Austin Energy Regional Science Festival for Grades 3-12

Perhaps because Austin Energy is a technical organization with more than its share of scientists, engineers, and technicians, we enjoy empowering the scientists of tomorrow by hosting the Austin Energy Regional Science Festival each February for thousands of students from across our region.

As primary sponsor of the Science Festival since the 21st Century began, Austin Energy commits more than financial resources. Working with the Austin Science Education Foundation and other sponsors, we host the four-day event from start to finish, encouraging teachers, parents, and school administrators to put their top students forward in the competition. Many of us are judges, asking encouraging questions to make sure each student has a chance to explain to an adult their thinking, their theories, and their research. We assure each entry is safe and ethical. We accompany winners to statewide and international competition.

Students who participate learn the foundations of experimentation, presentation and pursuing knowledge — valuable skills as students today, and as leaders of tomorrow.  

We know that science matters and that people who pursue their interest in science and engineering will solve problems for our community. Secretly, some of us hope that some young people will be inspired to continue their studies and come back to join us in the effort to make electricity reliable, safe, affordable, and responsible to a sustainable environment.

Every year, we’re amazed by the innovative scientific work the students in our region present at Science Fest and what they continue to do beyond the festival.

Read about the success of these former student participants and one judge's volunteer experience at Science Fest:

• Pia Sen, Science Fest finalist in 2014 — Discovered treatment for antibiotic resistant bacteria, now sets sights on NASA
• Vivian Lee, Science Fest finalist in 2008 — Returned to psychology field after hitting the right notes in high school
• Vanna Hovanky, Science Fest finalist in 2012 and 2013 — Pursuing cancer research and community health
• Abel Sandoval, UT student and judge — Describes his experience as a judge at Science Fest

The Largest City-Sponsored Science Fair in America

Every February, almost 3,000 students from 23 school districts in 12 surrounding counties present projects at Science Fest. Students from public, private, and homeschools display more than 1,800 projects that fit into 17 scientific categories, ranging from Animal Sciences to Robotics and Intelligent Machines.

Download and view all 17 scientific categories (pdf)

The four-day festival is divided by age groups: The Junior/Senior Division for middle school and high school projects, and the Elementary Division for students from grades 3-6. 

Austin held its first science festival in 1956. We’ve sponsored Science Fest since 1999 and have been responsible for conducting the Science Fest since 2004. 

Learn more about Austin Energy Regional Science Festival

Strengthening the Central Texas Economy

We’re proud of our role as title sponsor. It’s one way we stay customer driven and community focused.

We like to think we’re not only investing in our kid’s education, but our local economy. Central Texas is growing as a tech center, and as we grow, our need for innovative minds grows.

“The Austin economy attracts the top minds from around the world,” said Austin Energy General Manager Jackie Sargent. “These students reflect both the ingenuity and the diversity that makes our community a destination for the world’s premiere scientific talent.”

So tech companies and newcomers to our area can know their publicly-owned electric utility does more than keep the lights on: we care about our community, the future of our economy, and our world.

Learn More

• Get registration and volunteer details for Austin Energy Regional Science Festival
• Learn more about our other educational opportunities for grades 3-5