15 Data Science Competitions for High School Students

Data science is becoming a part of our daily lives. If you are a high school student, learning data science early can give you a strong advantage. One of the easiest ways to start exploring the field and refining your skills is by joining data science competitions.

These competitions give you the chance to work with real-world data and solve practical problems. You’ll build skills like cleaning and analyzing data, coding in Python or R, creating predictive models, and making clear visualizations to explain your results.

Along the way, you can also earn certificates or awards, which can boost your college applications or provide strong material for essays and college interviews. To help you get started, here are 15 data science competitions for high school students.

15 Data Science Competitions for High School Students

1. DataCrunch

DataCrunch is a weekly data science competition where you build models to predict stock returns. Each week, you get a new dataset with financial data from a different time period. Your goal is to rank U.S. stocks based on how well you think they will perform. You can use skills like Python, pandas, scikit-learn, and time series analysis. 

Your model is scored using Spearman rank correlation, which checks how well your rankings match the actual returns. If your model stays accurate on live data, you can earn monthly cash rewards. You also get a starter notebook and tools to test your code locally. 

Location: Online

Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; up to $120,000/year in total rewards distributed in USDC

Application Deadline: Rolling (new rounds weekly)

Program Dates: Ongoing; weekly submission and evaluation phases (Friday–Tuesday)

Eligibility: Open to anyone with Python and ML experience; participation via Discord required

2. Kaggle Image Matching Challenge

Image Matching Challenge is a competition where you build models that can group similar images and figure out where the camera was when each photo was taken. You’ll work with noisy image data and try to separate useful photos from outliers. You can use skills like Python, OpenCV, PyTorch, deep learning, clustering, and 3D geometry. 

Your model is scored on how well it estimates camera positions and organizes images into correct groups. The challenge uses a custom metric that combines accuracy and clustering quality. If you do well, you might be invited to present your work at the CVPR workshop. You can use Kaggle Notebooks to test and share your work in a reproducible setup.

Location: Online; affiliated with CVPR in Nashville, TN

Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; prize pool of $50,000 (1st: $12,000, 2nd–5th: $8,000–$10,000 each)

Application Deadline: May 26

Program Dates: April 1–June 2 (final submission deadline); CVPR workshop on June 11

Eligibility: Open worldwide, under-18 with consent.

3. BitGrit Bird Species Classification Challenge

Bird Species Classification Challenge is a beginner-friendly competition where you build a model to identify bird species based on traits and location data. You’ll work with structured datasets that include genetic features and spatial details. Your goal is to predict whether each bird belongs to species A, B, or C. 

You can use skills like Python, pandas, scikit-learn, classification models, and feature engineering. This is a supervised learning problem with no cash prize, but it gives you practice with real-world conservation data. It’s a good way to get started with data science if you're new to machine learning.

Location: Online

Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; no monetary prizes (knowledge-only competition)

Application Deadline: Rolling (submissions allowed anytime)

Program Dates: Ongoing; leaderboard updates on a 90-day rolling basis

Eligibility: Open to individual participants globally; no prior coursework required

4. Saint Joseph’s University’s Analytics and Data Visualization Competition

Analytics & Data Visualization Competition is an annual event hosted by the Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University. You join a team to work on a real-world data challenge using tools like Tableau. Your job is to explore the dataset, find patterns, and build a dashboard that tells a clear story. 

You can use skills like data cleaning, chart design, and communication. You do not need any prior experience. Teams are scored on creativity, clarity, and problem-solving. Finalists present their work on campus and get to connect with professionals in analytics.

Location: Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA

Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; prizes or awards announced at the in-person event

Application Deadline: December 20

Program Dates: Round 1: February 26 (virtual); Round 2 (finalists): March 12 (in-person)

Eligibility: Open to high school students in teams; no prior coursework or experience required

5. Rochester Pre-College Data Science Challenge

The Rochester Pre-College Data Science Challenge is a regional competition hosted by the Rochester Institute of Technology. You join a team to study a public health or environmental problem using real-world data. You choose the topic, find your own datasets, and analyze them to suggest a solution. 

You will submit a 10-page report, a presentation, and a short video. You can use skills like data research, analysis, visualization, and writing. The focus is on teamwork and real-world impact. Winners are announced during the Imagine RIT event, and everyone gets a certificate for participating.

Location: Rochester, New York (Virtual and In-Person Components at RIT)

Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; top three teams will receive certificates of award

Application Deadline: April 5 (submission deadline)

Program Dates: Registration Opens: February 19; Kickoff Event: February 19; Office Hours: March 3 & March 20; Award Ceremony: April 26

Eligibility: High school students in the Greater Rochester area; teams of 3–5 students

6. Wharton High School Data Science Competition

Wharton High School Data Science Competition is an international team challenge where you use basketball data to build predictive models. You work with large datasets, like thousands of NCAA Women’s Basketball games. Your tasks include cleaning data, engineering features, and building models that predict outcomes. 

You submit your work in multiple phases and explain your methods clearly. Judges from companies like ESPN, Nike, and the NBA review your final presentations. Top teams earn certificates, trophies, and access to Wharton Global Youth Programs.

