25 Best Contests for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 15 min read
If you’re in middle school, contests can be a fun and meaningful way to challenge yourself and discover what you enjoy. They give you the chance to try new things outside of your regular classes, whether that’s solving tough science problems, writing a short story, designing something creative, or coming up with an innovative idea.
Competitions often encourage you to think in new ways, work through real-world problems, and share your ideas with others. Some also let you work in teams, which can help you learn how to collaborate and communicate effectively. Even if you don’t win, you’ll gain skills, confidence, and experiences that can help you in high school, college, and beyond.
This list includes 25 contests for middle school students that stand out for their challenge level, learning opportunities, and variety of subjects.
Location: Students can register in the district where they reside or attend school
Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; winning apps are displayed in the U.S. Capitol and online, and winners are invited to #HouseOfCode
Submission Deadline: October 24
Dates: Winners announced in December
Eligibility: Middle and high school students who are U.S. residents. Teams of up to 4; at least half the team must be eligible in the district of submission
The Congressional App Challenge is a prestigious coding contest for middle and high school students in the U.S. You’ll create a functional, original app using any programming language—from Python and Java to Swift and block code. There’s no required theme, so you can tailor your project to your interests and technical strengths. Submissions are judged on creativity, functionality, design, and code quality. Winners receive a copyright fee waiver via the ARTS Act, have their apps displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building, and are featured on House.gov and the official competition website.
Location: Virtual (Global)
Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; Best in Show: $2,000, Second Place: $1,000
Submission Deadline: April 27
Dates: Finalists announced May 13; winners announced June 2
Eligibility: Open to Middle School (6-8th grades)
The ARTEFFECT Competition invites middle and high school students to create original visual artwork that celebrates the stories of “Unsung Heroes”—individuals who made profound yet underrecognized contributions to history. In addition to submitting a 2D or 3D artwork, you’ll write a 500–1,000-word Impact Statement discussing the hero’s story, your creative process, and how you plan to share your piece. Acceptable media include painting, sculpture, textiles, digital art, and other forms of visual art. The competition is judged on originality, craftsmanship, and interpretation of the Unsung Hero’s impact. Winners may receive awards up to $6,000 and have their work considered for exhibition. Special Spotlight Prizes are also awarded in categories such as sculpture, large-format art, and underrepresented heroes.
Location: Regionals held nationwide; Nationals in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; all-expenses-paid trip to nationals for regional winners
Submission Deadline: November 24 for team registration; regional deadlines vary (typically 3 weeks before the event)
Dates: Regionals from January–March; Nationals: April 24–28
Eligibility: Grades 6–8; teams of 4 or 5; participants must be born between September 1, 2009, April 24, 2015; max 3 attempts at the middle school level
The National Science Bowl is a prestigious academic competition that challenges middle school students to demonstrate their knowledge in biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy, and math. You will compete in teams of four or five in a fast-paced quiz-bowl format, answering complex questions under time pressure. Regionals are held across the country, and winning teams receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the national finals in Washington, D.C. The national event goes beyond the competition itself, offering seminars, team challenges, and STEM-based field trips, making it a well-rounded academic and social experience.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; opportunity to win cash prizes and earn recognition
Submission Deadline: Rolling; start anytime after educator registration
Dates: Self-paced; approximately 10 hours of student engagement
Eligibility: Grades 7–12; requires educator supervision and registration
The BUILD.org Design Challenge is a free, project-based competition that guides students through the Human-Centered Design (also known as Design Thinking) process. Over approximately 10 hours, you will explore real-world community issues and develop your own innovative solutions through empathy interviews, prototyping, and public presentations. The challenge is delivered by a registered educator and conducted online, making it accessible from any internet-connected device. The competition emphasizes entrepreneurship, collaboration, and creative problem-solving, helping you build confidence and practical skills. You will present your solution in a final pitch, which may qualify for cash prizes or public recognition. BUILD also offers a 60-minute virtual training for teachers and supplies a complete toolkit for student engagement.
Location: Regional sites vary; National Championships at Hyatt Regency Orlando, Orlando, FL
Cost/Prizes: $49 per bee subject, $20 per exam, $149 for nationals; top performers qualify for the International Environmental Science Olympiad
Submission Deadline: Regional registration closes on the second Monday before each tournament
Dates: Regionals run October–May; Nationals held May 22–26
Eligibility: Students in grade 8 or below; individual competition
The National Science Bee is a rigorous buzzer-based academic competition for students in grades 8 or younger. To begin, you’ll take a free multiple-choice qualifying exam in the fall, and the top 60% advance to regionals. You may compete at up to three regional tournaments, and the top 50 students per division advance to the National Championships. At regionals and nationals, questions are presented in a fast-paced, buzzer format that tests your science knowledge across disciplines. High-scoring students also qualify for the International Environmental Science Olympiad in Puerto Rico, offering an additional opportunity to compete on a global stage.
