Competitions Library for Grades 5-12
Browse the competitions Onward scholars in Grades 5-12 can enter after completing a pathway, including Regeneron ISEF, the Entrepreneurship Olympiad with Next Billion Lab, the Diamond Challenge, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, THIMUN and the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, each mapped to its Onward pathway.
57 competitions mapped to Onward pathways
Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF)
The world's largest pre-college STEM competition, featuring 1,800+ finalists from 80+ countries competing for $9M+ in awards.
Onward pathway: STEM pathway
Eligibility: Ages 13-18
Format: Individual or team of up to three. Research project with display board, written report and judged interviews, entered through an affiliated fair.
Timing: Regional fairs Oct–Mar; Finals May 9–15, 2026 (Phoenix, AZ)
Recognition: More than USD 9 million in awards and scholarships, plus global finalist recognition.
Skills developed: Research methodology, Scientific writing, Presentation, Experimentation
Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) details
Broadcom MASTERS
The premier middle school STEM competition run by Society for Science, featuring top projects from regional science fairs with $100K+ in awards.
Onward pathway: STEM pathway
Eligibility: Ages 11-14
Format: Individual middle school science fair project, nominated by an affiliated fair, with an online application and finals challenges.
Timing: Nominations from affiliated fairs by Jun 2026
Recognition: More than USD 100,000 in awards, including the top Samueli Prize.
Skills developed: Research methodology, Scientific writing, Presentation, STEM innovation
Broadcom MASTERS details
Science Olympiad
Team-based competition covering 23 events in biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and engineering.
Onward pathway: STEM pathway
Eligibility: Ages 11-18
Format: School teams of up to 15 across 23 lab, build and study events at regional, state and national tournaments.
Timing: Registration Sep 2025; Regionals Feb–Mar; Nationals May 22, 2026
Recognition: Medals per event, team trophies and scholarship opportunities at nationals.
Skills developed: Team collaboration, Scientific knowledge, Lab skills, Engineering design
Science Olympiad details
Regeneron Science Talent Search
The nation's oldest and most prestigious STEM research competition for high school seniors, with $1.8M in awards.
Onward pathway: STEM pathway
Eligibility: Ages 17-18
Format: Individual original research paper plus an extensive written application, for final-year high school students.
Timing: 2027 application opens Jun 1, 2026; closes early Nov 2026
Recognition: USD 1.8 million in total awards, with a USD 250,000 top prize.
Skills developed: Original research, Scientific writing, Advanced mathematics, Critical thinking
Regeneron Science Talent Search details
FIRST Robotics Competition
High school robotics competition where teams design, build, and program robots to compete in alliance format.
Onward pathway: STEM pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: School or community team builds a competition robot in six weeks, then plays alliance matches at district and championship events.
Timing: Team registration Sep–Nov; Season Jan–Apr 2026
Recognition: Event trophies, world championship placement and a large scholarship pool.
Skills developed: Engineering, Programming, Teamwork, Project management
FIRST Robotics Competition details
US Physics Olympiad (USAPhO)
National physics competition selecting the US team for the International Physics Olympiad.
Onward pathway: STEM pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: Individual written exams: the F=ma qualifier followed by the USAPhO semi-final paper.
Timing: F=ma registration by Jan 20; Exam Feb 12, 2026 (online only)
Recognition: Medals, camp invitation and selection for the international Physics Olympiad team.
Skills developed: Advanced physics, Problem solving, Mathematical reasoning, Conceptual understanding
US Physics Olympiad (USAPhO) details
American Mathematics Competition (AMC)
Premier math competition series leading to USA Mathematical Olympiad selection.
Onward pathway: STEM pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: Individual timed multiple-choice mathematics exam taken at a registered school or centre.
Timing: AMC 10/12 in Nov; AIME in Feb (2025–26 cycle closed; 2026–27 opens Aug)
Recognition: Distinction certificates and qualification for AIME and the olympiad route.
Skills developed: Mathematical reasoning, Problem solving, Logical thinking, Time management
American Mathematics Competition (AMC) details
BioGENEius Challenge
Biotechnology research competition for high school students conducting original research in biotech.
Onward pathway: STEM pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: Individual biotechnology research project with a written abstract and judged presentation at state or international level.
Timing: Regional deadlines vary; Finals May 2026
Recognition: Cash awards per category and the international BioGENEius title.
Skills developed: Biotechnology, Lab research, Scientific presentation, Innovation
BioGENEius Challenge details
RoboRAVE International
International robotics competition with challenges in maze navigation, firefighting, and more.
Onward pathway: STEM pathway
Eligibility: Ages 8-18
Format: Team robotics challenges built and programmed on the day, across several challenge tracks.
Timing: Varies by region; International finals Jul 2026
Recognition: Challenge trophies and international event placement.
Skills developed: Robotics, Programming, Engineering design, Competition strategy
RoboRAVE International details
NASA HUNCH
Students design and build hardware for actual use by NASA on the International Space Station.
Onward pathway: STEM pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: Class or team project designing or fabricating hardware, software or design work to a NASA brief across a school year.
Timing: School application in Spring; Projects year-round
Recognition: Work selected for use by NASA, plus recognition at the final design review.
Skills developed: Engineering design, Manufacturing, Space science, Real-world application
NASA HUNCH details
MATHCOUNTS
National middle school math competition with school, chapter, state, and national levels.
Onward pathway: STEM pathway
Eligibility: Ages 11-14
Format: Individual and team rounds for middle school students at chapter, state and national level.
Timing: Registration by Nov 5; Chapter Feb; State Mar; Nationals May 2026
Recognition: Trophies, scholarships and the national Countdown Round title.
Skills developed: Mathematical reasoning, Speed mathematics, Competition strategy, Number sense
MATHCOUNTS details
National Science Bowl
Fast-paced academic competition testing knowledge in science and mathematics.
Onward pathway: STEM pathway
Eligibility: Ages 12-18
Format: Teams of four plus an alternate answer rapid-fire science and mathematics questions in a buzzer format.
Timing: Regional registration Dec 2025; Regionals Jan–Feb 2026
Recognition: National title, trophies and science trip or scholarship awards.
Skills developed: Science knowledge, Quick recall, Team strategy, Competitive academics
National Science Bowl details
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
The nation's longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens, with alumni including Stephen King and Sylvia Plath.
Onward pathway: Writing pathway
Eligibility: Ages 13-18
Format: Individual submissions in 11 writing categories, entered online through a regional affiliate.
Timing: Opens Oct 1; Regional deadlines Dec 1, 2025–Jan 6, 2026
Recognition: Gold and Silver Keys, national medals, scholarships and publication.
Skills developed: Creative writing, Original voice, Craft, Revision
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards details
YoungArts
National foundation identifying and supporting talented young artists including writers, with cash awards and mentorship.
Onward pathway: Writing pathway
Eligibility: Ages 15-18
Format: Individual portfolio submission in writing disciplines, reviewed by a panel of artists.
Timing: 2027 application opens mid-2026; Deadline Oct 7, 2026
Recognition: Cash awards up to USD 10,000, mentorship and the National YoungArts Week.
Skills developed: Literary excellence, Voice development, Artistic vision, Professional development
YoungArts details
The Adroit Prize for Poetry & Prose
Prestigious literary prize for high school and undergraduate writers, judged by renowned authors.
Onward pathway: Writing pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-22
Format: Individual submission of poetry or prose to the journal, judged by a guest author.
Timing: Typically Mar 31 (annual; check site for 2026 dates)
Recognition: Cash prize, publication in The Adroit Journal and editorial feedback.
Skills developed: Literary craft, Original voice, Poetic technique, Prose mastery
The Adroit Prize for Poetry & Prose details
New York Times Student Editorial Contest
Annual competition inviting students to write opinion pieces on issues they care about.
Onward pathway: Writing pathway
Eligibility: Ages 13-18
Format: Individual 450-word evidence-based editorial submitted online.
Timing: Spring 2026 (typically Feb–Apr; check NYT Learning Network)
Recognition: Publication by The New York Times Learning Network and runner-up recognition.
Skills developed: Persuasive writing, Argumentation, Research, Current events
New York Times Student Editorial Contest details
Poetry Out Loud
National recitation competition encouraging students to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance.
Onward pathway: Writing pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: Individual recitation of published poems from memory at school, regional, state and national rounds.
Timing: School competitions Fall; Regional/State Winter; National Finals Spring 2026
Recognition: Up to USD 20,000 for the national champion, plus school poetry grants.
Skills developed: Poetry appreciation, Public speaking, Memorization, Dramatic interpretation
Poetry Out Loud details
Creative Writing Ink Contest
Weekly writing prompts and monthly contests to develop consistent writing habits.
Onward pathway: Writing pathway
Eligibility: Ages All ages
Format: Individual short prose or poetry responses to a monthly prompt, submitted online.
Timing: Rolling monthly submissions
Recognition: Monthly cash prize and publication on the contest site.
Skills developed: Creative writing, Prompt response, Regular practice, Genre exploration
Creative Writing Ink Contest details
CommonLit Essay Contest
Essay competition focused on analyzing literature and making text-to-world connections.
Onward pathway: Writing pathway
Eligibility: Ages 11-18
Format: Individual analytical essay responding to a set text, submitted by a teacher or student.
Timing: Varies by contest cycle
Recognition: Cash awards for winning students and classroom recognition.
Skills developed: Literary analysis, Essay writing, Critical reading, Argumentation
CommonLit Essay Contest details
Rattle Young Poets Anthology
Annual anthology featuring the best poems by writers under 18, published in Rattle magazine.
Onward pathway: Writing pathway
Eligibility: Ages Under 18
Format: Individual poems submitted by writers under 18, one submission window each year.
Timing: Nov 15 annually (for 2026 anthology)
Recognition: Publication in the Rattle Young Poets Anthology and a contributor copy.
Skills developed: Poetry writing, Craft development, Publication experience, Poetic voice
Rattle Young Poets Anthology details
Writopia Lab Flash Fiction Contest
Competition for short-form fiction under 1,000 words, encouraging concise storytelling.
Onward pathway: Writing pathway
Eligibility: Ages 8-18
Format: Individual flash fiction under 1,000 words, submitted online.
Timing: Varies; typically Spring submission window
Recognition: Cash awards, publication and a public reading for winners.
Skills developed: Flash fiction, Concise writing, Story structure, Impact in few words
Writopia Lab Flash Fiction Contest details
Cicada Magazine Youth Contest
Literary magazine for teens with regular writing contests in various genres and styles.
Onward pathway: Writing pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: Individual short fiction, poetry or creative nonfiction submitted to the magazine's contest cycles.
Timing: Rolling submissions throughout the year
Recognition: Publication in the magazine and contributor payment.
Skills developed: Short fiction, Poetry, Creative nonfiction, Young adult voice
Cicada Magazine Youth Contest details
NSDA National Tournament
The largest academic competition in the world, with 8,000+ students competing in speech and debate events.
Onward pathway: Communication pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: Individual and team events across debate, speech and interpretation, qualified through district tournaments.
Timing: Qualify through local/state; Nationals Jun 14–19, 2026 (Richmond, VA)
Recognition: National championship titles, trophies and scholarship opportunities.
Skills developed: Public speaking, Argumentation, Research, Critical thinking
NSDA National Tournament details
World Schools Debating Championships
International debate championship where national teams compete in the World Schools format.
Onward pathway: Communication pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: National teams of five debate prepared and impromptu motions in the World Schools format.
Timing: National team qualification; 2026 WSDC in Nairobi, Kenya
Recognition: World championship title, team and individual speaker awards.
Skills developed: International debate, Impromptu speaking, Team strategy, Global issues
World Schools Debating Championships details
THIMUN (The Hague International MUN)
The world's most prestigious Model United Nations conference, hosting 3,500+ students at The Hague.
Onward pathway: Communication pathway
Eligibility: Ages 15-18
Format: School delegations represent assigned countries, writing and debating resolutions in committee.
Timing: School registration Sep; Conference Jan 26–30, 2026 (2027 dates TBA)
Recognition: Best delegate and best position paper recognition at The Hague conference.
Skills developed: Diplomacy, Public speaking, Resolution writing, International relations
THIMUN (The Hague International MUN) details
TEDx Youth Events
Platform for young speakers to share ideas worth spreading at independently organized TEDx events.
