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RELEASE: DEQ Seeks Applications for Idaho AIR-FAIR High School Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2026

Contact: DEQ AIR-FAIR Team, [email protected]

BOISE – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking applications to the Idaho AIR-FAIR, an educational pilot program for the 2026–2027 school year.

DEQ’s AIR-FAIR is a statewide pilot program where high school students become citizen scientists by investigating air quality in their communities and creating projects that analyze local air quality data. Teams of 4–8 students, working with an adult school advisor, will explore an air quality topic and develop a research question, create art, or design community-focused projects.

The AIR-FAIR is open to Idaho high school students attending a recognized public, private, charter, or Tribal school. School clubs, Science Olympiad teams, career and technical education (CTE) programs, art students, and other organized student groups are encouraged to apply. The AIR-FAIR is free to participate in, but space is limited. Schools will be selected through an application process.

Interested schools must complete the team application form by October 1, 2026. Applications can be completed via the 2026-2027 AIR-FAIR Team Application Form.

More information on the program can found on DEQ’s website, and interested applicants can email questions to [email protected].

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About Idaho Department of Environmental Quality

DEQ was created by the Idaho Environmental Protection and Health Act with a mission to protect human health and the quality of Idaho’s air, land, and water. Learn more at https://www.deq.idaho.gov.