Prizes & Awards

Annually, our student participants compete for prizes, scholarships, and special awards from local, regional, state, and international levels of competition. Here’s an overview of Prizes and Awards from our Regional Fairs:

 

Elementary Science Expo (Grades PreK-5)

  • Certificates and medals are awarded to ALL participants for STEM merit.

Thomas Alva Edison Kiwanis Regional Science and Engineering Fair

  • Category Awards, including First, Second, Third, and Honorable Mention (Place Awards), are awarded by Thomas Alva Edison Kiwanis RSEF judges for scientific merit.
  • Grand Awards, including Best of Fair, 1st Runner-Up, 2nd Runner-Up, and 3rd Runner-Up (Senior Division ONLY), are awarded by Thomas Alva Edison Kiwanis RSEF judges for outstanding scientific merit.
  • Selected winners in the Junior Division are eligible to further compete in the Broadcom MASTERS Competition.
  • Selected winners in the Junior and Senior Divisions are eligible to compete in the State Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF) of Florida.
  • In addition, 30+ companies and organizations present Special Awards.

Special Awards

More than 30 companies and organizations select projects to receive Special Awards at Regional Science Fair. These awards may include cash, tours, and/or tangible items. Judging for Special Awards is based upon the objectives of the participating company or organization, and any project may be evaluated by a Special Awards judge or judges. The Special Awards judges only review projects whose titles fit their criteria of interest. Therefore, it behooves the student to entitle his/her project so the judges have a good idea what the project involves from the title information alone.

Notable Special Award Programs include…

Summer Research Opportunity (SRO): Selected winners in the Junior Division receive scholarship to attend Summer Research Opportunity, a two week student research program hosted by FGCU’s Whitaker Center for STEM Education. A team of FGCU scientists lead a research experience that will hone SRO students’ research skills and improve their science expertise. This program is made possible through the generous support of the Daitch Family Foundation, and other donors.

Thomas A. Edison Festival of Light Regional Inventors Fair

  • Grade Level Awards, including First, Second, Third, and possibly Runner-Ups, are awarded based on scores in the categories of:
    • Originality
    • Safety
    • Research
    • Marketing
    • Presentation
  • Division Winners are selected in each of three grade levels: Elementary School, Middle School, and High School
    • Elementary, Middle, and High School Division Winners receive an honorary ride in the Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade.

Special Awards

Special Category Awards are based on specific merits unrelated to the judges scores. Special Category awards are all donated by private persons or businesses. Exceptions to this would be scholarships offered by local universities, colleges, or foundations where judges scores and special merits are both factored into the selection process.

Notable Special Award Programs include… (not in order of value or significance)

Florida Invention Convention State Competition Selections

Seminole Gulf Railway Advancement of Transportation Awards

Kiwanis International Humanitarian Award

FPL $500 Energy Wise Scholarships  conservation, renewal, alternative

DEL Computer Awards

Florida Southwestern State College Two Year Scholarship

Southwest Florida Community Foundation James & Eleanor Newton $4,000 Scholarship designated for a middle school student

Argonauta Scholarship Award presented by Earth Shine Institute to a student with a clear purpose of balancing technological advancements with the preservation of the natural environment. (This prestigious honor is awarded only if qualified entries meet expectations of a special judges committee.)

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