Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS): A Complete Guide

The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is one of the nation’s most prestigious STEM competitions for high school students. The JSHS competition gives young innovators a stage to present their original research in science, technology, engineering, or math to expert judges and fellow students. Beyond the competition, JSHS offers a chance to earn scholarships, gain national recognition, and connect with leading scientists and mentors.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about JSHS—from how to qualify to how to excel.

• What Is JSHS?
• JSHS Awards and Prizes
• How to Qualify for JSHS
• How to Get into JSHS
• How to Win JSHS
• JSHS Previous Winners
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is JSHS?

The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a national competition that celebrates original student research in STEM.

The JSHS competition is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense—through the Army, Navy, and Air Force—and hosted by leading universities across the country. It gives high school students the opportunity to present their independent research before panels of experts and peers. Participants gain valuable experience in research presentation, receive professional feedback, and compete for scholarships and national recognition.

The JSHS 2025 season is expected to begin with regional events held from January through March 2025, though specific dates vary by region. The National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium is anticipated to take place in spring 2025, with the final venue yet to be announced.

However, as of October 2025, the JSHS program is temporarily suspended until further notice. For the latest updates or inquiries, students and educators can contact [email protected] or visit the official website.

JSHS Awards and Prizes

The JSHS awards program celebrates the creativity, dedication, and talent of high school students who take on original STEM research. From local recognition to national scholarships, the JSHS competition rewards curiosity and hard work at every level.

Here’s how participants can earn awards and make the most of this incredible opportunity:

1. Regional Awards

At the regional level, students compete for undergraduate scholarships and the chance to advance to the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. These awards honor strong research skills, presentation quality, and innovative thinking.

The top five students from each region also earn an all-expense-paid trip to the National JSHS, where they’ll present their projects and meet other top student scientists from across the country.

2. National Awards – Oral Presentations

At the national level, the best regional presenters move on to the oral presentation competition. These awards recognize students who conduct exceptional research and communicate their findings with confidence and clarity.

3. National Awards – Poster Presentations

Students who present in the poster competition at nationals can also earn recognition for the visual quality, creativity, and scientific strength of their projects.

Top students are also invited to present their research nationally, network with scientists, professors, and Department of Defense researchers, and even explore future internship and mentorship opportunities.

How to Qualify for JSHS

Joining the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a great way for high school students to explore their interests in science, technology, engineering, or math. Here’s what you need to know to get ready and prepare for when the program reopens:

Eligibility

The JSHS high school program is open to students who meet the following:

• Currently enrolled in grades 9–12
• Are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents
• Attend a U.S. high school, one of its territories, or a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school—which are schools located on U.S. military bases and installations around the world.

You can check if your school qualifies by visiting the official DoDEA website or asking your school counselor or principal.

Required documents

When registration opens, you’ll need to prepare a few key materials for your JSHS application:

• Project abstract. This briefly summarizes your research topic and findings.
• A full research paper. This is required for oral presenters.
• A signed Statement of Outside Assistance. This explains any mentorship or help you received.
• Contact information for your teacher sponsor. This will be someone who can verify your participation.

Contest fees

JSHS is free to join. There are no application or participation fees, making it open and accessible to all students with an interest in research and STEM.

Registration deadline

Right now, the JSHS website is suspended until further notice. For questions or updates, you can reach out to [email protected]. Updates will be posted as soon as they’re available.

In previous years, the JSHS timeline typically followed this schedule:

• Regional registration deadlines is on December to January
• Regional symposia is on January to March
• National JSHS competition is by Spring (typically April or May)

These timelines may resume once the program reopens.

How to Get into JSHS

Getting into JSHS is all about showing your curiosity, creativity, and dedication to research. The process gives you a real taste of what it’s like to do scientific investigation—from forming an idea to presenting it to an audience.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand how the JSHS competition works and how to prepare your best submission:

Step 1: Pick your research category.

Start by choosing the area of science or engineering that excites you most. The official JSHS categories cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Environmental science. Research related to climate, ecosystems, sustainability, and environmental health.
• Biomedical sciences. Studies involving human health, genetics, or disease prevention.
• Engineering and technology. Inventions, design improvements, robotics, and applied engineering concepts.
• Mathematics and computer science. Data analysis, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and modeling.
• Physical sciences and chemistry. Physics, materials science, chemistry, and energy studies.

Picking a category helps you narrow your focus and structure your research so that it fits within JSHS’s judging guidelines.

Step 2: Conduct your research.

Once you’ve chosen your category, it’s time to start your independent research project. The best entries in the JSHS competition demonstrate original thinking, strong research design, and careful data collection.

• Start by identifying a problem or question that interests you.
• Develop a hypothesis or design idea.
• Use scientific or engineering methods to test and refine your results.
• Keep detailed notes on your process so you can explain how your work evolved.

You can work independently or with guidance from a teacher or mentor, but the key is to make sure your project reflects your own ideas and effort.

Step 3: Write your abstract and paper.

When your research is complete, summarize your findings in two written pieces:

• The Abstract. A concise overview of your research question, methods, and results—usually 250 to 300 words.
• The Research Paper. A detailed explanation of your full process, including background, methodology, analysis, and conclusions.

Follow the JSHS rules closely for formatting and citations. It’s important that your paper clearly shows your personal contribution and avoids any uncredited AI-generated or copied content. Judges value authenticity, originality, and clarity above all.

Step 4: Complete your application.

