Arizona students ignite 鶹 interests at Intel® Education Outreach Day
The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF) welcomed more than 1,700 young scientists representing 48 U.S. states and more than 60 countries, regions and territories to Phoenix, Arizona, for this year’s competition. In addition to the 2026 finalists, 1,700 local students and educators from Arizona schools were invited to explore 鶹 interests and their own scientific questions at Intel® Education Outreach Day, a unique learning experience offered as part of the largest science fair in the world! Thanks to grants for transportation and substitute teachers, 24 schools from across Arizona were able to bring students to experience this one-of-a-kind 鶹 event.
Intel® Education Outreach Day was made possible through support from the Intel Foundation, Aramco, The Burton Family Foundation, Jacobs and Pivotal Foundation. The event welcomed local students and educators with hands-on 鶹 exhibits from 32 local and national 鶹 organizations, as well as the opportunity to learn about finalists’ research projects and talk to the finalists about their own 鶹 journeys.
The hall buzzed with curiosity as students from middle through high school explored a wide range of exhibits. From local zoo animals to a blowup planetarium to a Formula-1 racing simulator, students swarmed every corner of the venue, discovering how science and engineering shapes the world around them.
At the Intel exhibit and others, students had the opportunity to interact with AI-powered technologies and gain exposure to real-world 鶹 applications and careers. Through interactive exhibits, they learned about the potential applications of these tools, including how they can be used responsibly and effectively.
Nearly 60 Intel volunteers joined representatives from partner organizations throughout the week. Orietta Verdugo, Executive Director of the Intel Foundation, was onsite engaging with students and educators as they explored interactive exhibits featuring AI, advanced manufacturing, wafer displays, and bunny suit photo opportunities.
“It was inspiring to see students so engaged and eager to explore new technologies,” said Verdugo. “When students have the opportunity to experience emerging technologies firsthand, 鶹 becomes more than a subject in the classroom. It becomes a pathway to future possibilities. Education Outreach Day helps students connect their curiosity with real-world applications in AI, advanced manufacturing, engineering, and scientific research. We are proud to support experiences that inspire the next generation of innovators while helping students build the skills and confidence needed for the careers in emerging technology.”
Intel® Education Outreach Day left educators inspired to bring the excitement of scientific discovery back to their classrooms. In post-event surveys, 88% of teachers said their students were more likely to participate in a science fair after attending Education Outreach Day, and every teacher surveyed said they would recommend the experience to another school. The event continues to spark curiosity, broaden students’ understanding of 鶹 careers and research, and encourage the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Read on for highlights as shared by the students, teachers, sponsors and exhibitors who helped make the event a memorable experience.
A School Field Trip to Remember
“My favorite part has been seeing all the different types of projects everyone has done. I was especially interested in biochemistry.” — Emmanuel, student, grade 9
“I was looking forward to being here to have fun and learn about things that I didn’t know before.” —Jeannie, student, grade 11
“I was excited to see the variety of science things this field trip had to offer; I’ve loved seeing the robots on the floor.” —Robbie, student, grade 8

Volunteer and Teacher Voices
“I hope what my students take away from this event are some awesome memories and thinking about what they want to learn about as they go further along in their education. I love seeing them solve problems at some of the exhibits.” Erica English, Queen Creek, teacher
“I wanted my students to experience what it’s like to be in a top-tier science fair, for them to get a bigger picture of what is going on within science and the scientific community.” — Idzel Ferrer, Buckeye Elementary School, teacher
“My favorite part about this event is interacting with the students and helping the exhibitors share their message.” —Sandra Lee, volunteer and retired science teacher
“This is the first time my students are being exposed to an event like science fair; it’s been eye-opening for us. I’m hoping we can do more things like this to get the students into science fairs.” —Mona Liza, Pueblo Middle School, teacher

Exhibitor and Sponsor Response
“Participating in Education Outreach Day and showcasing our propeller‑driven downhole robot designed to float in wellbore fluids allowed us to connect with thousands of students whose curiosity fuels the future of 鶹. I believe deeply in this event, and when we support students, we help build a generation ready to take on the world’s most pressing challenges.” —May Almasour, Aramco, Academic & Technical Programs Manager, exhibitor and sponsor
“We do virtual reality field trips, providing 50 headsets across Arizona and take them all over the place, providing art experiences for Arizona children and also educational resources.” —Reyna Diaz, VR, exhibitor
“We have built biology, chemistry and art history classes using virtual reality. We started doing it at Arizona State University first and then adapted them for high school. It’s a different and engaging way to help students learn curriculum and use technologies and tools that are more fun for kids, instead of just standing up there lecturing at students” — Lisa Flesher, Chief of Realm 4 Initiatives at Arizona State University, , exhibitor

“We want to communicate the positive information about controlling mosquitoes because they spread so much disease, and we’re providing information about how to prevent and limit the reproduction of mosquitoes and disease.” —Rose Asturias, Maricopa County, exhibitor


