Historically, the two most dreaded words of school-aged students and parents alike are “science fair.” They conjure up memories of terrariums, exploding volcanoes or models of the solar system. But today’s Science and Engineering Fair is so much more and can lead to scholarships, international competitions and careers.
Under the leadership of the Mississippi Science and Engineering Fair Board of Directors, Mississippi hosts fairs in seven regions across the state and sends 15 students and projects to compete at the International Regeneron Science and Engineering Fair where they compete with 1700 students from around the globe.
Elementary, middle and high schools are hosting school fairs to choose candidates to advance to a regional fair and then those winners advance to the state level. And, because Mississippi has such a large homeschool community, those students are also welcome to register in their local region to compete with others across the region and the state.
The state competition this year will be held at Northeast Mississippi Community College on April 9 and will feature the best of the best from all seven regions. Those students chosen for the international competition will travel to Phoenix, Arizona, May 9 to 16, to compete for millions of dollars in cash, prizes and scholarships.
To compete at the state level, projects must first win at the regional level of the resident of the students. Region I and Region VI students are eligible for competition through the University of Southern Mississippi, Region II students work with Jackson State University and Region III students are under regulation by Delta State University. Northeast Mississippi Community College oversees Region IV while Mississippi State supports Region V and Ole Miss supports region VII.
Courtney Gowen, is the parent of three homeschool students, and enjoys working with her children in science exploration. Her oldest son, Carter, was awarded an opportunity to compete at ISEF in 2025 in Columbus, Ohio, and while he didn’t win an award, the opportunity itself presented a winning experience.
“Carter valued his time with his science-minded peers,” Mrs. Gowen said. “The sheer amount of ingenuity and creativity in one convention center was mind-blowing, and it was electric! The week really fostered a profound appreciation for the science world – so many opportunities to collaborate and network.”
In this current world of technology, projects are focusing on the use of AI, creating apps, studying diseases for best outcomes, and utilizing AI in the workplace. The opportunities are seemingly endless. Carter’s project didn’t include technology and was designed to solve a problem in his home region.
“Carter sought to solve a specific problem with invasive plants in Northeast Mississippi, so he investigated inhibiting ragweed germination through the allelochemicals of cereal grains,” Mrs. Gowen said.
For the Gowen family, science is a core content subject area each year that serves as a bridge between creation and design by utilizing math mastery and second language acquisition to build a solid foundation.
“If you or your children are passionate about science, pursue it with fidelity!” is the advice Mrs. Gowen gives to parents of public, private or homeschool education. “Find a trusted teacher, mentor, or community member to help you through the arduous process. You never know…you could change the world, and if nothing else, you have contributed to the scientific community.”
Educators, parents or students unsure of the region of residents should visit the MSEF website. This is also a one-stop shop to learn more about project and judging guidelines along with sample projects and other ideas. There is still time to create successful science and engineering projects for the 2026 fair season.
