High School STEM/Science competitions and challenges are great ways for students to show off their talent and interests beyond the classroom, explore potential future careers, and in many cases, apply what they have learned to solving real world problems. Computer Science is often an essential part of these competitions for building apps, robotics, AI, analytics, and a lot more. Some competitions are coding focused, e.g. Congressional App Challenge & USACO, while many use coding to analyze data, do research, or create websites to showcase their results. Python, Artificial Intelligence, and Web Development are the most important skills. Empower your child to learn computer science with our award-winning free coding classes for kids and live online STEM camps, designed by experts from Google, Stanford, and MIT.

Let’s take a look at some top Science Competitions for high schoolers. 

Why Join Science STEM Competitions for High School Students?

STEM competitions provide exciting opportunities for students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics beyond the classroom. These programs often include recognition, awards, and scholarships—but their benefits go far beyond prizes.

  • Discover and pursue passions beyond schoolwork Students can dive deeper into topics they truly enjoy, exploring ideas that may not be fully covered in regular classes.
  • Showcase talents and creativity Competitions allow students to demonstrate their skills, problem-solving abilities, and innovative thinking in a real-world setting.
  • Explore college majors and career interests By working on STEM projects, students gain early exposure to potential fields of study and future career paths.
  • Build leadership, communication, and collaboration skills Team-based competitions help students learn how to work effectively with others, take initiative, and communicate ideas clearly.
  • Develop research and critical thinking skills Many competitions emphasize research, teaching students how to ask questions, analyze data, and present their findings professionally.
  • Make a positive impact on the community Students often apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems, creating solutions that benefit their school or local community.
  • Strengthen college and internship applications Participation in STEM competitions highlights initiative, dedication, and advanced skills—qualities highly valued by colleges and internship programs.

STEM competitions empower students to grow academically, personally, and professionally while preparing them for future success.

Best Science Competitions for High Schoolers

Here are the top 20 STEM competitions organized by the Calendar Year. The list is ordered by when the first round ends or the submission deadline occurs within a year. It is important to note that many competitions have multiple rounds and competition dates, and dates may also vary by location. Check the website for detailed information. 

WINTER 2026 (January – March) Science Competitions

1. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

ISEF is the world’s largest and most prestigious pre-college science research competition for high school students. Participants conduct original research projects and compete at regional, national, and international levels. The final competition includes nearly 2,000 high school students who have won regional competitions from around the world and present their research projects to judges. ISEF helps students develop advanced research, critical thinking, and presentation skills, and top projects earn global recognition, scholarships, and strong advantages for college and STEM career pathways.

  • Subject: General Science / Research
  • Grade Level: 9–12
  • Typical Due Date: First round is typically in Jan/Feb. Check the website to find local fairs that feed into ISEF for detailed dates and logistics. 
    • For 2026: Finals are May 9–15, 2026 (Phoenix, AZ).
  • Format: Individual or Team
  • Region: International
  • Organizer: Society for Science
  • URL: societyforscience.org/isef
  • Recommended Class: Data Science with Python & Pandas (Essential for analyzing research data), AI Creators

2. USA Computing Olympiad (USACO)

The most prestigious algorithmic programming competition for pre-college students in the US. It consists of four online contests (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum). Top performers are invited to a summer training camp to select the US team for the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI).

  • Subject: Computer Science / Algorithms
  • Grade Level: K–12 (Primarily High School)
  • Typical Due Date: Contests held Dec, Jan, Feb, and March
    • For 2026: Contests are Jan 9–12, Jan 30–Feb 2, and Feb 20–23, 2026.
  • Format: Individual (Online)
  • Region: United States (International participation allowed)
  • Organizer: USA Computing Olympiad
  • URL: usaco.org
  • Recommended Class: Python for Bronze, C++ for Silver and above

3. Microsoft Imagine Cup (2026-2027)

The Microsoft Imagine Cup is a premier global student competition and startup accelerator focused on building innovative solutions using Azure AI, GitHub, and other cloud technologies. It provides student developers and founders with mentorship, software resources, and a platform to scale their technology startups. This program is an outstanding opportunity for eligible older high school students (typically ages 16 to 18+).

