Science Olympiad (SO) is a national non-profit organization with similar goals and values in line with CEO’s mission. Science Olympiad has been dedicated to improving STEM education, increasing student interest in science, and creating a technologically literate workforce, in order to reach these goals. At Science Olympiad tournaments, which are held at regional, state, and national levels, middle and high school students compete in teams of up to 15 students in 23 pre-selected STEM-related events like astronomy, forensics, and engineering design challenges.
In partnership with Maryland Science Olympiad, the state chapter of the national organization, our Center has hosted the annual Maryland State Tournament at the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus for over 10 years. In 2023, 639 students from the top 48 middle and high school teams across Maryland competed in over 40 different STEM topic events and engineering design challenges. This was the first fully in-person state tournament since 2019. In 2023, Baltimore City had 11 teams qualify for the event, including 9 teams supported by JHU mentors from Charm City STEM League.
To run the tournament each year, our Center works closely with over 100 JHU faculty, staff, and student volunteers as well as volunteers from the community. Our office also supports the Center for Social Concern in advising the JHU collegiate alumni chapter of Science Olympiad, which is a large undergraduate student organization composed of former SO competitors which support critical elements of local tournaments such as recruiting volunteers to facilitate the event and logistics.
Preparing for the Tournament
Read about a Baltimore City middle school’s journey to the state tournament under the guidance of CCSL mentors.
Volunteer at the Maryland State Tournament
Want to volunteer at the event? Register for a variety of volunteer roles on Hopkins Engage! Note: Background Screening Required (provided at no cost to you)