Location: Online submission
Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; 150+ cash prizes awarded annually; Grand Prize is $5,000
Submission Deadline: January 20
Dates: Finalists and winners are typically announced in the spring
Eligibility: Grades 6–12, competing individually or in teams of 2–3
The StudentCam competition challenges students in grades 6–12 to create a 5–6 minute video documentary on a historical or contemporary issue connected to the Declaration of Independence, in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. This year’s theme invites you to explore the Declaration’s enduring impact on a pivotal historical moment or a pressing issue affecting your community. You must include relevant C-SPAN footage, explore multiple perspectives, and cite your sources. Entries are judged on critical thinking, documentary quality, and depth of research, with the most compelling works receiving national recognition and cash prizes. C-SPAN features winning entries, and there are also opportunities for additional behind-the-scenes prizes.
Location: First round online; finals at 3M Headquarters, St. Paul, MN
Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; Top 10 finalists receive $1,000; Grand Prize is $25,000
Submission Deadline: May
Dates: January 8 – May 2 (first round); October (final event)
Eligibility: Grades 5–8, U.S. residents
The 3M Young Scientist Challenge is a prestigious national competition designed for innovative middle school students. You will submit a 1–2 minute video proposing a solution to a real-world problem, which will be judged on creativity, scientific understanding, and presentation quality. The top 10 finalists are paired with a 3M scientist mentor over the summer to develop a working prototype of their idea. In October, finalists present their innovations at 3M’s global headquarters and compete in additional STEM challenges.
Location: Regional competitions vary; finals held in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; Regional and national prizes vary by location
Application Deadline: Varies by region; typically October–December
Competition Dates: Fall through February (Finals held in February)
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 6–8; teams must be affiliated with a school, homeschool group, or after-school program
The Future City Competition challenges middle school students to imagine, design, and build a city 100 years in the future. Working in teams, you will use the Engineering Design Process to tackle a sustainability-related issue. The challenge is to build a floating city that innovatively supports safety and public health. Your team will create a physical model, write a research essay, build a project plan, and present your vision to a panel of engineers. The program emphasizes collaboration, systems thinking, and real-world problem solving, all while aligning with national academic standards in STEM and literacy. The competition is free and accessible to students in the U.S. and select international locations.
Location: Regionals held nationwide; Nationals at Hyatt Regency Orlando, FL
Cost: Varies by round; Nationals: $225 (solo), $395 (duo), $495 (team)
Application Deadline: Varies by tournament; typically 2 weeks before the event
Competition Dates: Regionals from late October to early April; Nationals on May 22–26
Eligibility: Open to students in 8th grade or below, competing individually or in teams
The National History Bowl invites young history enthusiasts to test their knowledge through dynamic team-based competition. You can qualify for nationals by competing in the History Bowl, taking the National Qualifying Exam, or through the National History Bee. The regional competitions feature buzzer rounds, rapid-fire bonus questions, and timed challenges. If you qualify, you’ll advance to the National Championships in Orlando, where top teams from across the country gather. Whether competing solo or in teams, you’ll explore history through a fast-paced, quiz-style format that rewards quick thinking and deep knowledge.
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Typically late January
Competition Dates: Round 1 in Fall–Winter; Round 2 in Spring
Eligibility: Open to grades 6–8; grade 5 students may also participate at the higher grade level
The Hardest Math Problem Student Contest is a nationwide competition that pushes middle school students to apply their math and writing skills to complex, real-world challenges. Sponsored by The Actuarial Foundation and New York Life Foundation, the contest offers two rounds of grade-specific story problems that require multi-step reasoning and a written explanation. You will start by solving a fall challenge independently. Finalists from Round 1 are invited to a second round in the spring. Top scorers receive recognition and prizes, and educators have access to free lessons and digital tools to help students prepare.
Location: Finals held in Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: June 11
Competition Dates: Finals week is October 24–29
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8 who are nominated through a Society-affiliated science or engineering fair
The Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge is one of the most prestigious science competitions for middle school students in the U.S. To participate, you must first complete a science or engineering project and compete in a fair affiliated with the Society for Science. If your project ranks in the top 10% at the fair, you’ll be invited to apply to the JIC through an online application that includes essays about your project and the role of science and engineering in society. From the applicant pool, 300 students receive a $125 award. The top 30 finalists are flown to Washington, D.C. with a parent or guardian for a fully funded week of competition, workshops, and award ceremonies. Each finalist receives $500 and becomes eligible for additional scholarships and prizes, including a $25,000 grand prize.
