Students to Compete at 2016 Texas Science and Engineering Fair in San Antonio

More than 1,200 Texas middle and high school students will present their outstanding projects at the 2016 Texas Science and Engineering Fair (TXSEF). The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) continues its commitment to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and the success of tomorrow’s workforce by co-sponsoring the event for the 15th consecutive year with ExxonMobil.

“TWC is proud to again support this wonderful event, which inspires some of our brightest students to enter exciting STEM fields,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar. “Every year I am more impressed with the creativity and talent of Texas students, who work so hard to create innovative solutions to pressing issues while gaining knowledge that will lead to a brighter Texas. I congratulate these students.”

The fair, which is being hosted by The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), begins with early check-in on Thursday, March 31, and culminates with an awards presentation on Saturday, April 2, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith will deliver the keynote address at the awards presentation.

“We applaud the students for the commitment and innovation that their projects demonstrate,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs. “TWC also appreciates the service of the TXSEF advisory board with STEM industry employers and public education institutions that strives to provide a setting in which outstanding students can showcase their research projects in these fields.”

The Texas Science and Engineering Fair is officially sanctioned by the Society for Science & the Public, the annual host of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Awards will be presented to students in 17 project categories for both middle and high school divisions.

“In an increasingly competitive job market, individuals with hands-on experience in STEM disciplines are highly sought-after,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “It is important that we continue to support the next generation of the Texas labor force by providing them with opportunities like this fair.”

Winners from the science fair’s high school division will qualify for the Intel ISEF competition in Phoenix this May and the top two placers in each category will also earn a spot at the Texas Governor’s Science and Technology Champions Academy, a weeklong residential summer camp, also sponsored by TWC, which will be held this summer at Texas A&M University.