20 Competitions for High School Students.

High school is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and discover your true potential. One of the best ways to do this is by participating in competitions that not only sharpen your skills but also set you apart in college applications.

Whether you’re a budding scientist, a creative artist, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a tech enthusiast, there’s a competition tailored for you. These events provide more than just a trophy or a certificate—they offer a chance to network, learn from peers, and showcase your talents on a larger stage.

In this guide, we’ve curated 20 remarkable competitions across STEM, Business, Computer Science, and Arts to inspire you to take the leap. Explore these opportunities to gain invaluable experience and stand out as a future leader.

STEM Competitions

1. Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS)

• About: Known as the “Nobel Prize for High School Students,” the Regeneron STS is one of the most prestigious STEM competitions. It recognizes students who conduct original, independent research in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Finalists present their projects to professional judges and compete for scholarships and accolades.

• Location: USA (open globally for U.S. citizens or residents).

• Eligibility: High school seniors with independent research projects.

• Prizes: Top winner receives $250,000; over $1.8 million in awards for other finalists.

• Competition Dates: June 1, 2025.

2. Technovation Girls

• About: This global competition encourages young women to develop mobile applications that solve real-world problems. Teams of girls aged 8–18 receive mentorship to learn coding, entrepreneurship, and project management skills, fostering innovation and leadership in STEM.

• Location: Global (virtual and regional events).

• Eligibility: Girls aged 8–18, working in teams with an adult mentor.

• Prizes: Cash awards and recognition; opportunities to present projects at international forums.

• Competition Dates: June 2025.

3. Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

• About: ISEF is the world's largest international pre-college science competition, bringing together students from over 80 countries to present innovative projects across STEM disciplines. Participants qualify through affiliated local, regional, and national science fairs, making it a gateway to global scientific recognition.

• Location: Los Angeles, USA (2024 edition).

• Eligibility: Grades 9–12 students with qualifying projects.

• Prizes: $75,000 grand prize; additional awards totaling nearly $4 million.

• Competition Dates: May 10 to 16, 2025.

4. FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)

• About: This robotics competition invites students to design, program, and build industrial-sized robots that complete specific tasks on a game field. Participants gain hands-on experience with STEM concepts, teamwork, and professional mentorship, while engaging in a high-energy, sports-like environment.

• Location: Global, with regional competitions.

• Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12.

• Prizes: Scholarships and awards; recognition for engineering excellence.

• Competition Dates: January–April 2025 (regional to finals).

5. NASA’s Scientist for a Day Essay Contest

• About: This NASA-sponsored competition encourages students to think like scientists. Participants research celestial objects (e.g., moons or planets) and write essays explaining why their chosen object deserves to be studied further by NASA. The competition fosters critical thinking, research, and writing skills.

• Location: Online, hosted by NASA.

• Eligibility: Grades 5–12 students globally.

• Prizes: Certificates and publication of essays on NASA’s website.

• Competition Dates: 2025 dates are not yet announced; usually, the contest runs from September to February.

Business Competitions

6. DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC)

• About: DECA ICDC is a flagship event for students interested in business, marketing, finance, and hospitality. Students compete in events ranging from role-playing business scenarios to presenting marketing campaigns. ICDC focuses on preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for career success.

• Location: USA (2024 in Anaheim, California).

• Eligibility: High school DECA members.

• Prizes: Scholarships, certificates, and national recognition.

• Competition Dates: Scheduled for April 26 – 29, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.

7. National Economics Challenge (NEC)

• About: The NEC tests high school students' ability to analyze and solve complex economic problems. Students compete in teams of four and answer questions related to microeconomics, macroeconomics, international trade, and current events. The competition sharpens critical thinking and teamwork skills.

• Location: USA (online and in-person).

• Eligibility: Teams of four high school students.

• Prizes: Up to $1,000; medals and certificates for top teams.

• Registration + Submission Deadline: March 2024.

• Competition Dates: Finals in May; exact 2025 dates pending.

8. High School Fed Challenge

• About: Hosted by the Federal Reserve, this competition challenges students to develop and present monetary policy recommendations to address economic issues. Teams are judged on their understanding of economics, analytical skills, and communication abilities.

• Location: USA (regional and national rounds).

• Eligibility: High school teams in grades 9–12.

• Prizes: Certificates and national recognition.

• Competition Dates: Dates for 2025 are not yet announced

9. Diamond Challenge for High School Entrepreneurs

• About: This global competition empowers high school students to think innovatively and develop entrepreneurial ventures. Participants pitch business ideas to judges, receive mentorship, and gain feedback, fostering real-world entrepreneurial skills.

• Location: Online and in-person finals at the University of Delaware.

• Eligibility: Teams of 2–4 high school students globally.

• Prizes: Up to $100,000 in cash prizes and resources.

• Competition Dates: Finals in April 2025.

