Academic Events and Competitions in Pennsylvania by AIU

Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS)

alleghenyintermediateunit — 2025-09-22 15:38:27 UTC

Open to students in grades 7-12, PJAS encourages scientific research and development. Students present STEM projects and compete at regional and state levels.

Science Olympiad - Pennsylvania

alleghenyintermediateunit — 2025-09-22 15:38:27 UTC

The Pennsylvania Science Olympiad is a rigorous STEM team competition covering various science topics. School teams compete at regional, state, and national levels.

PA State Poetry Out Loud

alleghenyintermediateunit — 2025-09-22 15:38:28 UTC

This competition helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history through poetry recitation.

Pennsylvania High School Mock Trial

alleghenyintermediateunit — 2025-09-22 15:38:28 UTC

Mock Trial is a courtroom simulation where students play witnesses and attorneys, learning about law, civics, and public speaking.

Pennsylvania History Day

alleghenyintermediateunit — 2025-09-22 15:38:28 UTC

Encourages students to conduct historical research on topics of interest and present their findings through exhibits, documentaries, papers, and performances.

PA Envirothon

alleghenyintermediateunit — 2025-09-22 15:38:29 UTC

Teams of high school students compete in this environmental education competition focusing on natural resources, environmental science, and stewardship.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) - PA Chapter

alleghenyintermediateunit — 2025-09-22 15:38:29 UTC

Prepares students for careers in business through academic competitions, leadership development, and networking opportunities.

STEM Design Challenge

alleghenyintermediateunit — 2025-09-22 15:42:24 UTC

Join the STEM Design Challenge, an exciting engineering competition! In teams of 2 to 4, students put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test as they tackle a real-world challenge using K’Nex, and/or Engino. The top team at each regional event will earn a spot at the state competition in May!

Sea Air and Land Challenge

alleghenyintermediateunit — 2025-09-22 15:46:38 UTC

The Sea Air and Land Challenge is a STEM initiative in which teams of high school or middle school aged students learn about the engineering process through the design and build of a robotic system. The systems are then used to compete in challenges relevant to the Department of Defense which mimic missions encountered by the military, national security agencies and first responders.

Technovation Girls - Pennsylvania

courtneystein — 2025-09-22 17:38:13 UTC

Technovation Girls empowers girls ages 8–18 to become the next generation of tech entrepreneurs and changemakers. With support from mentors, teachers, and parents, teams of up to 5 students will brainstorm bold ideas, learn to code, and build mobile apps that tackle real-world problems they care about.

International Academic Competitions (History, Science, Geography)

courtneystein — 2025-09-23 13:06:22 UTC

After completing the qualifying quiz and registering, individual students compete per their grade (K-3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, 8^th, 9^th-10^th,11^th-12^th), buzzing in and answering questions like a game show – participating in just one - or all three - bees. The top three scorers per grade earn medals - and the top 50% of students qualify for IAC's National Championships!

Academic Event Submission Request Form

courtneystein — 2025-09-23 16:57:57 UTC

To request a submission of an academic event or competition to be added to our listings, please complete this form. These regional, state, or national opportunities should be open to a wide range of students for registration on a large scale, not county specific or with limited availability.

DEP Radon Poster Contest

courtneystein — 2025-09-24 12:31:15 UTC

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is excited to announce the 2026 Radon Poster Contest for students. Students ages 9-14 years old as of November 30 are encouraged to combine science and art by creating an educational poster that shows the physical aspects of radon, the harmful effects of indoor radon gas, or the importance of testing for radon in the home.

PA Invention Convention

courtneystein — 2025-09-29 12:21:40 UTC

The Pennsylvania Invention Convention aims to foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students. Participants engage in the invention process by identifying problems, developing prototypes, and presenting their ideas to judges. The competition is designed to promote STEM education and is open to students from public, non-public, charter schools, and home schools across Pennsylvania.

The Fairchild Challenge - Phipps

courtneystein — 2025-09-30 12:28:42 UTC

The Fairchild Challenge is a free, multidisciplinary, standards-based environmental education outreach program designed to give high school, middle school and elementary school students an opportunity to creatively shine. By appealing to their innate sense of curiosity about the world around them, the Challenge invites students to investigate the thorniest environmental issues, devise imaginative and effective responses to these issues, and take action to address them.

Paralyzed Veterans of America

2025-10-08 19:26:10 UTC

This is an art and poetry contest that happens every fall.

OTDA Challenge

courtneystein — 2025-10-21 16:54:36 UTC

Public Service Announcement (PSA) Competition is a statewide challenge that encourages teams of students in 9th-12th grade to use their problem-solving, creative, and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world lifesaving challenges. Winners will be selected by members of the Organ Donation Advisory Committee (ODAC).

National Civics Bee

courtneystein — 2025-10-22 14:25:51 UTC

2026 National Civics Bee — an engaging and impactful competition designed to help middle school students deepen their civic knowledge, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and grow into active participants in our democracy.

PSEL Minecraft Build Challenge

courtneystein — 2025-11-11 13:58:33 UTC

This exciting competition invites teams of 2-5 students to design creative builds in Minecraft that highlight innovation and sustainability while connecting to Pennsylvania’s future. For any questions, please contact esports@cciu.org.

2026 Pasta Bridge Competition

courtneystein — 2025-12-29 17:51:48 UTC

Teams of 1-6 high school students use spaghetti, lasagna, and hot glue (all supplied by Saint Vincent) to craft a structurally sound bridge that meets the competition requirements for size and weight. On March 9th, the students bring their bridges to Saint Vincent and load them up with weights until they break! The three teams whose bridges hold the most weight will receive awards. The current record-holder for this competition is 130.15 pounds! For more information, contact: derek.breid@stvincent.edu

Destination Imagination

courtneystein — 2026-01-15 14:56:31 UTC

In Destination Imagination (DI), students work together in teams to solve open-ended STEAM challenges designed to teach the Creative Process. In going through this process, kids learn vital life and career skills—creative thinking, critical thinking, public speaking, and collaborative problem-solving—that help them feel empowered and set them up for success in their future. For more information, contact: info@dihq.org