Special Awards
Special Awards are sponsored recognitions that highlight excellence in specific scientific, technological, environmental, engineering, and community‑focused fields. These awards are separate from the main judging categories and allow students to be recognized for unique strengths and interests.
What Are Special Awards?
Special Awards are provided by organizations, companies, educational institutions, and community partners. Each award has its own criteria, eligibility requirements, and sponsor‑defined focus area. Students may select up to three Special Awards during registration.
Why We Offer Special Awards
Special Awards encourage students to explore specialized fields, reward innovation, and strengthen connections between youth and STEM‑focused organizations. These awards often include monetary prizes, scholarships, bursaries, gift cards, and unique opportunities.
Special Award Listings
Elexicon Energy Award
Sponsor: Elexicon Energy
Eligibility: Grades 4–6, 7–8, 9–12
Criteria: Awarded to projects demonstrating excellence in topics related to animals, habitats, protection, or invasive species.
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Albert College Engineering Award
Sponsor: The City of Belleville
Eligibility: Grades 4–12
Criteria: Projects relevant to city departments or municipal infrastructure.
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Dennis Kritzer Computer Science Programming Award
Sponsor: QRSTF
Eligibility: All divisions
Criteria: Software programs addressing a specific need.
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UNAC Quinte Sustainability Award
Sponsor: United Nations Association in Canada
Eligibility: Grades 4–12
Criteria: Projects dealing with clean energy production or use.
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Albert College Engineering Award (Grade 6)
Sponsor: Albert College
Eligibility: Grade 6
Criteria: Engineering principles demonstrated in Grade 6 projects.
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Albert College Life/Earth Sciences Award
Sponsor: Albert College
Eligibility: Grade 6
Criteria: Excellence in life or earth sciences.
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Centre for Workforce Development Futures Award
Sponsor: Centre for Workforce Development
Eligibility: All levels
Criteria: Technical knowledge related to trades.
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Quinte Conservation Authority Water Award
Sponsor: Quinte Conservation Authority
Eligibility: All divisions (2 awards)
Criteria: Water or watershed conservation.
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The Panch Yogeswaran Robotics/AI Award
Sponsor: The Yogeswaran Family
Eligibility: Grades 4–6, 7–8, 9–12
Criteria: Robotics or AI research or demonstration.
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The Professional Engineers of Ontario Award
Sponsor: PEO
Eligibility: Grades 4–6, 7–8, 9–12
Criteria: Best demonstrated use of engineering principles.
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The Erika Jackson Environmental Award
Sponsor: Doug and Inara Jackson
Eligibility: Grades 4–6
Criteria: Creative environmental problem‑solving.
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The Derek & Kevin Sue-Chue-Lam Award
Sponsor: Derek & Kevin Sue-Chue-Lam
Eligibility: Grades 4–6 and 7–12
Criteria: Creative environmental problem‑solving.
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The Amcor Biology Award
Sponsor: Amcor
Eligibility: Grades 4–8 and 9–12
Criteria: Projects related to biology or organisms.
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Prince Edward County Climate Change Award
Sponsor: County of Prince Edward
Eligibility: Grades 4–12
Criteria: Climate change experiments relevant to the local area.
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Allegra Belleville Best Display Board Award
Sponsor: Allegra Belleville
Eligibility: Grades 4–8 and 9–12
Criteria: Clarity, professionalism, distinctiveness, innovation.
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Michel Sarrazin French Language Award
Sponsor: ACFOMI
Eligibility: Grades 4–5, 6, 7–8, 9–12, Immersion
Criteria: Best projects from French‑language schools.
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OACETT Technology Innovation Award
Sponsor: OACETT
Eligibility: Grades 4–8 and 9–12
Criteria: Innovative use or adaptation of technology.
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The Arlyne Gillespie Astronomy Award
Sponsor: The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
Eligibility: Grades 4–12
Criteria: This award recognizes an outstanding astronomy-related project completed by one or two students. Projects should demonstrate strong effort, effective problem-solving, and relevance to the broader community.
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The Carleton University Scholarship Award
Sponsor: Carleton University
Eligibility: Grade 12
Criteria: $1000 scholarship awarded to the top Grade 12 project. The student must enroll in a Science or Engineering program at Carleton University for Fall 2027.
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Loyalist College Project Excellence Award
Sponsor: Loyalist College
Eligibility: Grades 11–12
Criteria: Recognizes outstanding senior-level projects demonstrating strong effort, problem-solving, and community relevance.
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The Loyalist College Top Winners Award
Sponsor: Loyalist College
Eligibility: Grades 4–8
Criteria: $500 cash award for the school with the most winning projects. Split in case of a tie.
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SHAD Community Changemaker Award
Sponsor: SHAD Canada
Eligibility: Grades 7–8 and Grades 9–10
Criteria: Recognizes creativity, curiosity, leadership potential, and social impact through STEM.
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The University of Ottawa Scholarship Award
Sponsor: University of Ottawa
Eligibility: Grades 11–12
Criteria: $1000 scholarship awarded to the top senior project. Applied to tuition when enrolling in Engineering, Science, or Health Sciences.
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Email: qrstf@live.com
Quinte Region, Ontario, Canada