# Virginia Junior Academy of Science

Statewide juried research community for Virginia students in grades 7-12: conduct an independent research project, submit a scientific paper for expert review, and present at the annual VJAS Research Symposium for awards and scholarships.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Virginia Academy of Science |
| Category | stem |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 7–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Dumfries, VA |
| Apply | https://vjas.org/membership.html |

## About this program

# Virginia Junior Academy of Science

The Virginia Junior Academy of Science (VJAS), a program of the Virginia Academy of Science, is a statewide juried science research community for students in grades 7-12. Each year thousands of Virginia middle and high school students conduct independent research projects, write formal scientific papers, and submit them for expert evaluation, with accepted authors presenting at the annual VJAS Research Symposium.

## What You'll Do

- Develop a research question and conduct your own project in any discipline, from astronomy and botany to psychology and engineering
- Write a formal scientific paper and submit it for review by science experts
- Present accepted research at the annual symposium - the 2027 symposium is May 22, 2027 at Potomac Shores Middle School in Prince William County
- Compete for section awards, special awards, and scholarships, and publish your abstract in the VJAS proceedings

## Who Should Apply

Virginia students in grades 7-12 from public, private, or home schools. School membership in VJAS is free, and top VJAS presenters can be nominated as Virginia's delegates to the American Junior Academy of Science national conference. Paper submissions for the 2027 symposium typically open in winter with spring deadlines.

## Outcomes

VJAS gives students a complete, authentic research cycle - question, experiment, paper, peer-style review, and public presentation - years before college. Award winners earn scholarships and statewide recognition, and the expert feedback on every submitted paper makes it one of Virginia's best training grounds for future researchers.

## Frequently asked questions

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

Virginia Junior Academy of Science is open to students in grades 7–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

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

Virginia Junior Academy of Science is an in-person program based in Dumfries, VA.

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

Apply directly through Virginia Academy 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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