Training & Events

Student programs

Promote learning, creativity, and team building! These K-12 programs for students of schools in central Minnesota's Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties range from rigorous academic contests to showcasing student artistic creations.

Think outside the classroom

    Knowledge Bowl | Grades 7-12

    Facing off against other teams, students work together to answer questions across a wide range of topics. Students recall, solve problems, think critically, and sharpen teamwork skills. Competitions take place January — March with top teams in grades 9-12 advancing to the Minnesota State Knowledge Bowl.

    Jan. & Feb. 2025 - seasonal meets (specific dates will be relayed to coaches)
    Feb. & early March, 2025 - regional meets (the week following regular season)
    April 10-11, 2025 - state meet at Cragun's Resort

    Math Masters | Grades 4-6

    Throughout Minnesota, students in grades 4-6 challenge critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities as a part of Math Masters. Sourcewell is proud to host these mathematics competitions.

    March 6, 2025 - Grade 6

    April 22, 2025 - Grade 4

    April 25, 2025 - Grade 5

    Regional Art Show | Grades 4-12

    Each spring the Regional Art Show showcases the work of students in a variety of categories including painting, drawing, crafts, mixed media, digital art, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and pottery/ceramics.

    May 2025

    Spelling Bee | Grades 3-8

    It's learning disguised as a game! The spelling bee is a series of contests starting at the school and district level. Through competition, students improve spelling and vocabulary skills. In the spring, Sourcewell hosts the regional spelling bee for member schools in the five-county service area. The winner earns an all-expenses paid trip to the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

    March 19, 2025

    Register via spellingbee.com >

    Student Leadership Conference | Grades 9-12

    Young leaders in grades 9-12 will gain insights into their leadership style and how to apply what they learn to their school and personal lives.

    Fall of 2025

    Sourcewell

    Young Authors Conference | Grades 4-6

    Introduce your students to the world of writing at the Young Authors Conference. Student writers will gain insight into the power of their writing and the impact it can have on themselves as well as their readers.

    Nov. 14 or 15, 2024 (one-day conference, offered twice)

    Central Lakes College - Staples Campus

    Register for the Young Authors Conference >

    Young Scientists Conference | Grades 4-6

    Introduce your students to the amazing world of science! Students will learn from a variety of professionals and have hands-on learning experiences they won't find anywhere else.

    Fall of 2025

    Central Lakes College - Staples campus

    Questions?

    For more information regarding these programs and how to participate, contact Crysta Christensen, Student Academic Coordinator, at crysta.christensen@sourcewell-mn.gov.

    Additional academic opportunities

    The programs outlined below are not hosted by Sourcewell. (Includes links to nongovernment sites.)