  • Subject: Computer Science / AI / Entrepreneurship
  • Grade Level: High School (Ages 18+) & College
  • Typical Due Date: MVP Submissions are typically due in January.
  • For 2026-2027 Seaon
    • Opens: September 2026 (expected)
    • Submission deadline: early January, 2027
    • Semifinalists announced: February 2027
    • World Championship: June 2027
  • Format: Individual or Team (up to 4 members)
  • Region: International
  • Organizer: Microsoft
  • URL: imaginecup.microsoft.com
  • Recommended Class: Python for AI

4. Girls Who Code Challenge

Held annually, the Girls Who Code Challenge encourages students to use coding and technology to solve real-world problems that impact their communities. Participants work individually or in teams to design creative, socially meaningful tech solutions while building programming, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. The theme for this year is AI + Cybersecurity. 

  • Subject: Computer Science / Coding
  • Grade Level: Ages 13–18
  • Typical Due Date: Submission Deadline in Feb
    • For 2026: Submission deadline is Feb 11, 2026.
  • Format: Individual or Team
  • Region: United States
  • Organizer: Girls Who Code
  • URL: girlswhocode.com
  • Recommended Class: Python for AI (Teaches text-based coding essential for high school hackathons).

5. America's Youth AI Festival @ MIT

This special one-time national event celebrates the United States' 250th anniversary by showcasing students' visions for the future of Artificial Intelligence. Hosted by MIT RAISE and Day of AI, the festival invites students to submit AI-powered STEM solutions for health, climate, and more, as well as art, and civic projects. Winners earn an all-expenses-paid trip to Boston to present their work at MIT. The festival highlights the impact of AI across disciplines and gives young innovators a chance to share their vision for the future of technology. 

  • Subject: Artificial Intelligence / Innovation / Civics / Arts
  • Grade Level: K–12 (Specific travel prizes are often focused on ages 14+)
  • Typical Due Date: Submissions due March 2026
    • For 2026: Submission portal opens Feb 17, 2026; Deadline is March 13, 2026. The Festival is July 17–19, 2026.
  • Format: Individual or Team
  • Region: United States
  • Organizer: Day of AI and MIT RAISE
  • URL: dayofaiusa.org/festival

6. MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge (M3 Challenge)

High school juniors and seniors form teams to solve an open-ended, real-world problem within a strict 14-hour window. The final submission is a mathematical model and a technical paper proposing a solution.

  • Subject: Applied Mathematics
  • Grade Level: 11–12
  • Typical Due Date: Challenge Weekend in late Feb/early March
    • For 2026: Challenge weekend ends March 2, 2026.
  • Format: Team (3–5 students)
  • Region: United States & UK
  • Organizer: SIAM
  • URL: m3challenge.siam.org
  • Recommended Class: Python for AI or Data Science (Teams often use Python/MATLAB to build their models).

7. Wix Tomorrow "Creators of Tomorrow" Challenge

An international web design challenge where students build websites that tackle social issues (specifically the UN Sustainable Development Goals). Students use the Wix platform to create professional-quality sites to drive change.

8. ACM/CSTA Cutler-Bell Prize in High School Computing

Organized by ACM (Association for Computing Machinery, the world's largest educational and scientific computing society) and CSTA (Computer Science Teachers Association), recognizes U.S. high school seniors for their potential and growth in Computer Science. Unlike other competitions, where only the most advanced student have opportunities to win, the Cutler-Bell Prize award students at three different levels - Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced, for scholarships ranging from $4,500 to $8,625 to support their higher education in computing-related fields. The submission deadline for 2026 is March 15.

https://www.cvent.com/c/abstracts/aad23be6-1243-489a-83f0-7fc42843badc

Science Challenges SPRING 2026 (April – June)

9. Genes in Space

Students propose a DNA experiment that addresses a challenge of space exploration. The winning experiment is actually performed by astronauts aboard the International Space Station. No lab equipment is needed to apply.

