Date: October 14, 2025
PA Student Competitions are evolving to better inspire, engage, and impact students across Pennsylvania through the introduction of The Keystone Competition. This exciting, single-day event will replace the current Governor’s STEM Competition, making it more accessible and inclusive for all learners. The redesigned format invites students in three grade bands; 5-6, 7-8, and 9-12, to collaborate, innovate, and problem-solve in a dynamic, hands-on environment.
Teams:
Students will compete in teams of up to 5 students. Only one team per grade band, per building can register.
The day will begin with a statewide virtual keynote address that connects all participants, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. At the conclusion of the presentation, the speaker will unveil the day’s challenge—a real-world problem requiring innovative solutions.
Teams will then embark on their design journey, imagining, creating, and prototyping solutions within the day. Whether their solution is a digital product, physical prototype, or conceptual model, students will have the freedom to think big, collaborate, and showcase their creativity.
The Keystone STEM-a-Thon is designed not only as a stand-alone event but also as a stepping stone to other innovation opportunities. The ideas and skills students cultivate during the STEM-a-Thon can inspire participation in additional challenges such as Invention Convention or PA Media & Design. By fostering creative confidence and problem-solving skills, the STEM-a-Thon empowers students to become active participants in the innovation pipeline.
IUs will determine winners locally using judges. Each grade should have a first, second, and third-place winner. If IUs choose to, they may use the local funding to purchase medals or trophies for these winners.
Grades 5-6: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Grades 7-8: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Grades 9-12: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
***TENTATIVE***
Sign-In: 8:30-9:00 am
Keynote of Activity Kick-Off - 9-9:30
Challenge Announced - 9:30-9:45
Work Time - 9:45-12:00
Judging - 12:00-1:30 (Lunch for students)
Winners Announced - 1:30