Competing in events based on your interests is a great way to show colleges your dedication and achievement. These competitions help students showcase their talents and abilities while setting the stage for further growth, and a genuine passion for the subject. Here we have compiled a list of competitions that are acclaimed both nationally and internationally, enabling students to access special exposure and hone their skills.

Published by: Mariam Umar

 

8. Bebras: https://www.bebras.org

Computer Science Competition

Bebras is a computer science competition where students get forty-five minutes to answer fifteen questions based on informatics and rational thought. Teachers can sign their students up for the competition and print them certificates that track their achievement.

Eligibility Requirements: 

Any teacher teaching a tech course can sign their student up for the competition.

Prizes: 

Certificate tracking your achievement that can be printed out. 

7. USA Computing Olympiad: https://usaco.org

Computer Science – Algorithmic Competition

 

USACO is a well-known, prestigious competition designed to test skills based in algorithmic problem solving and hone them. Students compete in three online contest, leading to a ‘US Open’ event. From here, the top 24 scorers are invited to an exclusive training program at Clemson University in the summer. The top four participants at the end of the program are invited to attend the International Olympiad Informatics (IOI).

Eligibility Requirements:

Any middle/high school student in the U.S.

Prizes:

The top participants get to compete in the IOI (see above).

6. Technovation Challenge: https://technovationchallenge.org

Computer Science – Coding Challenge

This is a challenge designed to get more girls into coding and computer science by igniting their interest and nurturing their passion. Students join hands with volunteer mentors to build an app that tackles a real world issue such as climate change, global hunger, bullying etc. Since this competition is designed to get more people interested in the field, experts as well as novices are eligible to participate.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be female identifying, between the ages of ten to eighteen.

Prizes:

Various prizes and scholarships worth up to $2000.

5. American Computer Science League (ACSL): https://www.acsl.org

Coding Competition

This is a platform that offers various opportunities for coding competitions throughout the school year, to students of all levels. These competitions are a great way to practice your coding skills, as well as pick up on some new ones. 

Eligibility Requirements:

Different grade levels throughout a K-12 school.

Prizes:

Top scoring teams and students receive certificates for their specific division, while top scoring students in the finals of their division receives a prize and certificate.

4. Congressional App Challenge: https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us

App Development Competition

This is a challenge for high school coders of all levels with a special emphasis on having new students join the STEM field. Students get to design an app on a theme of their choosing in any coding language and  present it to congressional representatives. It is a great way to combine coding skills with civic engagement.

Eligibility Requirements:

A middle or high school student at a school in a participating congressional district.

Prizes:

Winning apps are featured on the House of Representatives website and the winners are invited to a ceremony at Capitol Hill, may be awarded additional sponsor prizes.

3. Cyberpatriot Youth Defence Program: https://www.uscyberpatriot.org

Cybersecurity National Competition

 

A program created by the U.S. Air Force to inspire students to pursue careers in cybersecurity, STEM and related fields. The National competition gives student teams assignments similar to those new IT recruits would be assigned. Students compete in different rounds to fix cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Top teams receive an all expenses paid trip to Maryland to compete in the finals for scholarship awards.

 

Eligibility Requirements:

Middle Schoolers, High Schoolers and students in JROTC all have their own divisions.

 

Prizes:

Scholarship Awards (variable figures).

2. First Robotics Competition: https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc

Robotics Competition

 

There are various robotics competitions but this one is the most prestigious and resource intensive one, both in terms of time and commitment and funds. All groups of ten students (with 2 adult mentors) are given instructions to design and build an industrial sized robot (weighing about 150 pounds) that can compete in field games at competitions. With annual team registrations being $5000, this is a significant monetary commitment, so fundraising guidance is provided. 

 

Eligibility Requirements:

High school students in the U.S.

 

Prizes:

Various scholarships and cash prizes for top scorers, as well as awards for those voted to have the most team spirit and resilience.

1. Imagine Cup: https://imaginecup.microsoft.com

Computer Science & Tech Competition

 

This is one of the best tech competitions around the globe. While it’s not strictly computer science, it does entail students working on their ‘collaboration, coding and competition skills.’ Microsoft organizes and runs the competition and students from around the world are eligible to participate. Students work in teams of up to three people to develop technology solutions addressing global solutions.

 

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be sixteen years or old. 

 

Prizes:

Each winning team receives $100,000 in grants, as well as mentorship from Microsoft experts.