You could be the next America’s Top Young Scientist!

Do you love science? Time to take your science skills to the next level! Enter the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge, in partnership with Discovery Education!

As the nation’s premier middle school science competition, the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades

5-8 to compete for an exclusive mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the chance to earn the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”

“The ‘3M Young Scientist Challenge’ encourages students to think creatively and apply the power of STEM to discovering real-world solutions,” said Karina Chavez, senior vice president and chief strategy officer at 3M. “Inspired by the passion and commitment of these young minds to improving lives and the communities around them, we are excited to see what innovations this year’s entries bring.”

America’s Top Young Scientists have gone on to give TED Talks, file patents, found nonprofits, make the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange and exhibit at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have also been named Time Magazine’s first Kid of the Year, and have appeared on national television programs such as Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and more.

How to Enter the 3M Young Scientist Challenge

To enter, students in grades 5-8 submit a one-to-two-minute video explaining an original idea using science to help solve an everyday problem. All entries are reviewed by a diverse group of judges and evaluated on their creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication skills. Videos can be recorded using a cell phone or digital camera and will not be judged on production skills.

Deadline

Competition entries will be accepted until the April 27, 2023 deadline.

Past winners

The 2022 winner – 14-year-old Leanne Fan from San Diego, California – created Finsen Headphones, an antibiotic-free, lowcost option that detects and treats mid-ear infections using machine learning and blue light therapy. The use of Finsen Headphones could potentially reduce the number of children who suffer from hearing loss by up to 60 percent.

More prizes

Each year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge recognizes the grand prize winner, 10 finalists, the Improving Lives Award winner, four honorable mentions, and up to 50 state merit winners nationwide.

In June 2023, 10 finalists will be chosen to participate in an exclusive summer mentorship program during which they will work closely with a 3M scientist. Each finalist will then compete in the final live event at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 9-10, 2023, where the grand prize winner and the Improving Lives Award winner will be announced.

For more information, ask your adult to visit www.YoungScientistLab.com.