Stockholm Junior Water Prize Mentorship
Admission Insight mentors high school students for the U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize, one on one, online or in the Bay Area. The student runs the water research and writes the paper; we help sharpen the question, the statistics and the Discussion section judges read most closely.
It is a paper competition with a state route of its own. Students self-nominate online, so a science fair is not required, and a team of two may enter.
About the SJWP
Who can enter
Grades 9 to 12, age 15 by August 1 of the competition year, residents of the 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Individuals or teams of two.
How it runs
Regional awards at local fairs, then a state competition judged on the paper, then nationals, then World Water Week in Stockholm in August. Each state sends one project.
What is judged
Six weighted criteria for a maximum of 115 points. Relevance carries the most weight. WEF weighs the research paper much more heavily than the poster.
The paper
Up to 20 pages under the national guidelines, a 180-word abstract, and an acknowledgements section that states how much outside help the student had.
California
California received 42 submissions in 2026. Bay Area schools placed first and third in the state.
Dates
In the 2026 cycle state entries were due April 15, nationals ran in May and June, and the top 20 finalists met in Chicago June 8 to 10. The 2027 dates are not posted yet.
What we help with
A water question worth judging
Cause and effect, a solution the data can support, and a project the student can carry out with the equipment they have.
Statistics
WEF requires statistical analysis. We teach the student to choose and explain it.
The paper
Structure to the national guidelines, a Discussion that ties results to the water problem, and numbered conclusions.
Reusing a fair project
A strong county fair, ISEF or Regeneron STS project on a water topic can become an entry. We plan one project for several outlets.
The student does the work
The student owns the question, the data and the writing. We meet one on one, ask the hard questions a judge will ask, and say plainly in any disclosure what help was given.
Who mentors
Dr. Harman Brah, MD
Physician and judge at the California Science & Engineering Fair.
Wesley Hatcher, PhD
Organic chemistry, UC San Diego. NSF Graduate Research Fellow. Directed research mentorship for more than 100 UCSD undergraduates.
Results
Our students have been Regeneron STS and ISEF national semifinalists and category award winners, and have taken 1st place at JSHS and the Alameda County Science & Engineering Fair.
Free SJWP guides
- Stockholm Junior Water Prize: How to Enter in the US
- Research Mentorship for the Stockholm Junior Water Prize
- Stockholm Junior Water Prize California: How the CWEA State Competition Works
- How to Write a Stockholm Junior Water Prize Research Paper
- How the Stockholm Junior Water Prize Is Judged
- Stockholm Junior Water Prize Project Ideas That Can Win
- Can I Enter My Science Fair Project in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize?
- Stockholm Junior Water Prize vs Regeneron STS and ISEF
- Stockholm Junior Water Prize Deadlines and Timeline
- How to Do a Water Research Project in High School
Questions families ask
Do you mentor students for the Stockholm Junior Water Prize?
Yes. We mentor high school students one on one for the U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize, from the research question through the state paper and, for state winners, the national round.
Does my child need a science fair to enter?
No. WEF says a science fair project is not necessary. Students self-nominate for their state competition by submitting the paper online.
Can two students enter together?
Yes. Teams of up to two students may enter.
Who writes the paper?
The student. We guide the question, the analysis and the structure, and the acknowledgements state the help given.
Start with a consultation
Tell us your student's grade, interests and the competition they are aiming for. We offer a complimentary 20-minute call and will say plainly whether we can help.