2027 San Mateo County STEM Fair

Important Information for the 2027 STEM Fair

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 Sudents page. All judging will be held virtually on March 20, 2027.
High School Students to Golden Gate STEM Fair
High school students will not participate in the 2027 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.

Teacher Guide to Entering the STEM Fair

Establishing a School-based Scientific Review Committeer

STEM Fair Timeline

2026

October 2, 2026

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 16, 2026

Deadline to submit Intent to Participate and Request Allocation
December 4, 2026

Participation Fee due to San Mateo County STEM Fair
Checks made payable to San Mateo County STEM Fair, c/o The Nueva School, 131 East 28th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403
December 11, 2026

SRC Project Proposal and Approval Form due from schools that do not hold own Fairs

2027

February 15 - February 26, 2027

Student Submission Portal Opens
Deadline for submission is 2/26/27. Several schools/districts are on vacation 2/15-2/19 so please plan accordingly.
March 3 - March 12, 2027

Initial 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 17, 2027

Students notified of those moving forward to the Interview Phase
Interview assignment times cannot be changed. Please have students reserve the date.
March 20, 2027 - STEM Fair

STEM Fair Held Virtually
Interviews held between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
March 24, 2027

Winners Announced on Website
March 31, 2027

Students receive feedback on their projects

Intent to Participate Form for Schools and Districts
(For Teachers and Science Fair Coordinators only - parents cannot submit requests)