Location: Regional teams across the U.S.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: No centralized deadline; season starts in mid-October
Competition Dates: October 17 – February 28 (regular season); League champions decided by February 28
Eligibility: Middle school students (typically grades 6–8) on school-based teams
The National Academic League combines the excitement of sports with academic competition. You’ll join a team of peers to compete in four quarters of gameplay, answering rapid-fire questions, solving real-world problems, working as a team, and competing head-to-head in individual matchups. With a structure modeled after athletic leagues, NAL encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and communication while covering over 22 academic subjects. Each game simulates the atmosphere of a sporting event, complete with scoreboards, officials, and time limits, giving academically inclined students a space to shine. Teams advance through a season running from October to February, culminating in league championships.
Location: Nationals in Washington, D.C.
Cost: $40–$70, depending on registration type (individual or group)
Application Deadline: December 16
Competition Dates: Chapter Competitions – February 1-28, State Competitions – March 1-31, National Competition – May 10-11
Eligibility: Full-time students in grades 6–8
MATHCOUNTS is one of the most prestigious middle school math competitions in the United States. You’ll compete in four rounds: Sprint, Target, Team, and Countdown, starting at the chapter level and progressing through state and national rounds. The contest emphasizes speed, accuracy, and collaborative problem-solving, and all participants get access to MATHCOUNTS preparation materials. If you qualify for the national championship in Washington, D.C., your travel costs will be fully covered. Finalists compete over three hours in a high-energy environment, and winners can earn scholarships, trophies, and national recognition.
Location: University of Maryland, College Park
Cost: Varies by affiliate and registration type
Application Deadline: Varies by region
Competition Dates: National Contest – June 14–18
Eligibility: Middle and high school students who qualify through regional and affiliate-level competitions
The National History Day Contest challenges you to conduct original historical research on a theme announced each year. After presenting your findings through a paper, performance, exhibit, documentary, or website, you’ll compete in local and affiliate rounds for a chance to attend the national contest. If you qualify, you'll travel to the University of Maryland, College Park, where nearly 3,000 students from all 50 states and international schools gather to compete and showcase their work. Throughout the week-long event, you’ll participate in preliminary and final judging rounds, join in a campus-wide Parade of Affiliates, and attend the Awards Ceremony.
15. eCybermission
Location: Online
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Registration closes February 26; Mission Folder submission due March
Competition Dates: National Judging & Educational Event – June 23–27
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–9 participating in teams of 2–4
eCybermission invites you to tackle a real-world problem in your community using scientific inquiry or the engineering design process. Working in a small team, you’ll design a project, submit a detailed “Mission Folder,” and receive guidance from volunteer STEM professionals via live chats and message boards. Judging emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and the impact on the community. The top teams from each grade and region advance to a virtual regional round where they present and answer questions live on Zoom. National finalists receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to present in front of expert judges. Winning teams receive U.S. EE Savings Bonds, with national champions earning up to $5,000.
Location: Online
Cost: None
Application Deadlines & Competition Dates: Vary by contest
Eligibility: Students ages 13–19 in middle or high school worldwide
The Learning Network, hosted by The New York Times, features a comprehensive calendar of creative contests throughout the school year, providing middle and high school students with opportunities to write, photograph, podcast, illustrate, and share their ideas with a global audience. Contests are judged blindly by Times staff and outside professionals, and winning entries are published online. You can participate in as many competitions as you'd like (one entry per contest), and most require a short process statement. Throughout the year, students can also engage with The Conversation Challenge through current events writing prompts. Winning entries from each contest are announced 1–2 months after the close, and often include honorable mentions and runners-up.
17. Conrad Challenge
Location: Online; Finals at Space Center Houston, Houston, TX
Cost: No fee for the Lean Canvas stage, $499 for the Innovation Stage
Application Deadline: November 1
Competition Dates: November 15 – April 22; Innovation Summit: April 22–25
Eligibility: Students ages 13–18, in teams of 2–5
The Conrad Challenge invites student teams to create innovative solutions to global problems using science, technology, and entrepreneurship. The competition is divided into four phases: Activation (registration), Lean Canvas (idea development), Innovation (project refinement), and Power Pitch (finalist presentations). You will develop a comprehensive concept, website, and video pitch, and then present your solution live at the Innovation Summit in Houston, if selected. Finalists also participate in workshops, hear from experts, and tour the Space Center. Top teams may win scholarships and recognition for their innovations.
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: June 9
Competition Dates: Submissions open through June 9; Winners announced in late November
Eligibility: Students ages 11–18 worldwide (Junior Division: 11–14; Senior Division: 15–18)
The 14th Annual Ocean Awareness Contest invites you to explore your relationship with the natural world creatively. You may respond through visual art, writing, film, music, or multimedia, highlighting topics like generational knowledge, urban nature ("Concrete Jungle"), environmental health, or resilience. All submissions are eligible for multiple awards, including the new Smithsonian Creativity in Resilience Award, which offers $250 to 20 exceptional entries that explore the "Resilience" sub-theme. U.S.-based students may also be featured in the 2026 United by Nature national environmental report.
