Company Description The Science Fair Foundation of British Columbia (SFF BC) is a not-for-profit registered charity that supports and promotes youth science across British Columbia and the Yukon. Since 1998, SFF BC has run high-quality STEM programs with the help of thousands of volunteers, including a network of Regional Science Fairs, Science Club, STEM Grants, and the Youth Innovation Showcase.

The Youth Innovation

Showcase is a virtual competition where young people aged 12–19 present original STEM innovations and inventions. It challenges them to explain complex ideas clearly to experts and investors from any industry. SFF BC's work inspires curiosity, innovation, and a lasting passion for science and technology in young people.

Role Description This is a volunteer, fully remote role. Judges for the 2026 Youth Innovation Showcase evaluate student innovation projects and give feedback that encourages youth to keep exploring STEM. Judges review each student's pitch video and one-page innovation report, then join a virtual interview of about 20 minutes per project. In the Semi-Finals, interviews are conducted with a panel of fellow judges.

Judges score projects online against four criteria: Innovation (40%), Communication (35%), Functional & Realistic (15%), and Engagement (10%). Each judge commits to at least four projects, and each project takes less than an hour, including review, interview, and scoring. Training materials are provided by October 26, 2026, and include a short video, transcript, and slide deck.

Judging takes place on two dates,



and volunteers can sign up for one or both:

Semi-Finals: Tuesday, November 17, 2026, afternoon/evening PT. Scores are due Friday, November 20 at 12 PM PT.

Finals: Tuesday, January 12, 2027, afternoon/evening PT. Scores are due Friday, January 15 at 12 PM PT.

Winners will be announced at the virtual Awards Show on Wednesday, January 27, 2027. Interview times can't be rescheduled, so judges must be available on the dates they choose.

Qualifications

- Interest in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, and a commitment to supporting youth. A STEM background is recommended but not required.
- Solid communication skills, with the ability to give clear, constructive, and age-appropriate feedback to students aged 12–19.
- Ability to assess projects fairly against set criteria and to disclose any conflict of interest, such as an affiliation with a participant's school.
- Comfort conducting interviews over video and submitting scores through online forms.
- Ability to work respectfully on diverse judging panels while staying impartial and inclusive.
- Availability on November 17, 2026 and/or January 12, 2027 during afternoon/evening Pacific Time.
- A vulnerable sector criminal record check. It's free for BC residents through SFF BC.
- Experience in judging, teaching, mentoring, or industry expertise in a STEM field is an asset.
- Interested volunteers can register at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/0zhuy27ne6. Questions can go to [email protected].

📌 Volunteer Judge (Canada)
🏢 Science Fair Foundation of British Columbia
📍 Canada