ASU plays virtual host to Science Olympiad National Tournament

By Courtney McCune |
May 19, 2021

More than 2,000 of the nation’s best and brightest STEM students are convening virtually at ASU this week as the university co-hosts the 37th annual national Science Olympiad. This is the first year that the long-running interscholastic science competition will be offered in an online format.

As the host venue, ASU is being featured during the STEM Expo Week, which launched May 17 and continues through May 21. The week includes a daily lineup of STEM-focused keynote speakers, awards, virtual tours and highlights of innovative work and research.

On Saturday, May 22, 120 Science Olympiad teams from all 50 states will participate in the official tournament through an online platform, competing in science, technology, engineering and math challenges.

“I have admired the spirit and tenacity of our Science Olympiad community since the pandemic hit in 2020,” said Jenny Kopach, Science Olympiad CEO. “I am immensely proud that we came together in partnership with ASU to provide this experience for students, which is often a launchpad to future college and workforce success.”

The university will be well represented throughout the week, with ASU President Michael Crow delivering opening remarks and through sponsorship from ASU schools and colleges, including the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering (the largest engineering school in the U.S.) and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to an array of hands-on and research-focused degree programs and opportunities for future STEM leaders.

“As a university focused on innovation, we are especially honored to collaborate with Science Olympiad on one of the nation’s most prestigious STEM competitions and to host this important event for the innovators of the future,” said Marcelino Quiñonez, ASU director of educational outreach and partnerships.

Another local element of the 2021 Science Olympiad is the Character and Citizenship in the Community (the 3C’s) and Smart to Be Good initiatives, which encourage participation in a local community service project. This year, the project is being coordinated in collaboration with Access ASU to benefit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. As of May 18, more than $2,500 of the $5,000 goal had been raised for the organization.

“Empowering students to think outside themselves and help provide solutions to those in need is tremendously important,” said Quiñonez. “I can’t think of a better group to help lead us to food security than the next generation of STEM leaders in Science Olympiad.”

The Science Olympiad Expo Week is currently underway. More information about the daily schedule and the 2021 national tournament can be found on the Science Olympiad website.