Outstanding Science Student Award

IJAS member high schools may nominate seniors to win the IJAS Outstanding Science Student Award medal and certificate sponsored by Pella Corporation. The front of each medallion is struck with the Iowa Academy of Science logo while the student's name and high school is engraved on the back with acknowledgement of the Pella Corporation sponsorship.

Sponsored by Pella Corporation

One award is presented at each school. Each member high school may pick one winner or if more than one name is submitted the winner will be chosen by the Student Program Committee of the Iowa Academy of Science. The award is typically presented during a spring school assembly. 

 OSSA nominations must be received by the first Friday in March to be considered. Awards are delivered to the school by mid-April, in time for presentation at the senior assembly of the school. Contact the IAS office if you need the award earlier than mid-April.

Schools may nominate a student by filling out the online OSSA Nomination Form. If a school has more than one nominee please submit a separate form for each student. The winner will be chosen by the IAS Student Programs Committee.

Minimum criteria for each OSSA recipient:

  • Graduating senior status
  • Eight semesters of science in grades 9-12, including chemistry
  • Minimum grade point average of B in all science courses
  • High school rank in the top 25% of graduating class
  • Involved in out-of-class science activity(s) (may include: science fairs, science club, laboratory assistant, 4-H demonstrations, Envirothon, etc.)