Coding competitions can be a great way to get kids interested in coding. The competitive nature that is often present in these types of events can motivate kids to learn more and do better. But finding the right coding competitions for your kids can be a challenge. There are many coding competitions out there, and they are not all created equal. Some are more difficult than others, and some may not be appropriate for your child’s skill level. That’s why it’s important to do your research before signing your child up for a coding competition. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of coding competitions for kids that are organized by difficulty. This way, you can find the perfect match for your child’s skill level and interests.
Beginner competitions
Scratch Olympiad
The Scratch Olympiad is a coding competition for anyone above the age of 5. The goal of the competition is to create a project using the Scratch programming language. Projects are judged on creativity, originality, and technical difficulty.
Code Chef
Code Chef is a platform that hosts a variety of competitions with different levels of difficulty, making it a great option for beginner coders. Some of their competitions are geared specifically towards kids.
International Kids Coding Competition (IKCC)
International Kids Coding Competition better known as IKCC is another coding competition host that offers various coding competitions for kids of all levels. One thing that makes IKCC unique is that they have competitions organized by age group. This can be helpful if you want to find a competition that is specifically tailored for your child’s age and skill level.
Coderz Leauge
Coderz Leauge is a coding and robotics competition for kids of all ages. They separate their events into three different levels Novice, Junior, and Pro. This is an excellent option if you want to find a coding competition that your child can grow with.
Intermediate coding competitions
American Computer Science League
The American Computer Science League is a glimpse at what jobs in the tech industry will be like. The event involves students solving various problems inspired by real-world scenarios. The competition itself is based on HackerRank, a place where professional programmers practice, so using this website is a perfect way to practice for the event.
Technovation Challenge
The Technovation Challenge is a coding competition that focuses on teaching girls the ins and outs of business and technology. This program is more than just a coding competition, it’s also a 12-week-long course that culminates in teams pitching their very own mobile app to a panel of judges. This is an excellent way to empower the next generation of young women in tech.
Code Girls United NW regional app challenge
Similar to the Technovation challenge, Code Girls United is a coding competition focusing on teaching young women about business and technology. This challenge specifically takes place in the North-West region of America and is open to teams of girls in grades sixth through eighth.
CODE Hackathon
The CODE hackathon is a coding competition that takes place in various locations throughout America. This event is open to kids of all ages and focuses on teaching participants about coding for kids. One unique aspect of this event is that it offers prize money to the winners, which makes it a great option for kids who are looking to earn some extra cash.
Ecybermission
Ecybermission is a STEM competition that is open to kids in grades six through ninth. This event focuses primarily on the scientific process and solving real-world problems. The program is also remote which makes it a great option for kids who want to compete but can’t make it to an in-person event.
Advanced competitions
International Olympiad in informatics 101 (IOI)
The International Olympiad in informatics is a coding competition that is open to kids in high school. This event is one of the most prestigious coding competitions in the world and offers a great way for kids to test their skills on an international level. What’s different about IOI is that it’s not directly open to every individual, rather countries send a team of four students to compete on their behalf.
MIT Think program
The MIT Think program is a science and research program for high school students. This event is an excellent way for kids to get exposure to the research process and learn about what it’s like to be a scientist. This program isn’t necessarily a competition but a means of gaining valuable insight into the world of research. To apply students, need to thoroughly present a potential research project that they would like to work on. Program personnel will then choose projects they deem workable and interesting. If chosen they will be assigned a mentor that will help guide them through the research process.
Cyber Patriot national youth cyber defense program
Cyber Patriot is a national youth cyber defense program created by the Airforce association in order to spark interest in cybersecurity. This program offers a great way for kids to learn about the importance of cyber security and how to protect themselves online. The program offers a great way for kids to learn about a topic that is becoming increasingly relevant in today’s world.
First Tech Challenge
The First Tech Challenge is a chain of robotics competitions that is open to kids in grades seventh through twelfth. These robotic competitions are considered some of the most prestigious and offer a great way for kids to learn about engineering and robotics. There are multiple types of competitions offered to kids of all age groups, like the First Lego challenge which is geared toward younger kids, or the FIRST Robotics Competition which is geared toward high school students.
Facebook Hacker Cup
The Facebook hacker cup is a coding competition that is open to anyone over the age of thirteen. This event offers a great way for kids to test their skills on a global level, as it attracts participants from all over the world. The event features multiple rounds that take place over five months and the top 25 participants receive a cash prize.
Conclusion
Programming is an ever-growing field with a wide range of competitions and programs available for kids of all ages. Are you seeking introductory programming courses or a place to engage your child in coding classes that will help you prepare for such competitions? In order to build future-ready creators, we at SkoolOfCode believe in a holistic STEM-based coding curriculum that is personalized to fit the needs of each student. So, why wait and Book a FREE trial class today.
These coding competitions are a great way for kids to learn about coding, as well as the gain valuable experience they can use in the future. With so many options available, there’s sure to be an event that’s perfect for your child!
By- Prisha Sood