Onward pathway: Communication pathway
Eligibility: Ages All ages
Format: Individual short talk, selected by application to a local TEDx Youth organiser.
Timing: Varies by local event organizer
Recognition: A recorded talk published to the TEDx platform and a public stage.
Skills developed: Storytelling, Presentation design, Idea development, Stage presence
TEDx Youth Events details
Congressional Debate Nationals
Students simulate US Congress, authoring and debating legislation on current issues.
Onward pathway: Communication pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: Individual students author and debate legislation in simulated chambers, qualified through NSDA districts.
Timing: Qualify through NSDA district; Nationals Jun 2026
Recognition: National placement, trophies and presiding officer recognition.
Skills developed: Legislative process, Debate, Persuasion, Civic knowledge
Congressional Debate Nationals details
Brewer Center Speech Competition
Focus on oratory and speech events emphasizing voice, delivery, and message.
Onward pathway: Communication pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: Individual oratory and speech events judged on delivery, structure and message.
Timing: Regional qualification throughout the year
Recognition: Placement awards and progression to higher-level speech tournaments.
Skills developed: Oratory, Voice projection, Emotional connection, Message crafting
Brewer Center Speech Competition details
C-SPAN StudentCam
Documentary competition where students create short films on topics affecting communities or nation.
Onward pathway: Communication pathway
Eligibility: Ages 12-18
Format: Individual or team documentary of five to six minutes, submitted online with source material.
Timing: 2026 submissions closed Jan 20; 2027 cycle opens Fall 2026
Recognition: USD 100,000 total prize pool and broadcast of winning films on C-SPAN.
Skills developed: Documentary filmmaking, Research, Storytelling, Video production
C-SPAN StudentCam details
National Extemporaneous Speaking
Speaking competition where students prepare speeches on current events with limited prep time.
Onward pathway: Communication pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: Individual speech on a current-events question prepared in 30 minutes.
Timing: Through NSDA qualification; Nationals Jun 2026
Recognition: Tournament placement, national finals ranking and trophies.
Skills developed: Quick thinking, Current events knowledge, Speech structure, Analysis
National Extemporaneous Speaking details
We the People Competition
Civic education program culminating in simulated congressional hearings on constitutional issues.
Onward pathway: Communication pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: Class teams present prepared statements and answer follow-up questions in simulated congressional hearings.
Timing: State competitions Spring 2026; National Finals Apr–May 2026
Recognition: State and national unit awards and a national championship title.
Skills developed: Constitutional knowledge, Oral presentation, Civic engagement, Group coordination
We the People Competition details
National History Day
Students present historical research through documentaries, exhibits, papers, or performances. 2026 theme: 'Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.'
Onward pathway: Communication pathway
Eligibility: Ages 12-18
Format: Individual or small team entry as a documentary, exhibit, paper, performance or website, judged through local and state rounds.
Timing: Local/state Spring 2026; National Contest Jun 2026 at University of Maryland
Recognition: National category prizes, special awards and scholarships.
Skills developed: Historical research, Presentation, Primary sources, Creative interpretation
National History Day details
Diamond Challenge
University of Delaware's global high school entrepreneurship competition with $100K+ in prizes.
Onward pathway: Entrepreneurship pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: Teams of two to four submit a written business or social venture concept, then pitch live at the summit.
Timing: Registration Sep 2025; Concept submissions Jan 2026; Summit Spring 2026
Recognition: More than USD 100,000 in awards and university scholarship funding.
Skills developed: Business planning, Pitching, Market research, Financial modeling
Diamond Challenge details
DECA International Career Development Conference
Premier competition for emerging business leaders and entrepreneurs, with 25,000+ participants.
Onward pathway: Entrepreneurship pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-21
Format: Individual or team role-plays, written projects and exams, qualified through chapter and state events.
Timing: Regional/state qualification; ICDC Apr 25–28, 2026 (Atlanta, GA)
Recognition: International titles, medals and scholarship awards at the ICDC.
Skills developed: Business concepts, Role-play scenarios, Presentations, Marketing
DECA International Career Development Conference details
Conrad Challenge
Innovation competition challenging students to develop products and services addressing global issues, presented by Equinor.
