High School Coders: Nationwide & International Programming Contests Guide

Rehina Naiberh

Last updated on 9/26/2024

In today's fast-paced digital world, programming contests have become an exciting platform for high school students to test their coding skills, solve complex problems, and compete with peers on a national and international scale. These contests provide students with the opportunity to develop essential technical skills, enhance their critical thinking, and gain exposure to real-world challenges. From team-based competitions to individual coding challenges, high school programming contests are a gateway to fostering innovation, creativity, and collaboration among the next generation of tech leaders. This guide explores the top nationwide and international programming contests available to high school students, offering insights into how to participate and excel in these prestigious competitions.

1. USA Computing Olympiad (USACO)

• Dates: Year around.
• Type: National followed by an international competition.
• Overview: The USACO is known for its rigorous problem-solving contests that challenge students to develop advanced algorithmic skills. Participants start in one of four divisions: Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. Progression through the levels is based on performance in competitions. Those who excel may even qualify to represent the USA at the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI). It’s an excellent opportunity to improve coding and problem-solving abilities in languages like C++, Python, and Java. Free to participate.
• Skills Focus: Data structures, algorithms, computational problem-solving.
• More Info: https://icpc.global
• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/UsacoContests

2. American Computer Science League (ACSL) + Korea, China, Vietnam

• Dates: Multiple rounds starting Nov. 4, 2024.
• Type: International.
• Overview: ACSL is divided into four contests throughout the academic year. It offers both individual and team competitions. Students tackle short programming problems as well as theoretical challenges in topics like number systems, Boolean algebra, data structures, and algorithms. ACSL prepares participants for deeper computer science concepts through both individual tests and collaborative team projects.
• Skills Focus: Theory-based computer science concepts, problem-solving.
• More Info: https://www.acsl.org

3. CyberPatriot

 
 Dates: Yearly competition rounds, with training during off-seasons.
 Type: National.
 Overview: Hosted by the Air Force Association, CyberPatriot is the premier national youth cyber defense competition. It emphasizes teamwork, as students defend networks and systems from simulated cyber threats. Competitions are typically held virtually, where students work to secure and defend systems in a real-world scenario. Winners often receive scholarships and internships.
 Skills Focus: Cybersecurity, team collaboration, network security.
 More Info: https://www.uscyberpatriot.org 
 Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/CyberPatriot

4. PicoCTF

• Dates: March 14-28
• Type: International.
• Overview: PicoCTF, organized by Carnegie Mellon University, is one of the largest capture-the-flag cybersecurity competitions geared toward high school students. Its challenges involve hacking, cryptography, and reverse engineering. The tasks start at a beginner-friendly level and increase in difficulty, making it suitable for both novices and advanced coders. Teams can sign up and access challenges online, making it highly accessible.
• Skills Focus: Cybersecurity, ethical hacking, cryptography.
• More Info: https://picoctf.org
• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/picoctf.competition/

5. Google Code Jam

• Dates: April 15
• Type: International.
• Overview: Google Code Jam is a renowned coding competition that tests students on their problem-solving skills in an intense, time-limited environment. Participants are given complex algorithmic problems to solve in a programming language of their choice. High-scoring contestants can advance to the next round, eventually reaching the World Finals. The problems in this competition are notoriously difficult and serve as a benchmark for coding proficiency.
• Skills Focus: Algorithmic thinking, efficiency in coding, problem-solving.
• More Info: https://codingcompetitionsonair.withgoogle.com/#code-jam

6. CodeWars

• Dates: Year-round.
• Type: International.
• Overview: CodeWars is more of a continuous coding challenge platform rather than a one-off competition. It gamifies coding practice by offering challenges (kata) in multiple languages, including Python, Java, and JavaScript. Students can compare solutions, climb the leaderboard, and earn ranks, making it an ongoing platform for self-improvement.
• Skills Focus: Coding practice, algorithm design, problem-solving.
• More Info: https://www.codewars.com/post/introducing-the-epic-challenge-2024

7. Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior

• Dates: January 11 - May 15
• Type: International.
• Overview: Imagine Cup Junior is Microsoft’s competition for younger students (ages 13-18) focused on artificial intelligence (AI). The aim is to promote innovative thinking and technical skills through the development of concepts related to AI, sustainability, and ethics. Participants don’t need advanced coding skills but should have a passion for tech-based solutions to global issues.
• Skills Focus: AI, teamwork, innovative problem solving.
• More Info: https://www.imaginecup.com
• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/MSFTImagine

8. CoderZ League

• Dates: the spring season's opening round on March, 27, and the final leaderboard revealed on May 8th; the Fall season registration starts on May, 23, and the start of the competition is appointed on September 12.
• Type: International.
• Overview: CoderZ League is a cloud-based, international robotics and coding competition where students learn to code 3D virtual robots in block-based or Python programming. It’s designed for beginners and provides a structured learning environment to master STEM skills. The competition is team-based, promoting collaboration and problem-solving in a gamified setting.
• Price: paid, upon request.
• Skills Focus: Robotics, coding, teamwork, 3D problem-solving.
• More Info: https://competition.gocoderz.com/
• Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/GoCoderZ/

9. Technovation Challenge

• Dates: Submissions due April 18
• Type: International (Girls only).
• Overview: Technovation Challenge is an all-girls competition that combines coding with entrepreneurship. Participants, ages 10 to 18, are tasked with identifying a problem in their community and developing a mobile app to solve it. Teams also submit a business plan detailing how the app can be financially sustainable. The competition promotes not only coding skills but also leadership, business acumen, and social impact.
• Skills Focus: Mobile app development, entrepreneurship, teamwork.
• More Info: https://technovationchallenge.org
• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/technovationglobal

10. Topcoder High School Events

While Topcoder does not have a year-round program solely dedicated to high school students, they have hosted various specialized events and educational initiatives aimed at young coders in the past. These often include algorithm contests, hackathons, and tutorials designed to introduce high schoolers to competitive programming and software development.

Overview: Topcoder sometimes organizes high school-specific tracks as part of its larger contests, such as the Topcoder Open (TCO). This allows high school students to compete among their peers in algorithmic problem-solving and coding challenges.

Format: Typically includes problems that focus on algorithms, data structures, and programming challenges. Students compete online in a timed environment.

Skill Focus:

• Algorithms: Problem-solving using algorithmic techniques.
• Programming Languages: C++, Java, and Python.
• Competitive Coding: Efficiency in writing optimized code under time constraints.

High School SRMs (Single Round Matches):

• Overview: Topcoder’s Single Round Matches (SRMs) are live coding contests where participants solve algorithmic problems in a set amount of time. Occasionally, high school SRMs are specifically organized for younger participants, allowing them to compete in an environment tailored to their experience level.
• Format: Participants log into Topcoder’s Arena, where they compete to solve three algorithmic problems of increasing difficulty. Each problem must be solved within a limited time, and the solutions are evaluated for correctness and efficiency.
• Skill Focus:
  • Algorithmic problem-solving.
  • Speed and accuracy in coding.
  • Use of competitive programming languages (C++, Java, Python).
• More Info: https://www.topcoder.com/talent/single-round-matches/

11. International Olympiad in Informatics

• Dates: The IOI 2024 will be held from August 25 to September 1, 2024 in Szeged, Hungary. The competition is an annual event, usually held in July or August.
• Type: International competition focused on high school students. Teams of students represent their respective countries after qualifying through national competitions. The IOI is one of the most prestigious and largest annual computer science competitions worldwide.
• Overview: The IOI challenges high school students to solve complex algorithmic problems. Each participant competes individually by solving several tasks using programming languages like C++, Python, or Java. Participants need to have a strong foundation in algorithms and problem-solving. Countries host national contests (like USACO in the U.S.) to select their best students, who then represent them at the international level. Each team consists of four students, and although it is an individual contest, students benefit from national coaching.
• Skill Focus: Advanced algorithmic problem-solving, Data structures, Computational thinking, Coding efficiency in languages such as Python, C++, or Java
• More Info: https://ioinformatics.org/
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/ioinformatics.org/

