Overview

The Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association (VLWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to conducting scientific and educational efforts to protect the quality and uses of Virginia’s lakes and watersheds.   In order to promote educational awareness at the middle and high school grade levels, the VLWA offers special awards at the regional science fairs located throughout the Commonwealth.

Awards are offered to those science fair projects that provide sound scientific research pertaining to stormwater studies, water quality improvements and watershed investigations as they relate to our local waters. Judges select a winner at the high school and the middle school levels based on relevance to our organization’s mission, in addition to project appearance, clarity, and sound scientific method.

There are twelve (12) Regional Science Fair competitions held during the month of March each year. The VLWA offers two (2) high school winners at each fair $100 gift cards and the two (2) middle school winners each receive a $50 gift card.   Many fairs are only open to public school students, while some also allow home school and private school participation.

Please encourage the students of family, friends and colleagues to participate in these events and support the sciences in our schools! Volunteering at the Regional Science Fairs is an easy and relevant way to support STEM education in our school system. Please consider investing a day in the future scientists and engineers of tomorrow. VLWA members can also participate in these events by serving as judges in the various categories or by judging only for the VLWA award.

Committee Members

  • Rebecca Francese, Committee Chairman
  • Rebecca Stewart
  • James Kelly

Event Schedule

Regional FairLocationCounties / Cities
Tidewater Science and Engineering FairNorfolkWilliamsburg City, Franklin City, Northampton County, Southampton County, Accomack County, Isle of Wight County, Gloucester County, James City County, York County, Suffolk City, Hampton City, Newport News City, Norfolk City, Chesapeake City, Virginia Beach City
Blue Ridge Highlands Regional Science FairRadfordBland County, Galax City, Bristol City, Dickenson County, Giles County, Grayson County, Lee County, Buchanan County, Scott County, Russell County, Carroll County, Wythe County, Smyth County, Pulaski County, Wise County, Tazewell County, Washington County, Montgomery County, Big Stone Gap City
Metro Richmond STEM FairRichmondKing William County Public Schools, Colonial Heights Public Schools, Petersburg Public Schools, Powhatan County Public Schools, Hanover County Public Schools, Richmond Public Schools, Henrico County Public Schools, Chesterfield County Public Schools
Fauquier County Regional Science & Engineering FairWarrentonFauquier County
Northern Virginia Science and Engineering FairArlingtonFalls Church City, Alexandria City, Arlington County
Virginia Piedmont Regional Science FairCharlottesville

Rappahannock County, Nelson County, Greene County, Madison County, King George County, Louisa County, Fluvanna County, Culpeper County, Albemarle County, Spotsylvania County,
Stafford County
Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering FairFairfaxFairfax City, Fairfax County
Shenandoah Valley Regional Science FairHarrisonburgHighland County, Bath County, Rockbridge County, Staunton City, Winchester City, Page County, Harrisonburg City, Warren County, Shenandoah County, Augusta County, Rockingham County, Frederick County
Central Virginia Regional Science Fair LynchburgBedford City, Appomattox County, Amherst County, Campbell County, Bedford County, Lynchburg City
Prince William-Manassas Regional Science FairManassasManassas City, Prince William County
Loudoun County Science and Engineering FairAshburnLoudoun County
Western Virginia Regional Science FairRoanokeCraig County, Covington City, Radford City, Floyd County, Patrick County, Alleghany County, Salem City, Botetourt County, Franklin County, Henry County, Roanoke City, Roanoke

Award Recipients

Do you have questions about this committee or want to get involved?

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