Onward pathway: Entrepreneurship pathway
Eligibility: Ages 13-18
Format: Teams of two to five submit an innovation brief and business plan, with finalists pitching at the summit.
Timing: Innovation Stage by Jan 8; Summit Apr 2026 (Houston, TX)
Recognition: Pete Conrad Scholar title, seed funding and patent support.
Skills developed: Innovation, Product development, Market analysis, Teamwork
Conrad Challenge details
Wharton Global Youth Program Competitions
Wharton-hosted investment and business plan competitions for high school students worldwide.
Onward pathway: Entrepreneurship pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: Teams manage a simulated investment portfolio or submit a business strategy report, with finalists presenting to Wharton faculty.
Timing: 2025–26 Investment Competition closed; 2026–27 registration opens Sep 2026
Recognition: Global finalist recognition, cash awards and Wharton campus finals.
Skills developed: Investment analysis, Business strategy, Financial literacy, Professional presentation
Wharton Global Youth Program Competitions details
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)
Entrepreneurship education program with regional and national competitions for student businesses.
Onward pathway: Entrepreneurship pathway
Eligibility: Ages 11-18
Format: Individual students submit a business plan and deliver a live pitch at regional then national level.
Timing: School program based; National finals Spring 2026
Recognition: Cash awards, startup funding and the National Youth Entrepreneur title.
Skills developed: Business fundamentals, Pitching, Financial planning, Creativity
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) details
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
Largest student business organization with competitions in 60+ business-related events.
Onward pathway: Entrepreneurship pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: Individual and team events across more than 60 business categories, qualified through state conferences.
Timing: Regional/state qualification; NLC Jun 29–Jul 2, 2026 (San Antonio, TX)
Recognition: National placement medals and scholarship awards.
Skills developed: Business knowledge, Leadership, Networking, Professional skills
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) details
Technovation Girls
Global tech entrepreneurship program where girls and non-binary youth build apps to solve community problems.
Onward pathway: Entrepreneurship pathway
Eligibility: Ages 8-18
Format: Teams of one to five build a mobile app and business plan, submitting code, a demo video and a pitch.
Timing: Season starts Aug 2025; Submissions due Apr 20, 2026
Recognition: Scholarships, cash awards and the World Summit finals.
Skills developed: App development, Entrepreneurship, Social impact, Pitching
Technovation Girls details
Lemonade Day
Youth entrepreneurship program where kids start their own lemonade business.
Onward pathway: Entrepreneurship pathway
Eligibility: Ages 8-14
Format: Individual or small team runs a real one-day business, with a business plan and takings recorded.
Timing: Spring 2026 (varies by city)
Recognition: City-level entrepreneur awards and startup savings recognition.
Skills developed: Basic business, Customer service, Money management, Goal setting
Lemonade Day details
Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!)
Year-long program where students start real businesses and pitch for funding.
Onward pathway: Entrepreneurship pathway
Eligibility: Ages 11-18
Format: Individual or team launches a real business over the school year, ending in an investor panel pitch.
Timing: Program enrollment Sep–Oct; Saunders Scholars competition Spring 2026
Recognition: Investor funding for the business and the regional Saunders Scholars title.
Skills developed: Business launch, Investor pitching, Product development, Market validation
Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) details
BizWorld Youth Program
Hands-on business education program teaching entrepreneurship through team-based learning.
Onward pathway: Entrepreneurship pathway
Eligibility: Ages 8-14
Format: Classroom teams build and sell a simulated product, competing on design, sales and financials.
Timing: School program based (enroll anytime)
Recognition: Classroom and program-level recognition for the winning venture team.
Skills developed: Team business building, Product design, Sales, Financial basics
BizWorld Youth Program details
Startup Weekend Youth
54-hour weekend events where young people experience entrepreneurship by building startups.
Onward pathway: Entrepreneurship pathway
Eligibility: Ages 13-18
Format: Teams form on the night and build a startup concept and prototype in 54 hours, pitching to judges.
Timing: Event registration (rolling; check local events)
Recognition: Event winner recognition, mentoring and incubator introductions.
Skills developed: Rapid prototyping, Team formation, MVP development, Pitching
Startup Weekend Youth details
Regeneron ISEF - Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineering category at the world's largest pre-college STEM competition.
Onward pathway: Sustainability pathway
Eligibility: Ages 13-18
Format: Individual or team environmental engineering project, entered through an affiliated fair with a judged display.
Timing: Regional fairs Oct–Mar; Finals May 9–15, 2026 (Phoenix, AZ)
Recognition: Category awards within the ISEF prize pool of more than USD 9 million.
Skills developed: Environmental research, Engineering solutions, Scientific method, Presentation
Regeneron ISEF - Environmental Engineering details
Mock COP (Conference of Parties)
Youth climate simulation of UN climate negotiations, training future climate leaders.
Onward pathway: Sustainability pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: Youth delegates represent nations in simulated climate negotiations, drafting and voting on a declaration.
Timing: Varies; aligned with annual UN COP conference cycle
Recognition: A published youth climate declaration and delegate recognition.
Skills developed: Climate policy, Negotiation, International relations, Sustainability solutions
Mock COP (Conference of Parties) details
Stockholm Junior Water Prize
The world's most prestigious youth award for water-related science projects.
Onward pathway: Sustainability pathway
Eligibility: Ages 15-20
Format: Individual or pair submits a water-related research project, winning nationally before the international final.
Timing: National competitions by Jun 2026; International finals Aug 2026 (Stockholm)
Recognition: USD 15,000 international prize and the Stockholm award ceremony.
Skills developed: Water science, Environmental research, Innovation, Global impact
Stockholm Junior Water Prize details
National Conservation Foundation Envirothon
North America's largest environmental education competition, testing teams on ecology and natural resources.
Onward pathway: Sustainability pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: Teams of five sit field stations in soils, aquatics, forestry, wildlife and a current issue, plus an oral presentation.
Timing: State competitions Spring 2026; Nationals Jul 2026
Recognition: Scholarships for the winning team and station awards.
Skills developed: Environmental science, Teamwork, Field identification, Conservation
National Conservation Foundation Envirothon details
Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest
Art and writing contest inspiring young people to explore ocean conservation through creative expression.
Onward pathway: Sustainability pathway
Eligibility: Ages 11-18
Format: Individual entries in art, creative writing, poetry, film or interactive media on the annual ocean theme.
Timing: Jun 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
Recognition: Cash awards up to USD 1,500 and online publication in the Bow Seat gallery.
Skills developed: Environmental art, Creative writing, Ocean science, Advocacy
Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest details
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow
STEM competition challenging students to address community issues including environmental challenges.
Onward pathway: Sustainability pathway
Eligibility: Ages 12-18
Format: School teams with a teacher lead submit a STEM solution to a community problem, with video and prototype stages.
Timing: 2025–26 application closed Nov 24, 2025; 2026–27 cycle opens Oct 2026
Recognition: Technology packages and cash grants worth up to USD 100,000 per school.
Skills developed: STEM application, Community problem-solving, Video production, Teamwork
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow details
EPA P3 Award (People, Prosperity, Planet)
College competition for sustainability projects (some high school partnerships available).
Onward pathway: Sustainability pathway
Eligibility: Ages 16-22
Format: Student teams submit a sustainability design proposal, with Phase I grant winners building and presenting a prototype.
Timing: Phase I proposals Dec 2025 (for 2026 cycle); Phase II Apr 2026
Recognition: Phase I grants and larger Phase II funding for winning designs.
Skills developed: Sustainability design, Research, Prototyping, Environmental impact
EPA P3 Award (People, Prosperity, Planet) details
National Ocean Sciences Bowl
Quiz bowl competition on ocean science, marine biology, and maritime policy.
Onward pathway: Sustainability pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: Teams of four plus an alternate answer buzzer questions on ocean science, with a team challenge question.
Timing: Regional competitions Jan–Feb 2026 (national finals schedule TBA via UCAR)
Recognition: Regional titles and a place at the national finals.
Skills developed: Ocean science, Marine biology, Quick recall, Team strategy
National Ocean Sciences Bowl details
Climate Science Olympiad Events
Climate-focused events within Science Olympiad covering environmental science and climate change.
