Student Showcase
Teachers, Highlight Your Students’ Work!
San Diego County schools are doing some amazing projects, and the San Diego County Fair wants to showcase your work!
Student Showcase is the competitive exhibit where teachers in middle schools, high schools and community colleges enter their students’ work. (Elementary school teachers can enter their students’ work in the Best of PreK-6th Grade exhibit.)
Entering projects gives schools and students exposure, credibility, awards, recognition, free Fair admission and more.
Entry Information
Important Dates
Entry deadline: Monday, May 16, 2022
Entry delivery; all departments other than Yearbooks: Friday, May 20 & Saturday, May 21 2022
Exhibit dates: June 8–July 4, 2022
Entry pick-up date: Thursday, July 7, 2022: 10am–4pm
All Local and State Rules apply.
Drafting & Technology
Drafting divisions include hand-drawn and computer-aided drafting, and architectural models. General Technology divisions cover metal work, woodworking, automotive technology, and more. Science Technology projects include physical, biological, and environmental science, and robotics engineering.
Graphics & Literary Publications
Graphic communications divisions include such topics as posters, packaging, advertising, typography, computer graphics, digital painting and illustration, screen printing, and lithography. Literary publication divisions include student yearbooks, newspapers, and journals.
Web Design and Development & Video
Website divisions give awards for internet publishing in educational/informational, promotion/e-commerce, entertainment, and newspaper editions. Video divisions include documentary, music, news reporting, short films, sports, animation, and more.
Fine Art & Photography
Fine Art features two-dimensional and three-dimensional artwork in a wide variety of media. Photography divisions include photography prints, restoration, digital painting and illustration, photojournalism, and more.
Fashion Design
The couture designers of tomorrow will compete today with their original clothing. Divisions include design, illustration, textile design, costume design, design using unconventional materials, and more.
One-Day Contests
Students can enter many of our One-Day Contests. Please see the Contests section for a list of contests and their age requirements.
Tin Cup Coffee House (hidden)
The Tin Cup Coffee House provides a platform for the spoken expression of original poetry, plays, etc. on select Fair dates.
Poetry Slam Contest
Back for 2020 is our Poetry Slam! Teachers can enter their students for live readings of poetry, plays and other original written works. The contest is June 6; register by May 15.
Our Partners
Thanks to the following companies and associations:
San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association
California Graphic Arts Education Association
GoEngineer
Drafting & Technology
Teachers: Enter Your Students’ Drafting & Tech Projects
Drafting, science, engineering and technology instructors: Enter your students’ work to win ribbons and recognition in the San Diego County Fair Student Showcase competitive exhibit, in the Drafting, Science Technology, and General Technology divisions.
General Technology
This competition includes energy, power and transportation projects, metalworking, welding, woodworking and automotive technology. Teachers and students will find additional divisions of this type in the Industrial Arts exhibit.
Science Technology
This competition includes science and engineering group projects, and robotics engineering projects in fabricated, semi-autonomous and fully autonomous divisions.
Drafting
This competition includes technical illustration, architectural drawing, architectural models, technical drafting, and other design divisions.
The Fine Print
Got questions? Here is information about entering this exhibit.
Student projects made in San Diego County schools, grades 7-12, community colleges, ROP programs and adult education classes under the supervision of an instructor.
Projects must have been finished during the 12-month period preceding the Fair.
For information regarding individual youth competition, see Creative Youth.
Teachers who would like to enter preschool through elementary school projects can find information in Best of PreK-6th Grade.
The entry fee is $3 per individual entry; group projects are $10 (two or more students). Entry fees are non-refundable, however in the event of competition cancellation, entry fees will be applied to the following year or refunded.
Each student may enter up to four individual entries in all Student Showcase divisions combined. Students may in addition participate in group projects.
The Top 5 reasons why teachers should enter their students’ work in this exhibit:
- Tickets. Each student will receive one Fair admission ticket for each project entered. Teachers receive two Fair admission tickets. And if a teacher refers another teacher who has never entered Student Showcase, and that teacher registers his/her student projects, the referring teacher may receive an additional four admission tickets.