Prepare Your Students for Programming ContestsFree trial monthfor Computer Science educators

APPLY

12. International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC)

• Dates: The 2023-2024 World Finals are scheduled for June 25, 2024, in Egypt, and national and regional contests take place throughout the academic year.
• Type: International competition for university students, although high school students can sometimes participate through regional contests. Teams consist of three students from the same university, collaborating to solve algorithmic challenges.
• Overview: The ICPC is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious programming competition globally. Established in 1970, the contest challenges teams to solve complex algorithmic problems within a set time. Each team works on a single computer, promoting efficient collaboration. Teams first compete at regional levels (like the North American Championship or Asia Regionals), and winners qualify for the ICPC World Finals, where they compete against the top teams from around the world. The competition pushes participants to the limits of their computational and collaborative problem-solving skills.
• Skill Focus:
  • Team-based algorithmic problem-solving
  • Efficient coding
  • Time management under pressure
  • Proficiency in languages like C++, Python, or Java
  • Advanced understanding of algorithms, mathematics, and data structures
• More Info: https://icpc.global
• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/ICPCNews/

13. Code/Art All-Girls Creative Coding Competitions

The Code/Art All-Girls Creative Coding Competitions are designed for female, non-binary, and genderqueer students from grades 3-12, aiming to encourage diversity and creativity in coding. These competitions focus on integrating technology with artistic expression, offering categories such as self-portrait creation (CodeYourSelf), animated art, and game design.

• Dates: The 2024 competition submission deadline is February 2, 2024.
• Type: Art and technology-based coding competition for girls and non-binary students.
• Overview: Participants create projects ranging from self-portraits using code, animated art, and original games. The competition aims to foster creativity alongside technical skills in a supportive, inclusive environment.
• Skill Focus: Coding (using environments like p5.js, Scratch, or Game Lab), creativity, problem-solving, and storytelling through digital art and games.
• More Info: https://www.code-art.com/compete/

14. Technovation Challenge 2024

The Technovation Challenge 2024 is a global technology competition that empowers young women (ages 8-18) to become tech entrepreneurs and leaders. Participants work in teams to identify a real-world problem in their community and develop a mobile app or AI-based solution to address it. They learn coding, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills throughout the process, while also receiving mentorship from professionals in technology and business.

Dates:

• Registration Deadline: Typically around January or early February (exact date for 2024 may vary).
• Submission Deadline: Usually mid to late April.

Type:

• Global technology entrepreneurship competition for girls (ages 8-18).
• Teams of 1-5 participants develop a mobile app or AI solution.

Overview:

• Teams are tasked with creating a mobile app or AI solution that solves a problem in their community.
• Participants receive guidance on coding, business development, and entrepreneurship as they work through the problem identification, app creation, and pitch phases.
• The competition culminates in a global pitch event where finalists present their projects.
• Skill Focus: App development (primarily using MIT App Inventor for younger participants and other coding platforms for older participants), AI tools, data analysis, entrepreneurship, problem-solving, collaboration.
• More Info: https://technovationchallenge.org/

15. CodeCup 2024-2025

Dates:

• Submission Deadline: January 18, 2025.
• Test Competition: December 28, 2024.
• Final Competition: January 18, 2025.

Type: programming contest where participants compete by writing programs that play a predefined game. In 2025, the selected game is called "Box."

Overview:

• CodeCup is an annual international online programming competition where participants write software that competes in games designed specifically for the contest.
• The main focus of the competition is for each participant to write a program (often referred to as a "player") that can play and win the game automatically. The game for CodeCup 2025 is "Box."
• After the submission deadline, all entries will compete against each other in matches, and the overall performance is evaluated based on the outcomes of these matches.

Skill Focus: algorithm design, problem-solving: strategically programming solutions for game scenarios; programming proficiency:C++, Java, and Python; AI & automation: writing autonomous agents that act as players in the game.