Location: Various U.S. middle schools and approved test centers
Cost: $55 (early bird), $75 (regular registration), $115 (late registration) for competition managers
Application Deadline: October 28 (early bird), January 5 (regular), January 15 (late)
Competition Dates: January 22–28
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8 (younger students may also participate)
The AMC 8 is a prestigious 40-minute, 25-question math competition designed to strengthen your critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills. Hosted by the Mathematical Association of America, this contest encompasses a broad range of topics, including geometry, number theory, probability, spatial reasoning, and data interpretation. You’ll take the test at a registered school or testing site of your choice, but it’s up to you to contact the school in advance for approval. AMC 8 is a great way to explore competitive mathematics and prepare for advanced contests like the AMC 10 and 12.
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 1 - March 14
Competition Dates: March 7–17
Eligibility: Students age 13+ with a picoCTF.org account. Check details here.
picoCTF is the world’s largest free hacking competition, designed by cybersecurity experts at Carnegie Mellon University to teach you real-world skills through fun, gamified challenges. You’ll tackle capture-the-flag (CTF) puzzles that span from beginner to advanced levels, with categories including cryptography, forensics, reverse engineering, web exploitation, and more. Before the 10-day competition, you can train year-round using the picoGym, a practice environment with challenges from previous years. Teachers can track classroom progress with real-time analytics, and students can win prizes or even a chance to visit CMU.
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 15
Competition Dates: Submissions open mid-November; results announced in mid-May
Eligibility: Eighth-grade students (nominated by an educator)
The Promising Young Writers Program is a national contest that recognizes exceptional writing by eighth-grade students. To enter, your teacher must nominate you and guide you through submitting your best written work in response to an annual prompt. The competition emphasizes creativity, voice, organization, and audience awareness. Submissions are judged by a panel of educators who provide written evaluations, and top scorers are awarded the “First Class” distinction. Whether you're a budding author or a reflective essayist, this is an excellent opportunity to earn national recognition for your writing skills.
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: None – ongoing monthly entries
Competition Dates: Monthly; magazine winners selected 3x per year
Eligibility: Open to students aged 13 and under (with parental permission)
This ongoing photo contest invites kids 13 and under to submit original nature-themed photos they’ve taken themselves—anything from wildlife close-ups to sweeping landscapes. You can enter up to three images each month, with the chance to be featured in Ranger Rick’s online slideshow and considered for a print Magazine Award, which includes a certificate and five magazine copies. Winners are chosen monthly, and Magazine Award selections are published in the December–January, April, and August issues. Whether you shoot with a phone or a camera, this contest is a great way to develop your creative eye and celebrate the natural world.
Location: Online (Hosted by The University of Akron, OH)
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: October 11- February 21
Competition Dates: April 11
Eligibility: U.S. students in grades 5–8
This unique competition invites middle school students to create an original invention or artwork that creatively uses at least one rubber band. You’ll choose between two categories: Arts & Leisure or Science & Engineering. Projects are judged on originality, usefulness, design, and effective use of rubber bands. Finalists in each division receive cash prizes, and the top 10 schools with the most submissions also earn a donation for their programs. Sponsored by the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society, this contest emphasizes hands-on creativity, problem-solving, and exploration of polymer science.
Location: Regional and National
Cost: Entry fees are $10 per individual entry and $30 per portfolio.
Application Deadline: December - January. Check here.
Competition Dates: Regional awards announced December 1; National Medalists announced on March 25
Eligibility: U.S. students in grades 7–12, age 13+ and residing in the United States, U.S. territories or military bases, or Canada
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. You can submit original work in any of the 29 categories spanning poetry, short fiction, journalism, photography, sculpture, digital art, and more. Submissions are judged by accomplished artists, writers, educators, and industry experts based on originality, technical skill, and personal vision. Regional Gold Key winners advance to national adjudication. Top national medalists may earn scholarships of up to $12,500 and be featured in prestigious exhibitions and publications.
Location: Online, in-person final
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: October 24
Competition Dates: August 27 – April 28
Eligibility: Public and charter school teachers of grades 6–12 in U.S. schools that are at least 50% publicly funded
The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest challenges middle and high school students to develop STEM-based solutions to real-world community problems. Teachers submit project proposals, and teams advance through multiple competitive phases, from State Finalist to National Winner. You will receive Samsung tech prize packages ranging from $2,500 to $100,000, with awards for innovation in sustainability and entrepreneurship. Finalists present their ideas through video pitches and live events. This hands-on competition promotes creative problem-solving, teamwork, and the application of real-world STEM concepts.
One more option—The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE.
The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure! To learn more, you can reach out to our Director, Dhruva, at dhruva.bhat@lumiere.education, or go to our website.
Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the upcoming cohorts + deadlines, you can refer to this page!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - Congressional App Challenge logo