Student STEM Research at CPS

Student STEM research and design projects are independent science, technology, engineering, or math investigations conducted by CPS students. Student projects are supported by their teachers, parents, guardians, mentors, and CPS Student Science Fair, Inc. 

CPS Local School and Regional STEM Exhibitions

Every year, 6-12th grade students can present their projects at their local school STEM Exhibition for feedback, recognition, and encouragement.

Student projects judged to be high quality at the local school level can participate in the CPS Regional STEM exhibitions, usually held in January. 

CPS Citywide Exhibition of Student STEM Research

Students projects judged to be high quality at the Regional Exhibitions can participate in the annual CPS Citywide Exhibition of Student STEM Research held in March.

Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences and Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair

The highest quality projects in each of 12 STEM categories at the Citywide Exhibition can compete further at the Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences (IJAS) and Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). 

Importance of STEM Exhibitions and Student STEM Research

Student STEM projects and STEM Exhibitions give students the opportunity to exercise their curiosity, pursue their interests, and gain hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, or math. 

STEM Exhibitions recognize and reward the achievement of extracurricular student STEM efforts, grow student STEM understanding and skills via professional feedback, and provide motivation and encouragement for STEM education and careers.

History of STEM Exhibitions at CPS

In 1949, CPS physics teaches saw the need to showcase and encourage student STEM interests. In 1950, physics teaches conducted the first CPS Citywide Science Fair.

In 1955, CPS Student Science Fair, Inc., an entity independent of the Chicago Public Schools, was incorporated as a 501(c)3 charitable organization.

2025 marks the 75th year of CPS Citywide STEM Exhibitions!

Role of CPS Student Science Fair, Inc.

Through its donors, volunteers, and collaboration with the Chicago Public Schools, CPS SSF Inc. funds and conducts the CPS Regional and Citywide STEM Exhibitions and after-school science activities to motivate, recognize, and reward STEM interest and independent investigations. 

Through its donors, CPS SSF Inc. supports individual student projects and provides Special Awards at the Citywide Exhibition.

Through its donors and volunteers, CPS SSF Inc. funds and supports student housing and transportation to the Illinois IJAS and Regeneron ISEF international competitions. CPS SSF Inc. donors fund and provide college scholarships for Citywide STEM Exhibition participants.

Accomplishments of CPS Students Who Participated in CPS STEM Exhibitions

Each year, 50 students represent CPS at the Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competition, and 4 CPS students compete at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. 

CPS students excel at IJAS. They can participate at IJAS with their projects, symposium papers, or both.  CPS students excel at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. For a list of this year’s IJAS and Regeneron ISEF student projects from CPS see https://cpsscifair.org/Previous/cw24.html. For previous years’ IJAS and Regeneron ISEF participants and awards, see https://cpsscifair.org/Previous/previous.html

2024 CPS Student Science Fair  by the Numbers

• Citywide STEM Fair
  • 203 Projects
  • 118 Volunteer Judges
• College Scholarships
  • 15 Scholarship Awarded
  • $113,500 Total Scholarship Value
• 50 Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences CPS Participants
• 4 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair CPS Participants