Top K-12 students to compete in Science Olympiad at USC

More than 2,000 students from 120 teams from across the United States will arrive at USC on May 22-23 to participate in the 42nd annual Science Olympiad National Tournament, a competition that includes rigorous knowledge-based, lab and engineering events in science, technology, engineering and math. Among them will be students from Okayama Asahi Senior High School, a Global Ambassador Team from Japan.

“At Science Olympiad, we’re developing future-ready students, with skills that are future-proof,” said Jenny Kopach, CEO of Science Olympiad and president and CEO of the Science Olympiad USA Foundation. “The world of science is changing at an increasingly rapid pace, but our competitors are prepared to meet the moment.”

Science Olympiad touches every part of STEM

One of the nation’s most prestigious team competitions, Science Olympiad includes topics touching every part of STEM, such as “Heredity,” “Forensics,” “Remote Sensing,” “Disease Detectives,” “Engineering CAD” and “Water Quality.” Hands-on and building events like “Hovercraft,” “Robot Tour,” “Electric Vehicle,” “Boomilever” and “Helicopter” will be also open to spectators for viewing. The students participating at the National Tournament comprise 120 teams, which have won their state contests, narrowing the field from a cohort of nearly 7,000 teams.

Spearheaded by USC student organization SciBAT, USC is both host and co-sponsor of the tournament. The event is presented in collaboration with the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, both of which have played key roles as sponsors and members of the organizing committee.

“USC is proud to welcome the Science Olympiad and the exceptional students it brings together,” USC President Beong-Soo Kim said. “These students exemplify the curiosity, collaboration and commitment needed to advance scientific knowledge and address our society’s most complex challenges.”

The opening ceremony for the Science Olympiad is set for 6:30 p.m. May 22; the awards ceremony will take place at 7:30 p.m. May 23. Both events will be held at Galen Center and streamed live.

Two USC deans to address Science Olympiad attendees

The opening ceremony keynote address will be delivered by USC Dornsife Dean James Bullock. An accomplished astrophysicist, Bullock explores galaxy formation, dark matter and fundamental questions about the nature of the universe. He has served as chair of the Space Telescope Science Institute Council and chair of the James Webb Space Telescope Users Committee. Students will also hear remarks from the USC Viterbi Dean Yannis C. Yortsos.

USC also will host a STEM Expo at the Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg Human-Centered Computation Hall on from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 22. The event will feature hands-on activities, career exploration and college-going information from several university departments, Ward’s Science, Empowerly, Prequel, Midnight Science Club and more. The full list of events, schedules and activities is available online.

In advance of the tournament, five $10,000 Founders’ Scholarships will be presented to outstanding high school seniors from the Science Olympiad USA Foundation. More about the scholarship and the founders, Gerard and Sharon Putz of Michigan and Jack Cairns of Delaware, is also posted online.

Science Olympiad is also partnering with the American Red Cross on its Smart to Be Good initiative, an effort to spur youth volunteerism, service and philanthropy. All funds raised during the drive will support ongoing community needs and honor the relief efforts of the Red Cross during the Eaton and Palisades fires.