Participating Special Awards Organizations
The following organizations, individuals, universities and companies have elected to send volunteers to interview the student researchers and hand out prizes based on criteria that is important to them.
The Air & Waste Management Association is a non-profit, professional organization that enhances knowledge and expertise by providing a neutral forum for information exchange, professional development, networking opportunities, public education, and outreach to more than 8,000 environmental professionals in 65 countries. The AWMA also promotes global environmental responsibility and increases the effectiveness of organizations to make critical decisions that benefit society.
This organization gives 1st place ($200) and 2nd place ($100) awards in both divisions for the projects that are best related to air quality, meteorology, environment, and/or waste management.
The American Association of University Women promotes equity for all women and girls through education, research and advocacy. In principle and practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There shall be no barriers to full participation in the organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability.
This organization gives one $100 award in both division for the most innovative science fair projects in STEM by a female student.
The Rocky Mountain Section of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA-RMS) is dedicated to the prevention of workplace-related illness and injury.
This organization gives one $150 award in both divisions for the projects best related to the improvement of worker or community health and safety.
The American Institute of Chemical Engineers, created in 1908, is the world’s leading organization for chemical engineering professionals, with more than 40,000 members from over 90 countries. The Rocky Mountain Section of the AIChE encompasses a broad scope of industries including energy (traditional and alternative), biotechnology, microelectronics, and environmental.
This organization gives 1st place ($200) and 2nd place ($150) awards in both divisions for the projects best related to chemical engineering.
The American Statistical Association is the world’s largest community of statisticians. The ASA supports excellence in the development, application, and dissemination of statistical science through meetings, publications, membership services, education, accreditation, and advocacy. The ASA members serve in industry, government, and academia in more than 90 countries, advancing research and promoting sound statistical practice to inform public policy and improve human welfare. The David Young Memorial Award is named after a former professor from the University of Colorado at Denver, Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics. David’s skills in both science and statistics allowed him to collaborate with medical investigators at the University of Colorado and help communicate research results.
This organization gives one $200 award in both divisions for best use of statistics to help explain science experiments and interpret results. The winners also receive a student membership in the American Statistical Association and acknowledgment at chapter’s spring meeting and on chapter’s website.
The American Vacuum Society was founded in 1953 and is organized into 10 technical divisions and 2 technical groups that encompass a range of established, as well as emerging, science and technology areas. The society promotes communication, dissemination of knowledge, recommended practices, research, and education in the use of vacuum and other controlled environments to develop new materials, process technology, devices, and related understanding of material properties for the betterment of mankind. The AVS divisions include advanced surface engineering, applied surface science, biomaterial interfaces, electronic materials and processing, magnetic interfaces and nanostructures, nanometer-scale science and technology, plasma science and technology, surface science, thin film and vacuum technology.
This organization gives 1st place ($100) and 2nd place ($50) awards in both divisions for the projects best related to general physical sciences and engineering. The adult sponsors of the winning students also receive a matching cash award.
ASM International was founded in 1913 as The Steel Treaters Club. ASM International serves materials professionals, nontechnical personnel, and managers worldwide by providing high quality materials information, education and training, networking opportunities, and professional development resources in cost-effective and user-friendly formats. ASM is where materials users, producers and manufacturers converge to do business. The materials engineering “family” plays a critical role in society, and serves nearly every industry, from basic manufacturing to nanotechnology and biomaterials.
This organization gives 1st place ($150) and 2nd place ($100) awards for projects in either division that are best related to metallurgy, materials, materials processing or applications.
The goals of the Broadcom Coding with Commitment are to education how STEM knowledge and innovation helps protect, preserve, save improve or promote quality of life or nature; advocate coding as both a language and design tool that all young people can use to advance their educational opportunities, careers and life choices; and inspire young people to think globally and act locally.
This organization gives one $250 gift certificate and Raspberry Pi Pico kit for the Junior Division project in any category that best combines STEM knowledge, basic coding or computation in the project’s research, design or development and expresses a passion for helping the community (prefer a student from a Title I school or underrepresented group).
