Arkansas students in grades 6-12 now have the opportunity to explore agricultural research through the 2026 Soybean Science Challenge, a hands-on educational program focused on innovation in soybean science. Sponsored by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board (ASPB) and managed by the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, the program invites young researchers to design and conduct projects that advance knowledge in agriculture, crop science, sustainability, and technological innovation.
Students can choose between a condensed 90-minute course or a full six-hour program to participate. Each participant must select a mentor, such as a teacher, scout leader, county agent, or another expert in the relevant field. Research projects may cover up to 12 months of continuous work conducted after January 2025, and submissions must include abstracts sent to the Soybean Science Challenge coordinator at least one week before their regional science fair. While registration for the challenge itself is free, participants are responsible for research equipment, materials, and any regional or state science fair registration fees.
Regional science fairs for 2026 are scheduled across the state, including the Ouachita Mountains Regional Science Fair on February 20 at National Park College in Hot Springs, the West Central Arkansas Regional Science Fair on February 26–27 at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, and the Central Arkansas Regional Science and Engineering Fair on February 27 at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. Other fairs will take place in Northeast, Northwest, and Southeast Arkansas, with the state-level Arkansas State Science and Engineering Fair set for April 3 at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
Cash prizes for participating students range from $100 to $1,000, offering both recognition and incentive for young innovators. “Young people bring fresh ideas and energy to our industry,” said Brad Doyle, soybean producer from Poinsett County and ASPB chair. “Their curiosity and creativity help us build a stronger future for Arkansas agriculture.”
The Soybean Science Challenge represents a unique opportunity for students to combine creativity, scientific inquiry, and hands-on research while contributing to the next generation of agricultural innovation in the state.
