2025 Impact Report

NCSO Hosts Three NEW Regional Tournaments 

With interest in the North Carolina Science Olympiad program building, our central North Carolina Tournaments were quickly reaching capacity.  With an evident need to expand its reach, NCSO laid the groundwork for initiating two new Division A (Elementary) tournaments and one new Division B/C (Middle/High) tournament in 2025.  NCSO officially broke ground in Chatham County, hosting 24 teams at the inaugural elementary tournament and 15 teams at the middle/high school tournament.  In an effort to support more rural teams, we also hosted 12 Elementary teams at the Lee County tournament.  With the addition of these three new Regional tournaments, NCSO now hosts a total of 16 Division A Regionals, 9 Division B Regionals, 9 Division C Regionals and the State Tournament at NC State.  

First Regional Tournament at NC State

In an effort to elevate the reputation and visibility of NC State, the North Carolina Science Olympiad hosted their largest Regional tournament on the NCSU campus for the first time.  This tournament brought 27 Division B (middle school) teams and 31 Division C (high school) teams to Wolfpack Nation.  This unique opportunity provided these future scientists and engineers with a rich STEM experience, together with a personalized and a memorable weekend on campus at NC State.  

2025 In Numbers

Counting More Than Medals—Measuring Moments That Matter.

Increase in Innovative Partnerships & Engagement

This year, NCSO has increased corporate relationships including deeper partnership with ABB with service at ABB Community Day.  NCSO saw significant expansion of the STEM Expo at the State Tournament with 16 vendors and partners present, including the NC State College of Sciences, College of Agriculture, Biomathematics and the College of Textiles.  NC Science Olympiad partnered with the State Crime Lab to bring more engaging and academically rigorous events to Division B and C tournaments. In summer of 2025, NCSO is offering Gold Medal Experiences to students who won first place in certain events at the State Tournament.  Gold Medal Experiences showcase entrepreneurial thinking and applied problem-solving through one day experiences with relevant organizations, such as the NC State Chemistry Graduate Student Association, the North Carolina Geological Survey, the NC State Crime Lab, etc.