Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge is the premier national science competition for students in grades 5 through 8. The Young Scientist Challenge is designed to encourage the exploration of science among America's youth and to promote the importance of science communication.

In 1999, Discovery launched the competition to nurture the next generation of American scientists at a critical age when interest in science begins to decline.

Over the past 10 years, more than 600,000 middle school students have been nominated to participate in the competition, and winners have gone on to speak in front of members of Congress, work with the nation's top scientists on amazing experiential trips around the world, and pursue academic careers in the sciences.