We are excited to be “in-person” for the upcoming 2023 WSSEF. Our special award sponsors are determining their award availability. Stay tuned!
American Chemical Society ~ Puget Sound Section The ACS, Puget Sound Section is an innovative, talented, productive and motivated group of volunteers who are invested in the advancement of chemistry. They are presenting a certificate and monetary award to students that promote and support chemistry and its practitioners.
American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics PNW (AIAA) The AIAA is the world’s largest professional society devoted to the progress of engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense, with about 35,000 members worldwide. The Pacific Northwest AIAA is pleased to offer awards for student’s excellence in aviation and space science. The monetary award includes a certificate.
American Meteorological Society (AMS) The American Meteorological Society will award four certificates of Outstanding Achievement for Excellence in Atmospheric or Related Sciences to students in grades 7 & 12. Projects relating to atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences will be considered. Recipients are listed in the December issue of the “Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society”.
American Psychological Association The American Psychological Association Education Directorate and Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools will award two ‘Achievement in Research in Psychological Science’ certificates recognizing outstanding research in psychology from the category of behavioral and social sciences.
Animal Sciences Research Certificate and monetary awards are presented to one student in grades 7-8 and 9-12 for projects showing outstanding research in the animal sciences. Included in this broad field are topics ranging from animal ecology to animal behavior and communication.
Association for Women Geoscientists The National Association for Women Geoscientists will award two ‘Student Award for Geosciences Excellence’ certificates to female students whose project exemplifies high standards of innovativeness and scientific excellence in the geosciences illustrating the interdisciplinary nature of the geosciences or promoting the sensitivity to the earth as a global system.
Association for Women Geoscientists – Puget Sound The Puget Sound Association for Women Geoscientists awards female students in grades 7 – 12 a certificate and handbook whose project exemplifies high standards of innovativeness and scientific excellence in the geosciences illustrating the interdisciplinary nature of the geosciences or promoting the sensitivity to the earth as a global system.
ASM Materials Education International Foundation Most Outstanding Exhibit in Materials Science The ASM International Foundation will award a certificate and ribbon recognizing the project most demonstrating a high standard of innovativeness and scientific excellence in use of materials related concepts and some aspect of the materials paradigm.
Baymont Inn & Suites Bremerton The “Adventures in Science” award is a complimentary hotel room for a two-night visit awarded to twelve projects grades 1 – 12 showing the most adventurous theme, research, photography and creativity. The Baymont Inn & Suites, Bremerton hosts judges and students each year showcasing their outstanding projects at the WSSEF.
Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) BPA presents a certificate and monetary award to three students with the most outstanding project relating to improving energy efficiency, environmental stewardship, development of renewable energy sources or advancements in power production technology. BPA encourages young people to pursue careers in engineering and science offering up to 30 students a tour of a BPA complex facility.
Bremerton Central Lions Club Chartered with 20 original members, the Bremerton Central Lions Club has met continuously in service for more than 86 years. They were integral in the first White Cane Days supporting the Northwest Lions Eye Bank. Recently renamed Sight Life, it is one of the largest eye banks in the country. Through the Club Foundation they are awarding one 12th grade project best related to sight or hearing a $2,000 scholarship directly to the college or university of their choice upon enrollment and acceptance.
Bremerton Council PTSA Bremerton PTSA presents six certificates, medallion and monetary awards to students in grades 1-6 whose project demonstrates originality, creativity and knowledge of the scientific process. Bremerton PTSA has supported the WSSEF since 1957.
Broadcom Foundation The Broadcom Coding with Commitment recognizes a grade 6 – 8 project that combines STEM knowledge, computation / coding research, design or development and that expresses a passion for improving your community. The project demonstrates STEM knowledge with innovative ideas to protect, preserve and improve quality of life or nature; advocate coding as both a language and design tool; and, to inspire the student to “think globally and act locally.” Award includes Broadcom Foundation public recognition at Broadcom Foundation national events; formal certificate; monetary award and a Raspberry Pi Foundation Official RP 400 personal computer kit.