The Colorado Biology Teachers’ Association is dedicated to the improvement of biological science instruction at all educational levels. Our activities include a Spring Seminar and a Fall Workshop to improve teacher and student understanding of a variety of biological topics; co-sponsorship of the Colorado Science Conference for Professional Development each fall in Denver; mini-grants for the support of classroom activities; Outstanding Biology Teacher Award program; and a web site to keep teachers informed about a variety of activities designed to improve teaching.
This organization gives 1st place ($150) and 2nd place ($100) awards in both divisions for the projects best related to biology.
The Colorado BioScience Institute is a non-profit that provides education, workforce and career development, innovation support and resources for life science professionals, companies, students and educators related to the life science industries in Colorado.
This organization gives one $75 award in the Senior Division and one $25 award in the Junior Division for the projects best related to the life sciences. The Senior Division winner will also be featured in the Institute’s “Success Stories” in print, online, and on social media.
The Colorado Chemistry Teachers Association supports over 1,300 chemistry teachers in the state of Colorado through email, newsletters, grants, and workshops. We also support CSEF with a monetary contribution each year.
This organization gives one $150 award in both divisions for projects best using the scientific method and inquiry for chemistry within the physical science categories.
The Colorado Environmental Health Association is a nonprofit professional organization that was established in 1947 as the Rocky Mountain Section of the National Association of Sanitarians and enjoys an outstanding reputation statewide as an innovative, progressive organization dedicated to advancing the cause of general, professional or technical environmental health. The CEHA is educationally structured, providing scholarships, one-day trainings, and an Annual Educational Conference to educate and inform environmental health professionals.
This organization gives one $150 award in the Senior Division and one $75 award in the Junior Division for the projects best related to environmental health. The Senior Division winner will also receive an invitation to exhibit at the CEHA Annual Educational Conference (valued at $400).
Since 1991, the Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom program seeks to advance agricultural literacy – an awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the food and fiber system we all rely on every day. Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom is the lead agricultural literacy organization that serves the full spectrum of prekindergarten through 12th grade formal and informal education in Colorado.
This organization gives two $50 awards in each division for projects best related to agricultural sciences.
The Colorado Medical Society, founded in 1871, is an association of physicians which promotes the science and art of medicine, the betterment of public health and the welfare of the medical profession and the patients it serves. The CMS is an advocate for its physician members, acting as a conduit for continuing medical education and physician liaison with managed care and health maintenance organizations and health insurance providers. The organization works to make the physician’s practice more efficient and cost effective and to help physicians navigate the rapidly evolving practice environment. The CMS Education Foundation was founded in 1982 to support educational activities in Colorado, including the Colorado Science and Engineering Fair.
This organization gives one $100 award in both divisions for the projects best related to the Biomedical & Health Sciences. Both winners also receive an invitation to exhibit at the Colorado Medical Society Annual Meeting and attendance at the Presidential Inaugural Dinner with a paid overnight stay.
The Colorado Mineral Society was founded in 1936 by a group of distinguished individuals within the mineralogical field with the purpose of promoting the study of minerals and other geologic materials, of encouraging mineral collecting as hobby, and of conducting public meetings, lectures, and field trips. The Colorado Mineral Society is the only NGO that has presented special awards during the entire 68-year history of the state science fair and we hope to continue doing so into the foreseeable future.
This organization gives 1st place ($50) and 2nd place ($35) awards in both divisions for the projects best related to the Earth sciences. All winners also receive a mineral specimen and a book.
The Colorado Mycological Society is a not for profit organization that was established in 1967 to advance the understanding of, and to stimulate interest in, the field of mycology. CMS members collect mushroom specimens for identification, preservation and study as well as for consumption. The CMS also provides consulting services to the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Rocky Mountain Poison Center, county agents and others.
This organization gives 1st place ($100), a 2nd place ($50) and a 3rd place ($25) awards to projects in either division that best advance our understanding of fungi. All winners also receive a CMS membership, and a signed copy of Vera Evenson’s Rocky Mountain Mushrooms.
