Competition
Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense (Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force); administered by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA)
Recognition
Confirmed for the most recent completed cycle (63rd National JSHS, NSTA press release, 2025): the National Symposium awarded $192,000 in scholarships and $10,800 in cash awards to 48 national winners across 8 categories. Oral-presentation category winners received tuition scholarships of $12,000 (1st), $8,000 (2nd), $4,000 (3rd); poster winners received cash awards. Current 2026-2027 award amounts: VERIFY.
Deadline
See sponsor site
Not yet published; confirm on sponsor site
The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a U.S. Department of Defense-sponsored STEM competition, administered by the National Science Teaching Association, in which high school students (grades 9-12) conduct and present original STEM research at regional symposia, with the opportunity to advance to a National Symposium for scholarships and recognition.
Eligibility
- Grade levels
- High school freshman, High school sophomore, High school junior, High school senior
- Fields of study
- Research, Science, Natural sciences, Engineering, Mathematics, Technology, Health medicine, Environmental science
Application requirements
- Conduct an original, independent STEM research investigation: Program is built around students' original research in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
- Apply/submit research to a designated regional JSHS symposium: Students must first participate in one of ~49 regional symposia held at university/college host sites; exact submission process not confirmable on an official page this session (VERIFY).
- Present research at the regional symposium (oral or poster): Students compete for selection to advance based on their regional presentation.
- Top 5 regional finalists may be invited to the National JSHS: Of the top 5, the top 2 compete via oral presentation for tuition scholarships; the remaining 3 compete in the poster competition for cash awards.
- Submit the 2026 JSHS Scholarship Form (for prior winners collecting payment): Current site instructs award recipients to download/complete the 2026 JSHS Scholarship Form and email it with required documents to admin@jshs.org.
Not yet verified Details come from the sponsor listing; confirm on sponsor site before applying.