[St. Paul, MN] -- “I’m thrilled to announce that the community really stepped up over the summer to save our State Science Fair and State Science Bowls,” said Minnesota Academy of Science (MAS) Executive Director Lara Maupin. She delivered this welcome news to board and staff members gathered in the nonprofit organization’s St. Paul office for a September 12 meeting where the Board would determine the fate of the two imperiled programs.
“In just three months we secured $100,000 in new donations and pledges to support our Science Bowls and Science Fair. Thanks to new supporters, we’ve closed half our annual budget gap and ensured that we can come back together in person for these beloved statewide events in 2024,” said Maupin.
Students value the face-to-face interactions with Minnesota STEM professionals serving as judges during in-person Science Fairs.
Up to 500 middle and high school students advance to the State Science and Engineering Fair from Regional Fairs held across the state each winter, sharing their original research on topics ranging from diseases to everyday challenges to environmental issues. Students participating in Science Bowl practice math and science after school all fall so they can compete in January and February for the chance to represent Minnesota in the National Science Bowl. Despite the success of these long-standing statewide programs, both faced critical revenue shortfalls, as MAS announced in June.
“Students, parents, volunteers, educators, and science enthusiasts became fundraisers on our behalf and helped spread the word about why these programs matter,” said Maupin. “We’re especially grateful to the Medtronic Technical Fellows, Verizon, Mayo Clinic, Cibus, Good Chemistry, and a number of generous individuals, families, and family foundations that donated and pledged support. So many people and organizations that care about STEM education chipped in and are continuing to help. It’s really encouraging!”
Maupin reported on several successful community efforts, including a team-requested Science Bowl GoFundMe and the work of one Junior Academy student, Isha Kapoor of Rochester. Kapoor filled out funding requests and spoke to anyone she could about the urgent need for Science Fair donations, including local media. Her online fundraiser brought in nearly $10,000 in donations and she inspired several significant sponsorships.
“For me personally, participating in the State Science Fair since my middle school days has served as an exceptionally transformative experience,” wrote Kapoor to potential supporters. “Not only has it broadened my view of the STEM world, but it has allowed me to pursue a research path in a pre-collegiate setting and acquire treasured friendships and connections.”
In-person Science Bowls provide a fun opportunity for participants to meet other students interested in science.
After considering Maupin’s fundraising update and current budgetary constraints, the MAS Board voted to approve the Science Bowl and Science Fair budgets required to hold both activities in person in 2024. Fundraising efforts, especially the search for new sponsors, will continue as MAS seeks to put both programs on a sustainable path forward. “I don't want to have to raise the alarm like this every summer,” said Maupin. “But thankfully we're in a much better place than we were three months ago and I remain confident we can get to where we need to be."
“We know that students who have been working on their science projects over the summer, teachers who are planning for the hands-on learning these activities provide, and our Science Bowl coaches and teams will be very relieved to hear that they can go forward with their plans for another great year of Science Bowl and Science Fair,” said Maupin. “Today, let’s celebrate. Tomorrow, we get back to work building strong STEM programs for Minnesota students that our community is excited to invest in.”