Central Valley Garden Club The Central Valley Garden Club presents 10 awards in grades 1 – 6 consisting of a monetary award and certificate to encourage young people to contemplate, envision and gain knowledge towards finding new interests which enhance their communities and the environment. Award categories include: Plant Sciences, Earth and Planetary Sciences, and Environmental Management or Sciences.
Croswaite Tribute Awards As Founder, Gwen Croswaite dedication to offering children a science and engineering venue is fulfilled through the thousands of students who have competed at the WSSEF and chosen careers in science and engineering as a result of their experiences. In her honor, the Gwen Croswaite Washington Science Student of the Year is awarded to a student in grades 1 – 6. To honor her son, the C.J. Croswaite Washington Student of the Year Award is presented to a student in grades 7 – 8.
Darmon Ghanbari Excellence in the Chemical Sciences Award The “Recognition of Excellence in the Chemical Sciences” is a monetary award with a book and certificate presented to two senior division projects that exhibit outstanding achievements in the discipline of chemistry.
Do Real Things Do Real Things is dedicated to the promotion and recognition of academic excellence in science and engineering. Six Do Real Things Award of Excellence certificates and monetary awards are presented students in grades 7-12 who demonstrate outstanding critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ERAU, the world’s leader in Aviation and Aerospace Education, now housing the nation’s first College of Security and Intelligence — is proud to present the Embry-Riddle Launch Scholarship for recognition of projects that display excellence in the fields of aviation, aerospace, and security and intelligence. Each student receives a renewable scholarship for $2,000 per year for a total of $8,000, redeemable at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Letters of Encouragement are provided to students with environmental sciences and environmental engineering projects.
Environmental Science Research Certificate and monetary awards are presented to one student each in grades 7-8 and 9-12 for projects that show outstanding research in the environmental sciences. Included in this broad field are topics ranging from climate control to ecosystem structure and land reclamation.
The Evergreen State College The Evergreen State College Natural and Physical Science Awards include a one-year full tuition scholarship and three one-quarter scholarships. Students eligible are grades 10-12 participating in the Washington State Science and Engineering Fair. Once enrolled, instead of choosing a predefined major, you design an academic pathway that is unique to your interests and development during college.
GENIUS Olympiad The Genius Olympiad is a 5-day international high school project competition focusing on environmental issues held in SUNY Oswego, New York. Four students receive all expense paid (excluding travel) trips for themselves and a supervisor.
Graphic Design Awards are presented to projects with display boards exhibiting the visual impact in the use of photographs, color, text and overall design. Monetary awards and certificates for one project each from grades 1-6, grades 7-8 and grades 9-12.
Harrison Medical Center Harrison Bremerton, part of CHI Franciscan Health, is one of the Olympic Peninsula’s busiest medical centers. Harrison Bremerton is dedicated to providing excellent health care services for people of all ages in four counties. They are recognized for quality measures in heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care and are honored to present a certificate and monetary awards for both a Biomedical Engineering and Biomedical Health Sciences project.
Health & Fitness An award in grades 1 to 6 and 7 to 8 to students with a passion for promoting health and fitness through project design or displaying a mastery of health or fitness concepts. Each student receives a certificate, medallion and monetary award.
IEEE – Seattle Section (pronounced “I-Triple-E”) IEEE is a global organization improving the livability and advancement of society through the use of electro-technology and computer science. The IEEE Seattle Section bestows four certificates and monetary awards to students’ grades 4 – 12.
The Keta Legacy Foundation The “Keta Legacy Foundation Environmental Stewardship Award” recognizes students who are protecting the environment through their science and engineering projects. One project each in grades 1-6; 7-9 and 10-12 receives a monetary award and certificate. Public enjoyment and educational opportunities are available at the Foundation’s Rhododendron Preserve; one of the last remaining lowland Puget Sound Basin old growth forests.
The Lemelson Foundation The “Lemelson Early Inventor Prize” is a certificate and monetary award. The best project in grades 6, 7 or 8 must identify and solve a critical problem by applying STEM knowledge to develop an invention solving the problem that ideally exemplifies environmentally-responsible thinking in their research and product creation.
