Academic Events
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 information for the 2026–2027 academic year events will be posted here on August 20 at 10:00 a.m. Registration must be completed by school personnel.
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.
We’re putting the AI in AIU Academic Events and Competitions…
Harness AI to tackle a real-world issue, announced at the competition, to develop an innovative AI-driven solution: A working prototype of an interactive tool with the potential to make long lasting, global change. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams of 2 to 4 students in grade divisions: Middle School (6–8) and High School (9–12) will be announced!
For more information, please visit: AI for Impact Hackathon: Overview, Resources, and Rubric
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. Now with 20 total problems —10 solo and 10 team challenges — mathematicians race against the clock to solve tricky math puzzles and rack up points for every correct answer. Top scores for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place individuals and teams make it 2 competitions in 1 for double the number-loving fun!
Get ready to crunch some numbers and have a blast at CalcuSolve!
This exciting in-person math competition challenges students to flex their brainpower both individually and as part of a 4-person team. Now with 20 total problems —10 solo and 10 team challenges — mathematicians race against the clock to solve tricky math puzzles and rack up points for every correct answer. Top scores for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place individuals and teams make it 2 competitions in 1 for double the number-loving fun!
Please note that there is a per student fee for this event.
Calling all young book lovers—your vote matters!
AIU and ACLA are teaming up to invite students to dive into 8 nominated novels. Participants have until March to read, discuss, and vote on which book deserves the top prize—then join us for the big reveal of the winning title at our end-of-year celebration! With support from school and public librarians, you’ll hear from a keynote author, test your knowledge of each novel, and more!
Please note that there is a per student fee for this event.
The website for the Children's Choice Awards can be found here.
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.
Step into the past and unlock the fun at the Heinz History Center!
During this historical adventure, teams of 4 students will put their brains to the test as they journey through the exhibits of Western PA's past - from sports to special collections - to solve intriguing challenges, answer thought-provoking questions, and flex their creative thinking and writing skills outside of the classroom. 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 event.
Step into the past and unlock the fun at the Heinz History Center!
Young learners will get a taste of History Bowl during this historical adventure, where teams of 4 students journey through the exhibits of Western PA's past, using their skills outside of the classroom, for a fast-paced day of teamwork, discovery, and history, completing timed-tasks in rotations —without the pressure of scoring and competition! All students will receive a certificate and small prize for their participation.
Please note that there is a per student fee for this event.
Get Ready for a Battle of the Brains!
Hosted by International Academic Competitions at Allegheny Intermediate Unit: Students compete in their age group, buzzing in and answering questions in their choice of Math, Science, History, and/or Geography. The top three scores per grade earn medals, and the top 50% of each field qualify for IAC's national championships!
Please note that there is a per subject fee for this competition.
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/or Pittsburgh—using renewable energy! You’ll brainstorm bold, creative solutions that could lead you all the way to the finals at Acrisure Stadium this November, where regional representatives will present to a panel of judges and tour the stadium before learning which top teams scored big with a Steelers Game Day Experience and a STEM donation for their school!
For competition information, please read the Powering Pittsburgh Program Overview & Rubric
Adventure awaits at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History!
Grab your team of 4 and get ready for a hands-on scientific adventure! Teams will explore the exhibits as they take on a variety of challenges, completing creative and natural science-inspired tasks along the way, while combining teamwork, problem-solving, and exploration for an unforgettable day at Pittsburgh’s most ext-RAWR-dinary museum.
Please note that there is a per student fee for this event.
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.
Calling all future tech leaders—Technovation is your time to shine!
Technovation empowers students ages 8–18 to become the next generation of tech entrepreneurs and changemakers. With support from mentors, teachers, and more - teams of up to 5 students 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 platform offers free, step-by-step resources to guide your team from big idea to finished project.
All teams are encouraged to submit their projects nationally to Technovation. National submission should feature girls only.
For more information, or to register a team, please visit the Technovation Girls website.
Think creatively, collaborate with peers, and compete!
Join us at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, in collaboration with Baldwin-Whitehall School District, for a fun, hands-on day of creative thinking where student teams of 4-5 participants will tackle unique challenges, solving tricky brainteasers and stretching their imaginations — while showcasing teamwork skills and having fun! Come ready to think creatively, collaborate with peers, and compete for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd top scores!
Get ready for a wildly fun day of discovery at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium!
Teams of 4 students are welcome to join this thrilling adventure packed with exciting scavenger hunt challenges and up-close encounters with live animals. Explore the wonders of wildlife while putting your problem-solving and teamwork 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 event.
Turn the page. Start the next chapter.
Built on the foundation of Children’s Choice Awards by honoring student voice and celebrating reading, middle schoolers are invited to “turn the page” at this next level literary event! Students read 4 shared novels in advance, then test their knowledge with team-based trivia as well as participate in other creative activities, sharing their love of reading, while continuing to vote on their favorite novel!
Please note that there is a per student fee for this event.