Junior Science and Humanities Symposium

Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
Wisconsin/Upper Peninsula Michigan Region
March 1, 2025
Application deadline: Jan. 31, 2025

The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a prestigious STEM scholarship competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense. High school students in grades 9-12 from Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are invited to present their original research in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and the humanistic aspects of science on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

The JSHS will award scholarships to the top three finalists:

1st Place: $2,000 for any undergraduate college or university
2nd Place: $1,500 for any undergraduate college or university
3rd Place: $1,000 for any undergraduate college or university

In addition to scholarships, the U.S. Department of Defense invites the top five finalists from each Regional Symposium to the National JSHS Symposium (all expenses paid) to present their original research for scholarship awards up to $12,000.

Application Deadline: Friday, Jan. 31, 2025

Submit Application Register to Attend

For finalists who choose to enroll at Carthage College, the College will enhance these awards:

1st Place: $4,000 total scholarship for Carthage (includes JSHS regional award)
2nd Place: $3,000 total scholarship for Carthage (includes JSHS regional award)
3rd Place: $2,000 total scholarship for Carthage (includes JSHS regional award)

JSHS scholarships are stackable with all other financial aid and scholarships from Carthage College, including merit scholarships which range up to $20,000 per year (based on high school GPA).

Carthage will automatically accept any JSHS participant presenting research who applies to attend Carthage and waive all application fees. Application Fee Waiver Code: JSHS.

All high school students in grades 9-12 from Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are invited to attend the JSHS Symposium. There are two ways students can participate:

Present a paper — Students may present their original research.
Attend as an observer — Students may observe the research presentations.

Requirements for Presenting Students:

Submit a written research report by Jan. 31, 2025, on the JSHS website.
Research must focus on original laboratory/field research or work in mathematics/humanities related to science.
Submit an abstract and finalized paper along with your application.

Helpful resources for presenters:

Requirements for Observing Students:
(Students who want to attend the event without submitting a presentation)

Must be in grades 7-12 from Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Must be accompanied by a parent or chaperone.
Complete the registration form by Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025.

Preconference

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024

Getting Started with JSHS Research
7-7:45 p.m., Zoom
This webinar will cover the types of research suitable for JSHS and the paper submission process. Attendees will also be able to ask questions. See a recording of the webinar (passcode: iCK58*Au).

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024

Judge and Volunteer Training Session
7-7:45 p.m., Zoom
Volunteers interested in serving as judges, panel moderators, or event supporters are encouraged to attend this webinar. Register for the volunteer webinar.

CONFERENCE

Friday, Feb. 28, 2025

Hotel Check-In
4 p.m. or later, Stella Hotel
Participants, judges, and speakers who have been approved for overnight accommodations.

JSHS Mixer (optional)
6-7:30 p.m., Stella Hotel
Open to participants, judges, speakers, and Carthage faculty/staff.

Saturday, March 1, 2025

Check-In
7:15-8:30 a.m., Todd Wehr Center

Breakfast (optional)
7:15-8:30 a.m., Todd Wehr Center

JSHS Welcome and Opening Remarks
8:30-9 a.m., Campbell Student Union Auditorium

Poster Setup
7:15-8:30 a.m., Todd Wehr Center

Student Research Presentations
9:15 a.m.-2 p.m., various campus locations (please refer to your assigned time/location)

Breakout Demonstrations and Presentations (optional)
9:15-10 a.m., 10:15-11:30 a.m., 12:45-1 p.m., 1:15-2 p.m.

Panel 1: Life Sciences and Medicine — location to be announced
Panel 2: Environmental and Physical Sciences — location to be announced
Panel 3: Engineering & Technology — location to be announced
Panel 4: Interdisciplinary and Emerging Fields — location to be announced
Campus Tours — Depart from Todd Wehr Center

Lunch
11 a.m.-1 p.m., Todd Wehr Center

Student Research Poster Exhibition
Judges Review — 2-2:30 p.m., Todd Wehr Center
Students Present — 2:30-3:30 p.m., Todd Wehr Center

Career and Internship Fair
2-3:30 p.m., Todd Wehr Center

Closing Keynote and Awards Presentation
3:30-4:30 p.m., Campbell Student Union Auditorium

Departing Reception (optional)
4:30-5:30 p.m., Campbell Student Union Living Room

All student participants must be accompanied by a designated chaperone (teacher, mentor, parent, or guardian) for the entire duration of the symposium on March 1, 2025.

Chaperone Requirements:

Each school is required to provide one designated chaperone for every 10 students.
If additional chaperones attend for fewer than 10 students, Carthage will not cover their meal or lodging costs.

Transportation:

Designated chaperones are responsible for transporting students to and from campus.
Designated chaperones who are school district employees and travel more than 150 miles round-trip are eligible for mileage reimbursement.

Meals and Lodging:

Meals: Provided at no cost for students and designated chaperones during the symposium.
Lodging: Students and designated chaperones traveling more than 300 miles round-trip will receive complimentary lodging on the night of February 28, 2025.
Rooming:
- Students will share a room with one other student to encourage peer connections. (Students will not be roomed with parents or chaperones.)
- Chaperones will share a room with another chaperone. If a chaperone prefers a private room, they must contact the JSHS directors to arrange this.
Guest Information:
- Parents, guardians, siblings, and mentors are welcome to attend, but all guests must register to confirm their attendance.
- Guests are responsible for their lodging and meals, as Carthage will not cover these costs.
- A block of rooms is reserved at The Stella Hotel, 2.6 miles from campus. Mention the event when booking.

Hotel Information:

The Stella Hotel
5706 8th Ave., Kenosha, WI 53140
Phone: 262-842-2000

Volunteer Information:
- STEM professionals in the fields of environmental science, biomedical sciences, life and behavioral sciences, medicine and health, engineering and technology, mathematics and computer science, physical science, and/or chemistry are welcome to volunteer to support our regional competition. Sign up to volunteer.

What should go into my research paper?

See how to format your research paper by viewing the JSHS Research Paper Outline.

Additional March 1 symposium information will be updated in early January 2025. For more information about the JSHS research submission process, please visit the JSHS website.