The Lisbon Group, LLC The Lisbon Group’s “Young Minds with Power and Energy” award recognizes science and engineering projects demonstrating excellence related to energy production, utilization and conservation. Five students grade 1-6 receive a plaque and monetary award; one student grades 7-12 receives a plaque and monetary award for their future educational goals.
Margaret I. Lugg Young Explorers Awards Twenty-two awards presented to encourage students’ grades 1-6 whose science or engineering project and presentation best reflect a passion and commitment to their topic. This award focuses on the students to continue questioning and exploring the world around us.
Robert M. Lugg M.D. Exceptional Merit Award for Medicine and Health Sciences A plaque and monetary award is presented to the best project in medicine and health sciences. The award honors the memory of Robert M. Lugg, M.D. who dedicated his life to working with young people as a Pediatrician. Dr. Lugg was especially interested in helping children with special needs. Dr. Lugg was a past WSSEF judge and sponsor.
Marine Sciences Outstanding Research One student each in grades 7-8 and grades 9-12 receives a certificate and monetary award recognizing outstanding research in marine sciences in fields within marine biology, oceanography (biology, chemistry, physics and geology).
Medicine & Health Awards in grades 1-3; 4-6; and 7-8 to students who display a keen interest and desire to understand concepts in the subject matter of medicine and health. Each student receives a certificate, medallion and monetary award.
Modern & Medieval Woodturning A certificate and monetary award to grades 1 – 6 that best illustrates the attributes modern and medieval woodturning creates. The project promotes the appreciation for the art of woodturning or botanical sciences.
Mu Alpha Theta Certificate of Achievement Mu Alpha Theta, the National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society, awards two certificates for the projects demonstrating the most challenging, thorough, and creative investigation of a problem involving modern mathematics.
Museum of Flight The Sights of Flight awards include free passes to the Museum of Flight. The Museum of Flight is the only aviation and space museum in Washington State that is both nationally accredited with the American Association of Museums and a Smithsonian Affiliate.
NASA Langely Research Center Projects awarded the NASA Earth System Science Certificate are invited to submit their abstract on the provided NASA Earth System Science Awardee information form. From these submitted forms, up to 25 of the most relevant projects are invited to participate in a NASA Earth System Science Virtual Science Colloquium where they present their projects to NASA scientists and educators.
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration awards two ‘Taking the Pulse of the Planet’ certificates and medallions. The student’s research project emphasizes NOAA’s mission to understand and predict changes in Earth’s environment; conserve and manage coastal and marine resources to meet our Nation’s economic coastal and environmental needs.
Navy League of the U.S. – Bremerton Olympic Peninsula Council NLUS-BOPC proudly presents eight STEM awards to students grades 1-12 whose projects best contributes to the advancement of science, engineering or technology in support of our nation’s Sea Services, the Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. The NLUS-BOPC partners with educational, government, commercial and military organizations impacting STEM education nationwide to expand the ranks of those who choose STEM careers.
Norman E Borlaug Excellence in Sustainability Award Norman Ernest Borlaug received a Nobel Prize as an American agronomist and humanitarian who led initiatives worldwide that contributed to the extensive increases in agricultural production termed the Green Revolution. Four certificate and monetary awards are presented to projects exemplifying excellence in energy, environment or sustainability in grades 9 – 12.
Office of Naval Research ~ U.S. Navy / U.S. Marine Corps The Office of Naval Research sponsors science that changes the world including discovering the magnetic core, GPS and smart robots. They award students demonstrating exceptional work in science and engineering. Awards are a combination of certificates, medallions and gift certificates.
Ohio Wesleyan University Twenty Outstanding Achievements in Science Scholarships are offered by Ohio Wesleyan University, a national liberal arts and sciences university with a major international presence. Each scholarship is $20,000 renewable for four years; total value for each scholarship is $80,000. OWU’s science facilities include the state-of-the-art Schimmel/Conrades Science Center, two observatories, two nature preserves, a greenhouse and a vast science library. Arts facilities include two stages, 2-D & 3-D art, Richard M. Ross Art Museum and top music facilities.
