SVC

About the program

The Scholarly Viewpoint Challenge (SVC) empowers students to explore, analyze, and articulate their perspectives on STEM topics that matter most to them.

Designed to foster critical thinking, research skills, and scientific communication, this program invites students to craft a compelling viewpoint essay on any STEM subject of their choice.

Program Information

Comprehensive Academic Support

Throughout the program, students gain access to a variety of supports, including interactive writing workshops, on-demand e-learning modules, and personalized guidance from graduate student mentors. These resources help participants strengthen their research, writing, and argumentation skills.

Iterative Feedback and Revision

In addition to receiving detailed feedback from both peers and mentors, students will have the opportunity to revise their work in preparation for submission to a national competition.

Awards, Publication Opportunities, and National Recognition

Winning submissions will receive cash prizes and publication fee waivers for the STEM Fellowship Journal, offering students a unique platform to share their voice within the broader scientific community.

firsthand feedback

Youth fEedback about program

Neil Zhang

Abbey Park High School

"The SVC was a really great opportunity for me to explore my scientific interests. I was able to connect with an amazing mentor who helped stoke my scientific curiosity, and I learnt so much during the competition. I would definitely recommend participating in the SVC if you want to challenge yourself academically!"

Ignacio G. Lopez

Westmount Charter School

"Overall, I found my SVC experience excellent! The mentors were extremely knowledgeable and I learned a lot about science and scientific writing, allowing me to continue through my academic journey with a stronger understanding of logic, writing, and the scientific environment!"

Harsimranjit N.

Turner Fenton Secondary School

"This experience as a whole was both challenging and exhilarating. It provided me with a unique experience where I was given the creative freedom to learn more about a topic that interested me in a manner that challenged my prior beliefs. I am thankful to the team that organized this competition for providing me with this opportunity."

Choose Your Path

Self-Paced Registration

June-July, 2026 / Online

Explore a STEM topic and craft a scholarly viewpoint essay

Improve your writing through workshops, e‑modules, and mentor support

Get peer and expert feedback to refine and elevate your work

Get published in the Projects Review in an academic journal

Strengthen your academic portfolio with a published STEM piece

Join a national network of students, mentors, and educators in STEM communication

*All prices in Canadian dollars

*Grades 9–12; 1-st, 2–nd year undergraduates

$45

per person

Apply Now

Instructor-Lead Registration

August 17-28, 2026 / Hart House, UofT

Highly selective STEM program (max 15 students), taught by PhD researchers, with introductory pricing.

Direct PhD Mentorship: 1-on-1 guidance from a senior researcher

AI-Enhanced Workflow: Mastering professional AI tools to map the frontiers of science

Scholarly Writing: Students will move from AI-powered ideation to literature review and to drafting a viewpoint manuscript

University Prep: Publishing in a scholarly journal and building a portfolio that stands out in the most competitive admissions cycles

*All prices in Canadian dollars

*Grades 9–12; 1-st, 2–nd year undergraduates

$975

per person

Apply Now

Why Participate?

Explore a STEM topic you’re passionate about and develop a scholarly viewpoint essay that showcases your research and critical thinking

Strengthen your writing through interactive workshops, self-paced e-modules, and personalized guidance from graduate student mentors

Receive constructive feedback from peers and experts to refine your ideas and elevate your writing.

Compete for cash prizes and publication in the open-access, peer-reviewed STEM Fellowship Journal

Build your academic and professional portfolio with a published piece that demonstrates your voice and vision in STEM

Join a national network of students, mentors, and educators passionate about scientific communication and innovation

Schedule and Registration

Registration Deadline: July 4, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET

Challenge Dates: July 6 to August 20, 2025 (entirely online; includes both synchronous and asynchronous elements)

Participants: High School (Grades 9-12) and 1st-2nd Year Undergraduate Students

Registration Fee: $30

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Questions? We've got answers!

viewpoint.challenge@stemfellowship.org

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