USA Computing Olympiad (USACO):
The USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) is one of the most prestigious competitive programming contests in the United States, designed specifically for middle and high school students. USACO hosts several online contests throughout the academic year, usually held in December, January, February, and March. Participants compete at four difficulty levels — Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum — with the opportunity to advance to higher levels based on their performance. The problems focus on algorithmic thinking, data structures, and problem-solving skills using programming languages like C++, Java, and Python. Top performers in the USACO contests are invited to attend the USACO training camp, where they undergo intensive training, and the best are selected to represent the USA at the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI). USACO is free to enter, making it accessible to all students interested in sharpening their coding skills and competing nationally and internationally. For more information and to participate.
American Computer Science League (ACSL):
The American Computer Science League (ACSL) is a national and international coding competition for elementary, middle, and high school students. It focuses on computer science theory and programming challenges across categories like number systems, Boolean algebra, algorithms, and data structures. ACSL runs multiple contests each year, allowing students to compete individually or as part of a team. With a history dating back to 1978, ACSL is one of the longest-running computer science competitions, helping students develop problem-solving and computational thinking skills.
The Congressional App Challenge (CAC)
The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) is a national coding competition for middle and high school students in the United States to encourage STEM education and app development skills. Students create original apps using any programming language or platform, and winners from each congressional district have their apps showcased in the U.S. Capitol and featured on the House of Representatives website. This annual competition promotes creativity, problem-solving, and innovation through coding.
CyberPatriot:
CyberPatriot is a national cybersecurity competition for middle and high school students across the USA to inspire interest in cybersecurity and STEM careers. In the competition, teams work to secure virtual computer systems, identifying and fixing vulnerabilities in a timed, competitive environment. The event consists of several rounds, including qualification, state, and national finals, where top teams earn national recognition. Guided by industry mentors, students gain hands-on experience in cyber defense techniques, system hardening, and team collaboration. Through CyberPatriot, students develop valuable technical and problem-solving skills and increase their awareness of cybersecurity threats, preparing them for future careers in technology and cyber defense.
Zero Robotics:
Zero Robotics is a unique programming competition for high school students, where participants write code to control satellites aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Teams program small robotic satellites called SPHERES to complete specific space-related tasks, such as navigating obstacles or conserving fuel. The competition begins with virtual simulations, and the best teams’ code is tested live on the ISS, with astronauts assisting in the process. Zero Robotics promotes coding, problem-solving, space engineering, and teamwork, giving students hands-on experience with real-world aerospace challenges.
The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)
The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a robotics competition for students in grades 7-12, where teams design, build, and program robots to compete in challenges. It promotes STEM skills, teamwork, and real-world engineering experience, encouraging students to think creatively and solve problems through technology. Each year, a new challenge requires teams to develop innovative strategies and apply engineering principles to complete tasks. The competition emphasizes gracious professionalism, encouraging students to collaborate and support other teams and fostering a strong sense of community.