WMU gearing up to host 2026 regional Science Olympiad tournament
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Fostering academic opportunities at a young age builds confidence, excitement and capacity for criticism. Science Olympiad, the leading Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) team competition in the nation, provides standard-based challenges to students that build the skills necessary for them to succeed in college and beyond.
On Saturday, March 21, 2026, Western Michigan University’s will welcome more than 750 middle and high school students to campus to participate in the Region 10 Science Olympiad Tournament. The tournament is being hosted by the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences at WMU.
The competition will feature 23 team events in every area of STEM, including pure academic science, technology, robotics, inquiry and the nature of science, such as experimental design.
“The competition will include areas students in smaller schools may never get exposed to, so it can be very valuable in getting kids ‘ready-made’ for college,’” says Marty Buehler, B.S.’88, M.A. ’93, who serves as the director of Science Olympiad Region 10. “It is a great way for kids to find out if they are into a particular area of STEM or not.”
The events at Science Olympiad are all judged and run by volunteers, and the competition is funded by donors and sponsors. Western students who participate in Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) often attend the tournament as judges.
“The RSOs definitely benefit,” says Buehler. “It is good on their resume, yes, but it is actually good to be able to lead, interact with people, and be the role models that they themselves used to look up to!”
The power of Science Olympiad is emphasized by the experiences of Naomi Van Dien, B.S.E.’19, a current Science Olympiad judge and former Science Olympiad student. Van Dien has been involved in WMU’s Science Olympiad in one way or another for 17 years, whether it be as a student, judge, organizer or volunteer.
“I love being able to see the next generation of scientists and engineers come through and test their knowledge,” says Van Dien. “The fact that they’re participating in Science Olympiad means that these students have an interest in STEM that goes beyond the classroom, and it shows that they’re curious about the world around them—which is important when it comes to STEM.”
Van Dien noted the way that Science Olympiad helps shape the future of the students who participate in the tournament by introducing them to the possibilities of career outcomes.
“Students can explore information they’re genuinely interested in, which may lead them to an exciting career field,” says Van Dien “Finding a career field you’re interested in is very beneficial in your adult life, I feel.”
Van Dien spoke about the ways that people should consider participating in Science Olympiad.
“Offering to help local Science Olympiad teams through mentorship or helping with supplies is a great way to get involved,” says Van Dien. “You can also reach out to event organizers and coaches to find out if there are ways to help out at invitationals and other competitions.”
To learn more about Science Olympiad and discover how you can get involved, visit the tournament’s webpage.
For more WMU news, arts and events visit WMU News online.