Once your paper and forms are ready, submit them through your regional JSHS registration portal before the posted JSHS deadline. You’ll typically need to include:

• Your abstract
• Your full research paper (if applicable)
• A signed Statement of Outside Assistance

Make sure all files are properly named and formatted according to your region’s requirements. Double-check everything before submission to avoid delays.

Step 5: Wait for selection.

After you submit your materials, a panel of judges will review your work. Students selected to participate are invited to present their projects in one of two formats:

• Oral presenters. Deliver a formal 12-minute presentation followed by a Q&A. Oral presenters compete for the top JSHS scholarships.
• Poster presenters. Share research through a visual poster and short explanation session. Poster presenters compete for cash awards and recognition.

Either option gives you valuable experience presenting your ideas in a professional, scientific setting.

Step 6: Present at the symposium.

The top five students from each regional event advance to the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, where:

• The top two students present their work in the oral competition for national scholarships.
• The next three students compete in the poster competition, which offers additional cash awards.

At the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, you’ll compete for scholarships, awards, and national recognition.

Even if you don’t advance, presenting at JSHS is a valuable experience that helps you strengthen your communication, critical thinking, and research skills—skills that will serve you well in college and beyond.

How to Win JSHS

Winning at the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is about having great data and showing curiosity, effort, and clear communication. Here are some practical tips to help you stand out in the JSHS competition:

1. Choose a topic that matters.

The best JSHS projects focus on questions that matter—both to you and to the world. Pick a topic that sparks your curiosity and connects to real-life challenges.

For example, you might explore environmental issues like renewable energy or pollution, health topics like genetics or disease prevention, or innovations in technology and AI.

When you care about your research topic, it shows in your work—and that enthusiasm helps you stay motivated all the way through the competition.

2. Focus on method and data.

A great idea is important, but strong research methods are what really impress JSHS judges. They want to see that you designed your project carefully and that your results make sense based on your data. Because of that, make sure that you:

• Define your question or hypothesis clearly.
• Collect data carefully and explain how you kept your tests fair and reliable.
• Analyze what your results mean and discuss any unexpected findings.

So, instead of just showing what you discovered, explain why it matters and how it adds to what scientists already know. That level of understanding and discussion makes your project stand out.

3. Present with confidence.

Communication plays a big role in how judges score your project at JSHS. Whether you’re giving an oral presentation or explaining your poster, practice helps you speak clearly and confidently.

• Rehearse your presentation several times, timing yourself and refining your explanations.
• Try explaining your project to someone who isn’t familiar with the topic—if they understand it, you’re on the right track.
• Use visuals like graphs, charts, or images to make your research easier to follow.

Remember, you don’t have to sound overly formal. It’s more important to be clear, organized, and confident about your work.

4. Give credit where it’s due.

Honesty and ethics are a big part of JSHS rules. Always acknowledge the people who helped you along the way—whether they’re you teachers, mentors, lab partners, or family members.

• Fill out your Statement of Outside Assistance honestly, explaining what kind of help you received.
• Cite your sources properly, and don’t use AI tools or content without credit.
• If you worked in a team setting or lab, describe your specific role in the project.

Being transparent shows professionalism, and it strengthens your credibility as a young researcher.

5. Show passion and purpose.

Finally, let your enthusiasm shine through. Judges notice when students are genuinely interested in their work, and that can make all the difference.

• Talk about what inspired your research idea.
• Share what you learned from doing the project and how it influenced your interests.
• Mention any future goals, like continuing your research or pursuing STEM in college.

At the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, the most memorable projects are often those where students show what they discovered and why it matters to them. Passion, honesty, and curiosity are what truly make a winning impression at JSHS.

JSHS Previous Winners

The 63rd Annual National JSHS was held from April 22–26, 2025 at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles in Chantilly, Virginia. It brought together 239 finalists from across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and DoDEA schools.

Here is the list of the 1st place oral presentation winners for each category who won $12,000 scholarships each:

Meanwhile, here is the list of the 1st place poster presentation winners:

In 2025, National JSHS awarded a total of $192,000 in scholarships and $10,800 in cash prizes to outstanding young researchers. For the complete list including the 2nd and 3rd place winners for oral and poster presentations, visit the official announcement on the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium?

The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a national research competition where high school students present their original work in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). It’s a place for young innovators to share ideas, gain recognition, and explore real-world scientific discovery.

2. Is JSHS prestigious?

Absolutely! The JSHS competition is one of the most respected STEM contests in the U.S. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, it’s known nationwide for recognizing excellence in student research and innovation.

3. When do JSHS results come out?

Regional results are usually announced within a few weeks of the event, while national results are revealed during the final JSHS competition in spring.

4. What are the JSHS categories?

The JSHS categories include environmental science, medicine and health, molecular biology, engineering, computer science, and more.

5. How do I register for JSHS 2026?

Right now, the JSHS program is suspended until further notice, so registration for the next cycle isn’t open yet. In previous years, students registered through their regional JSHS site or the national portal usually between December and January.

Takeaways

• The JSHS competition gives high school students the chance to step into the shoes of real scientists and innovators, using their curiosity and creativity to solve real-world challenges.
• It’s free to join and offers incredible opportunities for scholarships, recognition, and mentorship—all while helping students grow as young researchers.
• Even though the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is currently paused, its legacy continues to inspire students across the country to explore, discover, and dream big in STEM.
• Want expert guidance for your JSHS project or research essay? Work with our Private Consulting Program to refine your presentation, strengthen your application, and shine in your next JSHS competition!