The Colorado Native Plant Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the knowledge, appreciation and conservation of native plants and habitats of Colorado through education, stewardship and advocacy. We encourage education about plants and native ecosystems, gardening with native plants to help populations of pollinators and birds in our urban spaces, conservation of natural areas, and good land stewardship of native plant communities and ecosystems. We hope this award will inspire students to further their studies of plants and act as a stimulus for educators to encourage endeavors in the natural sciences.
This organization gives one $200 award in the Senior Division and one $100 award in the Junior Division for the projects best use native plants or ecosystems as a basis for experimentation. Projects using non-native plants but having an application to native plants are also considered. Both winners also receive a 1-year membership to Colorado Native Plant Society and a book on Colorado native plants.
Colorado School of Mines is a public research university devoted to engineering and applied science. It has the highest admissions standards of any public university in Colorado and is among the highest of any public university in the country. Mines has distinguished itself by developing a curriculum and research program geared towards responsible stewardship of the earth and its resources. In addition to strong education and research programs in traditional fields of science and engineering, Mines is one of a very few institutions in the world having broad expertise in resource exploration, extraction, production and utilization. As such, Mines occupies a unique position among the world’s institutions of higher education.
This organization gives eight $1,000 renewable scholarships to attend CSM for 11th grade students whose projects are in the categories of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Chemistry, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Energy, Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mathematics & Computer Sciences and/or Physics & Astronomy. Students must be US citizens or US permanent residents.
The Colorado Scientific Society was founded in Denver in 1882, six years after Colorado became a state. Founder S.F. Emmons of the US Geological Survey and 11 colleagues were interested in an exchange of observations and ideas on topics in Earth science. The membership has since grown from the original 12 to more than 375 in 1992. Current members include representatives from many earth science organization, including Federal and State government agencies, universities throughout the region, private industry, and individuals. The society welcomes new members with a background and interest in the sciences.
This organization gives 1st place ($100) and 2nd place ($75) awards in the Senior Division as well as 1st place ($75) and 2nd place ($50) awards in the Junior Division for projects that best relate to geology and the Earth sciences.
The Colorado Section of the American Chemical Society (COACS) support the careers, activities and education of students in the State of Colorado. COACS is local section of the American Chemical Society, the largest professional organization for chemists and engineers in the world with about 155,000 members. The organization support activities that enhance the careers of its members and STEM education in general. We support education activities at the state science fair and the State of Colorado’s high school students and teachers. We are delighted to contribute to celebrate the accomplishments of our young scientists carrying out chemical studies at the Colorado State Science Fair.
This organization gives 1st place ($150), 2nd place ($100), 3rd place ($75) and honorable mention ($50) awards in both divisions for projects best related to chemistry.
The College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University is dedicated to the education of tomorrow’s leaders in agricultural sciences through innovation and collaboration in a diverse and supportive environment. The science of agriculture needs to meet future global challenges in order to produce safe food, protect the environment and landscape, provide biofuels and energy sources, as well as confront the economic challenges of population and climate change. By the year 2050, the world population will have increased from the 7 billion of today to over 9 billion people. In order to feed those global masses, we must increase our global food production by 70%. This increase in food production needs to be accomplished with less land, less water and less resources. Existing technology cannot meet this challenge, so new science and technology needs to be developed. Young scientists need to be attracted into the fields of agriculture to create new ideas and ways of thinking to increase food production safely in a harmonious fashion with our environment. Some of the new technology can potentially be utilized for biofuel and energy production that is also in harmony with our environment.
This organization gives two $500 awards in the Junior Division and three $500 awards in the Senior Division for the best innovative agricultural projects focusing on agri-tech in the areas of livestock, food, fiber, biofuels, horticulture or energy production and involve critical thinking and problem solving.
This organization also gives two $1,000 non-renewable scholarships to a 10th or 11th grade student whose project meets the criteria listed above.
