Guide to LA County Science Fairs for High School Students

Are you a high school student in LA County with a passion for science and engineering? Participating in a science fair is an exciting way to showcase your research, gain hands-on experience, and compete for awards that can boost your academic profile.

Science fairs go beyond the classroom, helping students develop problem-solving skills, gain recognition for their work, and connect with professionals in STEM fields. In LA County, students have access to several prestigious science fairs, including the California Science & Engineering Fair (CSEF), the Los Angeles County Science and Engineering Fair (LACSEF), and the Robert H. Herndon Memorial Science Competition.

This guide will walk you through these key competitions, their benefits, and how you can prepare to stand out.

Are Science Fairs Worth It?

Science fairs are more than just competitions—they are stepping stones for future success. Whether you’re interested in STEM careers, looking to enhance your college applications, or simply enjoy hands-on learning, these fairs offer an incredible opportunity to develop critical thinking and research skills.

1. Unlock Opportunities for Learning and Growth

Science fairs require dedication and effort, but they provide incredible learning experiences. Students who participate in these competitions not only improve their research skills but also develop confidence in presenting their findings. Whether or not you win an award, completing a science fair project helps you think critically, analyze data, and solve real-world problems—skills that are valuable for any future career.

2. Boost College Applications

Science fair participation can make a big difference in your college applications by showcasing your dedication to independent research. There are two key ways science fairs help your application stand out:

• Winning awards: Science fair prizes demonstrate excellence and commitment to academic pursuits.

• Building research experience: Even if you don’t win, successfully completing a project shows initiative, perseverance, and passion for science—qualities that college admissions officers value. 

3. Network with Professionals and Peers

Science fairs provide a unique opportunity to interact with STEM professionals, researchers, and fellow students who share your interests. Judges at these competitions often come from top universities, research institutions, and leading tech companies. Their feedback can help refine your research and even open doors to future mentorship or internships.

Key Science Fairs in LA County

There are multiple prestigious science fairs in LA County that cater to students at different levels. Whether you’re just starting or already have a project idea, these fairs provide an excellent platform to showcase your skills.

1. Robert H. Herndon Memorial Science Competition

• Date: May 22, 2025

• Location: The Aerospace Corporation, El Segundo, CA

• Eligibility: Middle and High School Students in LA County

• Contact: [email protected] 

The Robert H. Herndon Memorial Science Competition was established in 1977 by The Aerospace Corporation to honor Robert H. Herndon, a pioneering aerospace engineer and mentor. The competition encourages students—especially minority students—to explore careers in STEM.

This annual event includes two categories:

• Essay Competition: Students write essays on a scientific topic related to the competition’s annual theme. Past winning essays have covered subjects like renewable energy, hyperloop technology, and concussion research.

• Science Experiment Competition: Students design and conduct scientific experiments, presenting their work through a written abstract, poster board, and oral presentation. Notable past projects include:

  • A Novel Fire Detection and Alert System

  • Clean Energy via a Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

  • Wave Energy Conversion: Using Ocean Waves to Generate Power

2. Los Angeles County Science and Engineering Fair

• Dates: March 9-10, 2025

• Location: Shrine Expo Hall at the Shrine Auditorium: 665 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007

• Eligibility: Middle and High School Students at LA County public schools, private schools, or charter schools, or who are home schooled and reside in LA County

• Contact: [email protected] 

The Los Angeles County Science & Engineering Fair  (LACSEF)  is the largest and most exciting science fair specifically for LA County students. Winning projects at LACSEF qualify for the California Science & Engineering Fair (CSEF) and can even advance to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

Students can qualify for LACSEF by:

• Winning at their school, local, or district science fair.

• Receiving sponsorship or research mentorship from an institution.

Additional information is available from the fair organizers regarding project categories and eligibility and registration.

3. California Science & Engineering Fair (CSEF)

• Date: Mid-April 2025 (Exact Dates TBA)

• Location: Online or USC Campus

• Eligibility: California students in grades 6-12

• Contact: [email protected] 

The  California Science & Engineering Fair (CSEF)  is the highest-level science fair in the state and one of the most prestigious competitions in the country. Only the top projects from regional fairs like LACSEF qualify for CSEF.

CSEF winners may advance to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and receive cash prizes.

The top projects from CSEF 2024 were:

• “Development of a Cathepsin B-Responsive Hydrogel for Targeted Delivery of Cancer Immunotherapy

• “Reducing Pollution through the Discovery of Novel Plastic Biodegrading Microorganisms via Deep Learning Enzyme Engineering”

• “Securing Global Food: Biopolymers, Cryptography, and Visual Transformers for Affordable Anti-Counterfeit Seed Protection”

How do You Stand Out in a Science Fair?

With hundreds of students competing at these prestigious fairs, making your project stand out requires strategy, originality, and strong presentation skills. Focusing on these key areas can help maximize your chances of success.

Choosing the Right Project

Standing out in a competitive science fair starts with choosing the right project. For starters, your project should explore a topic that fascinates you. Students who are genuinely curious and passionate about their projects enjoy the process of completing them, and are highly motivated to produce compelling results. Secondly, the project should be relevant to the scientific community. Identifying gaps in scientific knowledge requires an in-depth understanding of the existing literature on a subject, which is something that a great mentor can help you with.

