The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Challenge aims to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams from underserved communities. Eligible teams must have a John Deere mentor and meet specific criteria related to student demographics. Grants will be awarded to teams that demonstrate commitment to community engagement and volunteerism. This initiative aligns with John Deere's goal to reach one million underserved youth by 2030, fostering innovation and creativity in future generations.

Cowtown Throwdown robotics competition event featuring Robotics Team 1939 at IDEA Space KC. IDEA Space features a 2600 square foot Incubation Hub for robotics and drone piloting.

The Mini Carolinas Conference (MC²) is Charlotte Engineering's hands-on version of the college-level Carolinas Conference. High school students spend a full day exploring engineering through interactive competitions, lab tours, and opportunities to meet current students and faculty. The competition day runs from 8:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and includes a pizza lunch. Spaces are limited — first come, first served. 2026 Timeline: Application opens mid-September; first acceptances and waitlist notifications sent by end of September (rolling after); teams of 6, student registration, and photo opt-outs due October 23; event on November 6, 2026. Features 5 engineering events. Photos and videos may be captured and used by the University unless opt-out arrangements are made with Kelly Anderson at least three weeks before the event.

The 2026 Mini Carolina's Engineering Competition for high school students features 5 engineering events showcasing broad opportunities at UNC Charlotte's College of Engineering. The competition day runs from 8:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. (EST) and includes a pizza lunch for all students and teachers. High school students spend a full day exploring engineering through interactive competitions, lab tours, and opportunities to meet current students and faculty. Spaces are limited, first come first served. Timeline: Applications open mid-September 2026; first acceptances/waitlist sent end of September (rolling after); teams of 6, student registration, and photo opt-outs due October 23, 2026; Event November 6, 2026. Registration opens mid-September 2026.

The Robot Gladiator League Season Opener is held at Newton's Attic on November 7 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Newton's Attic hosts a Robot Gladiator League as one of its core programs. The facility features RC Robotics Platforms and a Messer Multi-Purpose Room designed for robotics events. This appears to be the opening competition event of the league's season.

JSHS is officially back! TJSHS will be held on Friday, January 22, 2027. Registration opens October 26, 2026 at 8:00 AM and closes November 20, 2026 at 11:00 PM (CT). Abstract submission deadline is January 22, 2027. The Texas Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (TJSHS) promotes original research and experimentation in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics at the high school level, and publicly recognizes students for outstanding achievement. Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 enrolled in public, private, or home schools. Schools located in the Trans-Pecos region or west of I-27, US-87, or I-20 should participate in the Southwest Regional JSHS instead. Students are encouraged to submit an abstract of their original research. A panel of preliminary judges will select the top 8 abstracts in 8 categories to present at the Symposium. All students must be accompanied by an adult chaperone; a maximum of two chaperones/guests per student. Awards: 1st place finalist receives a $2,000 undergraduate tuition-based scholarship; 2nd place $1,500; 3rd place $1,000. 1st and 2nd place have the opportunity to compete at the National JSHS. 3rd, 4th, and 5th place regional finalists receive an expense-paid trip as observers to the National JSHS.

The next KY FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) competition is scheduled for February 16-17 at the University of Kentucky Gatton Student Center. Last year's event had approximately 300 participants and 24 teams. Two winners will advance to the World Championship event. Students compete with 18x18x18 robots they have built, with encouraged use of 3D printing and sensors. The event is open to grades 7-12.

A science competition for high school students in Iowa and Nebraska. Students conduct original STEM and humanities research following the Science and Engineering Practices of the Next Generation Science Standards. Research proposals are reviewed by judges at the University of Iowa. The top 15 students give oral presentations with slides. The top five oral presenters advance to the National Symposium in April to compete for scholarships provided by the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force. Top five finalists receive $750 scholarships to the University of Iowa from the Belin-Blank Center and an expenses-paid trip to the National Symposium. Program includes visits to university research labs and talks from researchers. Event runs February 24–25.

The West Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair acts as an entry point for West Virginia high school students to qualify for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Top projects from this fair may advance to the international competition. Resources are available for students, judges, and fair coordinators on the WVDE website.