Over the past four decades, Science Olympiad has awarded more than $1.4M in scholarships and research grants to deserving students and alumni. To honor the founders of Science Olympiad, five $10,000 college scholarships will be awarded by the Science Olympiad USA Foundation to outstanding seniors in 2026. Dr. Gerard J. Putz, who passed away in 2019, founded Science Olympiad in 1984 with his wife, Sharon, and partner, Jack Cairns of Delaware.
The 2026 application is open to Class of 2026 graduating high school SENIORS ONLY who participated on a registered Division C Science Olympiad team during the 2025-2026 season; coaches may be contacted for verification. We suggest previewing the three questions below and preparing 1,000-character maximum answers ahead of time. Each student may only submit one entry; once your entry is submitted, it is considered final. No person may submit an entry on your behalf. Application opens February 16, 2026; due midnight CST on Monday, April 13, 2026.
The five (5) winners will be announced on May 7, 2026. All information is subject to verification, and final confirmation of the award will be sent to each winner via email before June 15, 2026. All decisions will be made by Science Olympiad and are final. By applying for this award you agree to these terms and the ones listed below. The funds will be payable directly to the college of a student's choice upon enrollment after October 1, 2026. Funds will be held by Science Olympiad in escrow until enrollment.