The Colorado Natural Heritage Program is based at Colorado State University. This program is our state’s source of information to guide conservation, management, and development. Their job is to make sure we don’t lose the nature we have inherited, including all of our species and plant communities. CNHP’s staff includes many of Colorado’s leading experts on the rare animals, plants, and ecosystems of Colorado, and also includes database experts and GIS experts. CNHP has a huge impact on conservation throughout the state- their information has guided hundreds of millions of conservation dollars, ensuring that these funds are spent in the most impactful ways possible. They have helped to ensure that species do not go extinct in Colorado.
This organization gives an award of a pint glass and Wetlands of Colorado guidebook in both divisions for the projects that best use science to support conservation of our natural heritage.
The Department of Agricultural Biology is committed to excellence in the creation and dissemination of knowledge about insects, plant pathogens, and weeds. The Department encompasses the disciplines of entomology, plant pathology, and weed science – thus providing unique opportunities to address critical issues that cut across disciplines. Agricultural Biology focuses its teaching, research and outreach missions in four program areas: 1) Genomics and Molecular Biology, 2) Ecology and Biodiversity, 3) Biology and Management of Invasive Species, and 4) Integrated Pest Management. Being interdisciplinary in nature, Agricultural Biology values cooperative and collaborative efforts with departmental teams, other research teams in the University, public stakeholders (e.g., public land agencies, crop grower associations, private landowners), and industry partners.
This organization gives two $100 awards in both divisions for the projects best related to agricultural biology (weed science, plant pathology, or entomology).
The study of chemistry prepares students for a variety of careers, and the Department of Chemistry‘s undergraduate program at Colorado State University has been designed to give graduates the background necessary to enter any one of those interesting, exciting, and rewarding careers. Chemists are employed in a wide array of professional fields in private industry, government, and education. Chemists often work in research, development, analysis and testing, consulting, industrial quality control, environmental resource management, and forensics. Participation in internships, volunteer activities, and cooperative education opportunities are available to students through the department to enhance their practical training and development.
This organization gives a $150 award in both divisions for the projects best utilizing chemistry and/or chemical principles as their primary subject.
The focus of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture is to solve problems for people, agriculture and the environment and to improve policy making and public education while developing a workplace conducive to scholarship and creativity fostered by teamwork and individual diversity. The undergraduate program at CSU includes concentrations in landscape business, landscape design and contracting, nursery and landscape management, turfgrass management, landscape architecture, floriculture, horticultural business management, horticultural food crops production, horticultural food crops seed science, horticultural science, horticultural therapy and viticulture and enology.
This organization gives two $100 awards in both divisions for projects best related to horticulture.
The Energy Institute is a multidisciplinary research department that integrates experts from many fields with the goal of improving quality of life – by taking research innovations to the global marketplace more efficiently and at an accelerated pace. The Energy Institute team has the breadth, depth, and entrepreneurial drive to make a global impact. Over two hundred faculty represent fields as diverse as the natural sciences, engineering, agricultural sciences, natural resources, humanities, applied human sciences, veterinary medicine, and business. In addition, a growing number of students and industry leaders are tapping into our growing network.
This organization gives one $250 award in the Senior Division for the project best related to clean energy.
Colorado State University-Pueblo is committed to excellence, setting the standard for regional comprehensive universities in teaching, research and service by providing leadership and access for its region while maintaining its commitment to diversity. Students graduate with the knowledge to enter their professions and with the learning skills (e.g., problem solving, critical thinking, research, communication) to keep current in those professions into the future. Colorado State University-Pueblo will enhance its reputation as a premier comprehensive regional university that offers a wide range of undergraduate degrees as well as specialized graduate degrees. As a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution, CSU-Pueblo is committed to maintaining university accessibility which reflects southern Colorado’s culturally and ethnically diverse student body, including first generation students. We will do so by offering excellent academics, affordable education, transformative opportunities, and supportive student life. CSU-Pueblo will be distinguished by the integration of the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparations as well as an emphasis on experiential education that reflects skills and competencies needed in a global society.
This organization gives one $1,000 renewable scholarship to attend CSU Pueblo for a student whose project is best related to engineering and technology (preference is given to a student who lives in Southern Colorado and is of ethnically diverse background).
