The Stark State College Student Symposium, presented by Stark State’s Honors Program Oversight Committee, is a one-day event celebrating the academic achievements and technical skills of students from Stark State and local high schools.
The Symposium showcases students’ faculty-guided, in-depth research, capstone projects, scholarly work, creative activities or science projects.
Students can choose to deliver their project as an oral presentation, poster presentation, project demonstration, or performances highlighting their scholarly work and academic success while also fostering career success and networking opportunities.
Highlight the academic goals of your program and/or courses.
Learn about Stark State’s opportunities for your students.
Students
Present at a sociable and professional event.
Develop skills in public speaking, abstract writing and professional communication.
Build your resume as a participant in a scholarly event with opportunities for awards.
Network with potential employers.
Explore opportunities at Stark State, both during high school and as a college student.
Learn about transferability from Stark State to four-year bachelor’s degree programs.
Student testimonials
“The variety of research topics at the symposium were engaging, and everyone works so hard in their presentations. Can’t wait to see the new ones as well as present my own.”
Claire Jones
Symposium presenter 2025 | Physics major
“Participating in the Student Symposium is a great opportunity for students. Through this experience I gained a better understanding of how to conduct and present my research projects in a professional manner. In preparing for the symposium, I had the opportunity work with and learn from my professors. They guided me through the research process and helped build my presentation confidence. No matter what career you are working towards, it is always important to build your professional abilities, and the Students Symposium is an opportunity to do just that.”
Lydia Jarka
2019 Symposium presenter | SSC alum
“Presenting my research in the 2019 Stark State Symposium was truly a fantastic experience! It not only gave me an opportunity to perform research and work closely with a faculty mentor, but it allowed me to gain excellent oral presentation experience and share my research with my peers, faculty, family and friends! This was an outstanding opportunity, and I highly recommend it for other students! You got this!”
Natalie James
2019 Symposium presenter I SSC alum
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Symposium categories and guidelines
Course projects/research projects/case studies
Capstone projects
Scholarly work
Creative works
Club service projects
Student service projects
Science fair projects
2027 symposium dates and deadlines
Stay tuned for submission deadlines for the 2027 symposium.
The Stark State Student Symposium is a half-day event that highlights the academic excellence of students from Stark State College and local community high schools.
Local industry partners will be invited to attend and act as judges
Four-year institutions will also be invited to attend in order to showcase transferability
Students are invited to present their work (alone or in groups) from the current academic year (Summer 2025 – Spring 2026). Presenters will have the opportunity to win awards and prizes.
All Stark State College, College Credit Plus, and local high school students are eligible to submit an application to present. Students enrolled in the Honors program are required to present at least once, as part of the program requirements.
All students wishing to participate must submit an application that includes an abstract providing an overview of what they would like to present.
The Honors Program Committee will review the applications and abstracts and will approve projects for participation.
Applications and abstracts must be written with regard for standard English
Incomplete applications will not be accepted
Late applications will not be considered
Capstone Project – a program specific course that requires at least one semester of research or project/product development. Typically includes either a written report or a presentations at the end of the semester.
Debate – a formalized argument on a particular topic where two or more participants provide opposing arguments.
Demonstration – a non-hazardous presentation of a skill, technique, or application.
Essay – a formal paper and/or presentation of original and/or argument on a topic of intellectual merit.
Panel discussion – a public exchange of ideas that allows audience members the opportunity to join in the discussion of a particular topic.
Performance – music, voice, or acting.
Poster – a wall-fold or tri-fold poster demonstrating the student’s project or work, usually a mixture of a brief text mixed with tables, graphs, pictures, and other presentation formats. Poster presenters are expected to stand by the poster display and explain their work while attendees and judges view the poster and ask questions throughout the allotted time frame.
Research Project – usually included in a course or completed as part of research experience for undergraduate program.
Speech – a chosen topic researched by student independently and presented orally to audience.
The online application and submission will be available by end of October.
Online submission will close Friday, March 26.
The symposium will consist of opening remarks, three presentation sessions, lunch, keynote speaker(s), awards presentation, and closing remarks.
Students will present by means of a poster, oral presentation, demonstration, performance, panel discussion, or debate. Standard presentations will be limited to 20 minutes. Some demonstrations, performances, panel discussions, and debates may require additional time, if requested. Students should leave time for questions at the end of their presentations.
Lunch will be provided for all presenters and attendees.
