OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — Oklahoma State University will host the 68th annual Oklahoma State Science and Engineering Fair on March 27, adding a new STEM policy and workforce panel featuring state legislators and industry leaders as hundreds of students compete in the state’s premier research event for grades 6–12.
Students advance to OSSEF by qualifying through regional fairs and will present research across 10 science and engineering categories. Senior division competitors will vie for selection to the International Science and Engineering Fair, where Oklahoma students saw one of their strongest showings last year.
This year’s program includes a panel organized by OSU alumnus and CEAT Strategic Advisory Board chair Ed Stokes, focused on strengthening K–12 STEM education and Oklahoma’s talent pipeline. Featured panelists include Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, Secretary of Education Dan Hamil, Rep. Nicole Miller, Oklahoma Workforce Commission CEO Kyla Guyette, Hamm Institute deputy executive director Katie Altshuler, and Oklahoma Defense Industry Association executive director Allyson Carson.
“Conducting authentic research and competing at OSSEF provides our young people with the chance to develop essential tools and a sense of belonging that will help them grow into the skilled workforce that Oklahoma needs,” said Dr. Rachael Eaton, OSSEF co-director.
The event is hosted by OSU’s Honors College K‑12 Outreach program, with an open house for the public scheduled from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. OSSEF relies on more than 100 volunteers each year, including over 175 project judges.