The Colorado Veterinary Medical Association is a proactive organization of more than 2,600 professionals representing each setting of veterinary medicine – clinical practice, public health, academe, corporate, policy medicine, and uniformed services. CVMA members work together to foster excellence in the science and art of veterinary medicine, sustain the human/animal bond, and protect public health. CVMA’s mission is to enhance animal health and welfare, and advance the knowledge and wellbeing of Colorado veterinarians.
This organization gives one $100 award in both divisions for projects best related to the veterinary medical profession.
Colorado’s Electric Cooperatives provide power to 70% of the land mass of Colorado and about 22% of the population. The electric co-ops are focused on being Leaders for a Sustainable Future by maintaining reliable and affordable electricity, advancing innovative solutions, and enhancing community resilience. CREA, the statewide trade association representing Colorado’s electric cooperatives, appreciates the opportunity to recognize today’s youth.
This organization gives 1st place ($175) and 2nd place ($75) awards in both divisions for projects that best demonstrate innovations in energy efficiency.
The Society of American Foresters is a scientific and educational organization representing the forestry profession in the United States. Founded in 1900, it is the largest professional society for foresters in the world. The mission of the society is to advance the science, education, technology, and practice of forestry; to enhance the competency of its members; to establish professional excellence; and to use the knowledge, skills and conservation ethic of the profession to ensure the continued health and use of forest ecosystems and the present and future availability of forest resources to benefit society.
This organization gives one $200 in both divisions for projects best related to forestry.
The US Department of Commerce promotes job creation, economic growth, sustainable development and improved standards of living for all Americans by working in partnership with business, universities, communities and our nation’s workers. The department touches the daily lives of the American people in many ways, with a wide range of responsibilities in the areas of trade, economic development, technology, entrepreneurship and business development, environmental stewardship, and statistical research and analysis. Cutting-edge science and technology at the department fosters innovation, and a focus on research and development that moves quickly from the lab to the marketplace generates progress and new 21st century opportunities.
This organization offers one summer internship at the DOC labs in Boulder, CO to a 12th grade student whose project is in the areas of ocean and atmospheric, standards and technology, and/or telecommunications information research. They also choose an alternate 12th grade student in case the winner is unable to accept the internship. Both students also receive a plaque.
Mary Gromko has played a pivotal role in science education in the city of Colorado Springs as a chemistry teacher, in the state as the Science Coordinator at CDE for about 10 years, and nationally as president of the NSTA organization which represents 1000’s of science teachers in the USA. When her husband Gerry, an engineer, passed away many science teachers donated money to this fund. The fund was set up to honor her husband Gerald who was an engineer and also a strong supporter of science.
This family award of $150 goes to a Senior Division student whose project is in the area of engineering.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (I triple E), an association dedicated to advancing innovation and technological excellence for the benefit of humanity, is the world’s largest technical professional society. It is designed to serve professionals involved in all aspects of the electrical, electronic and computing fields and related areas of science and technology that underlie modern civilization.
This organization gives a $175 cash card in the Senior Division and a $125 cash card in the Junior Division to the projects that best display the use of electrical or electronics engineering concepts.
The Lemelson Foundation Early Inventor Prize ($100) is given to a Junior Division project that displays entrepreneurial thinking by developing a tangible invention and applies empathy and STEM knowledge to find a practical solution that addresses the problem.
The Little Shop of Physics is a group of science educators and science students based out of Colorado State University. The mission of the LSOP is to find creative ways to share the wonder of science; to present unique hands-on science experience to diverse ranges of students; to involve undergraduates in significant and meaningful service; and to share ideas and insights with current and future teachers. The Matthew McCausland Memorial Award recognizes the spirit of this kind-hearted inventor, and is given to the student who displays the most creativity and “out of the box” thinking.
This organization gives two awards of science equipment/instruments in each division for projects with the best “out of the box” thinking and creativity.
Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin is a global security company that is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacturing, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. Lockheed’s operating units are organized into the four broad business areas of aeronautics, electronic systems, information systems and global solutions, and space systems. Space Systems has major operations in Colorado and is focused on human space flight, global communications systems, commercial space, sensing and exploration systems, missile defense systems, strategic missiles, commercial launch systems, and surveillance and navigation systems.
