The Eastside Community Association (ECA) is preparing to bring students, families, educators, scientists, businesses, and community organizations together for the New Albany Science Fair 2027, taking place March 20–21, 2027, at Thornton Community Center in East Albany, Georgia.

The free, two-day event will welcome visitors from Albany, Southwest Georgia, and surrounding communities for an educational experience designed to inspire scientific curiosity, encourage innovation, and strengthen community engagement.

Organized by the Eastside Community Association (ECA), the New Albany Science Fair reflects a broader community-led effort to strengthen East Albany through education, youth development, neighborhood revitalization, economic empowerment, and community engagement. ECA is working to create opportunities that encourage residents, businesses, and community organizations to collaborate in building a stronger, more connected, and thriving East Albany.

Under the theme “Learn, Play, Grow, and Discover Science for a Better Community,” the New Albany Science Fair will combine traditional student science competitions with interactive educational experiences for children, families, and visitors of all ages.

Encouraging the Next Generation of Scientists

Students in grades 3–12 will have opportunities to showcase their scientific investigations, discoveries, and innovative ideas through competitive project exhibitions. The competition welcomes eligible students from public schools, private schools, homeschools, and other educational settings throughout Southwest Georgia and surrounding communities.

Students will compete for awards recognizing scientific achievement, creativity, research, and innovation. The science fair aims to encourage young people to explore science beyond the classroom while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and research skills.

Student registration closes February 28, 2027.

Young Scientists in the Spotlight: A Special Media Opportunity

As students prepare for the New Albany Science Fair 2027, ECA is inviting television stations, newspapers, radio stations, and other media organizations to help highlight the next generation of scientists and innovators.

Through the Young Scientists in the Spotlight initiative, interested journalists will have opportunities to feature students as they research, experiment, build, and prepare their projects for the upcoming competition. Potential coverage may include classroom visits, student interviews, science project demonstrations, and stories highlighting the creativity, curiosity, and determination of young scientists.

The initiative welcomes participation from public schools, private schools, homeschool families, and other eligible educational programs. ECA will serve as a central coordinator, helping connect interested media organizations with participating schools and families. Interviews will be subject to school approvals, parent or guardian permissions, and agreed-upon arrangements.

Media organizations interested in featuring students before the science fair are encouraged to contact ECA to explore available opportunities.

Science Beyond the Competition

The New Albany Science Fair is designed to offer much more than traditional student exhibitions. Visitors will have opportunities to explore interactive science stations, participate in hands-on educational activities, discover scientific concepts, and engage with participating organizations and educational professionals.

Planned activities include science demonstrations, creative learning experiences, educational workshops, and interactive opportunities designed to make science accessible and enjoyable. The event will encourage children and families to learn through exploration, experimentation, creativity, and play.

Community Impact Award: The People’s Choice

One of the event’s special features will be the Community Impact Award, an opportunity for members of the public to help recognize a student science project they believe could make the greatest positive impact on the community. Visitors will be encouraged to explore participating science projects, learn about the students’ ideas, and cast their votes during designated voting hours.

Community Impact Award voting hours:

Saturday, March 20: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 21: 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

The award will highlight the relationship between scientific discovery, community needs, and innovative solutions.

Through this public participation opportunity, ECA hopes to encourage meaningful connections between young scientists and the communities their ideas may someday benefit.

Building a Stronger Community Through Education and Collaboration

The New Albany Science Fair is one way ECA is working to bring residents, students, families, educators, local businesses, and community organizations together around shared opportunities. By connecting science education with public participation, the event encourages young people to see how their ideas can contribute to the places where they live.

ECA invites educational institutions, scientific organizations, businesses, community groups, and individuals interested in supporting science education to explore opportunities for participation and collaboration. Potential involvement includes educational exhibits, interactive science stations, demonstrations, workshops, judging, volunteering, sponsorships, and other forms of event support.

Event Information

Event: New Albany Science Fair 2027

Organizer: Eastside Community Association (ECA)

Dates: March 20–21, 2027

Time: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. each day

Location: Thornton Community Center, Albany, Georgia

Admission: Free and open to the public

Student Competition: Grades 3–12

Student Registration Deadline: February 28, 2027