Middle School Scientists Head to MCLA for Region I Science Fair

April 8, 2026

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will host the Massachusetts Region I Middle School Science Fair on Wednesday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium. The event brings together approximately 110 middle school students from across the region to showcase their original research projects.

Seven schools are participating this year: BART Charter School, Hoosac Valley Middle School, St. Agnes School, Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion School, Greenfield Middle School, Drury Middle School, and John F. Kennedy Middle School. Students will present approximately 50 projects across five STEM categories: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Engineering, Environmental Science, and Behavioral and Social Science.

Projects will be evaluated by a panel of approximately 30 judges, including MCLA faculty, staff, and students, as well as representatives from McCann Technical High School, Berkshire Museum, Flying Cloud, Fuss and O'Neill, and Williams College.

"Participation in the middle school science fair introduces students to the practice of scientific research, and gives us a chance to celebrate their work," said Dr. Ann Billetz, Professor of Biology. "It also gives students the opportunity to spend the day on a college campus and interact with faculty, undergraduate students, and STEM mentors."

The event is open to community members who wish to attend.

About MCLA

At MCLA, we're here for all — and focused on each — of our students. Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 130-year commitment to public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence. MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 11 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for 2026. The College's focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2026 U.S. News rankings: No. 6 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 4 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants.