If my project won at the Regional Fair in a category, but someone decides that it would be better to be in a different category, can I change my category?
No. The State Tech Fair will ONLY accept projects in the category in which they competed at the Regional Fair. The submission of winners from the Regional Director serves as the official entry list and will not be changed by the State Tech Fair officials. The rules state: “Students may not "switch" categories. The project will ONLY be judged in the category in which it won first place at the Regional Fair. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS as confirmation emails will be sent to all fair participants prior to the fair to catch any registration mistakes.”

Do Regional Tech Fairs use the same rules, scoring, and procedures as the State Tech Fair?
They may or may not. The 12 Regional Tech Fairs are independent entities. Each determines winners in somewhat different ways. Some are patterned closely after the State Fair and others operate differently. Regardless of how the Regional conducts its Fair, the State Tech Fair follows the rules and procedures that are stated on the Georgia Educational Technology Fair website (www.gatechfair.org). All participants in the GaETF are expected to know and to follow the rules and procedures of the GaETF.

My Region does not offer a category that I would like to enter. What can I do?
The State Tech Fair does not control the management of Regional Fairs. Some Regional Fairs do not offer all categories. You should check the website of your Regional Fair to be sure that your category is accepted. If that information is not on the Regional website, contact your Regional Tech Fair Director.

I go to a private school or am homeschooled in a geographical area that is a recognized Region. My Region does not accept private schools or homeschooled students. What can I do?
The State Tech Fair does not control the management of Regional Fairs. Some Regional Fairs are open to all students in a recognized area. Some Regional Fairs are managed by a particular school system, either public or private, and do not accept projects from outside their school system. Your school can contact the Regional Director to inquire about adding your private school or your homeschool. Or, your school or homeschool can contact adjacent Regions about the possibility of competing in that Region. The list of Regions and links is on the homepage of this website.

I live in an area where there is no recognized Tech Fair Region. What is the process for starting a new Region?
New Regions may be recognized by the Georgia Educational Technology Fair by applying to the GaETF with the following stipulations: It must be a unique situation not included in a current Region; single schools are not considered for Regional designation; by the second year, a Region should include a minimum of five schools and by the third year, a minimum of ten schools. GaETF strongly recommends that ALL students in a geographical area be included in any Region. All decisions regarding the recognition of Regions are made by the GaETF Steering Committe. When a new Region is recognized, GaETF will assist the sponsors in getting started and setting up their Regional Tech Fair.

I heard that there is a scholarship awarded at the GaETF each year. Who is eligible and how do I apply?
Lou Dewberry, founder and director of the Tech Fair from its inception, passed away in 2007. The Lou Dewberry Scholarship Fund was established in her honor. All 12th grade students who have projects in the GaETF are automatically eligible and are entered into the random drawing to determine the recipient of each year's award. The awardee is announced at the beginning of the awards ceremony. Depending on business and other funding, there may be other scholarships awarded at the Tech Fair. The Georgia Educational Technology Consortium currently funds over $2,500 in scholarships to participating high school seniors.