Junior Science and Humanities Symposia

Who can enter

• Grades: 9-12
• Ages: any
• Citizenship: US students only

The pathway

Apply to regional JSHS (40 regions across the US) → regional winners advance to national symposium.

Key dates

• Regional Applications: typically October–December (varies by region)
• National Symposium: April/May (location rotates)

Dates shift each cycle — always confirm on the official site.

What you submit

• Research paper (5,000–20,000 words, peer-review style)
• Oral presentation (18 minutes + 7 minutes Q&A)
• Abstract

Format & judging

• Abstract limit: 250 words
• Paper: required — APA or style appropriate to field. Must be original research. 5,000-20,000 words.
• Oral defense / interview — Oral presentation is the primary judging format — not a poster. Strong communication skills are essential.
• Max team size: 1

Awards

• National First: $12,000 scholarship
• National Second: $8,000 scholarship
• National Third: $4,000 scholarship
• Regional Awards: Varies by region ($500–$2,000 typical)

Worth knowing

JSHS is unique in that oral communication is the primary criterion, not just the written paper. Strong public speakers with solid research do especially well.