  • Subject: Biology / Genetics
  • Grade Level: 7–12
  • Typical Due Date: Submission Deadline in April
    • For 2026: Submission deadline is April 10, 2026.
  • Format: Individual or Pair
  • Region: United States
  • Organizer: miniPCR bio & Boeing
  • URL: genesinspace.org
  • Recommended Class: Computational Biology (Teaches how to analyze DNA sequences using code).

10. NCF-Envirothon

The NCF‑Envirothon is a national environmental competition for high school students that challenges teams to solve real-world conservation problems. Students study topics like forestry, soils, wildlife, aquatic ecology, and a current environmental issue, then compete in written tests, field exercises, and oral presentations.  

  • Subject: Environmental Science
  • Grade Level: 9–12
  • Typical Due Date: Qualifying events typically happen in March/April regionally 
    • For 2026: The Final international competition is July 19–25, 2026.
  • Format: Team (5 students)
  • Region: International
  • Organizer: National Conservation Foundation
  • URL: envirothon.org
  • Recommended Class: Data Science with Python (Useful for analyzing environmental data).

11. Technovation Girls Competition

Technovation Girls is a global technology and entrepreneurship competition where participants work in teams alongside mentors to build mobile apps that address real-world community problems. Participants learn mobile app development using platforms like MIT App Inventor or Thunkable, while also mastering business planning, marketing, and pitching.

  • Subject: Computer Science / Coding / Entrepreneurship
  • Grade Level: Ages 8–18 (including High School)
  • Typical Due Date: Registration typically opens in August, with final submissions due in April.
  • For the 2026-2027 Season:
    • Registration deadline: March 18, 2026
    • Submission deadline: April 20, 2026
    • Semifinalists announced: May 26, 2026
    • Finalists announced: June 2026
    • World Summit: October 2026
  • Format: Team (up to 5 students)
  • Region: International
  • Organizer: Technovation
  • URL: technovationchallenge.org/competition
  • Recommended Class: Mobile Coding with Thunkable

12. ArcGIS Online School Competition

Students research a topic within their home state (often solving a local problem) and present their results using Esri's ArcGIS StoryMaps software. This blends geography, data analysis, and digital storytelling.

  • Subject: Geography / Data Science
  • Grade Level: 4–12
  • Typical Due Date: State deadlines vary (April/May)
    • No national competition for 2025 and 2026
  • Format: Individual or Team (2 students)
  • Region: United States
  • Organizer: Esri
  • URL: arcgis.com
  • Recommended Class: Data Science with Python (Teaches data visualization concepts).

13. American Regions Mathematics League (ARML)

Teams participate in a contest broken down into individual, team, power, and relay rounds. The competition takes place simultaneously at four centers across the US.

  • Subject: Mathematics
  • Grade Level: 9–12
  • Typical Due Date: Competition held in late May
    • For 2026: Competition date is May 30, 2026.
  • Format: Team (15 students per team)
  • Region: International
  • Organizer: ARML
  • URL: arml.com
  • Recommended Class: USACO Prep (Great for the "Power Round" which requires proof-based logic).

Science Contests Fall 2026 (September – December)

14. Breakthrough Junior Challenge (2026-2027)

The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is a global science video competition where students create a short video explaining in physics, mathematics, or life sciences. Founded in 2015 by Julia and Yuri Milner, this competition challenges students to create an engaging, original short video (up to 2 minutes) that makes a big scientific theory easy to understand. Participants are encouraged to make complex ideas easy to understand using animation, demonstrations, storytelling, or other creative approaches. The contest awards incredibly prestigious prizes, including a $250,000 college scholarship, a $50,000 prize for the winner's inspiring teacher, and a state-of-the-art $100,000 science lab for their school.

