High School

  • Pennsylvania is home to some of the most technologically diverse and scientifically sophisticated companies in the world. With these avenues for employment existing in our communities, it is important that students develop an understanding of STEM concepts and gain STEM competencies. The Governor’s PA STEM Competition is an annual themed academic contest for students in grades 9-12 that is focused on exposing students to STEM concepts, skills, and occupations. This year’s theme is “Innovating the Commonwealth through Collaboration and Computing.” The purpose of the competition is to increase STEM-related educational opportunities for students at the regional and state levels. Furthermore, the PA STEM Competition intends to raise awareness of the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.

    Teams of high school students from across the Commonwealth are challenged to select a real-world problem, conduct research, design, build and present a device that is capable of making the quality of life better for citizens of Pennsylvania.

    Throughout the challenge, students engage with their local community to learn about STEM careers and the skills necessary to be employable and successful in STEM-related Pennsylvania industries. Developing solutions to problems rooted in the community will build the skills necessary for students to be successful in postsecondary STEM opportunities. To culminate the experience, students present their device and findings to a panel of judges. The challenge tests the teams’ communication, problem-solving, critical thinking skills and creativity, while providing a unique opportunity to share their creativity with students from across the state.

    For more information about the event, please visit the Governor's STEM website. To register your team, click here or scan the QR code below. Registration closes on Sunday, November 6.

    QR Code for Governor's STEM Registration

2022-23 Competition Details

For More Information, Contact Us:

  • KathyG@cciu.org
  • 484-237-5098

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State Competition Only

  • There will be no Regional Competition held by the Intermediate Units for the 2022-23 school year. Instead, all teams will compete at the state level. Teams will submit written proposals and video presentations in early February. From there, the top 20 teams will be notified that their project will advance to the final round of judging at the State Competition. This will take place in Harrisburg, PA on April 19, 2023.

    The competition will consist of two divisions: 

    • Division 1: Those who competed in the STATE COMPETITION in the last 5 years
    • Division 2: Those who have not competed in the STATE COMPETITION in the last 5 years 

Stipend

  • Registered teams will receive a one-time $600 to cover the costs of materials for their project/prototype. Any team that drops out prior to the competition will be required to return the stipend in its entirety. For more information, please visit the funding page.

Timeline

  • November 6, 2022
    Deadline for teacher advisor to register via the competition website, make commitment for school's participation, and submit information on students/team members for the competition.

    Now through February 6, 2023
    Teams will be working on their written proposal and video presentations for the competition. Email govstemcomp@pattan.net if you have any questions regarding the 2023 Governor's STEM Competition. Written proposal and video presentations will be due no later than February 6, 2023 at 9:00pm.

    • Submit your Written Proposal (Coming Soon)
    • Submit your Video Submission (Coming Soon)

     

    February 13, 2023-February 24, 2023
    Judging will take place during this time period. The top 20 teams will be notified that their project will advance to the final round of judging, starting on March 3, 2023. The finals will be held at PaTTAN Harrisburg on April 19, 2023. Teams who have been invited can start the process of getting approved for traveling to PaTTAN Harrisburg for the event.

    Note: Three special awards have been developed to honor contributions made to the Commonwealth that may potentially impact the medical, sustainability, and survivability needs of all citizens of Pennsylvania. Each project has been placed into one of three categories (medical, sustainability, survivability) based on the team's project description.

    March 3, 2023-April 19, 2023
    Teams that are moving forward to the state competition can begin working on their onsite presentation, which will take place at PaTTAN Harrisburg on April 19, 2023.

    April 19, 2023
    The State Competition will be held at PaTTAN Harrisburg on April 19, 2023. Each team will be given an opportunity to present their project in person to the judges for additional points given to their current score. More details will be released at a later date. The top 20 will present an overview of their project and the projects will be viewed and scored by all state competition judges. These projects will be given the title of Grand Champion (1st place), First Runner Up (2nd place), Second Runner Up (3rd place), and Third Runner Up (4th place).

FAQs

  • Who is eligible to participate?
    The competition is open to students in grades 9 through 12 who attend a public, charter, or private school, a career and technical education center, or a student being homeschooled in Pennsylvania.

    Does the Governor's STEM Competition cost anything to enter?
    No. Registered teams will receive a one-time $600 to cover the costs of materials for their project/prototype. Any team that drops out prior to the competition will be required to return the stipend in its entirety. For more information, please visit the funding page.

    How many students can enter on one team?
    A team consists of up to five (5) students in grades 9-12.

    Can my home-schooled student(s) be on a team?
    Yes. Please contact kathyg@cciu.org for more information.

    Do team members have to be from the same school?
    Yes.

    How do I know when submissions/deadlines are due and approaching?
    Please view the "Important Dates to Remember" section of this page.

    For more FAQs, please visit the About section of the Governor's STEM website and scroll to the FAQ section.