Academic Events
Students & Families
Our mission is to provide inclusive and engaging academic competitions and events that empower students of all backgrounds and skill levels to unleash their creativity, collaborate with peers, and apply their knowledge, fostering a love of learning and inspiring excellence for every student.
For any questions about the events, please visit our Policies and Procedures.
Registration for Academic Events opens to the public on August 20 and can be found on the Academic Events Eventbrite
In addition to our AIU Academic Event offerings, we have compiled a supplemental resource of Additional PA Competitions Padlet. We hope this resource will be helpful to learn more about other offerings beyond AIU Academic Events. Please note that if you require more information on these additional competitions, you should refer to the website or PDF provided to find and contact the appropriate person.
Get ready to crunch some numbers and have a blast at CalcuSolve!
This exciting virtual math competition challenges students to flex their brainpower both individually and as part of a 4-person team. With 9 total problems—7 solo and 2 team challenges—you’ll race against the clock to solve tricky math puzzles and rack up points for every correct answer. It’s fast-paced, team-powered, and full of number-loving fun!
For more information and to register, please visit the Academic Events registration page on Eventbrite.
Calling all young book lovers—your vote matters!
The Allegheny Intermediate Unit and the Allegheny County Library Association are teaming up to bring you the Children’s Choice Awards! Just like a Mock Newbery, this exciting program invites students in grades 3–6 to dive into 8 amazing nominated books. With help from school and public librarians, you’ll read, discuss, and decide which book deserves the top prize. You have until April to read and cast your vote—then join us for the big reveal of the winning titles at our end-of-year celebration!
Please note that there is a per student fee for this program.
The website for the Children's Choice Awards can be found here.
For more information and to register, please visit the Academic Events registration page on Eventbrite.
Get ready to go green and get inspired at the Eco Challenge—the exciting kick-off to the Phipps Fairchild Challenge!
Students will jump into three hands-on, eco-themed activities that blend science, creativity, and nature exploration. From uncovering the wonders of the Phipps Conservatory to practicing scientific observation, creative writing, and nature connection, there’s something for every curious mind!
Middle schoolers will dive deeper on Wednesday with a special environmental education program, while high schoolers will take the spotlight on Thursday as they interview real-life scientists—our Phipps Botany in Action fellows—about their cutting-edge research.
At Eco Challenge, you’ll discover how your class can join the Fairchild Challenge, a fun, free, and standards-based program that lets students tackle real-world environmental issues through science, art, and innovation. Let’s grow a greener future—together!
Please note that there is a per student fee for this program.
For more information and to register, please visit the Academic Events registration page on Eventbrite.
Ready to test-drive adulthood?
At the Financial Reality Fair, students get a chance to experience what it’s really like to balance a budget, make spending decisions, and face the unexpected twists of the real world — all in a fun, hands-on simulation!
Events will be held for middle school and high school.
For more information and to register, please visit the Academic Events registration page on Eventbrite.
Step into the past and unlock the fun at the Heinz History Center!
During this special one-day adventure, teams of 4 students will put their brains to the test as they journey through the exhibits, solve intriguing challenges, answer thought-provoking questions, and flex their creative thinking and writing skills. It’s a fast-paced day of teamwork, discovery, and history like you’ve never experienced before—don’t miss it!
Please note that there is a per student fee for this program.
For more information and to register, please visit the Academic Events registration page on Eventbrite.
IAC: National Science, History, and Geography Regional Bees at AIU
Get Ready for a Battle of the Brains!
The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is teaming up with International Academic Competitions (IAC) for an exciting day of fast-paced, buzzer-beating action! Students from across the region will go head-to-head in thrilling academic showdowns, testing their knowledge in Science, History, and/or Geography.
Competitors will face off in their grade-level divisions, buzzing in to answer challenging questions and earn their place at the top. The top three finishers in each grade will take home medals, and the top 50% in each subject will qualify for IAC’s National Championships in Orlando, Florida!
Whether you're a future historian, a science whiz, or a geography guru — this is your moment to shine.
For more information and to register, please visit the IAC website: Regionals Registration – IAC – US Division
Think you can power the future?
Gather your team of up to 4 high school innovators and take on the challenge of reimagining how to power Acrisure Stadium—and Pittsburgh—using renewable energy! You’ll brainstorm bold, creative solutions that could lead you all the way to the regional finals at Acrisure Stadium this November.
Top teams will score big with a Steelers Game Day Experience and a STEM donation for their school!
Best of all? It’s completely free to participate. So bring your energy, your ideas, and your team—it’s time to spark a cleaner, greener future!
For more information and to register, please visit the Academic Events registration page on Eventbrite.
Adventure awaits at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History!
Grab your team of 4 and get ready to explore the exhibits like never before—solving puzzles, cracking clues, and taking on exciting challenges along the way. It’s part scavenger hunt, part brain workout, and all kinds of fun in one of Pittsburgh’s coolest museums!
Please note that there is a per student fee for this program.
For more information and to register, please visit the Academic Events registration page on Eventbrite.
Ready to build, design, and compete?
Join the STEM Design Challenge, an exciting engineering competition for students in grades 4–8! In teams of 2 to 4, you’ll put your creativity and problem-solving skills to the test as you tackle a real-world challenge. Using K’Nex, and/or Engino, you’ll design and build a one-of-a-kind project, craft a Design Notebook, and draw up your team’s blueprint.
Bring your best ideas—because the top team at the regional event will earn a spot at the state competition in May! It’s hands-on STEM fun with big-time bragging rights on the line!
For more information about the STEM Design Challenge, please go to the competition website.
For more information and to register, please visit the Academic Events registration page on Eventbrite.
Calling all future tech leaders—Technovation Girls is your time to shine!
Technovation Girls empowers girls ages 8–18 to become the next generation of tech entrepreneurs and changemakers. With support from mentors and parents, teams of girls will brainstorm bold ideas, learn to code, and build mobile apps that tackle real-world problems they care about.
No experience? No problem! The Technovation Girls platform offers free, step-by-step resources to guide your team from big idea to finished project. Virtual check-ins throughout the year will help keep your team on track and inspired.
Get ready to create, code, and change the world—one app at a time!
For more information, or to register a team, please visit the Technovation Girls website.
Get ready for a wildly fun day of discovery at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium!
Students in grades 3–6 are invited to join us for Wild Investigations, a thrilling adventure packed with hands-on science challenges, exciting scavenger hunts, and up-close encounters with live animals. Explore the wonders of wildlife while putting your problem-solving skills to the test—it’s science, exploration, and animal fun all rolled into one unforgettable day!
Please note that there is a per student fee for this program.
For more information and to register, please visit the Academic Events registration page on Eventbrite.
For more information:
Courtney Stein
courtney.stein@aiu3.net
Amy Davis McShane
412-394-4193
amy.mcshane@aiu3.net
To register for an event, visit this Eventbrite Link for Academic Events