The Alameda County Science and Engineering Fair (ACSEF) provides an opportunity for grade 6-12 students educated within Alameda County, California to showcase their science and engineering savvy. Winning projects go on to compete at regional, state, national, and international fairs, such as the California State Science and Engineering Fair, the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.
Location(s)
- Chabot College, Hayward, California
Schedule
- Annually in March
Cost/Compensation
- $25 registration fee
Eligibility Requirements
- Grade 6-12 students educated within Alameda County from home school, charter, public, private and parochial schools are eligible to participate.
- Projects can be completed individually or by a group of up to three students.
- Students may enter ACSEF independently on their own if their school does NOT hold a science fair. If the school DOES hold a science fair, the student must be selected to enter ACSEF through their school selection process.
- Students completed projects that do not require pre-approval must submit a General Pre-Application Google form for review by January 24, 2025
- Pre-approval is required for projects involving humans, potentially hazardous biological agents, vertebrate animals, potentially hazardous chemicals, activities, or devices, continuation of projects from prior years, or projects being performed anywhere other than school, home, or the field. You must have advance approval of your project application from the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) prior to experimentation. Pre-approval requires submitting the Early Pre-Application Google Form no later than November 24, 2024.
Deadline
- Mid February
Application or Entry Requirements
- Complete online registration form
- Apply for pre-approval if required before experimentation
- Complete all required forms and application materials (requirements vary by research area), including a project proposal/research plan.
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
The Alameda County Science and Engineering Fair Association is a non-profit organization that aims to stimulate interest and passion for science and engineering among students in 6th-12th grade. Through its annual science and engineering fair, ACSEFA encourages the interaction of students, parents, and teachers, building memorable moments and traditions in S.T.E.M. education.