Onward pathway: Sustainability pathway
Eligibility: Ages 11-18
Format: Team events within Science Olympiad tournaments combining written tests and data analysis tasks.
Timing: Registration Sep 2025; Season Feb–May 2026
Recognition: Event medals and points towards state and national team standings.
Skills developed: Climate science, Data analysis, Environmental systems, Competition
Climate Science Olympiad Events details
Youth Environmental Challenge
Challenge for student teams to design and implement local environmental improvement projects.
Onward pathway: Sustainability pathway
Eligibility: Ages 11-18
Format: Student teams design and run a local environmental project, documenting results in a final report.
Timing: Varies by program and region
Recognition: Program recognition, small grants and community showcase.
Skills developed: Project management, Community engagement, Environmental action, Documentation
Youth Environmental Challenge details
Green Schools Challenge
Students lead sustainability initiatives in their schools and compete for recognition.
Onward pathway: Sustainability pathway
Eligibility: Ages 11-18
Format: Student teams lead school sustainability initiatives and report tracked data over a term or year.
Timing: Rolling applications year-round
Recognition: Green school certification and alliance recognition.
Skills developed: School leadership, Sustainability planning, Data tracking, Behavior change
Green Schools Challenge details
FIRST Robotics Sustainability Award
Special award within FIRST Robotics recognizing teams with outstanding sustainability practices.
Onward pathway: Sustainability pathway
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Format: Robotics teams document sustainable practice across their season and present it to award judges.
Timing: FIRST competition season Jan–Apr 2026
Recognition: Sustainability Award recognition at district and championship events.
Skills developed: Sustainable engineering, Green practices, Documentation, Community impact
FIRST Robotics Sustainability Award details
Entrepreneurship Olympiad (Next Billion Lab)
The capstone venture pitch for the Onward Entrepreneurship pathway, run with venture-building partner Next Billion Lab. Scholars present the product they built during the program to a mentor panel.
Onward pathway: Entrepreneurship pathway
Eligibility: Ages 10-18
Format: Solo or small team venture pitch with a live product demo to a panel of Harvard student mentors and Next Billion Lab.
Timing: Held at the close of each Entrepreneurship cohort
Recognition: Olympiad honours, mentor feedback and a portfolio-ready venture record.
Skills developed: Venture pitching, Product demo, Market validation, Business storytelling
Entrepreneurship Olympiad (Next Billion Lab) details
Onward LaunchPad: The AI Founders Challenge
A 10-week global AI startup competition run by Onward, where students build a working AI product with Harvard student mentors and pitch it to the mentor panel.
Onward pathway: Entrepreneurship pathway
Eligibility: Ages 13-18
Format: Solo or team entry. Build a working AI product over 10 weeks and deliver a live pitch with a demo video.
Timing: Registration closes 15 February 2027; program runs to the May 2027 finals
Recognition: A winner pool of USD 1,000, mentor recognition and a public builder profile.
Skills developed: AI product building, No-code development, Pitching, Customer research
Onward LaunchPad: The AI Founders Challenge details
Competitions Library FAQs
Who can enter the competitions in this library?
The library is curated for students in Grades 5-12. Each entry lists its own age or grade eligibility, because some events are open from age 8 while others are restricted to final-year high school students.
Do I need to complete an Onward pathway before entering?
No, these are external competitions you may enter independently. Onward pathways are designed as preparation: scholars finish with a completed project, a rehearsed presentation and a Certificate of Completion, which is what most of these competitions ask for.
Which pathway should I take for ISEF?
Regeneron ISEF maps to the STEM pathway, and its environmental engineering category maps to the Sustainability pathway. Both pathways build the research, prototyping and presentation work that ISEF judging is based on.
What is the Entrepreneurship Olympiad?
It is the capstone venture pitch of the Onward Entrepreneurship pathway, run with venture-building partner Next Billion Lab. Scholars present the product they built during the program to a panel of Harvard student mentors.
Does Onward enter students into these competitions?
Registration, fees and deadlines are handled by each competition organiser. Onward mentors help scholars choose suitable competitions and prepare the project, written entry and pitch.
STEM pathway | Writing pathway | Communication pathway | Entrepreneurship pathway | Sustainability pathway