Nebraska Science Olympiad Leadership Committee

Nebraska State Science Olympiad Leadership Committee
Formation Beginning June 2025

The STEM Trail Center will be establishing a state-wide Nebraska Science Olympiad Leadership Committee, launching in June 2025.

Purpose of the Nebraska Science Olympiad Leadership Committee

The committee’s mission is to increase Science Olympiad participation across Nebraska. This includes increasing the number of school teams, expanding the number of invitational tournaments, and boosting participation in the state tournament.

Our goal is to inspire future scientists across every region of Nebraska. This initiative is focused on growth and enthusiasm—not on altering the competition structure. We aim to foster excitement and accessibility for all students interested in science.

Committee Member Expectations

Commitment:
Serve a one-year term from June 2025 to March 2026. Members are expected to attend 4–6 virtual meetings via Zoom during this period. At least four proposed meeting dates and times will be provided prior to asking for your formal commitment.

In addition to attending meetings, committee members may be asked to contribute time and expertise in the following areas:

• Research and Innovation: Explore internal and external strategies to support the growth and sustainability of the Nebraska Science Olympiad community.

• Outreach and Promotion: Collaborate on strategies to encourage new team formation and increase engagement in Science Olympiad across the state. Support outreach initiatives and help identify opportunities to offer workshops and programs to schools interested in growing their teams.

• Mentorship: Provide mentorship and guidance to new Science Olympiad coaches during the 2026 season, as needed.

• Tournament Support: Assist with planning and logistics for an invitational tournament and/or the state tournament.

• Funding Strategies: Contribute ideas and strategies to help schools find and secure funding sources to support their Science Olympiad programs. (Note: Fundraising at the state level will be managed by the STEM Trail Center.)

Committee Composition

The STEM Trail Center will make the final decisions regarding committee membership to ensure the group remains small and effective (if needed.) While maintaining a manageable size, we hope the committee will reflect diverse representation including:

• One coach from each of Nebraska’s six regions

• This should include several experienced coaches

• And at least one new or relatively new coach to provide fresh insights

• Invitational tournament directors (both new and seasoned)

• Experienced event supervisors (invited via a separate survey)

• The Nebraska State Director

In addition, guest participation may occasionally include experienced state or national directors, including retired professionals, who can offer valuable insights and guidance.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to help expand and enrich the Science Olympiad in Nebraska! Please contact Deanna Johansen if you are interested in applying to join the commitee.