Important Information for the 2026 STEM Fair
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Virtual Judging
This year's fair will be held virtually. All participating students in grades 5–8 will submit their project through a Google Slides template found on the Students page. All judging will be held virtually on March 14. -
High School Students to Golden Gate STEM Fair
High school students will not participate in the 2026 San Mateo County STEM Fair. The Golden Gate STEM Fair will act as students local STEM Fair, and provide them with access to the CA State Science and Engineering Fair and International Science and Engineering Fair.
Teacher Resources
These resources guide you through the application process and provide essential information to ensure your students' projects meet all submission requirements. Whether you're new to coordinating science fair participation or need to establish a Scientific Review Committee, these materials will help you navigate the process successfully.
STEM Fair Timeline
2025
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October 1District/School Intent to Participate and Allocations Request Portal Opens
Intent to Participate and Allocation Requests can only be made by school personnel. Districts/Schools must also identify 2 people who will serve as STEM Fair Judges -
November 14Deadline to submit Intent to Participate and Request Allocation
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December 1
$250 payment due from participating independent schools/districts
Checks made payable to San Mateo County STEM Fair, c/o The Nueva School, 131 East 28th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403
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December 12SRC Project Proposal and Approval Form due from schools that do not hold own Fairs
2026
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February 1 - February 20Student Submission Portal Opens
Deadline for submission is 2/20/26. Several schools/districts are on vacation 2/13-2/20 so please plan accordingly. -
February 20 - March 6Initial review of submissions by judges
Top 6 projects per grade and category will be moved forward to the Interview Phase of the STEM Fair. -
March 11Students notified of those moving forward to the Interview Phase
Interview assignment times cannot be changed. Please have students reserve the date. -
March 14 - STEM FairSTEM Fair Held Virtually
Interviews held between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. -
March 19Winners Announced on Website
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March 30Students receive feedback on their projects
Intent to Participate Form for Schools and Districts
(For Teachers and Science Fair Coordinators only - parents cannot submit requests)
The intent to participate form will be available starting October 1, 2025.
Parents cannot submit requests for their child to participate. If your child is homeschooled, please contact the science coordinator at the school district in which you reside.