Olympic College Olympic College presents six STEM awards on behalf of the Mathematics, Engineering, Sciences and Health (MESH) Division. Olympic College and the MESH Department are committed to excellence in teaching student’s ways to integrate theory, experience and application and recognizing outstanding STEM projects in grades 7-12.
Origami Math & Science These monetary awards with certificates are presented to students’ grades 1-6 whose project celebrates the joy of exploration in math and science.
Pacific Northwest Section ~ American Industrial Hygiene Association Award certificates are presented to projects in recognition of protecting worker health and safety. The AIHA and the related American Society of Safety Professionals encourage student projects to include recognizing, evaluating and providing solutions to work place hazards.
Pacific Science Center The Pacific Science Center is proud to recognize students exhibiting scientific and engineering principles. The award recipients’ grades 1-8 each receive a Family Membership and grades 9 – 12 receive four IMAX passes and four Exhibit passes allowing students, family and friends the opportunity to explore the wonders of the Pacific Science Center. Certificates accompany all awards.
Plant Sciences Achievement Award Certificate and monetary awards are presented to one student each in grades 7-8 and 9-12 for projects that show curiosity and creativity in working with plants. Topics may include studies in the areas of ecology, agronomy, bioremediation and reclamation.
Puget Sound Institute of Food Technologists (PSIFT) The PSIFT assists the local food community. Three selected projects involve creating great food products, ensuring food safety and promoting the advancement of food science. Each award includes a certificate and a plaque awarded directly from PSIFT.
Ricoh Americas Corporation The ‘Sustainable Development Award’ recognizes two students demonstrating outstanding efforts addressing environmental responsibility and sustainable development. Projects are selected from among the general award categories, whose principles and technical innovations offer the greatest potential for increasing our ability to grow environmentally friendly and socially responsible businesses.
Seattle Pacific University Nearly 120 years old, SPU is nestled in a residential neighborhood just 10 minutes from the heart of Seattle. Their outstanding scholarship and thoughtful faith is a powerful combination that brings about change in the lives of graduates and in the people and communities they go on to serve. Seattle Pacific University is pleased to award three $2,000 renewable ($24,000 total) scholarships.
Sigma Xi, Scientific Research Society Founded in 1886 as an international honor society of research scientists and engineers, the Sigma Xi awards one student a certificate and monetary award. Sigma Xi multi-disciplinary members are elected for their research achievements and more than 200 members have won the Nobel Prizes.
Society for In Vitro Biology The ‘Outstanding Achievement for Ability and Creativity’ awards for two outstanding 11th grade students in the areas of plant or animal in vitro tissue culture studies. The students receive a letter of congratulations and publicity of their achievement included in the society’s newsletter or on their website.
SPEEA IFPTE Local 2001 ‘Excellence in Engineering Award’ for the best inquiry based project that involves designing, building, analyzing, modeling or improving a device. The engineering design can encompass creative problem solving, software application or mathematics that clearly correlates to engineering principles and goals.
SPIE – The International Society for Optics and Photonics Three award winning students who apply optics or photonics related technology, techniques or principles to their projects receive certificates and monetary awards. The Society is committed to education and the next generation of optical scientists and engineers.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge The Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge is a competition for grades 6 – 8. Nationally, the top 10% of these grades are selected for this honor. Up to 30 WSSEF nominees are eligible to register to compete nationally for valuable prizes and awards including a trip to Washington DC for the finalist student and parent.
Universal Quality Control (UQC) UQC is a legendary service organization whose mission is to evaluate performance and deliver messages of commendation or rebuke. The UQC Award for Excellence in the Physical Sciences and Engineering grades 9-12 receives the heavy weight “CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics” award and certificate.
U.S. Air Force The U.S. Air Force is proud to recognize the top students questing for excellence in the science and engineering fields that exemplify the scientific process ideally aerospace related, but projects in math or science field are also acceptable. The award recipients receive a certificate and a Victory sport bag with electronics.
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) The USAID is an independent agency of the United States federal government primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance. The project best representing these goals receives a certificate and a social media toolkit.
U.S. Army ~ Seattle U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Twenty awards focusing on the physical sciences, biomedical sciences, engineering / mathematics / computer sciences and life sciences that best emphasize specialized skills, analytical thinking and problem solving abilities. The U.S. Army encourages these particular aptitudes in our youth and their innovative STEM projects.
