# American Junior Academy of Science

The national honor society for high school researchers: state academies of science nominate their top student researchers as AJAS delegates, who present at the AAAS Annual Meeting and are inducted as lifetime Fellows.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | National Association of Academies of Science |
| Category | stem |
| Cost | $500 |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Chicago, IL |
| Program dates | 2027-02-17 to 2027-02-21 |
| Apply | https://www.academiesofscience.org/ajas.php |

## About this program

# American Junior Academy of Science

The American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS) is the only U.S. honor society recognizing high school students for outstanding scientific research. Run by the National Association of Academies of Science, AJAS is not a competition - delegates are nominated by their state academy of science, usually after winning a state junior academy research competition, and travel to the national conference held alongside the AAAS Annual Meeting.

## What You'll Do

- Earn nomination as an AJAS delegate through your state academy of science's junior academy or research competition
- Present your original STEM research at a national poster session held with the AAAS Annual Meeting
- Tour research laboratories and scientific institutions in the host city and meet renowned scientists
- Be inducted as a lifetime Fellow of the American Junior Academy of Science

## Who Should Apply

High school students conducting original research in any STEM field. Start with your state academy of science's junior academy program - each state sets its own nomination guidelines, typically through statewide research competitions. The 2027 conference runs February 17-21, 2027 in Chicago with AAAS; registration is $500 and students under 18 attend with a registered chaperone.

## Outcomes

AJAS delegates present research on a national stage, join a network of the country's strongest student researchers, and carry a lifetime Fellow credential earned by only a handful of students per state each year. The conference's lab tours and scientist meetings regularly open doors to mentorships and research opportunities.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does American Junior Academy of Science cost?

American Junior Academy of Science costs $500. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

### Who is eligible for American Junior Academy of Science?

American Junior Academy of Science is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is American Junior Academy of Science online or in person?

American Junior Academy of Science is an in-person program based in Chicago, IL.

### How do I apply to American Junior Academy of Science?

Apply directly through National Association of Academies of Science's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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