Longs Peak Science and Engineering Fair

Logo of Longs Peak Science Fair

Join Us!

The 2027 Longs Peak Science and Engineering Fair (LPSEF) will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2027, in Campus Commons at the University of Northern Colorado!

Since 1970, the Longs Peak Science and Engineering Fair (LPSEF) has hosted Weld, Larimer, and Jackson counties’ 5th-12th-grade students each February. Engineers, scientists, educators, and college students devote their time to judging student projects and determining those that qualify for state-level competition.

Fair Schedule Information

LPSEF will be held at the University of Northern Colorado on Thursday, February 11, 2027.

Please see a tentative fair schedule below:

FAIR TIMELINE (Tentative)

When: February 11, 2027, 7:30am-6:30pm
Where: University of Northern Colorado, Campus Commons
Schedule:

  • 7:30-8:30 AM – Check-In, Poster Set-up, and Safety Checks, UNCO Campus Commons Lobby
  • 9:00 AM – Welcome and Opening remarks by LPSEF Director, UNCO Campus Commons Multipurpose Room
  • 9:00 AM-1:00 PM – Judging of all categories, UNCO Campus Commons Multipurpose Room
  • 1:00-2:00 PM – Lunch (provided in registration fee), UNCO Campus Commons Lobby
  • 2:00-4:00 PM – Tours & Demos, TBD
  • 4:30-5:15 PM – Awards Ceremony, UNCO Campus Commons Multipurpose Room
  • 5:30-6:00 PM – Briefing with State Qualified Participants, UNCO Campus Commons

Get Involved with LPSEF!

LPSEF would not be possible without the many folks that help us to make our fair great! No matter your expertise or experience, there is a perfect role for you at this year's fair! We are looking for volunteers, judges, and sponsors for LPSEF. If you are able, we would love to have you support our fair!

Being a LPSEF Judge!

LPSEF Judges volunteer their time, enthusiasm, and expertise to help our student researchers get the most out of their fair experience. Anyone with a high school degree or above and a love for all things STEM is encouraged to sign up. Judges engage directly with students and their projects; asking questions, guiding discussions, and ultimately selecting the winners of the fair. Year over year, students report that the number one reason they participate is the opportunity to meet and receive feedback from real live STEM professionals. We hope judges can commit a full day to the fair (9:00 am – 4:00 pm), which involves viewing projects, interviewing students, and working with fellow judges to select our fair winners.

 *If you are a family member or teacher of a participant, we kindly ask that you are not a judge, as it is a conflict of interest. However, we would love for you to volunteer (please see below)!

Please sign up no later than February 3, 2027! (link coming soon)

Student explaining their science project on the effects of Essential Oils

Be an LPSEF Volunteer!

LPSEF needs volunteers to help with many tasks throughout the fair! From helping with set-up and breakdown, running judges’ sheets to score keepers, and assisting with registration and poster set-up, there are many opportunities for you to volunteer! We have many different shifts that range from one hour to the full day, feel free to pick however many shifts you would like. Anyone that would like to be a helpful hand during the fair is encouraged to sign up to be a volunteer!

Please sign up no later than February 3, 2027!

Photo of large crowd

Sponsor an LPSEF Special Award!

Partner with the Longs Peak Science & Engineering Fair by sponsoring a Special Award! Local businesses, professional societies, and community organizations can recognize students, highlight specific STEM disciplines, and inspire northern Colorado’s emerging talent.

Special Awards can be:

  • Cash Prizes: Financial awards or student scholarships.
  • Items & Tech: Branded merchandise, books, robotics kits, or laboratory gear.
  • Experiences: Facility tours, lunch with a scientist, or invitations to industry events.

Photo of student being awarded at Longs Peak Science Fair

Support the Longs Peak Science Fair!

When you donate to LPSEF, every dollar directly supports our student participants and covers essential event operational costs—helping us keep registration fees as low and accessible as possible for all students and schools in our region. We simply cannot host this inspiring experience without the generous support of our donors, partners, and community members. Your contribution empowers the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators!

How to Give:

To make a donation, click the link below. On the giving form, please select “Other” in the search bar and enter “LPSEF” in the designation note.

Photo of young science fair participant explaining his project to judge

Questions or want to chat about science fair?

We are so excited to work with you! Whether you are a parent guiding a young scientist, a teacher coordinating your school’s projects, a student bringing a big idea to life, or wanting to get involved as a volunteer or judge, we are here to help.

Schedule Time to Connect

We know how busy school and family schedules can be! To avoid playing phone tag and ensure our line or calendar is wide open for you, please visit our booking page to pick the option that works best for you:

  • In-Person Visit: Drop by our office on campus for a face-to-face chat.
  • Virtual Call: Join a quick video link from home or the classroom.
  • Phone Call: Pick a 15-minute call window, then dial direct at your start time—we’ll be ready and waiting for your call!

Book a time to meet with me!

Have a quick question? Feel free to send an email anytime and we will get back to you as soon as we can! LPSEF@unco.edu

Contact Us