More Info: https://www.codecup.nl/intro.php

16. The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) 2024

The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) 2024 is a nationwide competition in the United States, aimed at encouraging students to develop coding skills by creating their own apps. It provides an opportunity for students to engage with computer science and STEM fields in a practical, real-world setting.

Dates:

• Registration Opens: Typically in June 2024.
• Submission Deadline: Usually in early November 2024 (specific dates vary by congressional district).
• Judging Period: November to early December 2024.
• Winners Announced: Typically by December 31, 2024.
• Awards and Celebration: Winners are invited to the #HouseofCode event in Spring 2025 in Washington, D.C.

Competition Type:

• Nationwide coding competition for middle and high school students (grades 6-12) in the U.S.
• Hosted by Members of Congress in their respective districts.
• Students work individually or in teams of up to four to create a functioning app.
• Overview:
  • The Congressional App Challenge aims to promote interest in computer science and STEM careers by encouraging students to learn and apply coding skills in a creative, engaging way.
  • Students can build apps on any platform or topic they choose, making the competition highly flexible and open-ended.
  • Submissions are judged based on various criteria, including creativity, design, technical difficulty, and how well the app solves the intended problem.
  • Winning students' apps are showcased at the #HouseofCode event and are featured on a display in the U.S. Capitol.
• Skill Focus:
  • Coding and app development: Students learn to code and develop functional apps for various platforms (e.g., mobile apps, web apps, etc.).
  • Problem-solving and innovation: They design solutions to real-world problems, coming up with innovative app ideas.
  • Project-based learning: Students go through the app development cycle from ideation to coding to final presentation.
  • Collaboration: For students working in teams, collaboration and teamwork are key focus areas.
• More Info: https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/students/student-registration/

17. CodeChef Contests

CodeChef Contests are competitive programming events hosted by CodeChef, a global programming community. These contests range from beginner to advanced levels and are designed to help participants improve their coding and problem-solving skills. CodeChef organizes various monthly contests, as well as special challenges and long contests throughout the year.

Dates: CodeChef organizes different types of contests regularly, including:

• Long Challenge: Starts on the first Friday of each month, lasting for 10 days.
• Cook-Off: Held on the third Sunday of each month, a 2.5-hour coding contest.
• Lunchtime: Conducted on the last Saturday of each month, primarily aimed at school students but open to all.

CodeChef also hosts special contests and external competitions throughout the year, like the CodeChef Starters, various coding leagues, and annual contests such as SnackDown.

Type:

• Online competitive programming contests open to participants from all over the world.
• Different contest formats include short-duration contests (2-3 hours) like Cook-Off and Lunchtime, as well as longer contests (10 days) like the Long Challenge.
• Individual and team-based participation in certain contests (e.g., SnackDown).

Overview:

• CodeChef contests offer a platform for programmers to solve algorithmic problems within a time frame.
• Participants range from beginners to experts, and contests are designed to cater to different skill levels.
• Submissions are evaluated automatically by an online judge system, and rankings are displayed in real-time.
• Contests include problems that range in difficulty from basic to advanced, covering various areas of computer science such as data structures, algorithms, dynamic programming, and more.

Skill Focus:

• Algorithm design and optimization: Participants practice designing efficient algorithms for problem-solving.
• Programming: Contests encourage proficiency in various programming languages like C++, Python, Java, and more.
• Mathematics and logic: Many problems require strong analytical skills and logical reasoning.
• Competitive coding experience: Exposure to different types of algorithmic problems prepares participants for global competitions like ACM ICPC and Google Code Jam.
• Time management and pressure handling: Participants practice solving problems within a limited time frame, enhancing problem-solving under pressure.
• More Info: https://www.codechef.com/contests

18. FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)

First Robotics Competition is an annual global robotics competition that combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. High school students work in teams to design, build, and program robots to compete in specific challenges, fostering skills in engineering, technology, teamwork, and leadership.

