Become a Fair Judge
Make an Impact: Volunteer as a Science & Engineering Fair Judge
Every year, thousands of students across Massachusetts put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test through science fairs at the school, district, and regional levels. The best of these projects advance to the iconic Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair, an annual celebration of student ingenuity that has been celebrating young minds since 1949. This event is a showcase of the power of independent student-led stem research.
We invite STEM professionals and academics to volunteer as judges for this exciting event. Judging is a chance to make a meaningful impact on students, offering them encouragement and inspiration as they share their research. For many students, presenting their projects to a STEM professional is a milestone experience that builds confidence and expands their view of what’s possible.
As a judge, you’ll also find value in this experience!
- Reignite your passion for STEM,
- Reconnect with your own science fair memories,
- Engage with the community in a rewarding way,
- And support the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders
Join us in shaping the future of STEM by volunteering as a judge. Your involvement can make a lasting difference in the lives of students across the Commonwealth
More information about qualification, schedule, and sign-up instructions can be found below.
1.
Find Your Fair
See Fair dates and locations below.
2.
Sign Up
Register to become a judge! All first time and returning judges must create a new account each year.
3.
Spread the Word
Invite your STEM friends and co-workers to join you!
4.
Attend Judge Training
Join a one-hour virtual “Judge Training” session 1-3 weeks before the fair.
Here, you’ll learn about the judging rubric and get all the info you need to be successful.
5.
Enjoy the Fair Day Experience
Arrive at the fair on time.
Spend 3-5 hours engaging with 3-5 projects, (1-3 students per project).
Submit your scores and have fun making a difference!
Fair dates and locations
In addition to our iconic High School and Middle School State Fairs, you have regional fairs across the state to choose from! Explore the dates and locations below to find an event that fits your schedule. There are opportunities for a range of qualifications from current STEM undergrads to PhDs. Check the FAQ below for more details.
| High School State Fair
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Middle School State Fair
powered by Cabot Corporation |
| High School Regional Fairs
Region 3: March 1 at Bristol CC |
Middle School Regional Fairs
Region 2: April 30 at Worcester State Region 3: March 1 at Bristol CC Region 4: April 12 at UMass Lowell |
Regional Map
You are eligible to judge in any regional fair regardless of where you live or work.
Frequently asked questions
What our students say
“The conversations I had with the judges were the best part of the science fair. Being able to converse in an intelligent way with someone with that background and have them understand what I was talking about made me feel so capable and smart.”
– High School Student
What our judges say
“I enjoyed talking to the students, listening to their project and witnessing their enthusiasm pouring out.”
Sponsor the fairs
Do you work for an organization passionate about STEM education? By sponsoring the Fair(s) your company will enjoy valuable visibility in front of our state’s future problem-solvers while supporting valuable STEM programming for Massachusetts youth.
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