An opportunity for middle school innovators
STEMpact is a student-led innovation showcase and competition created to give middle schoolers a real stage to share their ideas, prototypes, and curiosity with their community.
Making STEM feel accessible, exciting, and real for every middle schooler.
STEMpact exists to give curious students in grades 6–8 a meaningful, supportive place to explore science, technology, engineering, and math beyond the classroom. We believe great ideas can come from any student — regardless of background, experience, or prior exposure to STEM — and that creativity deserves a real audience.
As a student-led, community-driven initiative, STEMpact is designed to feel like a regional innovation event, not a typical school science fair. Students present original projects to judges, peers, families, and educators in a polished, inspiring setting.
What makes STEMpact different
- Organized by students who understand what excites and motivates other young innovators.
- Designed for the entire North Shore & Chicago area, not a single school.
- Welcomes beginners alongside experienced students — curiosity is the only requirement.
- Completely free for every participant.
Everything you need to know about the event
A focused, professionally produced regional event designed to feel like a real innovation summit.
Deerfield, Illinois — a community space hosting the regional showcase.
Open to grades 6–8 from schools across the North Shore & Chicago area.
Students present projects to judges, peers, and community members.
Students may participate individually or in teams of exactly 2.
A panel of educators and STEM professionals judges projects, with awards across categories for creativity, execution, and presentation.
The inaugural STEMpact fair is currently planned for Fall 2026. The exact date and time are still being finalized and will be announced here and shared with all registered participants.
Six tracks. Limitless paths.
Students choose a category that fits their idea — or combine disciplines to invent something entirely new.
What we hope STEMpact creates
Inspire curiosity
Spark passion for STEM in students who may have never imagined themselves as innovators.
Build community
Connect students, families, teachers, and schools through a shared regional experience.
Celebrate effort
Recognize creativity, problem-solving, and presentation — not just polished outcomes.