Washington CS Student Opportunities – Oct 2026

The following is CSTA Washington’s first attempt to create a blog post of opportunties for Washington students interested in computer science using an AI agent (ChatGPT). We will continue to improve the results of these posts as we gain more experience over the coming months. In particular, because of time constraints this month, the following content is a completely unedited version of the initial AI agent output.

Please send your feedback on this post (and others) to washington@csteachers.org

Congressional App Challenge — Submit by October 26

Middle and high school students can design and submit an original app through the 2026 Congressional App Challenge. Students may compete individually or in teams of up to four and can enter through the congressional district where they live or attend school.

The national submission deadline is October 26 at noon Eastern/9 a.m. Pacific. Students should first verify that their Washington congressional district is participating. Entries require a functioning app, a demonstration video, and the supporting materials described in the competition rules.

⁠Check eligibility, participating districts, and registration.

NCWIT Aspirations in Computing High School Award — Apply by October 27

The NCWIT Aspirations in Computing High School Award recognizes students in grades 9–12 for their interests, accomplishments, leadership, and persistence in computing and technology.

Applicants must be at least 13, join the free Aspirations in Computing Community, and attend an eligible U.S. school. Students are considered for both national and regional awards. Applications are due October 27 at 7 p.m. Pacific. Optional educator endorsements are due November 5 at 7 p.m. Pacific.

Virtual applicant question-and-answer sessions will be held October 13 and October 21. ⁠Review the eligibility requirements and apply.  

NCCE Student Cybersecurity Challenge — Submit by November 30

The NCCE Student Cybersecurity Challenge asks K–12 students to create a poster and social-media post promoting good cybersecurity practices. Entries are judged in four grade bands: K–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12.

Students must submit their poster and social post as a JPG, PNG, or PDF, along with a works-cited document and media form. One student winner and one sponsoring educator from each grade band will receive a $500 scholarship; sponsoring educators also receive complimentary registration for the March 2027 NCCE Conference in Tacoma.

Entries are due November 30. ⁠View the challenge requirements and submission form.  

IGNITE Worldwide STEM Field Trips

IGNITE’s Washington field trips give girls and gender-diverse students opportunities to meet professionals and explore workplaces in technology, AI, engineering, biotechnology, and skilled trades.

Events serve different grade bands from grades 4–12 and take place in Seattle, Renton, Wenatchee, and other Washington locations. Students must participate through an educator who has completed IGNITE training; individual student registration is not available.

Educators can ⁠review the scheduled events and register groups. Space may fill well before the event date.  

Congresswoman Strickland’s STEM Award Program — Apply by May 3

Middle and high school students who live in Washington’s 10th Congressional District can submit a STEM project demonstrating innovation, problem-solving, and community impact.

Projects may come from a classroom assignment, science fair, competition, or another STEM program. Students submit a PowerPoint or video explaining the project and must be prepared to display either the physical project or a poster at the award ceremony. One middle school student and one high school student will be selected for recognition, and winning projects may be displayed in Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland’s Washington, D.C., office.

Applications close May 3, 2027. ⁠Review the requirements and apply.  

Join or Help Launch a Girls Who Code Club

Girls Who Code Clubs are free programs for students in grades 3–12 at any experience level. Clubs offer flexible projects in coding, AI, cybersecurity, game design, and web development and may meet online or in person.

Students interested in joining should ask an educator, library, school, or community organization to host a club. ⁠Learn more about Girls Who Code Clubs.  

Opportunities and availability can change quickly. Check each program’s official page before applying or making plans.