Crafting an Engaging Presentation

Presenting your work in a clear and engaging way is one of the most important components of a successful science fair project. Although each science fair has the freedom to judge projects according to their own criteria, fairs affiliated with ISEF often refer to ISEF’s judging rubric as a guide. In terms of points available, the poster and presentation combined are worth 35 out of 100 points at ISEF.

CSEF offers specific advice on how students should communicate their work to the judges through displays and oral presentations. For example, CSEF suggests starting the presentation with a 60-second verbal summary of the project. They also suggest preparing clear and concise answers to questions that the judges might ask, such as:

• “Where did you get the idea for this project?”

• “What is special or distinctive about your project?”

• “What questions has your project generated?”

• “What is the next thing you would do with your results?” 

Demonstrating Originality and Depth

Of course, delivering a great presentation depends on having completed a strong, creative, thorough, and impactful project. Originality and depth in science can look different across different fields. In general, according to Nobel Laureate Avram Hershko, doing good science means:

1. Having good mentors

2. Wading through yet uncharted waters that are still shallow enough to navigate

3. Doing what is necessary rather than what sounds cool

How Polygence Pods and Research Mentorship Programs Help You Excel

Getting expert guidance can make all the difference when preparing for a science fair. Polygence provides students with structured mentorship programs that help refine research projects, improve presentation skills, and develop deeper scientific understanding.

Personalized Mentorship for Science Fair Projects

Polygence connects budding scholars with world-class mentors. Our extensive network of researchers at top institutions allows us to match each student with the perfect mentor. Through our Pods and Research Mentorship Program, students receive personalized guidance as they refine their research questions, develop project ideas, execute their plans, and prepare to present their work.

• Polygence Pods: This unique program uses collaborative sessions to help students develop their skills as researchers and presenters. The 100% online sessions and condensed, six-week timeline are perfect for students juggling busy schedules. After choosing from a selection of exciting research topics, students are connected with an expert mentor and 2-6 like-minded peers. Mentors structure courses to introduce the Pod to foundational concepts and research methods in their field, offering tailored support as each student develops and prepares to present their individual research outcomes. Polygence Pods is an excellent option for students curious about exploring a new subject area or considering starting a science fair project and looking for a place to start.

• Research Mentorship Program: This program pairs students with expert mentors for one-on-one guidance. It is designed to help students dive deep into their research topics, develop critical thinking skills, and produce high-quality research papers or projects. Whether working individually or in small groups, students receive the support they need to excel in their scientific endeavors.

Building Research and Presentation Skills

High school students face increasing academic demands and the need to build a strong portfolio for college applications. Polygence helps students develop essential research and presentation skills that will serve them well in high school and beyond.

In Polygence’s programs, students work through complex scientific problems using a structured critical thinking approach:

• Interpret the problem: Understand the research question and its significance.

• Gather needed information: Conduct thorough literature reviews and gather relevant data.

• Identify possible solutions: Develop hypotheses and design experiments.

• Evaluate options: Analyze data and draw conclusions.

• Present conclusions: Prepare and deliver compelling presentations of their findings.

These skills are not only crucial for science fairs but also for success in college and future careers. By engaging in structured research and presentation training, high school students can build confidence, enhance their academic profiles, and develop a deeper understanding of scientific inquiry.

Real-World Success Stories

Polygence students have gone on to take major prizes at prestigious science fairs! Recently, Polygence alum Amisha presented her work at ISEF and won a scholarship worth up to $20,000 for her project, “A Novel Approach to Series Elastic Actuation in Neurorehabilitative Soft Robotics Using Resistance Pressure Sensors to Rotate Servo-Controlled Appendages Accurately.” Amisha's dedication and innovative approach to her project, combined with the expert guidance from her Polygence mentor, played a crucial role in her success. Her achievement is a testament to the power of personalized mentorship and hard work.

Another inspiring story is that of Maya Srinivasan, who excelled in the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) with the support of Polygence. Maya's project focused on a biology project. Her dedication to her research and the personalized mentorship she received from Polygence helped her achieve recognition as an STS Scholar in 2024.

Maya found immense value in the mentorship and guidance provided by Polygence, which helped her refine her research skills and gain confidence in her scientific abilities. The experience not only prepared her for the competition but also solidified her passion for research. Maya's success at Polygence played a significant role in her academic journey, leading her to pursue a degree in Neuroscience at Duke University.

These success stories highlight the transformative impact of Polygence's mentorship programs. By providing personalized guidance and support, Polygence helps students turn their ideas into award-winning projects. Whether it's through one-on-one mentorship or collaborative Pods, Polygence empowers students to excel in their scientific endeavors and achieve their academic and career goals. 

Explore more research projects completed by high school students for inspiration.

Start Your Science Fair Journey Today

Science fairs are an incredible opportunity to explore your interests, gain research experience, and compete for prestigious awards. Whether you're just starting out or refining a project, Polygence’s mentorship programs can help you excel.

Ready to take your project to the next level? Learn more about Polygence’s programs and get matched with a research mentor today!