  • Subject: Physics, Mathematics, or Life Sciences
  • Grade Level: Ages 13–18
  • Typical Due Date: Mid-September
    • 2026 Competition Dates:
      • Competition opens: May 11, 2026
      • Submission deadline: September 15, 2026
      • Finalists announced: December 10, 2026
      • Winner announced: Spring 2027 (date TBD)
  • Format: Individual
  • Region: International
  • Organizer: Breakthrough Prize Foundation
  • URL: breakthroughjuniorchallenge.org

15. AFA CyberPatriot  

AFA CyberPatriot, the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, inspires students toward careers in cybersecurity. It challenges high school students to protect and secure computer systems in real-world cybersecurity scenarios. Working in teams, students develop critical skills in networking, system administration, and cyber safety while strengthening teamwork and problem-solving abilities. Participation prepares students for careers in cybersecurity and is highly valued on college and scholarship applications.

  • Subject: Cybersecurity
  • Grade Level: 6–12
  • Typical Due Date: Teams need to register in Aug - September and start practicing. National Finals are typically held in March the following year. 
  • 2026 key dates -
    • June 1 – October 1, 2026: Team Registration window closes.
    • October 21, 2026: Competitor Registration deadline to finalize all team rosters.
    • March 12 - 16: National Finals
  • Format: Team (2–6 students)
  • Region: International
  • Organizer: Air & Space Forces Association (AFA)
  • URL: uscyberpatriot.org
  • Recommended Class: Python for AI.

16. AMC 10, and 12

The American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) are the longest-running and most prestigious math contests in the United States. AMC10, and 12 are for high school students who challenge problem-solving, critical thinking, and mathematical creativity beyond the classroom. AMC 10 and 12 target students in grades 10 and below and grades 12 and below, respectively. These competitions provide students with the opportunity to test their skills, prepare for advanced contests like the AIME and USA(J)MO, and gain recognition for outstanding performance.

  • Subject: Mathematics
  • Grade Level: Grades 9-12
  • Typical Due Date: Registration by Sep/October
    • For 2026:
      • AMC 10 A and AMC 12 A –  November 5, 2026
      • AMC 10 B and AMC 12 B –  November 13, 2026
  • Format: Individual (25 questions, 75 minutes)
  • Region: International
  • Organizer: Mathematical Association of America (MAA)
  • URL: maa.org/student-programs/amc

17. STEM Racing (Supported by Formula 1) 2026-2027 Season

Teams design a better, faster, and cooler miniature F1 car using CAD/CAM software to be manufactured and raced. The competition emphasizes engineering, project management, branding, and marketing.

High school students particpates in STEM Racing Secondary, which is further divided into three classes – Entry, Development, and Professional. The progression allows students to strengthen their technical skills, advance their engineering capabilities, expand their knowledge and build their confidence as they advance through the programme.

  • Subject: Engineering / Design
  • Grade Level: Ages 9–19
  • Typical Due Date: Teams should be formed by late September/early October. 
    • US National Dates for 2026 - 2027:
      • Team registration - Sept 16 - Nov 6th, 2026
      • Car mail in by November 25th, 2026
      • Portfolios, Drawings and Verbal Presentation by December 2nd
      • The Racing Session and Awards Ceremony - December 12th
      • 2027 United States National Finals - April 12-14th, 2027
  • Format: Team (3–6 students)
  • Region: International
  • Organizer: F1 in Schools Ltd
  • URL: https://www.stemracing.com/secondary
  • Recommended Class: Smart Devices: Arduino (Helps with understanding the physics of sensors).

18. StellarXplorers Aerospace STEM Program (2026-2027 Season)

Teams tackle a space design challenge involving orbit determination, satellite component selection, and launch vehicle planning. It features a series of online qualifying rounds leading to an in-person National Finals.Stellar 

  • Subject: Aerospace Engineering
  • Grade Level: 6–12
  • Typical Due Date: Teams should be formed by late September/early October. 
    • For 2026- 2027 season
      • Team registration deadline: October 14, 2026
      • Competitor registration deadline: October 21, 2026
      • Round 1 (All Teams) - October 2026
      • Round 2 (All Teams) - November to December 2026
      • Round 3 (All Teams) - January 2027
      • National Finals Competition: April 28–30, 2027
  • Format: Team (2–6 students)
  • Region: United States
  • Organizer: Air & Space Forces Association (AFA)
  • URL: stellarxplorers.org
  • Recommended Class: NASA STEM Club.

19. FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC):

FRC is a team-based robotics competition for high school students (grades 9–12). Teams design, build, and program robots to compete in an annual game, fostering STEM skills, teamwork, and real-world engineering experience. FRC emphasizes mentorship from professionals, collaboration, and problem-solving in a fun, competitive environment.  

  • Subject: Robotics / Engineering
  • Grade Level: 912
  • Typical Due Date: Teams should be formed by late October/November 
  • Format: Team
  • Region: International
  • Organizer: FIRST
  • URL: firstinspires.org
  • Recommended Class: AP CSA (Java)

20. Congressional App Challenge (2026 - 2027)

The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide STEM competition that invites middle and high school students to design and build their own original apps. Sponsored by members of the U.S. Congress, this challenge encourages students to use technology to improve their community. Winners are selected at the congressional districts level, and top winners from each district are invited to present to the congressional members in DC.  

  • Subject: Computer Science / Coding
  • Grade Level: 6–12
  • Typical Due Date: Submission Deadline in Oct
    • For 2026:
      • Deadline is on October 26, 2026
      • October 30 – November 23 – Judging period
      • November 23 – December 31 – Winners announced!
      • April/May 2027 - Winners meet at House of Code in DC!
  • Format: Individual or Team (up to 4)
  • Region: United States
  • Organizer: Internet Education Foundation, US Congress
  • URL: congressionalappchallenge.us
  • Recommended Class: Mobile App Development (Uses Thunkable to build functional apps), Python (for more advanced students)

21. National STEM Festival

Have an exciting STEM project you're proud of? The National STEM Festival, powered by EXPLR, is an annual event that showcases real-world innovation projects created by student innovators aged 13 to 19. Students submit original work in areas such as artificial intelligence, engineering, health, sustainability, aerospace, and more. It also connects exceptional young talent STEM professionals, and participate in a national celebration of innovation.

  • Subject: General Science / AI / Robotics / Aerospace / Sustainability
  • Grade Level: Grades 7–12 (Ages 13–19)
  • Typical Due Date: Applications typically open in October and close in November.
    • For the 2026-2027 Season (U.S. Edition 2027):
      • Submissions Open: October 2026 (expected)
      • Submission Deadline: November 2026 (expected)
      • National STEM Festival (Philadelphia, PA): June 23–27, 2027
  • Format: Individual
  • Region: United States (with expanding Global Editions)
  • Organizer: EXPLR
  • URL: nationalstemfestival.com
  • Recommended Class: AI Creators, Python for AI, Smart Devices: Arduino

22. National Science Bowl (NSB) (2026-2027)

Teams face off in a fast-paced, question-and-answer format similar to a TV quiz show. Students answer questions on a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, Earth and space science, physics, energy, and math.

  • Subject: General Science
  • Grade Level: 6–12
  • Typical Due Date: Registration deadline is October/November
    • Fall (October - November): organize teams and reviewing Resources
    • December - register your team. Don't be late!
    • Winter (January - March): Regional competitions
    • Spring (April 29 – May 3, 2027): The National Finals
  • Format: Team (4–5 students)
  • Region: United States
  • Organizer: U.S. Department of Energy
  • URL: science.osti.gov/wdts/nsb

23. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) - 2026-2027

High school seniors submit original, independent research projects. 300 scholars are selected, and 40 finalists are flown to Washington, D.C., to compete for major prizes.

  • Subject: General Science / Research
  • Grade Level: 12 (Seniors only)
  • Typical Due Date: Application Deadline in early Nov
  • 2026-2027 Dates
    • • Application deadline: November 5, 2026
    • • Top 300 Scholars: January 7th 2027
    • • Top 40 Finalists: January 21 2027
    • • Finalist competition & awards: March 11-17 2027 (Washington, D.C.)
  • Format: Individual
  • Region: United States
  • Organizer: Society for Science
  • URL: societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts
  • Recommended Class: Data Science with Python & Pandas, AI Creators

24. NASA Dream with Us High School Engineering Challenge

The NASA Dream with Us Challenge invites high school students (grades 9–12) to imagine and design innovative aviation solutions for real-world problems and show NASA their vision for the future of flight. Teams work together to solve a specific challenge, such as using new aviation technology like drones to improve industries like agriculture.

