Virginia Science Olympiad (VASO)
Virginia Science Olympiad Inc ("VASO") seeks to build excitement in STEM by offering fun and rewarding tournaments for elementary, middle, and high school students. VASO, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the Virginia state chapter of the national organization Science Olympiad.
VASO was established by Fairfax County teachers in 2001 with three competing high schools. Over the last two decades, the organization has expanded, serving over 100 schools and over 3,000 elementary, middle, and high school students each year. VASO also works with two Virginia college SO alumni organizations, as well as providing many volunteer opportunities for alums during and after their college years.
VASO hosts three elementary-level tournaments, four middle and high school regional tournaments, and a state tournament, as well as supporting two practice tournaments in the state. In addition, VASO puts on educational seminars for coaches and students and provides resources for the National tournament each year.
Our Mission
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Provide age-appropriate, collaborative and hands-on events and experiences across a wide breadth of STEM disciplines and topics.
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Celebrate individual and team achievements.
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Foster relationships among students, college-age alums, educators and the professional STEM community.
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Encourage and provide support for economically disadvantaged and traditionally underrepresented populations of students to participate in STEM activities.
Our Growth Vision
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Expand interest in the organization geographically
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Establish a model of independently-run regional tournaments and a state tournament
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Maintain financial stability through corporate sponsorships, private donors, and team dues
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Coordinate with local and state agencies and organizations to promote and build interest in STEM education
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Cultivate a community of STEM volunteers and mentors to support tournaments and the organization
Virginia Science Olympiad does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, culture, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or veteran status in its activities or operations.
