The Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair is an annual research competition for students in grades 7-12 who attend schools in 41 counties in Pennsylvania: Bradford, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Cumberland, Crawford, Dauphin, Elk, Erie, Franklin, Forest, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lakawanna, Lebanon, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Mifflin, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Warren, Wayne, or Wyoming. The purpose of the fair is to connect bright and motivated young scientists with the region’s industry, academia, and professional organizations to promote economic development within Central Pennsylvania and to encourage young scientists to find solutions to life’s greatest challenges and prepare a healthy and sustainable future.
Winning projects in the Senior Division (grades 9-12) are eligible for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), while winning projects in the Junior Division (grades 7-8) are eligible for the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.
Location(s)
- Penn State Harrisburg
Schedule
- Annually in March
Cost/Compensation
- Schools pay a registration fee of $50 per eligible grade in the building
Eligibility Requirements
- Students in grades 7-12 who attend schools in one of the following Pennsylvania counties: Bradford, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Cumberland, Crawford, Dauphin, Elk, Erie, Franklin, Forest, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lakawanna, Lebanon, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Mifflin, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Warren, Wayne, or Wyoming.
Deadline
- Early January
Application or Entry Requirements
- Completed online registration form
- Research Plan
- Abstract
- Approval Forms
- Any applicable additional forms for projects that require pre-approval by a Scientific Review Committee (SRC) because they deal with Human Subjects, Vertebrate Animals, and/or Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents
- Name of Adult Sponsor/Teacher
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
The Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair (CASEF) organization is dedicated to promoting STEM education and fostering scientific inquiry among students in the central Pennsylvania region. Founded in 1955, CASEF provides an annual platform for students from elementary, middle, and high schools to showcase their research projects in various scientific disciplines. The organization collaborates with local schools, businesses, and universities to organize the fair and provide resources, mentorship, and judging for participants. CASEF aims to inspire and empower students by fostering critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills through hands-on experimentation and data analysis.