This organization gives one $350 award in the Senior Division and one $150 award in the Junior Division for the projects best related to aerospace industry.
Lockheed Martin is also the sponsor of the CSEF Teacher of the Year Award – nominate a teacher today!
Drs. Robert and Carol Morrow were both previous CSEF participants as well as past and current board members. Dr. Bob has been a forensic dentist for 40 years and Dr. Carol is a general dentist that has been practicing for 20 years.
This family gives up to four awards to projects best related to either dentistry or forensic science.
NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) hosts and provides access to one of the most significant archives on earth, with comprehensive oceanic, atmospheric, and geophysical data. From the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun and from million-year-old ice core records to near-real-time satellite images, NCEI is the Nation’s leading authority for environmental information. By preserving, stewarding, and maximizing the utility of the Federal government’s billion-dollar investment in high-quality environmental data, NCEI remains committed to providing products and services to private industry and businesses, local to international governments, academia, as well as the general public.
This organization gives one anonymously donated cash award to a Junior Division project in the Earth & Environment Sciences category.
The National Geographic Society gives one $100 award in the Senior Division for the project best related to the issues of oceans, land, wildlife, human history and cultures and/or human ingenuity and incorporates geographic concepts.
Platte River Power Authority is a not-for-profit, community-owned public power utility established in 1973 that generates and delivers safe, reliable, environmentally responsible and financially sustainable energy and services to Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland, Colorado, for delivery to their utility customers. Platte River sponsors this award to recognize academic leadership concerning these goals.
This organization gives two $300 awards in the Senior Division and two $200 awards in the Junior Division for projects best related to innovation in the areas of electric (or energy in general) efficiency or renewable energy generation AND projects best related to minimizing environmental impact especially related to electricity (or energy in general) generation, transmission and distribution.
Regeneron gives one $375 award in the Senior Division for the project best related to biochemistry, biomedical & molecular biology, cellular biology, computational biology & bioinformatics, microbiology or translational medical sciences.
The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists was founded in 1922 and is one of the largest and most active associations of geologists in the United States. The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists supports professional exchange and education through sponsorship of events, publications, training, and seminars. RMAG publishes a monthly newsletter, The Outcrop, a quarterly scientific journal, The Mountain Geologist, and regular guidebooks on a variety of subjects.
This organization gives up to two cash awards in both divisions for projects best related to the Earth sciences.
The Rocky Mountain Water Environment Association was founded in 1936 as the Rocky Mountain Sewage Association, and since that time has provided its members with the most current information on water quality issues, technology, regulatory changes, and the latest research developments. The RMWEA is affiliated with the Water Environment Federation, an international organization that sponsors the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, which is the most prestigious youth award for a high school water related research project.
This organization gives 1st place ($75) and 2nd place ($50) awards in both divisions for projects best aimed at improving the quality of life through improvement of water quality, water resources management, water protection, or water and wastewater treatment.
Science Toy Magic closed its science toy store. Science Toy Magic now gives science presentations to schools and organizations world-wide in Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, Italian, Swedish, Hawai’ian, Navajo, Irish, and the Warlpiri Australian aboriginal language. Matt Hannifin gives humorous and multi-lingual science presentations to schools’ world language and science departments. Matt has presented to the NASA Master’s Forum, and was inducted into Who’s Who among America’s Teachers. Science Toy Magic congratulates every participant for changing your lives forever – prizes or no prizes. Matt learned from early unsuccessful projects. He succeeded only by persevering to become a patented inventor, commercial hot air balloon pilot, pyrotechnician, laser lightshow designer, advanced scuba diver, and holographer. Science Toy Magic encourages you to keep expanding on the ideas from this year’s project. You and your families ROCK!
This organization gives four 1st place ($100) and four 2nd place ($50) awards in each division for projects best offer progress towards reducing CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the categories of Chemistry, Physics and Plant Sciences AND for projects that are reusable, durable, easy to set-up demonstrations of physics principles in a classroom setting in an especially dramatic way.
