FAQ

Q: Who can apply?
A: Any high school student interested in STEM (grades 9–12). You don’t need to have published results or a finished project — curiosity and effort are enough!

Q: What kinds of projects or experiences are eligible?
A: We welcome:

• Research projects (completed or ongoing)
• Summer programs or internships
• Independent STEM exploration (coding, engineering, science, data science, etc.)
• Learning journeys (skills you gained, challenges you faced, what you discovered along the way)

Q: Do I need results or novel findings?
A: No! This symposium is about sharing your journey. Even if your project is unfinished, or you mostly learned new skills, you can present.

Q: How do I apply?
A: Submit a short abstract (max 250 words) describing your project, program, or STEM experience. Indicate whether you prefer an oral or poster presentation.

Q: What’s the difference between an oral and a poster presentation?

• Oral: A 10-minute talk with slides, followed by Q&A.
• Poster: A large printed poster (or trifold board) displayed at the in-person session, where attendees can ask you questions informally.

Q: Will there be awards or judging?
A: No formal judging — this is not a competition. Instead, presenters will receive feedback and encouragement from peers, mentors, and the advisory board.

Q: Can I present virtually if I can’t attend in person?
A: Yes. The morning session is fully virtual, so students who cannot travel can still participate.

Q: Do I need to pay to participate?
A: No — the symposium is free for all presenters.

Q: What if I’ve never presented before?
A: That’s okay! We’ll provide simple guidelines and tips for abstracts, posters, and oral presentations. This is meant to be a learning experience in a supportive environment.

Q: Will participants get certificates?
A: Yes. All presenters will receive a certificate of participation.