science and engineering and better prepare youth for STEM and related careers.

All Solano County students, grades 3-12, are encouraged to enter this STEM competition and apply online no later than 3:00 PM on March 1, 2021. For more information about the competition, view the online information packet.

“Now more than ever, it is vital that our elementary, middle, and high school students have an opportunity to apply science and engineering skills, investigate theories, gather and evaluate evidence, and develop their own intelligent conclusions,” commented Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella- Henderson. “We hope this year’s science fair inspires more students to explore careers in science, engineering, or related fields.”

Careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) grew 18.7% between 2010-2020, compared to 14.3% for all other occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This rapid growth has created a STEM worker shortage in the U.S. To address this deficiency, the Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) is joining widespread efforts to boost interest in STEM among students. 

The competition has three divisions: elementary school (grades 3-5), middle school (grades 6-8), and high school (grades 9-12). Each division has three categories: earth science, physical science, and life science. Participants’ investigative science and engineering projects will be reviewed and judged by representatives from various universities. Top middle and high school winners in this competition will be eligible to enter the California State Science and Engineering Fair, held at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, April 12-13, 2021.

Parents and community members will be invited to celebrate students’ achievements and view their projects online in March of 2021. Medals, plaques, trophies and prizes will be awarded to winners.

For more information about the Science and Engineering Fair, contact Lilibeth Pinpin, Director of Innovative Programs and Student Success, at [email protected] or 707-399-4439.