JSHS

New Jersey Northern Junior Science and Humanities Symposium 

JSHS invites high school students to report on the results of their original research investigations in STEM and compete for scholarships and recognition at university-held regional symposium. Students in grades 9-12 enrolled in public, private, or home schools are eligible to participate in their local Regional Symposium. 

New Jersey high schools located within Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren, Morris, Essex, Union, Hudson, Bergen, Passaic, and Sussex counties are eligible to participate in the New Jersey Northern JSHS. Students attending school systems located in other New Jersey counties should participate in the New Jersey Southern regional JSHS.

2023-2024 JSHS Update:

Teachers can no longer nominate students. All high school students (must be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident in the United States/ U.S. territory) are welcomed to participate in JSHS based on their region. Parent permission is required for all applicants under the age of 18. Also, video presentations for symposium finalists are no longer a requirement.

Please review the updated Core Rules of Competition in its entirety for clarity on the eligibility rules, abstract and research paper preparation, judging criteria, and so much more. 

NEW Deadline for student applications: January 5, 2024 

Poster Application: Abstract & Statement of Outside Assistance 

Oral Application: Abstract, Statement of Outside Assistance, & Research Paper

Symposium Date: February 26, 2024

Applications now closed. 

The JSHS Mission 

• To promote research and experimentation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at the high school level.
• To recognize the significance of research in human affairs and the importance of humane and ethical principles in the application of research results.
• To search out talented youth and their teachers, recognize their accomplishments at symposia, and encourage their continued interest and participation in the sciences, technology, mathematics, and engineering.
• To expand the horizons of research-oriented students by exposing them to opportunities in the academic, industrial, and governmental communities.
• To increase the research and development capabilities of the future U.S. workforce.

Student Benefits 

• Public recognition and certificates, honoring achievement, and interest in research pursuits.
• Attainment of a sense of achievement and self-confidence resulting from interaction with students from other schools and regions and with professional researchers and educators.
• Connection to future research opportunities through other Department of Defense STEM programs and networks with university and industry professionals.
• Access to Department of Defense, university, and industry laboratory tours, speakers, and activities to provide insight into STEM careers and professional development.

Scholarships & Awards

JSHS recognizes outstanding research presented by high school students at Regional and National Symposia. The U.S. Office of the Secretary of Defense and the U.S. Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force jointly sponsor undergraduate tuition scholarships and cash awards for student finalists who are citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) of the United States, at the Regional and National Symposia. Click here for more about the scholarships and competition awards.