2025 Young Scientist Challenge Seeks Students Using Science to Solve Everyday Problems

The entry period is now open for the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge, a science competition from 3M and Discovery Education for students in grades 5-8 recognizing individuals across the United States who have "demonstrated a passion for using science to solve everyday problems and improve the world around them." One grand prize winner will be awarded $25,000 and the title of "America's Top Young Scientist"; 10 finalists will win $1,000 and a summer mentorship with a 3M scientist; four honorable mentions (one per grade) will be awarded certificates; and up to 51 state merit winners will receive 3M Young Scientist Challenge prize packs and certificates.

To enter, students must submit a brief video explaining their own science-based solution to an existing problem. Entry topic areas include robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR, and climate technology. Submissions will be evaluated on creativity, scientific knowledge, communication skills, and overall presentation.

The deadline for entries is May 1. Finalists will be selected in June and participate in a summer mentorship program, after which they will have the opportunity to compete in a final event in October featuring hands-on challenges, presentations, live judging, and more. The grand prize winner will be announced at the October event.

"The 3M Young Scientist Challenge has sparked curiosity in countless inventors, innovators, and problem-solvers over the last 18 years, all before they even begin high school," said Torie Clarke, 3M's executive vice president and chief public affairs officer, in a statement. "I'm proud of 3M's support for this program that helps students get excited about the power of science and technology to address global challenges." 

"The 3M Young Scientist Challenge is a powerful testament to the incredible things that happen when students bring classroom knowledge to real-world problems," commented Amy Nakamoto, executive vice president of marketing and strategic alliances at Discovery Education. "This annual challenge elevates students' remarkable creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills, showcasing their extraordinary potential to transform the world for the better." 

For more information, visit YoungScientistLab.com.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • outline of a modern school building as glowing blue geometric shapes, surrounded by binary code streams, with golden orbs and lines representing funding, set against a dark gray gradient with faint grid patterns

    FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Participants Selected

    The Federal Communications Commission has officially selected the participants for its Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot, the three-year program exploring the use of Universal Service funds to improve school and library defenses against cyber attacks.

  • glowing AI text box emerges from a keyboard on a desk, surrounded by floating padlocks, warning icons, and fragmented shields

    1 in 10 AI Prompts Could Expose Sensitive Data

    A recent study from data protection startup Harmonic Security found that nearly one in 10 prompts used by business users when interacting with generative AI tools may inadvertently disclose sensitive data.

  • Google Classroom tools

    Google Announces Classroom Updates, New Tools for Chromebooks

    Google has introduced a variety of features across its products for education, announced recently at the 2025 BETT ed tech event in London. Among the additions are enhancements to Google Classroom and new tools for Chromebooks, "designed to help address the diverse needs of students around the world," Google said in a blog post.

  • open laptop on a child-sized desk in a colorful elementary school classroom with holographic AI icons rising from the screen

    4 Ways Schools Are Using Google AI Tools for Teaching, Learning, and Administration

    In a recent blog post, Google shared an array of education customer stories, showcasing ways schools and districts are using AI tools like Gemini and NotebookLM to transform both learning and administrative tasks.