Volusia Regional Stem Research Fair

Volusia Regional Stem Research Fair This is the official page for the Volusia Regional STEM Research Fair.

Affiliated with Florida State Science and Engineering Fair, International Science and Engineering Fair.

I just spent the day with my fellow regional fair directors, receiving important updates that impact this year’s STEM Fa...
08/21/2026

I just spent the day with my fellow regional fair directors, receiving important updates that impact this year’s STEM Fair year with State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida

The information I share below is WHY we need to continue supporting our students and teachers as we prepare for this year’s Volusia Regional. We are in the world’s best pipeline for pre-collegiate STEM competitions. Ok

Celebrating Florida at the 2026 Regeneron ISEF

Florida delivered an exceptional performance at the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, demonstrating once again the strength of student STEM research across the state. With 84 projects represented—the largest contingent shown in this comparison—Florida students competed at an extraordinary level on the international stage.

Of Florida’s 84 projects, 36 projects earned at least one award, meaning nearly 43% of Florida projects were recognized. Even more impressive, 25 projects earned a place award, including 4 first-place, 4 second-place, 5 third-place, and 12 fourth-place awards. Florida projects also earned 19 other awards, contributing to an impressive $67,550 in cash awards.

What makes Florida’s performance especially noteworthy is how it compared statistically with other major delegations from across the United States and around the world. Among states and countries bringing at least 20 projects to ISEF, only California had a statistically significantly higher proportion of projects earning any award or earning a place award than Florida. And when looking at other awards, no state or country had a statistically significantly higher winning proportion than Florida.

A reason for Florida to celebrate

These numbers tell a story much bigger than awards and prize money. They demonstrate that Florida students are not simply participating in one of the world’s most prestigious precollegiate STEM competitions—they are competing successfully among the very best young researchers in the world.

Behind those 84 projects are students who asked difficult questions, designed investigations, engineered solutions, analyzed data, revised their thinking, communicated their findings, and defended their research before experts. Behind those students are teachers, research mentors, families, regional fairs, school districts, universities, community partners, and countless volunteers who helped create opportunities for young people to engage in authentic scientific research.

Florida should be proud. At the 2026 Regeneron ISEF, our students demonstrated that when young people are given opportunities to conduct meaningful STEM research, they don’t merely rise to the occasion—they distinguish themselves on the international stage.

84 projects. 36 award-winning projects. 25 place-award projects. $67,550 in cash awards. One remarkable showing for Florida STEM.

And perhaps the most important result cannot be captured in a table: Florida is developing the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers—and the world is taking notice.

Volusia County Schools
Volusia County Schools Science Department
Dr. Carmen Balgobin, Superintendent Volusia County Schools

A small representation of the recent research being conducted by Volusia County Schools middle and high school students....
07/26/2026

A small representation of the recent research being conducted by Volusia County Schools middle and high school students. The new research season has already started. Support the students, support the school-based competitions, support the Volusia Regional STEM Research Fair (formerly Tomoka Regional).

As students begin thinking about their next research project, we encourage families, educators, and community members to...
07/25/2026

As students begin thinking about their next research project, we encourage families, educators, and community members to help foster curiosity, creativity, and innovation.

The next generation of scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders is already asking questions today.

We can’t wait to see where their research journey takes them next.

Students often don’t realize that the questions they ask every day can lead to meaningful research.Adults play an import...
07/22/2026

Students often don’t realize that the questions they ask every day can lead to meaningful research.

Adults play an important role in helping students recognize the value of their curiosity and encouraging them to pursue answers through investigation.

Sometimes the next great discovery begins with a simple conversation.

07/17/2026

Unique among high school competitions, focuses on identifying, inspiring and engaging the nation's most promising future leaders in STEM.

Learn more and complete your application by November 5, 2026 at 8pm ET: https://bit.ly/44lfgOF

Have you heard? After 60 years the Tomoka Regional Science and Engineering Fair has a new name!
07/08/2026

Have you heard? After 60 years the Tomoka Regional Science and Engineering Fair has a new name!

Why we changed the name from Tomoka Regional Science and Engineering Fair to the Volusia Regional STEM Research Fair:For...
07/06/2026

Why we changed the name from Tomoka Regional Science and Engineering Fair to the Volusia Regional STEM Research Fair:

For nearly six decades, this event has provided students with opportunities to explore questions, solve problems, and share their discoveries with the broader community. As the event continues to evolve, so too must the name that represents it.

The change from Tomoka Regional Science and Engineering Fair to the Volusia Regional STEM Research Fair reflects both who we serve today and the educational experiences our students are engaged in throughout the year.

