Pre-College Research Excellence Programs (PREP) are research-focused programs for Tennessee middle and high school students geared to promote STEM disciplines. Participating in any PREP program encourages students to pursue careers and a lifelong passion for STEM. Each program is hosted at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus.

We have many moments we'd like to share with you! Look below at our recap of our Spring and Summer 2024  Programs!

To view more event pictures, check out each program's Facebook page!

•  Tennessee Junior Science and Humanities Symposium 
  
• Southern Appalachian Science Engineering Fair 
• Tennessee State Science Olympiad 
• Governor's School for the Sciences and Engineering  

The Tennessee Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (TJSHS) was hosted on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus, at the Student Union from February 14 to 15, 2024. The 2024 program provides more information on presenters and campus partners. 

Please review our website for updates and program highlights from the 2024 Tennessee Junior Science and Humanities Symposium.

About TJSHS:

The Tennessee Junior Science and Humanities Symposium allows high school students to present original scientific research in a public forum and compete for scholarships while providing participants with opportunities for career exploration and research lab visits.

Important Notice

Every student, whether a presenting or non-presenting participant, must be accompanied by a teacher approved by the school principal. If a student’s teacher mentor cannot attend the TJSHS, another teacher from the student’s school who the student’s school principal approves may accompany the student.

Congratulations to our winners from the 2024 TJSHS: 

Poster Presentation:

• 1st Place: Collin Chan, University School of Nashville
• 2nd Place: Langalibalele Lunga, Farragut High School 

Oral Presentation: 

• 1st Place: Imelia Markus-Brock, Oak Ridge High School
• 2nd place: Madison Degnan, Central Magnet School
• 3rd place: Patton Duvall, Columbia Central High School

The 2025 Tennessee Junior Science and Humanities Symposium will be held February 14-15, 2025. More information will be coming soon!

Introducing a student lead organization that could help you with your next STEM Project: The Unity Network:

Our sole mission is to provide high quality STEM related resources for underprivileged high school researchers. To do this we’ve developed a website that hosts 3 critical resources towards success in research.

First, we promote information sources that help students learn about coding, machine learning, statistics, biology, chemistry, and more. By doing this, we jumpstart students’ ability to understand research and conduct it.

Second, we offer advice from former science fair winners and tips for newcomers into science fairs. Lastly, we’ve created a blog for all researchers to post their hard work and share it with the world.

Our mission doesn’t just stop at science fairs however, we aim to fully transform the space of STEM learning like bridging inequalities in robotics, olympiads, and more.

If this sounds interesting to you please join our discord server, check out our website, and join our team!

- Peyton Chang, The Unity Network

Platforms: 

Website | Instagram | YouTube

The Tennessee Governor's Schools for the Sciences and Engineering (GSSE) program was held at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus from June 2-29, 2024! 

About GSSE:

GSSE is a 4-week on-campus residential program that provides the opportunity for advanced study, laboratory experience, research in modern science and mathematics, and an immersive college experience. GSSE is held in person on the beautiful campus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Upon completing the GSSE program, students are awarded five credit hours. The credit hours are Interdisciplinary Program credits.

We had a fantastic time with Governor's School for the Sciences and Engineering. For the list of 2024 cohorts, pictures, and information for the 2025 GSSE, take a look at our website!

2025 GSSE Applications open October 1, 2024

The Southern Appalachian Science & Engineering Fair (SASEF) is the premier science and engineering competition for students in middle and high school for a 23-county service area of East Tennessee. SASEF has promoted teaching the scientific method in science, engineering, and math since 1952.

The fair is sponsored by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and many local companies and agencies. SASEF will be hosted on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus. Judging was held on March 26, 2024, in the Student Union Ballroom.

This year, we had a fantastic group of presenters and gave away over $9,000 in prizes. The award winners can be found here. 

The 2025 SASEF is scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, 2025, with awards to follow on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

It was another great year hosting the Tennessee State Science Olympiad! The top 40 teams from across Tennessee competed on April 6, 2024, for their chance to compete at Nationals.

Congratulations to the following teams that advanced to Nationals: 

Division B: Cedar Springs Homeschool

Division C: Ravenwood High School

Final rankings for both divisions can be found here. 

2025 Rule Books can be requested beginning September 3, 2024. 

The 2025 Tennessee State Science Olympiad will be held on April 5, 2025.