- Exposure and Fame. Entries are judged by local professionals. Students get to showcase their work to a large audience (Fair attendance each year is 1.5 million-plus). Friends and family get to see their star students’ work on display (and many of those displays will have some pretty cool ribbons hanging on them).
- Credibility and job possibilities. Teachers earn recognition for themselves and their schools, and students can enhance their resumes and get public exposure to people who might be potential employers (we’re talking about the judges and Fair guests who scout new talent, knowing they will see the cream of the crop all in one place).
- Awards. Student Showcase offers several levels of ribbon awards, including Best of Class, Best of Show, and donated awards from businesses and individual. Some awards are monetary!
- Scholarships. Any student who has participated in the Fair is eligible to apply for a Don Diego Scholarship. That program annually awards upwards of $65,000 in scholarships each year.
2019 Results (HIDDEN)
Congratulations to those who won major awards in 2019.
Entry Information
Entry deadline: Friday, May 15, 2020.
Entry delivery dates: Drafting and Science Technology, May 19-20, 2020. General Technology, May 28, 2020; noon-7:00pm all dates.
Exhibit dates: June 5-July 5, 2020.
Special awards reception: Saturday, June 20, 2020.
Entry pickup date: Tuesday, July 7, 2020.
Web Design and Development & Video
Teachers: Enter Your Websites & Videos
Video production and website design/development instructors: Enter your students’ work to win ribbons and recognition in the San Diego County Fair Student Showcase competitive exhibit, Web Design and Development and Video divisions. (Website Design and Development was formerly known as New Media.)
Web Design and Development
This competition includes Internet publishing projects in educational/informational, promotional/e-commerce, entertainment and newspaper editions divisions.
Video
This competition includes documentaries, music videos, news/investigative reporting, public service announcements, commercials, short films, action sports, animation, and motion graphics.
Video students may want to enter our 24Hr Film Festival contest.
The Fine Print
Got questions? Here is more information about entering this exhibit.
Student projects made in San Diego County schools, grades 7-12, community colleges, ROP programs and adult education classes under the supervision of an instructor.
Projects must have been finished during the 12-month period preceding the Fair.
For information regarding individual youth competition, see Creative Youth.
Teachers who would like to enter preschool through elementary school projects can find information in Best of PreK-6th Grade.
The entry fee is $3 per individual entry; group projects are $10 (two or more students). Entry fees are non-refundable, however in the event of competition cancellation, entry fees will be applied to the following year or refunded.
Teachers may enter up to four individual entries per student in all Student Showcase divisions combined. In addition to the individual entries, students may participate in group projects.
The Top 5 reasons why teachers should enter their students’ work in this exhibit:
- Tickets. Each student will receive one Fair admission ticket for each project entered. Teachers receive two Fair admission tickets. And if a teacher refers another teacher who has never entered Student Showcase, and that teacher registers his/her student projects, the referring teacher may receive an additional four admission tickets.
- Exposure and Fame. Entries are judged by local professionals. Students get to showcase their work to a large audience (Fair attendance each year is 1.5 million-plus). Friends and family get to see their star students’ work on display (and many of those displays will have some pretty cool ribbons hanging on them).
- Credibility and job possibilities. Teachers earn recognition for themselves and their schools, and students can enhance their resumes and get public exposure to people who might be potential employers (we’re talking about the judges and Fair guests who scout new talent, knowing they will see the cream of the crop all in one place).
- Awards. Student Showcase offers several levels of ribbon awards, including Best of Class, Best of Show, and donated awards from businesses and individual. Some awards are monetary!
- Scholarships. Any student who has participated in the Fair is eligible to apply for a Don Diego Scholarship. That program annually awards upwards of $65,000 in scholarships each year.
2019 Results (HIDDEN)
Congratulations to those who won major awards in 2019.
Entry Information
Entry deadline: Friday, May 15, 2020.
Entry delivery date: Tuesday, May 19, and Wednesday, May 20, 2020.
Exhibit dates: June 5-July 5, 2020.
Special awards reception: Saturday, June 20, 2020.
Entry pickup date: Tuesday, July 7, 2020.
Graphics & Literary Publications
Teachers: Enter Your Graphics Projects & Literary Publications
Graphic design, newspaper, yearbook, and literary publications instructors: Enter your work to win ribbons and recognition in the San Diego County Fair Student Showcase competitive exhibit, Graphic Communications and Literary Publications divisions.
