Volunteers

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About the Fair

The Santa Clara Valley Science & Engineering Fair Association (SCVSEFA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that hosts the Synopsys Championship—the annual regional science fair for students in grades 6–12 from public and private schools throughout Santa Clara County. The philosophy behind the Fair is simple– students learn science by doing science.

We provide a forum for students to present their scientific work, interact with scientists and receive feedback on their efforts. Students are awarded non-monetary recognition and cash prizes for outstanding work. Winners from the Synopsys Championship are awarded trips to the California Science & Engineering Fair (CSEF) and the affiliated Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

Year round Volunteer Opportunities:

Fundraising Committee

  • Solicits donations.
  • Grant writing and editing.
  • Research companies, government organizations and other nonprofits for donations.
  • Contacts local companies, parents, past judges for donations and sponsorship.

If interested visit our Contact page and select Volunteer Opportunities.

Seasonal Volunteer Opportunities:

Scientific Review Committee (September through February)

Help mentor the next generation of engineers and scientists. We are seeking scientists and engineers to volunteer with our Scientific Review Committee (SRC). Each year, nearly 1,000 students submit original science and engineering projects for SRC review. As an SRC member, you’ll play a vital role in reviewing student research plans to ensure compliance with all applicable rules and safety guidelines—including federal, state, and local regulations. No prior experience required—we’ll train you!

Key Details:

  • Role: Volunteer Scientific Review Committee Member
  • Work: 100% remote
  • Commitment: 10+ hours between September through February
  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or higher in a science or engineering discipline
  • Impact: Provide guidance and oversight that helps students pursue safe, ethical, and high-quality research—while encouraging their growth and confidence in STEM

If you’re passionate about science and want to help inspire the next generation of innovators, we’d love to have you on board.

If interested visit our Contact page and select SRC/Project Status Issues (Scientific Review Committee).

Judging Committee (September through Fair Days)

  • Recruits, selects, trains, and supervises the general judging during the Fair.

If interested visit our Contact page and select Category Judging Committee.

Publicity Committee (January through May)

  • Issues announcements and publicity releases via public communications and social media.
  • Seeks local political support and awareness such as proclamations or recognition of winners at council meetings.
  • Effectively distributes fair statistics publicly. 
  • Distributes the annual newsletter on Fair Day.

If interested visit our Contact page and select Volunteer Opportunities.

Fair Volunteers (Fair Days)

Help set up the Exhibit Hall (Monday (Day 1) of Fair Week, March 9, 2026)
Many hands are needed to physically set up the San Jose Convention Center, South Hall and help students get registered. No experience is required, and there are a large variety of jobs to be done both inside and outside the hall. Come and join the fun for any time period you are able (minimum 4 hrs).

Volunteer on Fair Day (Tuesday (Day 2) of Fair Week, March 10, 2026)
Volunteers are needed for traffic control (outside activity), help judges and students navigate the fair (inside activity), and pack up at the end of the day (inside activity).

SIGN UP NOW

Volunteer as a Judge (Tuesday (Day 2) of Fair Week, March 10, 2026)
Category Judging is an in-person event at the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, California. Judge check in begins at 10:30 am, and judging runs from 1:00–5:00 pm, during which participants are interviewed and their projects are reviewed and ranked. Category judging is done in teams, organized by discipline and determines place awards (1st, 2nd, Honorable Mention). Qualifications include a degree in science, engineering, computer science, math, or equivalent. Judges will receive Virtual
training/Orientation prior to the event. Beginning Dec. 1st, register here (registration currently closed for 2026) to be a judge. Lunch will be provided and parking is nearby. 

If interested visit our Contact page and select Category Judging Committee or register in December.