10 Computer Science Awards for High School Students
If you’re a high school student looking to give your resume or college application a boost, consider participating in award competitions for high school students!
Computer science awards, specifically, allow you to present your research at a national and international level, network with experts in your field, and win thousands of dollars in prizes or research grants.
When it comes to college admissions, engaging in award challenges reflects a student's initiative, creativity, and dedication to their academic and extracurricular pursuits - something that admissions officers love!
Recognition through the computer science awards below can lead you to scholarships, internships, and networking connections, further enhancing your skills and experiences in your chosen area of research.
Here are 10 computer science awards that you can win by submitting research or poster presentations at the high school level!
Note: While a few of these aren’t traditional awards in computer science, they do involve a presentation of your research or solutions for a grant/cash prize at the national level!
1. Regeneron International Science and Engineering (ISEF)
Cost/Prize: Students must pay a $25 registration fee. Cash prizes range from $10,000 - $75,000 for winners in terms of cash prizes, but students also have the opportunity to win special awards like tuition scholarships, scientific outings, and summer internships.
Application Deadline: Varies by state
Submission Requirements: Students must submit their personal research project in one of the 22 categories offered for the year. Students can work individually or in teams. To qualify for ISEF, students must first win a local or state competition that ISEF recognizes to be eligible for ISEF regionals and nationals.
Eligibility: This is open to high school students who will be 20 by May 1 of the ISEF calendar year.
For over 70 years, the Society for Science has organized the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF), the largest global competition for high school students in science. Each year, a select group of students is chosen as finalists, allowing them to compete for almost $9 million in scholarships and awards.
This prestigious event is the culmination of a series of local, regional, and national science fairs that see millions of students participate yearly. Through these fairs, you are encouraged to pursue your research in scientific inquiry, with the top performers advancing to this renowned international stage.
2. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
Cost/Prize: 300 semifinalist scholars receive $2,000. The top 10 finalists receive prizes ranging from $40,000 to $250,000, the most significant scientific prize a United States student can receive.
Application Deadline: November 7, 2024.
Submission Requirements: Students must submit independent science or math research (or done with teams at universities, hospitals, or private research labs). Students must
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors graduating in 2025.
The Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS) is the oldest and most esteemed science research competition for high school students in the U.S.
Approximately 2,000 students participate in the competition each year, submitting original research in crucial scientific disciplines and a complete application for comprehensive review. Regeneron STS is focused on building a network of both industry experts as well as students in the field, something you are encouraged to make the most of as a participant!
3. Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
Cost/Prize: In addition to regional prizes, the national competition awards a total of $192,000 in scholarships: first-place winners each receive $12,000, second-place winners receive $8,000, and third-place winners earn $4,000.
Application Deadline: Varies by region
Submission Requirements: Students must submit original research in a STEM subject.
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a notable national STEM competition for high school students supported by the Department of Defense. It invites participants to engage in original research across various fields, including biology, engineering, mathematics, and technology. Students present their findings through oral presentations and poster sessions, which STEM experts evaluate.
This program provides a valuable opportunity for students to refine their public speaking skills, receive constructive feedback, and network with peers and professionals. Regional winners advance to the national symposium, where $192,000 in scholarships is awarded, with first-place winners receiving $12,000.
Cost/Prize: Winners have the potential to win cash prizes up to $50,000 and the ‘Davidson Fellow’ title.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Submission Requirements: Students must submit original research work that hits the following criteria:
“An exceptionally creative application of existing knowledge
- A new idea with high impact
- An innovative solution with broad-range implications
- An important advancement that can be replicated and built upon
- An interdisciplinary discovery
- A prodigious performance
- Another demonstration of extraordinary accomplishment.”
Eligibility: Open to high school students under 18 living in the United States. Teams can be two students at maximum.
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is a prestigious program that awards scholarships of $10,000, $25,000, or $50,000 to more than 20 highly gifted young individuals each year. Applicants must have completed a significant project in STEM, literature, music, philosophy, or unique, "outside the box" innovations. As a participant, your work must contribute to society and be acknowledged by experts as impactful, whether through innovative solutions, groundbreaking ideas, or advancements in a specific field.
If you are selected as an award recipient, you will be invited to an annual event in Washington, D.C., where you can meet with Congressional representatives. Besides the financial awards, scholars receive national recognition and become part of a distinguished network of past fellows and professionals.
5. American Computer Science League
Cost/Prize: Top-scoring students are awarded a certificate and prize.
