Washington State Department of Health invites high school students to participate in Youth Science Contest

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) urges high school students state-wide to join the Washington Tracking Network’s (WTN) third annual Youth Science Contest, an initiative to foster scientific inquiry and community engagement among young minds.

According to WTN manager Jennifer Sabel in a press release, the contest has been a resounding success, allowing students to enhance their science and communication skills while delving into health and environmental data specific to their communities.

Sabel highlighted the growth of the contest since its inception, indicating nearly a threefold increase in participation.

The contest offers three tracks for students to choose from:

1. Health Science: Students analyze WTN data to uncover correlations, impacts, or disparities related to health.
2. Science Communication: Participants use WTN data to address significant issues and develop messages to raise awareness or inspire action.
3. Program and Policy Design: Students utilize WTN tools and data to tackle health and equity concerns by crafting public policy proposals or collaborating with local organizations to develop or enhance projects or programs.

All tracks require the inclusion of WTN data, an equity focus or analysis, clear communication, data visualization, and a reflective component of the project process.

Students have two months to complete their projects, from February 15 to April 15.

A panel of DOH public health professionals will evaluate the projects, with winners slated to be announced in late May.

Successful entrants will receive a plaque and have their projects featured on DOH’s social media platforms and the WTN webpage, with first-place winners having the exclusive opportunity to engage with experts for mentoring, project refinement, and professional development.

Submissions must be received by midnight on April 15.

For additional information, resources, and project examples, interested participants can visit WTN’s contest page.