Riverside County, CA

During the holiday break, more than a thousand Riverside County students will be putting the finishing touches on district-level science projects, studying courtroom strategy, researching historical characters, and studying spelling words in preparation for the upcoming student event season that gets underway in January.

Dedicated students and coaches who have invested months in rigorous preparation will showcase their skills at county-level competitions with the hopes of securing invitations to state and national competitions.

Each of the events adheres to the guidelines set forth by both state and national contests, ensuring alignment with rules and expectations at the next level of competition. Every event will be marked by in-person Award Ceremonies, adding a personal touch to the recognition of participants’ achievements. More details on each event will be available on specific event pages as the event dates near.

“Student events represent a powerful opportunity for scholars at all levels to showcase their academic talent, expand their understanding, and learn about everything from teamwork and commitment to public speaking and critical thinking,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “Every year, I look forward to celebrating our students’ extraordinary accomplishments and cheering them on as they represent Riverside County at national and international competitions.”

This year, the Riverside County Office of Education is inviting community members to join in the fun and serve as volunteers. Specifically, volunteer positions are available for Academic Decathlon, Science and Engineering Fair, and History Day.

ACADEMIC DECATHLON 

• What: Academic competition with the 2025 theme “Our Changing Climate”. 
• When: January 16, 2025 – Essay (Remote); January 18, 2025 – Objective Tests (Remote); February 1, 2025– Speech/Interview, Super Quiz, and Awards Ceremony 
• Where: RCOE Conference Center (4280 Brockton Avenue, Riverside)
• Volunteer Opportunities: https://events.rcoe.us/VO-RCAD25 
• 2024 Competition Highlights: Western Center Academy Repeats as Riverside County Academic Decathlon Champions 

SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR 

• What: Competition featuring science and engineering projects designed, developed, and displayed by students. 
• When: February 28, 2025 – Project Set Up and Judging; March 1, 2025 – Public Viewing and Awards Ceremony 
• Where: Riverside Convention Center (3637 Fifth Street, Riverside)
• Volunteer Opportunities: https://events.rcoe.us/VO-RCSEF25 
• 2024 Competition Highlights: Riverside County Students Earn Gold Medals, Advance to State, National, and International Science Fairs 

MOCK TRIAL 

• What: Fictional legal trial competition with students trying the case as members of the defense and prosecution teams. This year’s trial is People vs. Clark. 
• When: Seven rounds of competition starting January 21, 2025, and ending with the finals on February 18
• Where: Multiple locations, with final round at Riverside Historic Courthouse (4050 Main Street, Riverside)
• 2024 Competition Highlights: The Verdict Is In: Poly High School Wins 2024 Riverside County Mock Trial Competition 

HISTORY DAY 

• What: Year-long educational program in which students become historians. Theme for 2025 is ” Rights & Responsibilities in History.” 
• When: February 22, 2025 – Judging and Interviews and Awards Ceremony 
• Where: Moreno Valley High School (23300 Cottonwood Avenue, Moreno Valley) 
• Volunteer Opportunities: https://events.rcoe.us/VO-RCHD25 
• 2024 Competition Highlights: Results From 2024 Riverside County National History Day: 72 Projects by 131 Students Advance to National History Day-California Competition

SPELLING BEE 

• What: The traditional spelling bee will be held in person at RCOE Conference Center. The winner from Riverside County will move on to the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
• When: March 26, 2025, 9:00 a.m. 
• Where: Riverside County Office of Education Conference Center (4280 Brockton Avenue, Riverside)
• 2024 Competition Highlights: Avijeet Randhawa Wins 46th Riverside County Spelling Bee