Junior Science and Humanities Symposium | K-12 University Center

New York Upstate Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)

High School Students, Grades 9-12

The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a STEM competition like no other! The free program, supported by the Department of Defense (DoD) challenges high school students from everywhere to achieve and to build the skills that prepare them for college and career. Participants perform original STEM research, showcase their findings in an oral presentation or research poster, and compete for both scholarships and invitations to represent the region at the National JSHS event.

The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is thrilled to have been selected as the host for the 2025 New York Upstate Regional JSHS (NY Upstate JSHS), which will take place on February 1st at the Griffiss Institute in Rome, NY. Both RIT and the Griffiss Institute share a commitment to fostering the region’s future STEM workforce through innovative programs and educational opportunities.

With the vision of a diverse, creative, and high-skilled STEM workforce and citizenry of the future, we encourage all eligible students to participate in NY Upstate JSHS. We have intentionally structured the event and aligned resources to maximize accessibility and inclusion.

We anticipate that more than 1000 high school students will register for NY Upstate JSHS. Of these applicants, 72 will be selected for the in-person regional event at the Griffiss Institute on February 1, 2025, with 48 in the oral research presentation competition and 24 in the poster competition. All registrants will be invited to participate in the NY Upstate JSHS virtual speaker series in January 2025.

Who is eligible?

NY Upstate JSHS is open to high school students, grades 9-12. There is no cost to participation.

Students must compete in only one regional symposium. The address of the student’s school determines the region.
Students must by a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States or U.S. territory.
Students must complete the online registration, including the submission of their research abstract, by the December 4, 2025 deadline.

See the JSHS Core Rules of Competition for all eligibility details.

There are three regional competitions in New York: Long Island, Metro, and Upstate. The NY Upstate region includes all areas of New York except Long Island and New York City.

RIT’s decision to host NY Upstate JSHS at the Griffiss Institute in Rome, NY is intentional and aligns with our goal of creating an accessible event for eligible students throughout the region. The Griffiss Institute is central to a majority of urban upstate New York locations - Albany to the east, Syracuse and Buffalo to the west, Binghamton to the south and northern New York communities including Watertown & Fort Drum.

How do I participate?

December 4, 2024 – Registration deadline. All students who wish to apply must register, submit a research abstract and other required documents, and indicate their choice of the oral research presentation or research poster competition.
December 5-17, 2024 – Virtual judging of abstracts. Selection of participants for the in-person oral and poster competitions.
December 18, 2024 – Notification to students indicating if they have been selected for the in-person regional event.
December 23, 2024 – Registration deadline. All participants and guests complete registration to attend the in-person NY Upstate Regional JSHS.
January 2025 – NY Upstate JSHS speaker series. Two optional virtual events highlighting opportunities in STEM and STEM career pathways open to all.
January 19, 2025 – Paper submission deadline. All oral presentation participants must submit their research paper.
January 26, 2025 – Slide deck submission deadline. All oral presentation participants must submit their slides.
February 1, 2025 – NY Upstate Regional JSHS at the Griffiss Institute in Rome, NY. Oral research presentation and research poster competitions. STEM showcase. Awards.
February 8, 2025 – Virtual snow date

How do I register?

Registrations must be completed by December 4, 2024 at 11:59pm. Registrations must be submitted through the Ideal-Logic central registration system.

Be prepared with the following for your registration:

Personal and school information.
Parent/Guardian name and email address. Note: parents/guardians will need to login to sign the required participation release.
Decide if you are participating in the oral or poster competitions. You must select one.
Project title and research category.
Complete research abstract.
Complete Statement of Outside Assistance.
Research mentor name, email address, and organization/school.
Explanation of your project for a general audience.
Description of the scope of the research you have completed or planned. Indicating if research has been/will be completed after February, 2024.
Indication if a report of your project has been presented at a science fair, in an award application, or to any other group.
Length of time you have been collecting data.

See the Additional Resources section of this website and review the Core Rules of Competition and the Abstract Judging Rubric for guidance in completing the registration.

NY Upstate JSHS Virtual Speaker Series

JSHS is a gateway to other DOD and regional STEM initiatives. To this end, RIT will facilitate a NY Upstate JSHS Virtual Speaker Series during the month of January 2025.

The speaker series is open to all those who register for NY Upstate JSHS and will be made available to parents, teachers, and youth who express interest. The speaker series will consist of a workshop on what to expect and how to prepare for the NY Upstate JSHS regional, hosted by Assistant Regional Director, Kierra McInnis. RIT and the Griffiss Institute will each host a one-hour event featuring STEM opportunities (careers, educational paths, experiences, etc.) with a focus on programs that align with DOD priorities. Each of the sessions in the series will include an overview of a DoD-funded STEM program (SMART, teacher programs, internships, etc.).

What will happen at the Regional Event?

The NY Upstate JSHS Regional will take place at the Griffiss Institute in Rome, NY on February 1, 2025.

NY Upstate JSHS will welcome 72 participants, with 48 in the oral research presentation competition and 24 in the poster competition. Each participant is permitted to bring one guests/chaperone/parent/teacher. Space is limited, so carpooling is encouraged. Transportation stipends will be made available to remove the barrier of transportation costs and enable participation for those who have been selected for the regional event.

Schedule for the NY Upstate JSHS Regional Event on February 1, 2025 (subject to change)

9:00	Doors open - register and get ready!
10:00	Opening Ceremony – welcome, overview, and rules review
10:00 - 2:00	Oral Research Competition
10:30 - 2:20	Research Poster Competition
12:00 - 1:00	Lunch and STEM Showcase
2:20 - 3:00	DOD STEM Speaker/Activity
3:00 - 3:45	Student Poster Showcase and Activity
4:00 - 4:30	Awards Ceremony

* There is no cost to participation in the regional event. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Guests must register in advance to attend.

Awards

A total of $4,500 in undergraduate tuition scholarships and 5 invitations to participate in National JSHS will be awarded at the NY Upstate JSHS regional event on February 1, 2025. Participants in both the oral and poster competitions are eligible for awards.

Awards will be allocated as follows:

Oral Research Competition – 1st place
- $2,000 JSHS scholarship
- Invitation to represent the region in the oral competition at NJSHS
Oral Research Competition – 2nd place
- $1,500 JSHS scholarship
- Invitation to represent the region in the oral competition at NJSHS
Poster Competition – 3rd place
- $1,000 JSHS scholarship
- Invitation to represent the region in the poster competition at NJSHS
Poster Competition – 4th place
- Invitation to represent the region in the poster competition at NJSHS
Oral Competition – 5th place
- Invitation to represent the region in the poster competition at NJSHS

Helpful Resources

Competition Resources

DOD STEM Resources

Host Information

Other Upstate NY High School STEM Competitions

Contact

For assistance, please contact the NY Upstate JSHS hotline at jshs@rit.edu
Jane Amstey, Regional Director
Kierra McInnis, Assistant Regional Director