ARLINGTON, Va.—September 8, 2021—The fifth annual Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge is now accepting applications for the 2021-2023 program. The Challenge—sponsored by Shell Oil Company (Shell) and administered by the National Science Teaching Association—encourages science teachers (grades K-12) in select communities located throughout the U.S. who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences utilizing limited school and laboratory resources, to apply for a chance to win up to $315,000 in prizes, including school science lab makeover support packages valued at $10,000 (for the elementary and middle levels) and $15,000 (for the high school level). The deadline for submissions is February 17, 2022.

“Science teachers inspire future science leaders,” said Dr. Frazier Wilson, Vice President, Shell Oil Company Foundation and Director, Workforce Development Diversity Outreach, Shell Oil Company. “The Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge demonstrates our commitment to the communities, schools, and students, and the critical role the schools and teachers in those communities play in preparing a future workforce of technical talent.”

Judges will evaluate entries based on various criteria, including demonstrated science inquiry and innovation in the classroom with limited equipment; demonstrated impact and engagement with students and the community; and demonstrated need for additional professional development and science materials. Thirty-six regional winners will be selected: nine at the elementary level, nine at the middle level, and nine at the high school level. Of the 27 winners, three grand prize winners—one at each level—will be selected.

The elementary and middle-level regional winners will each receive a school science lab makeover support package valued at $10,000 and high school level regional winners will receive a school science lab makeover support package valued at $15,000. Each grand prize winner will receive an additional $5,000 of support to attend a future NSTA National Conference on Science Education. The grand prize winners and their principals will be honored at the Shell reception and NSTA Teachers Awards Gala, taking place at the conference.

For more information about the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge or to apply, visit https://www.nsta.org/shell-science-lab-regional-challenge.

About Shell Oil Company
Shell’s commitment to community and social responsibility has been in place for more than 50 years. During this time, we have contributed more than a billion dollars to support community, health and welfare, environmental, arts and cultural activities, various educational initiatives, including minority education, and diversity and inclusiveness programs in Houston and the U.S.

FOR INQUIRIES CONTACT: Shell Oil Company Media Line +1 (832) 337-4355

About NSTA
The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 40,000 science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. NSTA offers high quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators grow professionally and excel in their career. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field.

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Contact:
Kate Falk, NSTA
(703) 312-9211
kfalk@nsta.org