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If you are considering conducting a science or engineering research project and are interested in entering the RSEF, you must make sure your interest is known by your teachers/school before October 29 or you may not be able to participate in RSEF (see below for more information).  

Every March, students from almost every high school and at the Academies of Loudoun enter research and engineering projects in the LCPS Regional Science and Engineering Fair (RSEF) to compete for a variety of prizes. These prizes include placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in one of 22 categories (which comes with a monetary award), as well as numerous special awards that include certificates, monetary awards, opportunities to participate in special events, and various other prizes. A small group of students/teams are also chosen as our Finalists who will represent LCPS as competitors at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Along with monetary awards from RSEF, these finalists are provided an all expenses paid trip to ISEF where they will have the opportunity to compete in categories and grand awards totaling almost $400,000. The top prize is $75,000 with two other awards of $50,000 each. They will also compete in the ISEF Special Awards Program awards totaling around $4 million in tuition scholarships, summer internships, scientific field trips and laboratory equipment.  

The LCPS Regional Science and Engineering Fair (RSEF) is intended to:

• to stimulate student interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM),

• to encourage students to engage in research in STEM fields,

• to provide students opportunities to present research to STEM professionals and the community, and

• to give public recognition to students for their work.

There are several pathways to participating at the LCPS RSEF through county programs in which students design and implement scientific research or engineering projects aimed at potentially competing at the LCPS RSEF. These include students who are in:

• Independent Science Research (ISR) - This course offers juniors and seniors the opportunity to undertake research/engineering projects with formal class time devoted to the process. See the program of studies for more information. This course can be repeated twice. Additionally, there are options for either honors OR dual enrollment with George Mason University (for qualifying students). Students taking ISR that are not in the groups below are eligible to compete in RSEF from their home school. Students taking ISR that are in one of the groups below are not eligible to compete in RSEF from their home school.

• Monroe Advanced Technology Academy (MATA) - This program is a Virginia Governor’s Career & Technical STEM Academy. The MATA program strives to provide significant and relevant learning in Career & Technical Education (CTE) which allows students to explore and innovate while preparing for 21st century college and careers. Students following Biotechnology or Environmental Plant Science pathways may be required to develop a science research or engineering project for competition at RSEF.

• The Academy of Engineering and Technology (AET) - This program strives to provide academic STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) pathways for students to engage in the study of engineering, information technology, and entrepreneurship. It is a highly competitive program that requires application during 8th grade (4 year AET) or 10th grade (Advanced AET). Those students following the Engineering, Information Technology pathways are required to develop a science research or engineering project for competition at RSEF.

• The Academy of Science (AOS) - This is an advanced academic program that strives to provide students the opportunity to deeply engage in mathematics, science, and research and to promote creativity and innovation through problem solving and collaboration. This is a highly competitive program and requires application during 8th grade. Students enrolled in the AOS program are required to develop a science research or engineering project for competition at RSEF.

If you are already in one of the four groups of students above, you are already working toward competing at RSEF and should talk with your teacher/mentor about your school’s RSEF project selection process.

*Students from Academies (AOS, AET, or MATA) in pathways that require research or engineering projects are ONLY allowed to compete at RSEF after going through the selection process at the Academies (even if they are doing a different project separate from the required Academies project).  

If you are not in one of the four groups of students above and are currently undertaking a science research or engineering project independently (not associated with any LCPS course or program) and are interested in participating in the LCPS RSEF, it is critical that you do the following:

1. Contact a science teacher or the Science Chair (see list below) to declare your intention to be eligible to compete AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. There are forms and reviews that must be completed before you can start your project. Even if you are working at a university or with an adult mentor, you should make sure your interest in competing at RSEF is known by your school before October 29 or you may not be able to compete. 

2. Complete THIS form: 2024-25 LCPS RSEF Intent to Participate

3. If you are selected by your school to participate in RSEF, you will receive additional information on the deadline for project materials and registration.

If you ARE NOT currently doing a science research of engineering project, and are interested in participating in any of the LCPS programs requiring projects that might lead to competing in NEXT YEAR, you should talk to a science teacher or the Science Chair at your school (list of Science Chairs and their email for contacting them in the table below).