Registration has opened for the 6th Annual Greenwich Middle School STEM Fair, an initiative organized by the First Selectman’s Youth Commission to engage students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center. Organizers will accept up to 75 student projects spanning engineering, coding, environmental science, and traditional experimental research.
The STEM Fair is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students who reside in Greenwich. Projects may be completed individually or as a team of up to three individuals.
According to the Youth Commission, the program is designed to encourage early interest in STEM disciplines while providing students with an opportunity to present original work in a structured setting. High school students in grades 10 through 12 with research experience will serve as judges, offering peer‑level evaluation and feedback.
Organizers have established a series of deadlines leading up to the event. Registration and financial assistance applications must be completed by Friday, April 17. Final project submissions are due by Friday, May 8. The fair will conclude with an awards ceremony on the day of the event.
Students interested in participating must submit project proposals through the official town portal at greenwichct.gov/3047/6th‑Annual‑Middle‑SchoolSTEM‑Fair. The application process is intended to ensure that projects meet basic criteria and can be accommodated within the event’s capacity limits.
The inclusion of financial assistance forms alongside registration materials indicates an effort to broaden participation and reduce barriers to entry. While organizers did not specify the form of assistance available, the provision aligns with similar municipal youth programming aimed at increasing accessibility.
The use of high school judges reflects a mentorship model that has been incorporated into previous iterations of the event. By involving older students with research experience, the fair aims to create a collaborative environment in which participants receive guidance from peers who have recently navigated similar academic pathways.
The STEM Fair has become an annual fixture within Greenwich’s youth programming, reflecting broader efforts by local government and schools to promote science and technical education. Nationally, STEM‑related initiatives have expanded in response to workforce demands and educational priorities emphasizing problem‑solving and applied learning.
Participation in events such as the STEM Fair provides middle school students with early exposure to research methodologies, presentation skills, and interdisciplinary thinking. Projects typically range from experimental investigations to applied engineering solutions and software‑based designs.
In addition to student participants, organizers are seeking high school volunteers to serve as mentors and judges. Interested individuals may contact STEMFair@greenwichct.org for further information.