  • Subject: Aeronautics / Engineering
  • Grade Level: 6–12
  • Typical Due Date:
    • For 2026 - 2027, estimated dates
      • Opens: September 2026 (expected)
      • Submission deadline: January 2027 (expected)
      • Winners announced: February 2027
  • Format: Team
  • Region: United States
  • Organizer: NASA Aeronautics
  • URL: nasa.gov/dream-with-us

High School Science Competition Categories by Subject

Here is the list of the 20 competitions categorized by subject. Some competitions may be in multiple categories. 

Computer Science & Coding

  • ACM/CSTA Cutler-Bell Prize in High School Computing
  • AFA CyberPatriot
  • Congressional App Challenge
  • FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC) (Coding)
  • Girls Who Code Challenge
  • National STEM League (NSL) (Automation/Coding)
  • USA Computing Olympiad (USACO)
  • Wix Tomorrow "Creators of Tomorrow" Challenge

Robotics & Engineering

  • F1 in Schools
  • FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC)
  • FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC)
  • NASA Dream with Us Challenge
  • NSBE Jr. Ten80 (National STEM League)
  • StellarXplorers Aerospace STEM Program

Science (General, Biology, Environmental, Space)

  • ArcGIS Online School Competition (Environmental/Data)
  • Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge
  • Genes in Space (Biology)
  • NASA Dream with Us Challenge (Aeronautics)
  • National Science Bowl (NSB)
  • NCF-Envirothon (Environmental)
  • Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
  • Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
  • StellarXplorers Aerospace STEM Program (Space Science)

Mathematics

  • American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME)
  • American Regions Mathematics League (ARML)
  • MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge (M3 Challenge)

Coding Classes for Science Competitions And Challenges

Coding skills play an increasingly important role in science competitions and STEM challenges. While some competitions are entirely coding-focused, many others require programming for data analysis, artificial intelligence, simulations, app development, or robotics. The following classes are designed to equip students with the most relevant and practical coding skills needed to succeed.

These classes help students build strong technical foundations while preparing them to compete confidently in a wide range of STEM competitions.

How to Prepare for High School Science Competitions / Contests: Tips for Success

Participating in STEM competitions can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to prepare effectively. Here’s a guide to students and parents get ready for these challenges and maximize their chances of success:

  • Start Early and Set Goals: Begin preparing for competitions well in advance. Break down the competition requirements and create a timeline for studying, practicing, and refining skills. Set specific, measurable goals for each phase of preparation. For example, we encourage kids interested in participating in the Congressional App Challenge to begin core skill-building classes (such as mobile app coding) three to six months in advance of the project due date.
  • Form a Study Group or Team: Collaborating with peers can enhance learning and provide different perspectives. Form study groups or teams with classmates, friends, or family members. Look into whether your child's school has any clubs or after school workshops in STEM.
  • Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Reach out to teachers, professionals, or previous competition participants for advice and mentorship. They can offer valuable insights, suggest effective study techniques, and provide encouragement throughout the preparation process.
  • Participate in Workshops and Training Classes: Enroll in workshops or training classes focused on the competition’s subject area. These programs often provide hands-on experience, expert instruction, and a chance to connect with others preparing for similar challenges. Create & Learn offers live online classes for kids in 40+ computer science subjects, designed by experts from Google, Stanford, and MIT.

Enjoy Science Competitions Science Fairs for Teens

We hope you found a competition that interests your child! All of our computer science classes teach kids skills that can help develop a competition-ready project. Learn Python, game development, mobile app coding, and much more.

Written by Sophie Andrews, a Create & Learn instructor. Sophie Andrews is a student at Stanford University studying Math and Computational Sciences. She loves teaching and is a teaching assistant for Stanford's introductory computer science classes. Her work focuses on data science. Last year she built the online National Vote Trackers for The Cook Political Report, and she currently leads the Data Team at The Stanford Daily. She's also interned with the FCC and the National Renewable Energy Lab.