I've signed up to judge electronics at a Science Olympiad event. It will be my first time working directly with the students at one of these events.

Typically, the fairs are held in February, with national and international events going forward from there. Also, your local school(s) may have some kind of event ahead of that in January or February. Sign-ups are probably going on right now.

Regardless of your working expertise in engineering, life sciences, information systems, or law, you can help find the next generation of creators, inventors, and innovators.

Generally, in each area, several subsets intersect so that you can find a slot for yourself. For instance, students entered in civil engineering, engineering mechanics, energy and environment, earth science, physics and astronomy all would benefit from your knowledge of any area of engineering or physical science. Life sciences are even broader.

Moreover, the judging format works to the advantage of almost any interested, intelligent, and literate adult. You work as an individual within a team; and you follow a format that both guides your metrics and accepts your independent judgment.

In addition, if you are not confident as a judge and want to see the process before you commit, the fairs always need volunteers to help with organization and logistics.

Here in Austin, the primary sponsor is the city energy utility. Other firms also contribute.

Judging typically takes half a day. You may need to attend a training session. The sponsors usually feed us fairly well.

I have done this twice before and just signed up again. I bring business cards with me because I expect to meet peers and potential customers. Two years ago, a local high school science department invited me in to speak to several classes on forensic psychology.