Graphic Communications
This competition includes public service advertising, packaging, posters, portfolio, typography, two-page spreads for yearbooks and newspapers, computer graphics, screen printing, and offset lithography.
Literary Publications
This competition includes yearbooks, school newspapers, and school journals.
The Fine Print
Got questions? Here is more information about entering this exhibit.
Student projects made in San Diego County schools, grades 7-12, community colleges, ROP programs and adult education classes under the supervision of an instructor.
Projects must have been finished during the 12-month period preceding the Fair.
For information regarding individual youth competition, see Creative Youth.
Teachers who would like to enter preschool through elementary school projects can find information in Best of PreK-6th Grade.
The entry fee is $3 per individual entry; group projects are $10 (two or more students). Entry fees are non-refundable, however in the event of competition cancellation, entry fees will be applied to the following year or refunded.
Teachers may enter up to four individual entries per student in all Student Showcase divisions combined. In addition to the individual entries, students may participate in group projects.
The Top 5 reasons why teachers should enter their students’ work in this exhibit:
- Tickets. Each student will receive one Fair admission ticket for each project entered. Teachers receive two Fair admission tickets. And if a teacher refers another teacher who has never entered Student Showcase, and that teacher registers his/her student projects, the referring teacher may receive an additional four admission tickets.
- Exposure and Fame. Entries are judged by local professionals. Students get to showcase their work to a large audience (Fair attendance each year is 1.5 million-plus). Friends and family get to see their star students’ work on display (and many of those displays will have some pretty cool ribbons hanging on them).
- Credibility and job possibilities. Teachers earn recognition for themselves and their schools, and students can enhance their resumes and get public exposure to people who might be potential employers (we’re talking about the judges and Fair guests who scout new talent, knowing they will see the cream of the crop all in one place).
- Awards. Student Showcase offers several levels of ribbon awards, including Best of Class, Best of Show, and donated awards from businesses and individual. Some awards are monetary!
- Scholarships. Any student who has participated in the Fair is eligible to apply for a Don Diego Scholarship. That program annually awards upwards of $65,000 in scholarships each year.
Get in touch online or call us at (858) 792-4207.
2019 Results (HIDDEN)
Congratulations to those who won major awards in 2019.
Entry Information
Entry deadline: Friday, May 15, 2020.
Entry delivery dates: Tuesday, May 19, and Wednesday, May 20, 2020.
Entry delivery dates, Yearbooks: Wednesday, June 3, 2020.
Exhibit dates: June 5-July 5, 2020.
Special awards reception: Saturday, June 20, 2020.
Entry pickup date: Tuesday, July 7, 2020.
Fine Art & Photography
Teachers: Enter Your Students’ Art & Photos
Art and photography instructors: Enter your students’ work to win ribbons and recognition in the San Diego County Fair Student Showcase competitive exhibit, Fine Art and Photography divisions.
Fine Art
This competition includes 2-D artwork, 3D artwork and thematic art.
Photography
This competition includes photography, photojournalism, and creative photography divisions.
The Fine Print
Got questions? Here is more information about entering this exhibit.
Student projects made in San Diego County schools, grades 7-12, community colleges, ROP programs and adult education classes under the supervision of an instructor.
Projects must have been finished during the 12-month period preceding the Fair.
For information regarding individual youth competition, see Creative Youth.
Teachers who would like to enter preschool through elementary school projects can find information in Best of PreK-6th Grade.
The entry fee is $3 per entry; group projects are $10 (two or more students). Entry fees are non-refundable, however in the event of competition cancellation, entry fees will be applied to the following year or refunded.
Teachers may enter up to four individual entries per student in all Student Showcase divisions combined. In addition to the individual entries, students may participate in group projects.
The Top 5 reasons why teachers should enter their students’ work in this exhibit:
- Tickets. Each student will receive one Fair admission ticket for each project entered. Teachers receive two Fair admission tickets. And if a teacher refers another teacher who has never entered Student Showcase, and that teacher registers his/her student projects, the referring teacher may receive an additional four admission tickets.
