Posted 13 February, 2026
The Junior State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa has received the Governor’s STEM Seal of Approval from the Iowa Governor’s STEM Council, recognizing the program’s excellence in advancing high-quality STEM learning opportunities for elementary students across Iowa.
The Governor’s STEM Seal of Approval honors programs that demonstrate strong alignment with Iowa’s STEM goals, provide hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences and inspire students to explore future pathways in science, technology, engineering and math. The honor was awarded in December 2025. The junior fair was recognized for its innovative model that engages students in grades 3–5 in authentic scientific research, communication and problem-solving.
“This recognition reinforces the importance of introducing STEM learning at an early age,” said Alexa Groff, founder and director of the Junior State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa. “JSSTFI gives young students across Iowa the opportunity to explore their curiosity, ask meaningful questions and begin to see themselves as scientists and innovators.”
Statewide impact and participation
During the fall 2025 Junior State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa season, 279 students in grades 3-5 from communities across the state participated in six fairs. This was an increase of over 250% from the spring fair season, highlighting continued growth and engagement throughout the school year. Participation by grade level was 67 third graders, 119 fourth graders and 93 fifth graders. Six of the third graders were 4-H Clover Kids, and 41 of the participating fourth-and fifth-graders were also Iowa 4-H members.
Regional event locations
JSSTFI events were hosted at six locations across Iowa in partnership with museums, colleges and community organizations:
- Cass County Community Center – Atlantic
- Northwestern College – Orange City
- Iowa Children’s Museum – Coralville
- National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium – Dubuque
- Science Center of Iowa – Des Moines
- North Iowa Area Community College – Mason City
These regional sites allowed students and families from both rural and urban communities to participate in a supportive, age-appropriate science fair experience.
“As someone who loves helping youth explore the world around them, the Junior Science Fair is especially meaningful to me,” said Sarah DeBour, Cerro Gordo County director and agriculture and natural resources program coordinator with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “It’s amazing to watch youth ask questions, test ideas and realize they’re capable of doing real science.”
Students represented a wide range of public, private and homeschool programs from across Iowa, including Audubon, Hinton, Rock Valley, Engelke Academy, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, Sacred Heart, Lincoln Elementary (Spencer), St. Patrick’s (Sheldon), Iowa Great Lakes Lutheran School, Danville, Mulberry Elementary (Muscatine), Holy Trinity Catholic, Adair-Casey/Guthrie Center, Woodbury Elementary, Anson Elementary, Hoglan Elementary, Fisher Elementary, Franklin Elementary, Rogers Elementary, Marshalltown Therapeutic Classroom, Bishop Homeschool, Madrid, Central Elementary, East Sac County, United, South Hamilton, Clarion-Goldfield-Dows, JARLFEKTS Academy, CAL, Mason City Elementary, Harding Elementary, North Iowa, Algona, Homeschool, West Hancock, Bishop Garrigan, Resurrection Elementary, Irving Elementary, and Carver Elementary.
Inspiring young scientists
JSSTFI is designed specifically for elementary students, providing a welcoming introduction to scientific inquiry and research. Students develop and present projects across a variety of STEM areas while building confidence, communication skills and a sense of belonging in science.
“For many of my students, this was their very first science fair experience outside of the classroom,” said a participating teacher. “The Junior State Science and Technology Fair helped them build confidence, excitement and pride in their learning.”
Students shared similar enthusiasm. “I liked explaining my project and answering questions,” said one fourth-grade participant. “It made me feel like a real scientist.”
Building Iowa’s STEM pipeline
As a program of Iowa 4-H Youth Development, the Junior State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa serves as an early entry point into Iowa’s broader STEM ecosystem, connecting classroom learning with out-of-school opportunities and strengthening long-term STEM education pathways.
“Science fair at this level isn’t about competition,” added Groff, who also is a 4-H STEM specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “It’s about curiosity, confidence and helping young people realize that science is for them. We truly believe that science fair is family.”
The Junior State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa is a statewide STEM program for students in grades 3–5 that provides hands-on research and presentation experiences through regional, museum-hosted and community-hosted science fairs. JSSTFI is a program of Iowa 4-H Youth Development that partners with schools, museums, colleges and community organizations to expand access to high-quality STEM education across Iowa.