Purple graphic with science clip art. 2026 Arkansas State Science and Engineering Fair. Friday, April 3.

ARKSEF 2026

The 72nd annual Arkansas State Science and Engineering Fair is coming to UCA in Conway on Friday, April 3, 2026, and we’re thrilled to showcase the brilliant ideas from Arkansas’s future scientists and engineers! Don’t miss your chance to participate—registration for ARKSEF qualifiers opens in early February and runs through March 20, 2026.

What is ARKSEF?

For 70+ years, the Arkansas State Science & Engineering Fair has been Arkansas premiere pre-collegiate STEM competition. The association supports students and educators in a year-long journey. Regardless of background and resources, students are able to showcase their independent research projects and innovative ideas while engaging with professional scientists and engineers.

about arksef →

Student describing research to another person in from of their project board.

Students visiting in front of project boards at the fair.

Flyer giving details about needing more judges and volunteers at the fair. Images of logos of sponsors on the bottom of the flyer.

Opportunities for participation and collaboration.

Students must first compete in a Regional Fair and qualify in order to advance to Arkansas State Science Fair.

More than 90 judges are needed for the 22 student categories spanning engineering, biological sciences, and physical sciences are needed during the fair. Judges participating in the fair enable professionals to give back to the community and provide them the opportunity to represent their businesses, corporations, and institutions while engaging with motivated students. It’s definitely the most rewarding job around!

Companies, educational institutions and non-profit organizations are also welcome to become exhibitors at Arkansas State Science & Engineering Fair..

Judge

Volunteer

Join us in inspiring Arkansas’s brightest young scientists and building the research workforce of tomorrow.

IMPACT

The Arkansas State Science Fair has been instrumental in:

Encouraging careers in science and technology

Developing scientific literacy among Arkansas students

Identifying and nurturing talented young scientists

Creating networking opportunities between students and STEM professionals

COMPETITION PROCESS

Students first compete in regional fairs across Arkansas. The top projects from each region qualify for the International Science and Engineering Fair.

Category winners from each region advance to State Science Fair to compete.

Top state winners qualify for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

We invite your institution to participate in Arkansas’s premier state science fair by establishing a booth presence and offering awards to outstanding student researchers.

This partnership provides direct access to the state’s most academically motivated high school students while supporting STEM education advancement.

BOOTHS

Prime Location Access: Your booth will be strategically positioned within the project exhibition space, allowing direct interaction with students, their projects, and families throughout the event.

Target Audience: Connect with ninth through twelfth grade students who have already demonstrated exceptional academic motivation and scientific aptitude by advancing to the state-level competition.

Cost Structure: Booth space is provided at no charge for institutions offering scholarships, summer camp opportunities, or other educational awards to participating students.

AWARD OPPORTUNITIES

Winners will be recognized during the official awards ceremony, with representatives from your institution presenting awards on stage. This provides excellent visibility and demonstrates your commitment to developing Arkansas’s future scientific workforce.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

Future Researcher Pipeline: These students represent Arkansas’s next generation of researchers, scientists, and innovators who are already demonstrating academic excellence and scientific curiosity.

In-State Talent Retention: Showcase pathways for students to pursue advanced scientific research and careers within Arkansas, supporting state economic development goals.

Student Motivation: Your participation provides tangible incentives for students to engage in scientific research while validating the importance and real-world applications of their work.

Institution Visibility: Gain recognition among high-achieving students, families, and educators across Arkansas while building relationships with future applicants who have already proven their academic capabilities.