Information about the 2026 Georgia JSHS is coming soon!
Administered by the Office of Academic Special Programs at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, a unit of Public Service & Outreach, the Georgia Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a regional affiliate of the national JSHS program. JSHS is a Department of Defense sponsored program for high school students enrolled in grades 9-12 who engage in research investigations in the sciences, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM).
Georgia JSHS is a 3-day event that takes place every February on the University of Georgia campus in Athens. Students may apply by submitting an abstract, research paper, and statement on outside assistance by the December deadline. Based on the results of this review, 45-60 applicants will be selected to present their research at GJSHS. Lodging and meal expenses (with some exceptions) are covered for all students selected to attend.
Georgia JSHS culminates with the selection of five presenters to win an expense-paid trip to the National JSHS. The top three finalists will be awarded scholarships. The top two finalists will have the opportunity to compete in the presentation competition at National JSHS, and the other three finalists will be invited to enter the National JSHS poster competition.
Eligibility
Information about eligibility for the 2026 Georgia JSHS is coming soon; in the meantime, interested students are encouraged to review last year’s Georgia JSHS Handbook and the JSHS Core Rules of Competition.
Program Sponsorship
JSHS is a collaborative effort between the research offices of the U.S. Office of the Secretary of Defense, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and Space Force, National Science Teaching Association, and leading research universities throughout the nation. The Department of Defense generously provides funding for the regional and national symposia and JSHS scholarships.
For more information about the partnerships that make JSHS possible, visit jshs.org/about-jshs/department-of-defense-sponsors.
JSHS Mission
The primary aims of JSHS are to promote original research and experimentation in STEM at the high school level, and to publicly recognize students for outstanding achievement. By involving talented students and their teachers in affiliated symposia, and by recognizing students’ research endeavors through scholarships and other awards, JSHS aims to encourage continued interest and participation in the sciences and ultimately to widen the pool of trained scientific and engineering talent prepared to conduct research and development vital to our nation.
JSHS seeks to:
- Promote research and experimentation in STEM at the high school level.
- Recognizethe significance of research in human affairs, and the importance of humane and ethical principles in the application of research results.
- Search outtalented youth and their teachers, recognize their accomplishments at symposia, and encourage their continued interest and participation in STEM.
- Expand the horizons of research-oriented students by exposing them to opportunities in the academic, industrial, and governmental communities.
- Increasethe research and development capabilities of the future U.S. workforce.
Why Participate?
Students and teachers participating in regional and national symposia may…
- Gain self-confidence, not only through the experience of the research investigation, but also through networking with participants with similar interests.
- Participate in a forum honoring exceptional work and encouraging personal and academic growth.
- Participate in an academic STEM conference, take field trips, and have their work published.
- Have opportunities to tour laboratories, university campuses, and DoD facilities.
- Meet practicing researchers who offer a look beyond high school to opportunities in post-secondary education and academic and career development in STEM.
- Develop higher-order thinking skills and integrated learning across disciplines through the process of scientific inquiry, writing a scientific paper, and delivering a presentation - all skills that will benefit future post-secondary and graduate pursuits.
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