Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Empowering Young Scientists & Engineers in Connecticut
Founded in 1949, we have dedicated seven decades to cultivating scientific curiosity and engineering excellence among Connecticut's youth. Our organization provides a structured platform for middle and high school students to showcase independent research projects, emphasizing rigorous scientific methodology and technical innovation. Through annual competitions, we facilitate mentorship opportunities between students and industry professionals while offering workshops that enhance research and communication skills. As an all-volunteer organization, we channel resources directly into student awards, educational programs, and international competition participation.Our affiliation with the International Science and Engineering Fair connects local talent to global opportunities, and our partnerships with academic institutions and corporations ensure relevance to contemporary STEM fields. We maintain strict adherence to equal opportunity principles, serving over 12,000 students annually across Connecticut and bordering New York communities. Our historical evolution from a regional fair to a statewide program reflects our commitment to adapting with educational needs while preserving core values of academic excellence and innovation.
Services
Annual Science Fair
Student Workshops
Teacher Training
Project Judging
Awards Program
Mentorship Opportunities
Educational Presentations
Regional Fair Coordination
International Competition Sponsorship
STEM Resource Distribution
Details
- Year established: 1949
Highlights and features
- We offer 70+ years of experience in promoting STEM education
- Our program connects students to international science competitions
- We provide all-expense-paid trips to ISEF for top winners
- Our volunteer experts include industry professionals and educators
- We serve 12,000+ students annually through regional and state fairs
Services
Annual Science Fair
We organize Connecticut's premier science competition for grades 7-12. Students present independent research projects judged by STEM professionals. The event fosters critical thinking through formal scientific methodology and engineering design principles while connecting participants to career opportunities in science and technology.
Student Workshops
Our educational programs teach research methodology, project design, and presentation skills. Workshops cover abstract writing, display preparation, and ethics in scientific research. These sessions help students develop competitive projects while building foundational STEM competencies applicable to future academic and career pursuits.
Teacher Training
We provide professional development for science educators through workshops and resource materials. Our programs focus on facilitating student research projects, understanding competition guidelines, and integrating fair requirements into classroom instruction to enhance STEM education across participating schools.
Project Judging
Our structured evaluation system assesses projects across scientific rigor, innovation, and presentation quality. Judges include academics, engineers, and industry experts who provide constructive feedback. The process emphasizes learning outcomes while identifying exceptional projects for advancement to international competitions.
Awards Program
We administer a comprehensive awards structure recognizing excellence in scientific research. Top performers receive funding for international competition participation. Our program allocates resources to student awards, fair operations, and educational initiatives while maintaining transparency in fund distribution.
People
Brad Guilani
President
Brad Guilani leads our organization with extensive experience in educational initiatives. He oversees strategic direction and ensures alignment with our mission to promote STEM education through science fairs and related programs.
Dr. Frank LaBanca
Fair Director
Dr. Frank LaBanca serves as Fair Director, bringing expertise in science education and competition management. He coordinates event logistics, judge recruitment, and ensures adherence to international science fair standards.
Dawn Kerr
Treasurer
Dawn Kerr manages financial operations with a focus on responsible stewardship. She oversees budgeting for student awards, fair operations, and educational programs while maintaining fiscal transparency for our nonprofit organization.
Questions
Who can participate in the Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair?
Students in grades 7-12 enrolled in Connecticut schools or bordering New York towns may participate through regional and school fairs.
How do students advance to international competitions?
Top seven projects receive all-expense-paid trips to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) annually.
What science disciplines does CSEF support?
We support all scientific and engineering disciplines including physical sciences, life sciences, mathematics, and engineering.
How can educators get involved with CSEF programs?
Teachers can participate through our educator workshops, regional fair coordination, or by mentoring student researchers.
What resources are available for first-time participants?
We provide document libraries, abstract writing guides, display regulations, and virtual project portals for new participants.
