More than 200 area middle and high school students will compete in the 44th annual Darton State College Regional Science and Engineering Fair on Thursday.

For 44 years, Darton State College has hosted the Regional Science Fair for middle and high school students throughout southwest Georgia. Participating students have an opportunity to be innovative, utilize their knowledge, and learn about different careers within the STEM field. Students who have received top awards have gone on to represent Southwest Georgia at the national level.

The fair will be held throughout the day in Darton’s recreation gym, and conclude at 6:30 p.m. with the awards presentation, which will be held in the Darton State College Theater. The exhibits will be open to the public at 7 p.m.

The 2016 science fair takes a new twist this year with the addition of Battelle as a partner. Battelle conducts research and development globally, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers with emphasis in the STEM field.

“This year, we are excited to be partnering with Battelle on hosting the 2016 Regional Science Fair,” said Darton State College Assistant Professor of Biology Doug Wyatt. “Having Battelle as a partner offers participating students an opportunity to interact with professionals leading the way in science and technology on a daily basis.”

The Regional Science Fair brings more than 55 schools throughout 18 counties together at the college. Each year approximately 150-200 students present their projects during the fair.

Invitations will be extended to the top exhibitors to attend the state fair in Athens on March 31 to April 2. The top competitor at the fair will represent southwest Georgia at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Ariz., May 8-13.

For more information on the science and engineering fair, call 229-317-6964.