Be part of the 75th Annual California Science & Engineering Fair (CSEF) and help create a welcoming, memorable experience for middle and high school students from across California as they showcase their research, curiosity, and hard work. This is a chance to support one of the state’s premier student STEM events and play a direct role in encouraging the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Two ways to get involved
Volunteer
Help the fair run smoothly for students, families, judges, and guests. Volunteers support the weekend in a variety of ways, including check-in, wayfinding, guest support, the CSEF store, logistics, and general fair operations across multiple event spaces. On Saturday, volunteers will also help support project set-up and assist students as they get ready for competition day.
Volunteer shift times:
Saturday, April 11, 2026
- Student Display Approver | 11:30 AM - 4:40 PM - Includes required training at 11:30 AM. Volunteers will review and approve student projects beginning at 12:00 PM. Ideal for detail-oriented volunteers comfortable interacting with students.
- General Volunteer | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- General Volunteer | 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday, April 12, 2026
- General Volunteer | 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM
- General Volunteer | 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
- General Volunteer | 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Sign up to volunteer: https://forms.gle/e8xFjEGP2p2UkzbT7
Judge
Qualified volunteers can also serve as judges on Sunday and help recognize outstanding student research. Judges meet exceptional young researchers from across California, hear directly about their projects, and play an important role in celebrating achievement in science and engineering. Judges typically review about 20 projects in their field, speak with students in brief one-on-one interviews, serve alongside an experienced judging panel, and help select top projects and honorable mentions.
Judge schedule:
Sunday, April 12, 2026
- 7 AM - 2 PM
Minimum requirements to judge:
- Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering field
- Relevant professional experience
STEM professionals, researchers, educators, postdocs, and advanced graduate students with relevant expertise are encouraged to apply.
Apply to judge:
bit.ly/41kcB6a
