Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)

U.S. Department of War (Army, Navy, Air Force), administered with the National Science Teaching Association · National

JSHS is a free, individual STEM research competition open to U.S. students in grades 9-12, run through regional symposia that feed into a National Symposium. Regional 1st-3rd place winners earn $1,000-$2,000; national oral-competition winners in each of 8 subject categories earn $4,000-$12,000 (paid directly to the student's college over 4 years); national poster-competition winners earn $350-$550. Over $400,000 in scholarships and cash awards is distributed across the program each year. The program's sponsor is now branded "Department of War (DoW)," reflecting the U.S. government's 2025 department renaming.

Eligibility

GradesGrades 9–12

Min GPA—

ScopeNational

StatesAll states

DemographicsFree to enter; U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents only; award money is paid to the student's college, not disbursed as direct cash to the student.

Applying

Award$0.4k–$12k

DueNo national deadline; ~48 regional symposia set own timelines, typically fall-winter

EssayNot required

Rec. lettersNot listed

RenewableYes

Awards/yr—

Regional: 1st $2,000 / 2nd $1,500 / 3rd $1,000. National oral competition (per category, 8 categories): 1st $12,000 / 2nd $8,000 / 3rd $4,000, paid in 4 annual installments directly to the student's college (capped at $30,000/student). National poster competition: 1st $550 / 2nd $450 / 3rd $350.

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