The SSP Middle School Program was the only U.S. national science competition for science fair participants in grades 5–8. 300 Semifinalists and 30 Finalists were selected annually from a national field of thousands to participate in the finals of this competition. Unfortunately there is no 2010 program scheduled while SSP seeks a title sponsor for this program in 2011.

Ten Years of Accomplishment

SSP is extremely proud of the ten years of the program and the accomplishments of over 75,000 middle school science fair participants. A total of 3,900 Semifinalists and 390 Finalists were honored over the course of SSP middle school programming from 1999-2008. Many alumni of this program participate in our high school programs, the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair and the Intel Science Talent Search.

The SSP Middle School Program, first known as the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge, was the only U.S. national science competition for science fair participants in grades 5–8. 300 Semifinalists and then 30 Finalists were selected annually from a national field of thousands to participate in the finals of this competition. Gathering in Washington, DC each October, the Finalists presented their projects to judges, fellow students and the public. In addition, Finalists worked in teams on a variety of scientific experiments to judge their science, reasoning and communication skills.

The SSP Middle School Program was born from SSP's commitment to serving the middle school science fair audience and we are proud to have offered this programming encouraging middle school students to pursue their interest in science and independent research.

SSP intends to relaunch the SSP Middle School Program in 2011 with the partnership of a new title sponsor.

Contact us for more information about the SSP Middle School Program.