STEM competitions for Northwest Arkansas students

A student-led nonprofit running hands-on engineering challenges, academic contests, and team events for students in grades 2-9.

Next festival: Spring 2027 — date TBD

Every dollar goes toward expanding STEM education.

B.A.S.E. is entirely student-led and volunteer-run. Registration revenue covers our festivals (awards, materials, and supplies), and everything beyond that goes directly into STEM kits, which we donate to children's hospitals and schools throughout Northwest Arkansas.

Who can compete?

Any student currently entering grades 2 through 9. Competitors are divided into two divisions: Grades 2–5 and Grades 6–9.

How much does it cost?

Registration is $10 per competing student, paid through our Zeffy page. There is no cost for family members or spectators.

Where does the registration fee go?

Money raised funds STEM kits which go to children in local schools and hospitals. A portion also goes toward funding the festival (awards, event materials, venue setup, supplies). B.A.S.E. is entirely volunteer-run and no funds go to any individual hosting the event.

How do I register?

Click the "Register on Zeffy" button on this page. Zeffy is a free, secure nonprofit fundraising platform. You will receive a confirmation after completing your registration.

How should students prepare?

Visit our Events page for a full list of competitions. Each event has a rules document and a practice/study resource linked so students can come prepared and confident.

Can a student compete in more than one event?

Yes, once a student is registered for the festival, they can compete in as many of the events in their division as they want. A schedule of the competition day will be released in June, and all the events run throughout the day and do not overlap.