How TSOA was Formed
While other organizations were shutting down due to COVID-19, The STEM Organization of America (TSOA)—formerly The STEM Organization of Delaware (TSOD)—was opening up. TSOA was created in this new digital age, for the very purpose of allowing students across the nation to showcase their creativity and passion for the field of STEM, all on a digital platform. And we don’t just stop there: TSOA allows students to digitally network with other students interested in STEM, learn from experienced professionals, and gain experience in the field, all while having the opportunity to compete nationwide and win prize money. We are making all this possible through various online platforms.
why you should join
- Obtain resources acclaimed by esteemed university programs, organizations, and professionals in the field
- Digitally network with other students interested in STEM
- Hear from experienced professionals in the field
- Gain experience in the STEM field
- Ability to not only experience the above benefits that come with joining TSOA, but also experience the other benefits that come with competing in The National At-Home STEM Competition (as listed below):
- Have the opportunity to compete and place nationwide
- Earn prize money for showing your STEM prowess
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Why our organization expanded
As an organization, our mission has always been to reach as many students as possible throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why our organization has expanded to America as a whole. This expansion was spurred by questions from students outside of Delaware who wanted to be a part of our organization. We believe this will allow us to offer more opportunities to students around the nation.
Raaj Pednekar
Co-Founder/Co-President
Raaj Pednekar is a senior at Middletown High School. He is the Co-President of the local Business Professionals of America chapter, an intern for the K-12 Engineering Internship at the University of Delaware, a National Honor Society Member, a local math tutor and an active member of Science Olympiad. Raaj loves engineering, math, science, technology and playing/watching sports. He hopes to major in STEM in college and is interested in pursuing a career in that field.
Collin Bowers
Co-Founder/Co-President
Collin Bowers is a senior at Middletown High School. He is the Captain of Varsity Tennis, Captain of Math League, Co-President of Business Professionals of America, and an active participant in Science Olympiad, National Honor Society, and Health Occupations Students of America. He also attended the Governor’s School for Excellence in the summer of his sophomore year. Collin loves playing all kinds of sports, and hopes to pursue a major in one of the STEM subjects in college.
victor shi
Co-Founder/Co-President
Victor Shi is a senior at Middletown High School. He is the President of Student Council, Captain of Math League, Vice President of the Middletown HOSA Chapter, and has actively participated in Science Olympiad and Future Farmers of America. Victor currently throws varsity for Track and Field and enjoys playing basketball and piano in his free time. He loves the multitude of opportunities and subjects the STEM field offers and is pursuing a career in science.
FAQ Section
These are some Frequently asked questions, if you have any more questions please contact us
Q: When does the competition End?
A: The competition ends on December 7th at 11:59 PM EST. However, you can sign up for TSOA and the competition at any point.
Q: Are we an ORGANIZATION or a competition?
A: We are an organization as a whole, and the competition is conducted as part of the organization. The STEM Organization of America gives students resources, connections, access to tutoring and presentations, and other benefits. Through the organization, we run a competition called The National At-Home STEM Competition. This competition is similar to traditional science fairs and STEM fairs, but is completely digital and at-home.
Q: What happens after you sign up for the competition and/or submit your project(s)?
A: After you sign up for the competition, we will send you an email confirming your registration within the week that includes important information. After you submit your project, we will email you a confirmation letter to confirm your submission.
Q: CAN MULTIPLE PROJECTS BE DONE?
A: No, a contestant may only submit one project in the field of STEM that they choose.
Q: How are prizes distributed?
A: Prizes will be distributed through PayPal, but accommodations can be made if needed.
To have a chance to win prizes, sign up now: https://forms.gle/aQNjVaEoKDztNk797
Q: How are Projects graded?
A: Projects are graded by our great collaborating University programs and they will be following the rubrics listed on our competition page on this website.
Q: Can i work with other students as a team?
A: In this competition it is possible to work with others. The teammates must sign up separately, however they can submit their project as one. Finally, if you and your partner end up winning, the prize money will be split amongst the two of you. If you have any other questions, please contact us at contact@tsoaonline.org
Q: DO CONTESTANTS OF THE NATIONAL AT-HOME STEM COMPETITION NEED TO BE IN HIGH SCHOOL/UPPER SCHOOL?
A: To participate in The National At-Home STEM Competition, students need to be in Grades 9-12. However, to join The STEM Organization of America there is no age/grade requirement. If you have a unique situation, please contact us at contact@tsoaonline.org
Q: DO CONTESTANTS NEED TO RESIDE IN THE UNITED STATES TO COMPETE?
A: To participate in The National At-Home STEM Competition, students do not have to reside in the United States—they just have to attend a high school in the United States (e.g., if you are an international student who attends high school in the United States, you are still eligible to compete; moreover, if you live outside of the United States but attend an online school headquartered in the United States, you are still eligible to compete). Additionally, there is no U.S. citizenship requirement if you attend high school in the United States. If you have a unique situation not described here, please contact us at contact@tsoaonline.org
Q: DO CONTESTANTS OF THE NATIONAL AT-HOME STEM COMPETITION NEED TO BE IN HIGH SCHOOL/UPPER SCHOOL?
A: To participate in The National At-Home STEM Competition, students need to be in Grades 9-12. However, to join The STEM Organization of America there is no age/grade requirement. If you have a unique situation, please contact us at contact@tsoaonline.org