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Unveiling the Hidden Forces Behind Our Daily Lives: The ANSI Student Paper Competition

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), in collaboration with its Committee on Education (CoE), has launched the Student Paper Competition for the 2025/2026 academic year. This initiative challenges high school and college students nationwide to delve into the critical yet often overlooked standards that support everyday life. Students are encouraged to submit their entries by June 5, 2026, and explore a thought-provoking theme: Imagine a World Without Standards or Rules—What Would Happen?.

Understanding the Theme

This year's competition capacity points students towards becoming investigative journalists, encouraging them to explore the invisible yet vital standards that govern everything from smartphone functionality to food safety. The prompt inspires students to consider essential yet unexamined questions such as:

• - How do streaming services deliver content seamlessly across devices?
• - What ensures the safety of the food we consume?
• - Why are electric vehicle charging stations interoperable among various manufacturers?
• - How do debit cards function across global ATMs?
• - How is it possible for an entire school network to remain connected through a single WiFi source?
• - How can you be sure a light bulb will fit your lamp?

These inquiries illustrate the profound impact of standards on our interconnected society, emphasizing why it’s crucial to understand them.

Research Areas

Students can choose to focus on one specific area where these 'invisible' standards make a significant impact. The suggested fields include:

• - Technology and Connectivity: Investigating standards related to USB-C connectivity, WiFi protocols, and app compatibility.
• - Digital Life: Exploring the implications of social media, QR codes, e-commerce platforms, and streaming technologies.
• - Safety and Health: Analyzing food safety standards, medical device regulations, and building codes that protect the public.
• - Transportation: Looking into electric vehicle charging standards, traffic systems, and aviation protocols.
• - Communication: Examining internet protocols, phone network regulations, and our emergency systems.
• - Physical Infrastructure: Researching the standards that govern buildings, bridges, and waste management systems.

Students can also propose their own research topic for approval, offering ample opportunity for creative inquiry.

Submission Guidelines and Rewards

To participate, students must adhere to specific guidelines provided in the competition flyer. Each participant will receive recognition in the form of a certificate of submission, and a small token of appreciation from ANSI. The winners will be chosen based on the merit of their papers, with special prizes for both high school and college student winners. The results will be announced in August 2026, and selected papers will not only be awarded prizes but also published on ANSI’s official website, amplifying their visibility within the standards community.

Research Resources

ANSI has curated a rich resource list to assist students in their research endeavors. Key materials include:

• - Educational resources specifically designed for K-12 students.
• - Insight into voluntary consensus standards and the roles they play.
• - A searchable index of approved American National Standards.
• - Information on organizations accredited by ANSI for standards development.
• - Resources from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

These tools will help participants deepen their understanding and ultimately enhance the quality of their work.

About ANSI

Founded as a private non-profit organization, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) aims to bolster the competitive foothold of U.S. industries in the global market. By promoting voluntary consensus standards, ANSI plays a pivotal role in sustaining quality of life and safety. Its membership encompasses a diverse collection of more than 270,000 companies and organizations, alongside 30 million professionals globally.

In conclusion, the ANSI Student Paper Competition offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with the standards that shape modern living. By exploring these unseen forces, participants can not only gain valuable knowledge but also contribute to a broader understanding of the importance of standards in our daily lives.