Mission
Our mission is to develop interest in science and engineering careers in young people, by recognizing their science achievements, and offering them a chance to interact with scientists and engineers.
Our program begins in middle school, nurturing an interest in science through high school. Our venue provides a meeting ground for those interested in research, engineering, and mathematics. We stress the formalism of scientific and engineering methods. Strong communication skills are fostered by the science fair through the verbal and written elements of the competition.
Participation
The Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair (CSEF) is a yearly, statewide science and engineering fair open to all 7th through 12th grade students residing, or enrolled, in Connecticut schools and several New York towns. The Connecticut Science Fair is a charter member of the International Science and Engineering Fair, an activity of Science Service, Washington, D.C. We are an all-volunteer organization, with all funds directed to student awards, fair operation, student/teacher workshops, educational presentations, and participation by CSEF winners in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
Over one-hundred school fairs, one regional fair, and two city-wide fairs feed the Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair. More than 12,000 students in Connecticut and several bordering New York state towns compete for the 600 spaces at CSEF.
Each year we provide seven top project winners with all-expense paid trips to participate in the International Science and Engineering Fair. We work to interest youth in careers in science and engineering through our yearly fair, teacher and student workshops, presentations, web site, and distribution of materials describing the science fair process.
History
The Connecticut Science Fair Association, Inc. is a nonprofit educational organization that serves the youth of Connecticut by providing opportunities for recognition for those whose interests lie in the scientific and engineering disciplines. It began in 1949 as the Northern Connecticut Science Fair through the interest of science teachers and business leaders spearheaded by then education editor of The Hartford Times, Albert I. Prince. A non-profit corporation was formed in 1959 to raise funds for the fair’s continuation when the Hartford Times was no longer able to sponsor the fair. At this time the fair was chartered for the entire state since a program in southern Connecticut ceased operations. Mr. J. Randolph Gibson, a middle school teacher at Kennelly School, Hartford, was an important influence in the continuation of the fair from the 60′s through the 70′s. In 2012, the Fair changed its name to include engineering to better recognize this important segment of the fair’s projects.
Mandate
The CSEF, a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization, is an activity approved by the Student Activity Board of Control of the Connecticut Association of Schools.
The CSEF is an equal opportunity organization in all of its activities and functions.