We Put Education First
Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteers are the most important part of Polaris Education Foundation. could not exist without the hard work and commitment of our volunteers nationwide. Volunteering at PEF is a rewarding one, and our dedicated volunteer mentors grow from their experiences with students, enjoy the tangible satisfaction of seeing their students succeed, and gain a valuable resume asset and a network of like-minded professionals.
Students Testing
I- ready
The CogAT is a group-administered aptitude test commonly given as an entrance exam into school's gifted programs.
The SCAT (School and College Ability Test) is a standardized test used by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) to identify 2nd – 12th graders for their gifted program. The SCAT is an “above grade level” test and measures math and verbal reasoning abilities.
The SCAT is a timed, two-part test that contains math and verbal sections in a multiple-choice format. The SCAT has a verbal and quantitative section, each with 55 questions. On the test, 50 questions from each section are graded and 5 are experimental items that do not count towards the final score. Students have 22 minutes to complete each section. They are given a 10-minute break between sections. There is no penalty for wrong answers so it is okay to guess. Be sure your child knows how to eliminate answers that are clearly wrong before making his or her best guess.
The California Department of Education administers the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program, which provides funding for local educational agencies to develop unique education opportunities for high-achieving and underachieving students. Each school district’s governing board determines their own criteria for GATE program participation. (Note: If a student transfers school districts, they may need to requalify for the new school district, as they are not automatically accepted.)
How long do the tests take?
Each test takes around 20 minutes to complete, although some students may require more time
How are the tests given?
The tasks are taken on individual computers, Chromebooks, iPads, or tablets that are at least 7’’
How are the questions structured?
All questions are multiple choice, with 3-4 answer choices per questions
How are test results given?
The scores are calculated at the end of the test and given to the student’s teacher, with score evaluated by class and grade at the school or district level
Enter your answer here
Enter your answer here
Enter your answer here
Enter your answer here
List of Student Contests and Competitions
Students can submit a short film inspired by, and using, actual footage from NASA's digital archives for a chance to earn cash prizes, have their film screened by renowned director Richard Linklater(Boyhood, Dazed and Comfused), and get programmed into the Houston Cinema Arts Festival this November.
Kids ages 13-18 can submit a big scientific idea in fundamental physics, life sciences, or mathematics in video form.
Your high school students can win up to $35,000 in scholarships and prizes for their smart ideas on topics like sustainability, food insecurity, the impact of technology, and more.
Kids ages 13–18 can submit a big scientific idea in fundamental physics, life sciences, or mathematics in video form.
Your high school students can win up to $35,000 in scholarships and prizes for their smart ideas on topics like sustainability, food insecurity, the impact of technology, and more.
SIBA Invention Competition
Enter any idea for a new way to demonstrate an educational concept, an idea for a new product, or an improvement for an existing product or procedure.
As the nation's premier middle school science competition, the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5-8 to compete for an exclusive mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the chance to earn the title of "America's Top Young Scientist.
The Botball educational robotics program engages middle and high school aged students in a team-oriented robotics competition, and serves as a perfect way to meet today's new common core standards.
Students use science, engineering, technology, math, and writing skills to design, build, program, and document robots in a hands-on project that reinforces their learning.
FIRST is More Than Robots
First LEGO League (4-16years old)
First Tech Challege (12-18years old)
First Robotics Competition (14-18years old)