As a member society of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Engineers, the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration has roots dating back to 1871, when a handful of coal mining engineers founded AIME. Since its inception, SME has continued to evolve over the years to stay abreast of industry changes and to reflect the ever-broadening interests of its members. SME is organized into eight distinct divisions: coal & energy, environmental, health & safety, industrial minerals & aggregates, mineral and metallurgical processing, mining & exploration, underground construction association, and the woman’s auxiliary to the AIME. More than 60 local SME sections facilitate the exchange of information and increase grassroots participation in SME programs and services.
This organization gives 1st place ($500) and 2nd place ($300) awards in the Senior Division and 1st place ($300) and 2nd place ($200) awards in the Junior Division for projects that best demonstrate excellence relating to mineral science or engineering, including mineral exploration, mining, reclamation, metallurgy and mineral processing.
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its local chapters, technical communities, publications, expositions and professional development resources, SME promotes an increasing awareness of manufacturing engineering and keeps manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies. Headquartered in Michigan, the Society has members in more than 70 countries and represents manufacturing across all industries.
This organization gives 1st place ($200), 2nd place ($150), and 3rd place ($100) awards in both divisions for projects that best exemplify manufacturing principles. Winners also receive recognition by the local chapter.
The Society of Women Engineers is a nonprofit educational and service organization that empowers women to succeed and advance in the field of engineering and to be recognized for their life-changing contributions as engineers and leaders. Founded in 1950, SWE is the driving force that establishes engineering as a highly desirable career for women through an exciting array of training and development programs, networking opportunities, scholarships, outreach and advocacy activities and much more. SWE consists of women and men who are graduate engineers as well as those with equivalent engineering experience and/or those interested in supporting SWE’s mission. The Rocky Mountain Section along with the Pikes Peak Section work cooperatively to provide a variety of continuing development and career guidance activities to members throughout the states of Colorado and Wyoming.
This organization gives 1st place ($100) and 2nd place ($75) awards in both divisions for projects by female participants that represent concepts in engineering, mathematics, computer sciences or a related field that has potential for an engineering application.
The Soil and Water Conservation Society is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization, founded in 1943, that serves as an advocate for conservation professionals and for science-based conservation practice, programs and policy. The mission of the society is to foster the science and art of natural resource conservation. The work of the society targets conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources on working land – the land used to produce food, fiber, and other services that improve the quality-of-life people experience in rural and urban communities. The society also works to discover, develop, implement and constantly improve ways to use land that sustains its productive capacity and enhances the environment at the same time.
This organization gives one $100 award in both divisions to the projects that best show the wise use and protection of the earth’s natural resources (soil, water, air, plants, animals).
The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) is responsible for balancing the need for mineral resource production with the protection of the public and Colorado’s natural resources. DRMS consists of four programs: the Coal Regulatory Program, the Minerals Regulatory Program, the Inactive Mine Reclamation Program, and the Mine Safety and Training Program. Our mission is to protect the public, certified active miners, and the environment during current mining operations, and to restore abandoned mine sites, ensuring that all mined land is reclaimed to beneficial use. The Office of Mined Land Reclamation issues reclamation permits and is responsible for the regulation of all mining and reclamation activities at every coal, metal, mineral, and aggregate mine throughout the state. The primary objectives of this program are to review and evaluate all mining and reclamation permit applications and inspect active operations to ensure that approved reclamation plans and regulations are followed. The Office also provides essential safety training for mine operators and employees. DRMS staff, along with the array of other esteemed organizations, are proud to lend our continued support to the CSEF in the form of Junior and Senior Division Special Awards. It’s safe to say, though, each year the true excitement arises when we meet these exceptional student-scientists, have the opportunity to learn from them directly, and are left buoyed into the future on ripples from their energy and ideas.
This organization gives one $75 award in both divisions to the projects best related to Earth or environmental sciences.
STEMgirls encourages middle school females to consider pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Math.
This organization gives one $100 award in the Junior Division to a project best related to sports or sports medicine by a female student.
The Biophysical Society (BPS) is a non-profit international organization founded in 1958 to lead the development and dissemination of knowledge in biophysics. Membership to the Society is open to those who have educational, research, or practical experience in biophysics or in an allied scientific field, such as physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. BPS supports members in all stages of their career. Through the Society’s programs, networks, and outreach efforts, BPS helps students and researchers develop their interests, skills, and career in biophysics.
This organization gives one cash award in the Senior Division to the project best related to the area of biophysics or allied science (physics, chemistry, biology, engineering).
For 7 years beginning in 2006, the Colorado State Science Fair engaged and inspired Sara Volz who was the top winner of the 2013 Intel Science Talent Search and is now finishing her PhD in Biophysics at the University of California in Berkeley where she is studying the fundamentals of protein folding. Sara and her family would like to encourage other students to pursue their scientific passions.
This family gives two $300 awards in the Senior Division to projects that best contribute to fundamental research, meaning research to expand the knowledge base, improving theories for better understanding.
Trout Unlimited is a nonprofit volunteer organization that is dedicated to improving Colorado’s fishing habitats and the preservation of their cold water ecosystems. Trout Unlimited through its state council Colorado Trout Unlimited along with the local chapter Boulder Flycasters, works to conserve, protect and restore North America’s cold water fisheries and watersheds. By the next generation, Trout Unlimited will ensure that robust populations of native and wild cold water fish once again thrive within their North American range, so that tomorrow’s children can enjoy healthy fisheries in their home waters.
This organization gives one 1st place ($200), one 2nd place ($125) and one 3rd place ($75) award in either division for the projects best related to the preservation, assessment or monitoring of cold water ecosystems.
Air Force ROTC Detachment 90 at Colorado State University is the tenth largest Air Force ROTC unit in the nation. The mission of Detachment 90 is to commission highly qualified Air Force officer candidates by recruiting, educating, training and motivating cadets at both CSU and the University of Northern Colorado and prepare them to lead in the world’s greatest air, space, and cyberspace force.
This organization gives four awards (over-the-shoulder sling pack, power bank charger, dog tag USB flash memory drive, dual USB car charger) in either division for the projects best related to aerospace technology.
The Office of Naval Research is an executive branch within the Department of Defense that provides technical advice to the Chief of Naval Operations and the Secretary of the Navy. Science and technology investments enable the technical superiority of our naval forces by producing knowledge and transitions and growing a healthy science and engineering workforce. ONR has six science and technology departments that coordinate and execute the research: Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare & Combating Terrorism; Command, Control Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance; Ocean Battlespace Sensing; Sea Warfare and Weapons; Warfighter Performance; and Naval Air Warfare and Weapons.
This organization gives four awards (medallion) in the Junior Division and three awards ($75 gift card and medallion) in the Senior Division for the projects that best show an understanding of the subject and the scientific process (teams are not eligible for these awards).
The Wilkins family recognizes the critical role of research and development in sparking the next generation of innovative start-up companies. The award is given to a student that has created an invention or innovation in computer science or engineering, and has undertaken further steps to realize its commercial potential.
This family gives one $750 award in the Senior Division for the best project invention or innovation with clear commercial potential, where the student has undertaken steps to realize the potential.
The Paul Wojtaszek Memorial Award is sponsored by Paul’s family and friends and given to the project deemed to be the foremost study in the field of medicine & health in the senior division. The award is named for Dr. Paul Wojtaszek, who for decades was a judge for the CSEF in the senior division for medical projects. Paul looked to not only recognize excellence, but also provide insight to students as to how to attain it. This award is intended to celebrate Paul’s life in association with the science fair he loved.
This family gives one $200 award in the Senior Division for project best related to the Biomedical & Health Sciences,
Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. With more than 30,000 members belonging to more than 1,200 Zonta Clubs in 63 countries and geographic areas, Zontians all over the world volunteer their time, talents and support to local and international service projects, as well as scholarship programs aimed at fulfilling Zonta’s mission and objectives. Amelia Earhart was one of its most famous members, and this award is given in her memory.
This organization gives one $100 award in the Junior Division for the project best related to aerospace-engineering or related science by a female student.
