Big news for the 2026 State Fairs

Both of MSEF’s State Fairs will be held in Worcester! 

Hosting our High School Fair and Middle School Fair in one vibrant, central city highlights our commitment to making STEM opportunities more accessible to students statewide. 

For many years, our Middle School Fair has thrived in Worcester, and beginning in 2025, it found a new home at Clark University. This year, our High School Fair will be held at the DCU Center, bringing both fairs to the ‘heart of the Commonwealth’ — a move that reflects our commitment to expanding access and opportunity for students across Massachusetts. 

We’re all-in on Worcester this year, embracing the city’s vibrant energy and its growing reputation as a hub for education, research, and innovation. 

🌟 High School Fair 

📅 Thursday, April 9, 2026 

📍 DCU Center, Worcester 

🌟 Middle School Fair 

📅 Saturday, May 9, 2026 

📍 Clark University, Worcester 

Above: Representatives from Clark University ready to judge at the 2025 Middle School State Fair.

HIGHLIGHT

Looking to better understand mRNA? Moderna is offering a free comprehensive overview of mRNA medicines, how they work and their potential applications. Start this free course today!

Through the power of mRNA, Moderna is reimagining how medicines are made and transforming how we treat and prevent diseases for everyone. Moderna is proud to offer mRNAs as Medicines, a free course on the Coursera platform offering a comprehensive overview of mRNA medicines, how they work and their potential applications.

mRNAs as Medicines is divided into three modules:



Module 1: Introduces the fundamental concepts of proteins and mRNAs, explaining their structures, how they are made, and the crucial roles they play in the human body.

Module 2: Covers classic molecular approaches to developing medicines and how recent technological advances have expanded our options, exploring how proteins and mRNAs can be used as medicines.

Module 3: Explores the diverse types of mRNA medicines and their potential applications in preventing and treating diseases, including the use of mRNA medicines as vaccines and therapies for existing conditions, as well as their potential in treating genetic disorders and in regenerative medicine.

Anyone with a keen interest in modern advancements in medicine can glean valuable insights and knowledge from mRNAs as Medicines. For more information on the course and to get started, visit the Coursera website.

MSEF would not exist without the generosity of our incredible funders!

Thanks to their support, participation in our Getting Science Fair Ready program and participation in the state fairs remains free and accessible, giving students across Massachusetts the tools and confidence to thrive—both in the classroom and beyond.

Take a look at the impact these amazing companies are creating through their support in our latest Impact Report. Their investment helps power every experiment, every project, and every moment of discovery!

Want to see your company make an impact, too? Reach out and together we can explore what’s possible.

Innovation thrives when students are empowered to dream big. With Dell Technologies’ support, MSEF students are gaining the skills, confidence, and inspiration to become the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators. We are deeply grateful for Dell’s partnership in advancing student success.

At the heart of Entrada Therapeutics’ work is a commitment to advancing science and improving lives. Their support of MSEF helps young scientists take their first steps on that same journey—transforming curiosity into discovery. We are thankful for Entrada’s generosity in fueling student innovation.

As a leader in sustainability, WM knows that shaping a better future starts with today’s students. By supporting MSEF, WM is helping young people explore solutions to environmental challenges and beyond. We’re grateful for WM’s investment in the next generation of STEM leaders.

With a deep belief in the power of education, Materion is opening doors for students across Massachusetts. Their support fuels opportunities for hands-on STEM exploration, building confidence and skills that last a lifetime. We are thankful for Materion’s commitment to empowering future innovators.

I hope you’re as excited for the new academic year as we are! I’ll be back with more insider scoops soon. Until then, stay curious—and get ready to join us in Worcester this spring!

Sarah Thomas

Development Manager

sthomas@scifair.com

How do astronomers organize a back-to-school party?



They planet!

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Advancing science and engineering literacy since 1949, the Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair (MSEF) was founded by the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, MIT professors, and a group of pioneering K-12 science educators. 

MSEF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. EIN (04-2707499)