Applications Are Now Open for the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge

Winning Teachers to Receive Up to $330,000 in Prizes for Their Innovative Ways to Provide Quality Lab Experiences to Their Students

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 program. The Challenge—sponsored by Shell USA, Inc. (Shell), and administered by the National Science Teaching Association—encourages science teachers (grades K–12) in select communities located throughout the United States who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences using limited school and laboratory resources to apply for a chance to win up to $330,000 in prizes, including school science lab makeover support packages valued at $15,000 (for the elementary level) and $20,000 (for the middle and high school levels). The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2026.

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. Twenty-four regional winners will be selected: eight at the elementary level, eight at the middle level, and eight at the high school level.

Of these winners, three grand-prize winners—one at each level—will be selected. Each grand-prize winner will be awarded an additional $5,000 of support to attend a future NSTA National Conference on Science Education, where they will be honored during a special evening celebration.

“The Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge gives teachers an opportunity to showcase the amazing science learning opportunities they can provide despite having only limited lab resources available to them,” said Beverly DeVore-Wedding, Ph.D., NSTA President. “The Challenge brings these teachers and their schools some well-deserved recognition at the national level.”

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

About NSTA

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 35,000 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. For more information, visit https://www.nsta.org/, or follow NSTA on X, formerly known as Twitter; Facebook; Instagram; YouTube; and LinkedIn.