U.S. Metric Association The U.S. Metric Association awards two certificates to the students whose project involves a significant amount of quantitative measurement and which best uses the SI metric system for those measurements.
USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Stations The USDA Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Research Stations generate and communicate scientific knowledge that assists land managers, policymakers and citizens understand and make informed choices about people, natural resources and the environment. Plaques and certificates are presented for “Outstanding Natural Resource” projects. Also, a special presentation plaque is bestowed for the “Outstanding Critical Thinking” award.
Washington State Association of Fire Marshals The Washington State Fire Science and Safety awards are selected upon a student’s interest in evaluating and analyzing fire prevention and safety both as an individual and as a community. Projects include practical applications for prevention of fire ignition, spread control, extinguishment, detection or life safety application. Two award recipients receive monetary awards and plaques.
Washington State University – College of Arts and Sciences The Washington State University College of Arts and Sciences offers academic programs in social and natural sciences, mathematics, humanities and performing arts. Students learn to communicate effectively, build or increase their cultural literacy and develop analytical and critical thinking skills that will fortify their careers and prepare them to be successful global citizens. WSU College of Arts and Sciences is proud to present two $3,000 renewable ($24,000 total) scholarships emphasizing interdisciplinary research.
Washington State University – Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture at WSU is committed to creating a sustainable future, offering you the best undergraduate and graduate experience and immersing you in a world-class research environment that offers opportunity for doing hands-on work on real projects. Two $2,000 renewable ($16,000 total) scholarships are awarded for engineering and/or computer science proficiencies.
Washington National Guard Our modern age is defined by science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Washington National Guard encourages students to continue their STEM education. A certificate and gift bag is awarded to a project in grades 1-6 and in grades 7-12 that best exemplifies a top scientific or engineering project.
Washington Society of Professional Soil Scientists (WSPSS) Monetary awards and certificates are presented for the best project related to soil science. WSPSS encourages students to present a project that elucidates soil function and importance in the overall picture of earth sciences and might explore, for example, the role of soil in carbon sequestration, as a natural filter for wastewater, as a medium for plant growth, or how soil impacts our daily lives.
Washington State Dental Association The Washington State Dental Association presents monetary awards and invitations to present their projects at the Pacific Northwest Dental Conference. Projects must exemplify the values of oral health and the Science of Dentistry via basic science research or demonstrating the Relationship between Good Oral Health and Overall Health.
Water Environment Federation ~ U.S.A. The Water Environment Federation awards six ‘Regional Stockholm Junior Water Prize Award’ certificates to students in grades 9 – 12 and an opportunity to compete in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize with the best project in water environment science. The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is the most prestigious youth award for a high school water science research project. The award recipient may progress to state, national and international competitions.
Water Purveyors Assoication of Kitsap (WaterPAK) The chosen projects for the WaterPAK Water Quality & Conservation awards in grades 1-6 and grades 7-12 show an understanding of the importance of conserving our precious drinking water, protecting both its quality and quantity. The WaterPAK is an association of water purveyors and other related agencies in Kitsap County.
Whitman College As one of the nation’s premier liberal arts colleges, Whitman College located in Walla Walla is in an ideal location for intellectual reflection and contemplation. Whitman College is a vibrant, close-knit, residential community where – from academics to athletics and dynamic student clubs – people collaborate, support and connect with one another in powerful ways. Whitman College is presenting two $2,500 scholarships renewable ($20,000 total) scholarships.
Wolfram Research, Inc. ~ Mathematica Up to 44 students receive a complimentary software license for Wolfram Mathematica Student Edition and Alpha Pro Software. Mathematica created the popular computational knowledge engine Wolfram-Alpha. Wolfram-Alpha is great for learning about history, math, science and almost every school subject.
Yale Science & Engineering Association The Yale Science & Engineering Association (YSEA) awards a certificate and medallion to the most outstanding 11th grade student exhibiting in the general areas of Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or Chemistry.
The awards listed are subject to change as more awards and prizes become available.