10. Blue Ocean Company Program Competition

• About: The Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition is a virtual competition that attracts the very best high school-aged entrepreneurs from all over the world.

  Every year, thousands of high school students pitch their innovative business concepts to experienced entrepreneurs and business people, receive feedback on their ideas, join a community of like-minded students, and compete for thousands in cash prizes.

• Location: Online.

• Eligibility: Students aged 14 to 18 years.

• Prizes: Cash prizes, mentorship, incubation support, and international recognition.

• Competition Dates: February 16, 2025.

Computer Science Competitions

11. Capture the Flag (CTF) Cybersecurity Competitions

• About: CTF competitions focus on cybersecurity challenges, where participants solve problems like cryptography, forensics, and network security. These competitions simulate real-world hacking scenarios, helping students develop skills in ethical hacking and cybersecurity.

• Location: Online and in-person (varies by event).

• Eligibility: High school and college students globally; some events are open to all skill levels.

• Prizes: Cash prizes, certificates, internships, and recognition in the cybersecurity field.

• Competition Dates: Year-round.

12. American Computer Science League (ACSL)

• About: ACSL combines programming challenges with computer science theory. Students compete in individual and team events at various levels, solving problems in categories like algorithms, data structures, and number theory.

• Location: Online and in-person finals.

• Eligibility: Grades 4–12 (divided by divisions).

• Prizes: Trophies, certificates, and recognition.

• Competition Dates: December-May 2025.

13. Code Jam by Google

• About: Code Jam is an annual programming competition hosted by Google, where participants solve algorithmic challenges within time constraints. It attracts top coders globally and provides a platform to showcase problem-solving skills.

• Location: Online and global finals.

• Eligibility: Open to all programmers aged 16 or older.

• Prizes: $15,000 grand prize for the winner, plus certificates and recognition for top performers.

• Competition Dates: April–August 2025.

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14. Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior

• About: This global tech competition encourages students to solve societal challenges using AI, machine learning, and sustainable tech. Participants work in teams, submit solution proposals, and receive mentorship opportunities.

• Location: Online and virtual finals.

• Eligibility: Students aged 13–18 globally.

• Prizes: Certificates, mentorship, and recognition.

• Competition Dates: Finals in May 2025.

15. Hackathons (Major League Hacking - MLH)

• About: Hackathons are weekend-long events where students design, code, and pitch innovative tech solutions. MLH organizes hundreds of hackathons globally, allowing participants to work on real-world projects in a collaborative environment.

• Location: Various locations and online globally.

• Eligibility: High school and college students.

• Prizes: Cash prizes, tech gadgets, and internship opportunities.

• Registration + Submission Deadline: Rolling, depending on the event.

• Competition Dates: Year-round.

Arts Science Competitions

16. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

• About: One of the most prestigious programs for creative teens, this competition recognizes excellence in visual art and writing. Categories include painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.

• Location: USA (open globally for U.S. citizens or residents).

• Eligibility: Grades 7–12 students.

• Prizes: Gold medals, scholarships, and exhibition opportunities.

• Competition Dates: Regional awards in early 2025; national awards in June 2025.

17. YoungArts Competition

• About: YoungArts identifies and nurtures talented young artists across various disciplines, including visual arts, design, and writing. Winners gain access to mentorship, funding, and professional development opportunities.

• Location: USA (open globally for U.S. citizens or residents).

• Eligibility: Ages 15–18 or grades 10–12.

• Prizes: Up to $10,000 in cash awards and networking opportunities.

• Competition Dates: January 2025 (finalist week).

18. International Visual Art Competition by Bow Seat

• About: This competition inspires students to create art exploring environmental issues. Submissions can include paintings, sculptures, and digital art that raise awareness about climate change, conservation, and sustainability.

• Location: Online (open globally).

• Eligibility: Students aged 11–18.

• Prizes: Cash prizes, certificates, and publication opportunities.

• Competition Dates: June 2025.

19. The Saatchi Gallery Art Prize for Schools

• About: A global art competition celebrating emerging talent in visual arts. Submissions include drawings, paintings, sculptures, and installations created by school students.

• Location: London, UK (open globally).

• Eligibility: Students aged 5–18 attending school.

• Prizes: Cash prizes of up to £10,000 for the winners and their schools.

• Competition Dates: Exhibition in spring 2025.

20. National Geographic Student Photo Contest

• About: This competition invites young photographers to capture the beauty and diversity of the world around them. Themes include wildlife, landscapes, and human connection.

• Location: Online (open globally).

• Eligibility: Students aged 13–18.

• Prizes: Cameras, gear, and publication in National Geographic.

• Competition Dates: Results announced in June 2025.

With these competitions, you can explore their passions in STEM, Business, Computer Science, and Arts while gaining skills and recognition. Start planning now to make the most of these opportunities!

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Amol & Nishant,

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