Reflecting Our Current Community

The original “Tomoka Regional” name represented a multi-county partnership that included both Volusia and Flagler Counties. While Flagler County schools were once active participants, they have not participated in the competition for more than 15 years. Today, the overwhelming majority of participating students, educators, schools, judges, sponsors, and community partners come from Volusia County. Flagler students are still welcomed to compete.

The new name more accurately reflects the students and school district that actively participate and support the event while strengthening community recognition and local pride.

More Than a Science Fair

Perhaps the most significant change is the shift from the term “Science Fair” to “STEM Research Fair.”

While “science fair” remains a familiar phrase, it often creates the impression of a one-day event where students display projects on poster boards. In reality, today’s student researchers engage in a rigorous process that mirrors the work of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, data analysts, computer scientists, and innovators.

Students develop skills that include:

* Research design
* Literature review and analysis
* Critical thinking and problem solving
* Data collection and interpretation
* Engineering design and testing
* Computer science and data science applications
* Technical writing
* Scientific communication
* Public speaking and presentation skills
* Project management and perseverance

These are the same skills increasingly valued in college programs, the workforce, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership.

The term STEM Research better communicates the depth, rigor, and relevance of the work students are doing.

A Year-Round Journey, Not a Single Event

Another common misconception is that research competitions begin a few weeks before judging takes place.

In reality, the research cycle is often a year-long experience.

For many students, the process begins during the summer as they:

* Explore topics of personal interest
* Identify real-world problems
* Conduct literature reviews
* Read scientific journals and technical resources
* Develop research questions
* Design experiments and investigations
* Seek mentors and expert guidance

During the school year, students refine methodologies, collect and analyze data, build prototypes, revise their work, and communicate their findings.

The regional competition is not the end goal, it is one milestone within a larger continuum that often includes:

* School-level competitions
* Regional competitions
* State competitions
* National competitions
* International competitions

For returning students, the cycle rarely stops. Many continue their research year after year, improving their studies, expanding investigations, and contributing new knowledge to their fields of interest.

Preparing Students for the Future

The Volusia Regional STEM Research Fair exists to do more than recognize outstanding projects.

Its purpose is to cultivate the habits of mind and professional skills that prepare students for success in:

* Postsecondary education
* Skilled trades and technical careers
* STEM professions
* Military and public service pathways
* Entrepreneurship and innovation
* Lifelong learning

Whether a student ultimately becomes a scientist, engineer, physician, teacher, technician, entrepreneur, or community leader, the research process develops the curiosity, resilience, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

Looking Forward

The new name honors the rich history of the competition while better representing its present purpose and future vision.

The Volusia Regional STEM Research Fair remains committed to inspiring students to ask meaningful questions, investigate real-world challenges, and develop the knowledge and skills needed to lead and innovate in the future.

This is more than a competition.

It is a year-round journey of discovery, research, innovation, and growth that empowers students to become the next generation of problem solvers and leaders.

As our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, we are reminded that America’s greatest strength has always been its...
07/04/2026

As our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, we are reminded that America’s greatest strength has always been its spirit of curiosity, innovation, and perseverance.

This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Tomoka Regional Science and Engineering Fair, six decades of inspiring students to ask meaningful questions, investigate real-world challenges, and develop solutions through science, engineering, and innovation.

As we celebrate this milestone, we are also excited to begin a new chapter.

Beginning this year, the Tomoka Regional Science and Engineering Fair proudly becomes the Volusia Regional STEM Research Fair. While our name is evolving to better reflect the work of Volusia County Schools students, communities, and broad range of STEM research we serve, our mission remains unchanged: empowering young people to think critically, solve authentic problems, and develop the skills that will shape tomorrow’s world.

The legacy built over the past 60 years will continue to inspire the future. Every research project, every engineering design, and every student who dares to ask “What if?” carries forward the same spirit of discovery that has driven American innovation for 250 years.

Here’s to honoring our past, embracing our future, and celebrating the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and leaders.

Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

60 Years of Discovery. A New Name. The Same Commitment to Excellence.
Volusia County Schools Science Department
Volusia County Schools

Research projects do more than teach science.Students develop communication skills, critical thinking, problem-solving a...
07/03/2026

Research projects do more than teach science.

Students develop communication skills, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and confidence. These experiences prepare them not only for future careers but also for leadership opportunities in any field.

Thank you to everyone who helps create these opportunities for young researchers.

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200 North Clara Avenue
Deland, FL
32720

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