Competition Dates: The competition typically runs from November to May each year.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. They are currently open here.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
For over 40 years, the American Computer Science League (ACSL) has facilitated programming and computer science competitions for K-12 schools and student groups globally. With divisions tailored to various age groups and skill levels, the league ensures that every participant faces suitable challenges. Schools can register an unlimited number of students, promoting widespread involvement. Each competition season consists of four contests covering essential topics such as Number Systems, Boolean Algebra, and Digital Electronics. Advanced divisions also include programming challenges where students can utilize languages like Python, C++, or Java.
6. CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Program
Cost / Prize: There is no fee to enter. Winning teams receive scholarship funds.
Competition Dates: The event generally takes place from October to March each year.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in October.
Eligibility: High school students from schools, scouting units, Boys and Girls Clubs, homeschool programs, and STEM programs, as well as participants in JROTC, Civil Air Patrol, and Naval Sea Cadet Corps units, are eligible to apply.
The CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition engages middle and high school students in cybersecurity challenges. Teams identify and fix security vulnerabilities in simulated operating systems. They progress through multiple online rounds, with top teams reaching the in-person National Finals. The competition also includes the Cisco Networking Challenge and a Network Security Challenge focusing on resolving issues in both Windows and Linux systems.
Cost / Prize: Participation is free. Prizes vary, ranging from $2,500 to $100,000; you can view the complete list of prize tiers here.
Competition Dates: The event typically runs from October to April annually.
Application Deadline: Applications usually open in August and close by October.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12 from public and charter schools are eligible, as long as their schools receive at least 50% of funding from public sources.
Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow competition invites students to create prototypes that tackle community challenges. This team-oriented event requires a minimum of three students, with a teacher acting as the mentor and primary contact. The focus is on utilizing STEM and computer science skills to develop sustainable, practical solutions. To succeed, teams must investigate local issues, engage in critical thinking, and devise innovative strategies.
8. Girls Programming League Challenge
Cost / Prize: Participation is free. Awards and trophies are given to the top three teams in each division.
Competition Dates: Scheduled for September 21, 2025.
Application Deadline: Information about the application deadline is currently unavailable; check here for updates.
Eligibility: High school female students are welcome to apply.
The event features a morning session divided into Novice and Advanced divisions, encouraging teams of up to three female students to compete. In the afternoon, participants will attend a keynote address and a panel discussion with successful women leaders in computer science and astronomy. This competition aims to motivate young women by providing a nurturing space for both novice and skilled programmers to tackle algorithmic challenges while gaining insights into the STEM fields.
9. International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI)
Cost / Prize: Participation is free. Medals are given to the top 50% of participants.
Competition Dates: This event usually occurs in the first week of September.
Registration Deadline: Applications typically close in June.
Eligibility: High school students who have won their national competition can apply.
The International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) is a premier global computer science competition for secondary school students. Each country sends a team of four, with participants competing individually in a two-day contest. To qualify for the U.S. team, students must perform exceptionally in the USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) and demonstrate proficiency in problem-solving, algorithms, and programming, particularly in C++.
10. Technovation Girls Challenge
Cost / Prize: There is no cost to enter. Winning teams receive scholarships of up to $2,000.
Competition Dates: The competition generally spans from October to July each year, culminating in the Technovation World Summit in October 2025.
Application Deadline: The deadline for applications is March 17, 2025.
Eligibility: High school students aged 10-18 who identify as female, trans, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming are eligible to participate.
The Technovation Challenge invites young women to delve into coding by creating technology solutions for real-world challenges. Teams of one to five girls work under the guidance of volunteers to develop applications that tackle issues like climate change and bullying, providing valuable coding experience for both novices and experienced students.
Bonus Awards in Computer Science for High School Students
11. Meta Hacker Cup
Cost / Prize: Participation is free. Prize amounts vary from $200 to $20,000.
Competition Dates: Typically, the competition runs from September through December each year.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and students can register here.
Eligibility: High school students can apply.
Meta’s Hacker Cup is an international competition where high school students face algorithmic challenges. Participants engage in a series of progressively difficult problems that evaluate their skills in algorithms and problem-solving across various areas of computer science. Contestants can compete as individuals or in teams, tackling complex coding tasks for a chance to win cash prizes while also gaining networking opportunities with industry professionals and potential mentors.
12. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Remote — you can avail of this from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline: 4 annual cohorts run in fall, spring, summer, and winter
Program Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort.
Eligibility:
You must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall of 2023.
Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. Students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation stands as a non-profit research program tailored for gifted students from low-income backgrounds. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, renowned for its extensive one-on-one research opportunities for high school students, the foundation provides the same access to independent research experiences at zero cost.
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In our flagship program, we pair talented high-school students with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can apply here!
This program is a particularly solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper.
Bonus opportunity - Veritas AI
If you want to build a project/research paper in STEM and AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!
Image Source - ISEF Logo