About
The Santa Clara Valley Science and Engineering Fair Association offers the Annual regional Science and Engineering Fair, also called the Synopsys Championship, for students in grades 6 to 12. It also offers Fall Student Clinics that give hints on choosing a project, what makes a good display, and how to understand the rules and general questions.
Programs
- Annual regional Science and Engineering Fair — middle school and high school students; since the late 1990’s limited to any Santa Clara County student in grades 6 to 12 in public, private, parochial, or home schools · Held by the Santa Clara Valley Science and Engineering Fair Association as part of its mission.
- Synopsys Championship — students in grades 6 to 12 · Annual regional science and engineering fair.
- Student Clinics — fall · Fall Student Clinics provide hints about how to select a project and what makes a good display, besides clarifying rules and answering general questions.
At a glance
- Ages: 11–18 years old
- Current session: 2027 Synopsys Championship (Mar 3–Mar 4, 2027); California Science & Engineering Fair (CSEF) (Apr 1–Apr 30, 2027); Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair, Los Angeles (ISEF) (May 8–May 14, 2027)
- General schedule: Annual regional Science and Engineering Fair; fall Student Clinics.
About the provider
The association says its mission is to inspire and develop middle school and high school students across Santa Clara Valley to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and prepare them for their future endeavors. It celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2010. The organization also says it carries out its mission through planning, publicity, volunteer recruitment, securing financial support, arranging venues, and other tasks.
Since the late 1990’s, participation has been limited to any Santa Clara County student in grades 6 to 12 in public, private, parochial, or home schools. The site says judging has required talking to the student since 1995. The contact page lists Los Altos, CA as the mailing address.
What families say
“The major benefits to youth participating are recognition for their work, contact with others interested in science, and the opening of doors to industry or other outlets for their talents.” — Richard J. Castronovo (1966-67)
“The Fair was founded to encourage students and recognize them for work done in science and to promote their interests in scientific vocations.” — Dr. Oreon Keesler
“Science Fair is one of the most effective ways of providing recognition and incentive to responsible young students who are concerned about our problems and are willing to work to solve them.” — Everett H. Layne (1965-1971)
Last updated September 4, 2026.
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