If you've got a knack for coding and love a good challenge, diving into competitive coding competitions is a fantastic way to sharpen your skills, meet like-minded peers, and even catch the eye of top colleges. These contests push you to think critically, solve complex problems, and innovate under pressure—skills that are gold in today's tech-driven world. So, if you're ready to code your way to the top, here's a list of the top 10 competitive coding competitions tailored just for high school students like you.

If you are a high school student looking to get a head start on college credit and want to stand out on your applications, these online college credit courses should definitely be on your radar! Not only do these courses allow you to dive deeper into subjects that interest you, but they also enable you to earn college credits while still in high school, potentially saving you time and money in the long run.

To help you get started, we have compiled a list of 10 online college credit courses you can do while still in high school!

When it comes to making a career in STEM, pre-college programs are becoming an increasingly important part of any student’s summer. Joining a prestigious summer program like Summer Science Program (SSP) can be extremely valuable to your college applications. It helps you engage with subjects that interest you and build skills beyond your classroom learning. To help you get started, we have put together this guide on SSP and why you should consider applying to it!

If you are in high school and interested in coding, it can be hard to figure out what steps you should take to build foundational skills. Taking part in computer science or coding programs in Python will allow you to explore these subjects in depth, with guidance from professionals.

In this list, we’ve detailed the top 8 Python programs that are free and open to high school students. Most of these programs are open to beginners who have little to no prior programming language. Choosing to enroll in these programs will help you gain a better foundational understanding of Python and upskill yourself before you head to college.

Participating in coding competitions as a high school student offers a range of benefits. It sharpens problem-solving abilities, enhances coding skills, fosters creativity, and provides a competitive advantage in the tech-driven job market. Beyond academics, it cultivates a passion for programming, nurtures teamwork, and opens doors to scholarships and prestigious opportunities, laying a solid foundation for future success in the dynamic field of technology.

Columbia University Summer Programs for High School Students is an excellent opportunity for motivated high school students to explore their academic passions and gain valuable college experience. In this complete guide, we will provide all the information you need to know about this prestigious program.

Fundamental science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills are a great way to improve your ability to think critically, problem solve, and innovate. Many top U.S. universities recognize the importance of building such skills and offer programs that introduce students to the different career prospects in STEM and help encourage the next generation of scientists and engineers.

If you’re a middle or high school student interested in pursuing STEM, we recommend you check out New York University’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP). Extracurricular programs like this are a great way to gain a more in-depth view of a subject and show demonstrated interest in your college application!

Engaging in an AI certification program is a great way for you to solidify your foundational AI and machine learning skills, setting you apart from other students! It shows admissions officers that you are willing to take initiative and learn about AI outside of the classroom. To help you get started and find the right fit for you, we have compiled a list of 10 AI certifications you can take in high school!

In the dynamic world of mechanical engineering, internships serve as gateways for high school students to dive into real-world applications, gain hands-on experience, and explore their passions within the field. For young minds eager to learn about machinery, innovate solutions, and contribute to groundbreaking projects, securing a meaningful internship can be the first step toward a mechanical engineering career.

To help you get started, we have put together a list of 6 mechanical engineering internships designed specifically for high school students!

Participating in NASA summer camps is an exceptional opportunity for high school students to delve into the fascinating realms of space science and technology. These immersive camps offer hands-on experiences, allowing students to collaborate with NASA experts on cutting-edge projects. The exposure to state-of-the-art facilities enhances understanding and sparks a passion for space exploration, astronomy, and aeronautics. Taking part in these camps can provide a jumpstart for your future career by equipping you with essential skills that will be invaluable down the road.