The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) is the largest pre-college science competition in the world. Established in 1950 by Science Service, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC, Intel ISEF been devoted to promoting the achievement of students in science. Intel became the title sponsor of ISEF in 1998 and has played an instrumental role in heightening the fair's prestige and renown around the world. Every May, Intel ISEF brings together 1,500 students from all 50 American states and more than 40 different countries to compete for grants, internships, scientific research opportunities and scholarships. All prizes together amount over $4,000,000. Although ISEF is considered an international event, the United States almost always hosts it. The 2006 Intel ISEF was held in Indianapolis, Indiana from May 7th to the 12th. The next upcoming fairs will be held at the times and places as follows:

> Albuquerque, New Mexico, May 13-19, 2007
> Atlanta, Georgia, May 11-17, 2008
> Reno, Nevada, May 10-16, 2009
> San Jose, California, May 9-15, 2010

Traditionally, the host city prepares a convention center in which social events and the actual competition itself is held. Hotel accommodations, college tours and sight seeing opportunities are also made available.

In order to qualify for Intel ISEF, contestants in grades 9-12 must first compete in an affiliated regional fair. Conventionally, these fairs determine the ratio of total participants and a reasonable number of top prizes that ultimately send the winners to Intel ISEF. Fairs are generally structured around formal judging procedures that require a fair participant's physical presence as well as a vocalized description of his or her project with help from a visual aid (usually a 3 panel poster board and/or a PowerPoint presentation).

Since the fair is held annually in May, it is usually too late to notify colleges of your qualification to participate in, or the results of your participation in Intel ISEF. However, it is still beneficial to become an Intel ISEF finalist in the years preceding senior year to show off your competitive rigor and academic devotion. Although the discovery of science itself can be its own reward for students, Science Service enhances these accomplishments through the preservation of the abundant opportunities associated with Intel ISEF.