Empowering Future Leaders from Underserved Communities Through STEM, Arts, Fitness, and Financial Education
📌 Program Overview
TrExcel is a first-of-its-kind interdisciplinary competition that inspires, empowers, and nurtures high school students through hands-on STEM, Art, and Fitness learning. Rooted in the theme of sustainability, the competition promotes holistic youth development, innovation, and leadership among students from all backgrounds, especially those from underserved communities.
Through teamwork, mentorship, and creative exploration, TrExcel equips youth with the confidence and competencies to pursue higher education and meaningful careers. Scholarships and participation awards offer real support for students' academic journeys.
🎯 Program Goals
- Spark innovation and critical thinking through real-world sustainability challenges
- Foster teamwork, communication, and leadership
- Support educational equity through scholarships and resource access
- Promote well-being and self-confidence through fitness and arts integration
🧠 Competition Format
- Eligibility :
- High School Students (Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors)
- Team of 3 high school students
- All projects and performances must reflect the theme of sustainability
- Participation: Each team must compete in all three categories — STEM, Art, and Fitness
- Originality: All entries must be original and created by the team
- Registration: Complete online form by [deadline]; parent/guardian consent required
- Conduct: Teams must adhere to respectful behavior and sportsmanship throughout the event
- Presenters are not limited to all, but to be qualified, all participants must present at least one topic within STEM, ART, or Fitness Challenge
- The same person in the video should be performing in person (If the team gets into finals)
Awards
- 🏆 Grand Prize – $9,000 ($3k/participant)
- 🥈 Second Place – $3,000 ($1k/participant)
- 🥉 Third Place – $1,500 ($500/participant)
- 🎖 Participation Awards – $150/team and certificates
- 🏅 Category Honors – $225/team for excellence in STEM, Art, or Fitness
Event Schedule
- Registrations start October 1, 2025
- Registration end: Nov 30, 2025
- Final submission Jan 18, 2026
- Final day of competition: Feb 21, 2026
- Final event location: Santa Clara County Office of Education
- Final event address: 1290 Ridder Park Dr, San Jose, CA 95131
Competition Structure
- Teams compete in three categories: STEM, Arts, and Fitness
- Each category includes unique challenges to test creativity, intellect, and teamwork
- Points are awarded based on performance, and top teams advance to the final round
- All submissions need to be submitted through Zfairs https://trexcel.zfairs.com
- All teams must be in attendance on Feb 21, 2026 to be qualified
- The final three teams will be announced, and those teams should submit/present details on the challenge
| STEM | Pick a topic or project in “engineering proof of concept, statistics, or research” and make a video explaining the details. Use technology wherever possible. The idea needs to be original. The presentation should not exceed 8 minutes. All team members should participate in presenting. |
| ART | Create a digital or physical art form and submit the presentation—use a voiceover to explain the art. The Idea needs to be original. The presentation should not exceed 5 minutes. The art must include a title and a 3–5 sentence description of how it aligns with the theme. |
| Fitness | “Move for the Planet” 1. All Team members must participate and contribute. 2. Plank Challenge – 1 minute plank, Push-Up Challenge –1 minute pushups, Squat It Out – 1 minute squats 3. Each team member should do, mention their count, and have the video recording as a team. Create a video with a timer and upload it. The video should not exceed 10 minutes in length. |
| Financial Learning Requirement | As part of the TrExcel Competition program, all participants are required to complete the Financial Learning Modules offered by Meriwest Credit Union in order to qualify for the next round of the competition. Access to the learning modules will be provided after registration. Successful completion of these modules is mandatory for advancement. Participants who stay through the full competition will also become eligible for the following rewards: Certificate of Completion $25 account opening credit from Meriwest Credit Union Bonus raffle entries for thoughtful feedback shared with Meriwest. This requirement ensures that every participant not only engages in the competition but also builds valuable financial literacy skills that will support their future growth by learning in bite-sized lessons, earn points and rewards while you learn. |
Ways to get involved
- Register your teams today! https://trexcel.zfairs.com
- Become a sponsor
- Support future leaders in STEM, ART & Fitness
- Form a team, start preparing for the ultimate competition!
For Questions:
Empower And Excel is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Federal tax ID number 473656395.
Donate today and help make a difference in the lives of underprivileged youth.
Our Sponsors
