The North Museum's 73rd Science and Engineering Fair (NMSEF) will become a regional fair as it invites students in grades six through 12 from Lebanon County to join students from Lancaster County's public, private, charter, online and home schools. The competition will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Millersville University.

The NMSEF is one of Pennsylvania's four regional science and engineering fairs - along with the Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and capital area events - and is one of six fairs in Pennsylvania affiliated with the world's largest pre-college competition, the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The top two students' projects from the senior division earn a place at the ISEF where students compete with 1,500 of their peers from around the world. The North Museum pays for registration, fees, travel and accommodations for its two champions.

"North Museum's CEO Andrea Rush is a Lebanon County native and a Cedar Crest High School graduate. Through our connections, we are both professionally and personally excited to bring this STEM education opportunity to Lebanon County," said the North Museum's director of development and strategic partnerships, Scott Downs, who is also a former Lebanon County resident and past publisher of the Lebanon Daily News. "As a leader in STEM education and advocacy, the North Museum believes that every sixth- through 12th-grade student in the IU13 region deserves an opportunity to compete. Raising student interest in STEM careers is critically important for the future of our country and our world."

The NMSEF has been in existence for more than seven decades, offering STEM opportunities for thousands of young researchers. The North Museum has managed the event since 2009.

The North Museum's leadership also offers support to educators to assist their students in finding a project, developing a research plan and supporting student research. "The NMSEF breaks down barriers between education and industry for students and provides those from underserved and underrepresented populations with a platform of entry, creating connections with both teachers and STEM professionals," said Downs. "Our judges consist of STEM educators and professionals from area schools, universities and companies. Working together, we can continue to inspire passion and curiosity in the next generation of STEM leaders."

Registration for NMSEF is free of charge and has an October deadline. For more information on the event, visit http://www.NorthMuseum.org.