Dates:

• Kickoff Event: January 6, 2024 – This is when the new challenge for the season is revealed.
• Build Season: Teams typically have about six weeks (from early January to late February) to design and build their robots.
• Regional and District Competitions: March to April 2024 (exact dates depend on the region).
• Championships: The FIRST Championship is usually held in April. In 2024, it is scheduled for April 17-20, 2024, in Houston, Texas.

Type:

• Global robotics competition for high school students (ages 14-18).
• Teams of students, coaches, and mentors collaborate to build industrial-sized robots that compete in complex challenges.

Overview:

• FRC is often referred to as the "varsity sport for the mind." Teams design, program, and build robots that can perform specific tasks outlined in the annual challenge.
• Teams are supported by professional mentors and sponsors from engineering, technology, and business fields.
• Robots compete on fields in regional, district, and championship events, where they earn points by completing tasks such as object manipulation, climbing structures, or working with other robots.
• FRC promotes STEM education through hands-on learning and competition, encouraging creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.

Price: upon request, grunts’ availability.

Skill Focus:

• Engineering and robotics: Students learn to design, build, and program functional robots, applying mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering principles.
• Programming: Java, C++, and LabVIEW.
• Teamwork and collaboration: FRC is built around the concept of "coopertition" (cooperative competition), where teams work together to solve complex problems.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving: Teams need to strategize, iterate, and troubleshoot their designs and systems.
• Project management and communication: Students manage timelines, budgets, and present their designs to judges.
• Awards:
  • In addition to on-field performance, teams are judged on creativity, innovation, and impact within the community. Awards include recognition for excellence in engineering, team spirit, and community outreach.
• More Info: https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/cost-and-registration
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/FIRSTOfficial

19. Major League Hacking (MLH) High School Hackathons

• Location: Nationwide (in-person and virtual).
• Type: Hackathons for high school students.
• Overview: MLH hosts hackathons specifically for high school students, allowing them to work on real-world coding projects and innovate in a 24- or 48-hour event. It’s a great platform for learning teamwork and building creative coding projects.
• Audience: High school students.
• Skill Focus: Coding, creativity, teamwork, and project development.
• More Info: https://mlh.io

20. LeetCode Weekly and Biweekly Contests

• Location: Global (online).
• Type: Algorithmic programming contests.
• Overview: LeetCode organizes weekly and biweekly contests focusing on solving algorithmic problems. Participants can compete to solve multiple problems within a time limit.
• Audience: Open to all, including high school students.
• Skill Focus: Algorithms, problem-solving, coding speed, data structures.
• More Info: https://leetcode.com/contest/

21. ICode Global Hackathon

 
 ICode Global Hackathon is a prestigious coding competition that invites students from around the world to demonstrate their programming skills in a challenging and engaging environment. It provides a platform for young coders to solve complex problems, innovate solutions, and showcase their coding expertise on a global scale.

• Location: Global (both virtual and regional events, depending on location).
• Participants: Open to students of all ages, typically from elementary to high school, with categories based on age groups.
• Type: Hackathon-style programming competition, paid.
• Overview: ICode Global Hackathon is an annual event that attracts thousands of participants from across the world. The competition challenges students to solve real-world problems using programming and computational thinking.
• Stages:
  • Preliminary Rounds: Local or virtual rounds where participants qualify for the global competition.
  • Global Finals: The top coders from each region move on to the final round, which is conducted either virtually or in-person (depending on circumstances).

Skill Focus:

• Problem-solving: Addressing real-world challenges using programming logic.
• Algorithms and Data Structures: Efficiently solving complex problems using advanced techniques.
• Creative Coding: Developing unique solutions or projects, often involving app development or AI.
• Collaboration and Innovation: Encouraging teamwork, creativity, and innovation in coding solutions.

Awards:

• Winners in each category receive certificates, trophies, scholarships, and sometimes internship opportunities or mentoring from tech professionals.

More Info: https://icode.org/hackathon/

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/icodecompetitions

These contests offer students valuable opportunities to improve their coding skills, collaborate with peers, and challenge themselves in competitive environments. They are also a great way to prepare for larger competitions like the USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) or the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI).