STEM.org Educational Research™ · Est. 2009

Best In STEM™ Top 5% Award Seal

An excellence-tier distinction for qualifying STEM.org trustmark evaluations that rise well above the minimum award threshold.

See eligible pathways

Best In STEM™ Top 5%

Recognition reserved for exceptional results.

Best In STEM™ is an additional distinction within the STEM.org evaluation system. It recognizes eligible programs, products, and published educational content whose evidence earns a score of 95 out of 100 or higher.

It is not a separate credential that can simply be purchased or requested. The underlying STEM.org trustmark comes first; the Top 5% distinction is attached only when the applicable evaluation reaches the excellence tier.

Begin with the work being evaluated. Schools and programs follow STEM.org Accredited™, educational products follow STEM.org Authenticated™, and books, curriculum, and media follow STEM.org Reviewed™. Each pathway considers the evidence and educational claims relevant to that type of submission.

95–100 on the applicable STEM.org rubric
Active eligible STEM.org trustmark required
No separate Best In STEM™ application
Independent review remains the basis for the result
Recognition stays tied to the evaluated scope
Verification accompanies the underlying credential

Check the recognition in context. Families, educators, and partners should use the linked digital credential to confirm the recipient, evaluated scope, and current status. Best In STEM™ accompanies that underlying recognition; it does not extend an award to additional products, programs, or publications that were not evaluated.

Original textured-gold Classic Award Seal and matching-gold Round Award Seal, with positive and negative horizontal versions.

The distinction

Above the award threshold. Into the excellence tier.

The same evidence submitted for an eligible STEM.org trustmark is evaluated against the applicable rubric. A qualifying 95+ result adds Best In STEM™ recognition; it does not replace the primary trustmark or widen its approved scope.

How it is earned

A simple distinction inside a rigorous process.

Choose Your Pathway

Apply for the STEM.org trustmark that matches what is actually being evaluated.

Submit Your Evidence

Provide the materials, implementation evidence, and supporting information required for that pathway.

Complete Your Evaluation

The evidence is scored against the applicable STEM.org rubric. Payment alone never guarantees recognition.

Earn Your Distinction

Eligible evaluations scoring 95–100 may receive the additional Best In STEM™ Top 5% distinction.

100-point framework

The score tells the story.

The distinction sits above the standard award threshold and highlights unusually strong performance within the same evidence-based review.

0–81Threshold not metNo trustmark is awarded for the evaluated scope.

82–94Trustmark thresholdThe applicable eligible STEM.org trustmark may be awarded.

95–100Top 5% excellence tierThe underlying trustmark may be accompanied by Best In STEM™.

Eligible trustmark pathways

Three ways to reach the Top 5% tier.

Best In STEM™ complements the trustmark that established the evaluated scope.

Products & learning tools

STEM.org Authenticated™

For toys, kits, games, and other educational products that achieve an eligible 95+ evaluation.

Explore STEM.org Authenticated™

Schools & programs

STEM.org Accredited™

For eligible schools, programs, and educational experiences reaching the 95+ excellence tier.

Explore STEM.org Accredited™

Books, curriculum & media

STEM.org Reviewed™

For qualifying educational content whose review reaches the Best In STEM™ threshold.

Explore STEM.org Reviewed™

What You Receive

Best In STEM™

Excellence Distinction

Additional recognition for an eligible evaluation reaching the 95+ excellence tier.

Defined Award Scope

Recognition stays linked to the recipient and work covered by the underlying trustmark.

Official Award Artwork

Best In STEM™ artwork for communicating the awarded distinction under the applicable usage requirements.

Verifiable Recognition

The linked credential provides the context for checking the recipient, scope, dates and current status.

Click the certificate to enlarge and explore its details. Enlarge certificate

Read the eight certificate features

Classic Best In STEM markThe official mark identifies this distinction.
Award distinctionReserved for recipients vetted in the top 5%.
Named recipient or scopeNames the honoree and approved scope.
Recognition dateRecords when the distinction was awarded.
Unique STEM IDIdentifies the published recognition record.
Issuer signatureThe signature of Andrew B. Raupp.
Recognition verificationUse the published STEM ID and official verification page.
Top 5% distinction sealRecognizes the honoree’s vetted standing within the top 5%.

Best In STEM sample addendum cover. Open the four-page PDF.

Additional distinction pages

Sample Best In STEM Addendum

PDF4 pages693 KB

These additional pages accompany the longer evaluation report only when an organization scores 95% or higher and Best In STEM™ recognition is confirmed. This four-page fictional sample presents the addendum: the distinction rationale, approved scope, determination, signature and official award artwork. The complete underlying evaluation remains in the longer report.

What the sample addendum includes

Reference to the underlying evaluation and its illustrative 96/100 result
Selected evidence explaining the Best In STEM distinction
Approved scope, recognition boundaries and illustrative signed determination
Official award artwork variants and verification guidance

Read sample report Download PDF

15+ years of distinction

Recognizing exceptional STEM work since 2009.

Best In STEM™ was established as a way to distinguish results that materially exceed the minimum trustmark threshold. The program adds a visible excellence tier while keeping the underlying credential, evaluated scope, and independent review process intact.

Verified honorees

Best In STEM™ Top 5% Award Seal

Best In STEM™ Top 5%

Recognition reserved for exceptional results.

Above the award threshold. Into the excellence tier.

Choose Your Pathway

Submit Your Evidence

Complete Your Evaluation

Earn Your Distinction

The score tells the story.

STEM.org Authenticated™

STEM.org Accredited™

STEM.org Reviewed™

What You Receive

Excellence Distinction

Defined Award Scope

Official Award Artwork

Verifiable Recognition

Sample Best In STEM Addendum

Recognizing exceptional STEM work since 2009.

Charli Explores STEM® — First Three Books

The Little Inventor

Mini Code Leader

Nockles™ Loop

Nockles™ Tetra

Nockles™ Cube

Nockles™ Sphere

XBlock

UGEARS Flexi-Cubus 2.0

UGEARS Combination Lock

Buki Terrarium

LEGO Mini Disney Castle

UGEARS Gringotts Bank Marble Run

Buki Solar Energy 14 in 1

LEGO Cute Animals: Red Panda

UGEARS Date Navigator 2.0

Buki Rocket science

Wood Trick Timbertron Ultima

LEGO Japanese Cherry Blossom Landscape

UGEARS Steampunk Clock 2.0

Buki Planetarium HD

Wood Trick Pendulum Wall Clock

LEGO Vintage Steam Train

UGEARS Dynamometer

Engino QBOIDZ My First Steps Large Tub (QB30)

CrunchLabs Sand Garden - Polar Coordinates

KiwiCo Light-It-Up Electronics Set

Buki Kodo the Robot

Wood Trick Offshore Rig Platform

LEGO Project Hail Mary

UGEARS Flight Starter

Engino STEAM Labs How Buoyancy Works (STL25)

CrunchLabs Extendo Grabber - Rack and Pinion

KiwiCo Bottle Rocket Blaster

Buki I can be - Meteorologist

Wood Trick Ocean Explorer Yacht

LEGO Mosaic Maker

UGEARS Mini Helicopter

Engino STEAM Labs How Inertia Works (STL26)

SmartMax My First Sounds & Flowers (SMX 247US)

CrunchLabs Disco Dynamo - Generator

KiwiCo Wooden Ukulele

Buki Hydraulic Hand

Wood Trick Mayan Calendar

LEGO Ken Block's '65 Ford Mustang Hoonicorn V1

UGEARS Old Clock Tower

Engino Mega Builds Dual Motor Helicopter (MB20)

SmartMax Stunt Cars 46-pc STEM Magnetic Building Set for Ages 3+

CrunchLabs Laminar Flow Fountain - Laminar Flow

KiwiCo Levitating Lantern

Educational Insights Design & Drill® Shapes Workshop

Buki Electricity Lab

Wood Trick Lyra da Vinci

Quercetti Tecno Jumbo — Toolbox

LEGO Jaguar E-Type

UGEARS Safe

Engino Mega Builds Eiffel Tower (MB05)

SmartMax My First Hide & Seek Magnetic STEM Discovery for Ages 1-3

CrunchLabs Vortex Cannon - Vortex

KiwiCo Pendulum Art Machine

Educational Insights Design & Drill® Rivet Pop Workshop