Are you a high school student in New York, NY, with a passion for STEM? Do you love to solve complex problems, build innovative projects, or delve deep into scientific research? Then 2026 is your year to shine! Participating in STEM competitions is an excellent way to challenge yourself, gain invaluable experience, and even earn scholarships for college. These national and online competitions offer incredible opportunities to showcase your talents and connect with like-minded peers from across the country.
๐ Location: National (Finals in Washington, D.C.)
๐ Dates: Summer 2026 application period (Finalist Week March 5-11, 2026)
๐ฅ Ages: High school seniors
The Regeneron Science Talent Search is widely regarded as the nation's most prestigious pre-college science competition. Students submit an original research report and application, with finalists traveling to Washington, D.C., to present their work. It's a highly recognized signal of research ability for selective college admissions. In 2026, finalists competed for over $1.8 million in awards, with a top prize of $250,000.
๐ Apply Here
๐ Location: National/International (Phoenix, Arizona in May 2026)
๐ Dates: May 2026
๐ฅ Ages: High school students (grades 9-12)
Regeneron ISEF is the world's largest international pre-college science competition. Students from around the globe showcase their independent research projects, competing for millions in awards and scholarships. To qualify for ISEF, students typically win at a Society-affiliated local, regional, state, or national science fair.
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๐ Location: Online/National (Winners honored in Washington, D.C.)
๐ Dates: Registration opens May 1, 2026; submission deadline October 26, 2026.
๐ฅ Ages: Middle and high school students
The Congressional App Challenge encourages students to explore computer science and coding by creating their own apps. Winners from each congressional district are recognized by Congress, featured on the House of Representatives website, and invited to Washington, D.C., to showcase their work at #HouseOfCode. It's a fantastic opportunity to build a portfolio piece and gain national recognition for your coding skills.
๐ Apply Here
๐ Location: National/International (Championship April 29 - May 2, 2026)
๐ Dates: Season kicks off January 10, 2026; Championship April 29 - May 2, 2026.
๐ฅ Ages: Grades 9-12
FIRST Robotics Competition teams design, program, and build industrial-sized robots to play an action-packed game that changes each year. Students work with mentors, gaining technical, teamwork, and leadership skills. The 2025-2026 season, themed "FIRSTยฎ AGEโข presented by Qualcomm," challenges teams to use engineering skills and re-imagine the past in "REBUILTโข presented by Haas."
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๐ Location: National (National Tournament May 22-23, 2026, at University of Southern California)
๐ Dates: National Tournament May 22-23, 2026.
๐ฅ Ages: Division C (High School)
Science Olympiad is a leading team STEM competition with events across various science disciplines, including biology, earth and space science, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Teams compete in regional and state tournaments to qualify for the national event. The 2026 National Tournament will be hosted by the University of Southern California.
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๐ Location: Online/National (Finalist event in New York City on April 27, 2026)
๐ Dates: Challenge weekend February 27, 2026 - March 2, 2026.
๐ฅ Ages: High school juniors and seniors
The M3 Challenge is an internet-based competition where teams of three to five students use math and data to solve a real-world problem within 14 hours. Organized by the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) and sponsored by MathWorks, it awards over $100,000 in scholarship prizes. The 2026 challenge focused on online sports betting, with finalists presenting their solutions in New York City.
๐ Apply Here
๐ Location: National (National Finals April 30 โ May 4, 2026, in Washington, D.C. area)
๐ Dates: Regional competitions typically January-March; National Finals April 30 โ May 4, 2026.
๐ฅ Ages: High school teams of 4 students, 1 alternate, and 1 coach
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Science Bowl is a nationwide academic competition that tests students' knowledge in all areas of science and mathematics through a fast-paced question-and-answer format. Winning regional teams receive an all-expenses-paid trip to compete at the National Finals in the Washington, D.C. area.
๐ Apply Here
๐ Location: Online/National (Training camp in late May)
๐ Dates: Online contests typically January-March; Training Camp May 21-30, 2026.
๐ฅ Ages: Secondary school students in the U.S. (including homeschooled students)
USACO is a global programming competition that identifies and trains top talent in algorithmic programming and problem-solving. It consists of increasingly difficult online exams, with top performers invited to an intensive summer training camp. The ultimate goal is to select students to represent the U.S. at the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI).
๐ Apply Here
Beyond traditional competitions, Research Ignited offers unparalleled opportunities for high school students to engage in cutting-edge STEM research. These programs provide hands-on experience and mentorship to help you develop advanced skills and a strong portfolio for college admissions.
๐ Location: Online
๐ Dates: Summer 2026
๐ฅ Ages: High school students
This program provides high schoolers with the chance to conduct in-depth research under the guidance of expert mentors. You'll learn critical research methodologies, data analysis, and scientific communication, culminating in a project that can be a significant asset for college applications.
๐ Apply Here
๐ Location: Online
๐ Dates: Summer 2026
๐ฅ Ages: High school students
Dive into the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence! The AI Scholars Program introduces students to the fundamentals of AI and machine learning. Through hands-on projects, you'll gain practical coding experience and develop an understanding of how AI is shaping our future.
๐ Apply Here
๐ Location: Online
๐ Dates: Summer 2026
๐ฅ Ages: High school students
Explore the intersection of AI, robotics, and drones in this dynamic lab. You'll learn to program and control robotic systems, including autonomous drones, and tackle real-world challenges in automation and intelligent systems. This program is perfect for students interested in hands-on engineering and the future of autonomous technology.
๐ Apply Here
Whether your child dreams of becoming a scientist, an engineer, a programmer, or a mathematician, these top STEM competitions and research programs offer an unparalleled pathway to success. Encourage them to explore these incredible opportunities in 2026 and watch them unlock their full potential!