- Exposure and Fame. Entries are judged by local professionals. Students get to showcase their work to a large audience (Fair attendance each year is 1.5 million-plus). Friends and family get to see their star students’ work on display (and many of those displays will have some pretty cool ribbons hanging on them).
- Credibility and job possibilities. Teachers earn recognition for themselves and their schools, and students can enhance their resumes and get public exposure to people who might be potential employers (we’re talking about the judges and Fair guests who scout new talent, knowing they will see the cream of the crop all in one place).
- Awards. Student Showcase offers several levels of ribbon awards, including Best of Class, Best of Show, and donated awards from businesses and individual. Some awards are monetary!
- Scholarships. Any student who has participated in the Fair is eligible to apply for a Don Diego Scholarship. That program annually awards upwards of $65,000 in scholarships each year.
Get in touch online or call us at (858) 792-4207.
2019 Results (HIDDEN)
Congratulations to those who won major awards in 2019.
Entry Information
Entry deadline: Friday, May 15, 2020.
Entry delivery date: Tuesday, May 19, and Wednesday, May 20, 2020.
Exhibit dates: June 5-July 5, 2020.
Special awards reception: Saturday, June 20, 2020.
Entry pickup date: Tuesday, July 7, 2020.
Fashion Design
Teachers: Enter Your Students’ Fashion Designs
Instructors: Enter your students’ work to win ribbons and recognition in the San Diego County Fair Student Showcase competitive exhibit, Fashion Design division.
Fashion Design
This competition includes fashion design, fashion illustration, textile design, theatrical/costume design, unconventional materials fashion design, Fair theme fashion design, and group fashion presentation and marketing.
Fashion Show
Fashion design students show off their creations in the Fashion Show. See the event page for details.
The Fine Print
Got questions? Here is more information about entering this exhibit.
Student projects made in San Diego County schools, grades 7-12, community colleges, ROP programs and adult education classes under the supervision of an instructor.
Projects must have been finished during the 12-month period preceding the Fair.
For information regarding individual youth competition, see Creative Youth.
Teachers who would like to enter preschool through elementary school projects can find information in Best of PreK-6th Grade.
The entry fee is $3 per entry; group projects are $10 (two or more students). Entry fees are non-refundable, however in the event of competition cancellation, entry fees will be applied to the following year or refunded.
Teachers may enter up to four individual entries per student in all Student Showcase divisions combined. In addition to the individual entries, students may participate in group projects.
The Top 5 reasons why teachers should enter their students’ work in this exhibit:
- Tickets. Each student will receive one Fair admission ticket for each project entered. Teachers receive two Fair admission tickets. And if a teacher refers another teacher who has never entered Student Showcase, and that teacher registers his/her student projects, the referring teacher may receive an additional four admission tickets.
- Exposure and Fame. Entries are judged by local professionals. Students get to showcase their work to a large audience (Fair attendance each year is 1.5 million-plus). Friends and family get to see their star students’ work on display (and many of those displays will have some pretty cool ribbons hanging on them).
- Credibility and job possibilities. Teachers earn recognition for themselves and their schools, and students can enhance their resumes and get public exposure to people who might be potential employers (we’re talking about the judges and Fair guests who scout new talent, knowing they will see the cream of the crop all in one place).
- Awards. Student Showcase offers several levels of ribbon awards, including Best of Class, Best of Show, and donated awards from businesses and individual. Some awards are monetary!
- Scholarships. Any student who has participated in the Fair is eligible to apply for a Don Diego Scholarship. That program annually awards upwards of $65,000 in scholarships each year.
Get in touch online or call us at (858) 792-4207.
2019 Results (HIDDEN)
Entry Information
Entry deadline: Friday, May 15, 2020.
Entry delivery date: Thursday, May 28, 2020.
Exhibit dates: June 5-July 5, 2020.
Special awards reception: Saturday, June 20, 2020.
Entry pickup date: Tuesday, July 7, 2020.
Join Our Mailing List
Join Our Mailing List
We’re the San Diego County Fair and we send fun emails.
If you sign up for our email list, we pinky swear that we’ll only send you the good stuff. (must be at least 13 years old)
We’re the San Diego County Fair and we send fun emails.
If you sign up for our email list, we pinky swear that we’ll only send you the good stuff. (must be at least 13 years old)