Location: Virtual (hosted by the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania)

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: January 31

Program Dates: February 3 – April 9

Eligibility: High school students (ages 14–18) worldwide; teams must be from the same school and include 3–5 members plus a faculty advisor

7. National High School Data Analysis and AI Challenge for Sustainable Development

National High School Data Analysis and AI Challenge for Sustainable Development is a global competition where you pick a project on sustainability and use open data and AI to find solutions. You analyze datasets and write a scientific report about your findings. 

You don’t need programming experience because the competition provides resources and webinars to help you. Finalists present to judges from universities and industry. You get mentorship and a chance to publish your work in the STEM Fellowship Journal.

Location: Virtual; open internationally

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: Not specified (varies by year; check official website or sign up for updates)

Program Dates: Annual; dates vary, with workshops and submissions typically held over several weeks or months

Eligibility: High school students worldwide (current students or recent graduates within 12 months); teams of up to 4 students

8. Driven Data Competitions

DrivenData runs data science competitions that focus on real-world social issues. You build and submit machine learning models to solve problems like predicting disease outbreaks, classifying wildlife images, or improving early literacy tests. Some contests offer cash prizes, while others focus on learning and ethical AI. 

You can try practice challenges to build skills or enter prize competitions. DrivenData works with groups like NASA and The World Bank, giving you a chance to work on meaningful projects with a clear problem and data. You’ll use tools like Python, machine learning libraries, and data cleaning to compete.

Location: Online

Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; prize pool varies by challenge (up to $650,000+ for select competitions)

Application Deadline: Varies by competition; typically 2–3 months before final submission

Program Dates: Rolling (each competition has unique start and end dates)

Eligibility: Open globally to individuals and teams; most competitions require participants to be 18+ 

9. MathWorks Math Modelling Challenge

MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge (M3 Challenge) is an online applied math contest where you work in a team of three to five. Over 14 hours during Challenge Weekend, you solve a real-world problem using math modeling and data analysis. Your solution is judged by Ph.D.-level experts without knowing who you are. Finalists present their work in New York City.

You can use MATLAB or other tools, but coding with MATLAB can help you compete for the Technical Computing Award. Judges look for solution quality, math skills, and clear communication. There is extra recognition for creativity and students from Title I schools.

Location: Online; finalists present in New York City

Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; Over $100,000 in scholarships with finalist Awards up to $20,000/team, plus SPARK and Technical Computing awards

Application Deadline: February 2

Program Dates: Challenge Weekend: February 28–March 3 (14-hour window within this period); Final Presentations: April 28 (for invited teams only)

Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors/seniors and UK sixth form students (ages 16–19)

10. Iron Viz: Student Edition

Iron Viz Student Edition is a global data visualization contest hosted by Tableau. Each year you get a dataset such as IMDb’s TV data and create visual stories using Tableau Public. Your entry is judged on how well you analyze the data, design your visuals, tell a clear story, and follow good visualization practices. You do not need advanced programming skills. This is a good way to build your data storytelling and analysis abilities.

Location: Virtual; open internationally

Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; winners receive a Tableau Conference pass, a $250 Tableau Store gift card, and a Tableau Certification voucher

Application Deadline: Typically announced in early spring

Program Dates: Varies by year

Eligibility: Current students (high school or college); must publish work on Tableau Public

11. DIYA High School Data Science Contest

DIYA High School Data Science Contest asks you to use data storytelling to explore global issues based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. You pick a topic like Climate Crisis, Poverty and Inequality, Justice and Human Rights, or Gender Inequality. Then you analyze public datasets and create a clear story with visualizations and a written report. 

You submit a report of up to 1500 words plus either an infographic or 4 to 5 PowerPoint slides. Top entries get cash prizes and free admission to DIYA summer programs. Judges look at how relevant your topic is, how you use data, the insights you find, and how well you communicate.

Location: Virtual; open to students worldwide

Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; winners receive up to $300 in cash prizes and recognition of their work on the DIYA website

Application Deadline: May 15

Program Dates: Submissions accepted until May 15; winners announced after review

Eligibility: High school students (Grades 9–12); individuals or teams of up to 2

12. Modeling the Future Challenge

Modeling the Future Challenge is a national math modeling and data science contest. You apply math to real-world problems involving risk and uncertainty. The contest starts with a Scenario Phase where you analyze a dataset and respond to prompts. If you qualify, you move to the Project Phase, where you pick your own topic and write a full report with risk mitigation ideas.

The challenge focuses on data analysis, modeling, critical thinking, and professional presentation. Mentors support you throughout. You will use math tools to help make decisions in fields like healthcare, transportation, and climate science.

Location: Virtual (Final Symposium held online)

Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; finalists compete in a virtual symposium for scholarships totaling $60,000, with the top four teams awarded between $5,000–$25,000 in tuition scholarships 

Application Deadline: November 10 (Registration closes) |December 8 (Qualifying Scenario submission deadline)

Program Dates: August 26–May 2

Eligibility: U.S. high school students (ages 13–19) currently enrolled in or having completed a junior/senior-level math course (e.g., statistics, calculus, pre-calc, probability); teams of 1–5 students

13. ASEAN Data Science Explorers Competition

ASEAN Data Science Explorers is a team competition where two students create data-driven proposals for one of six UN Sustainable Development Goals using SAP Analytics Cloud. You choose an issue, analyze public datasets, and submit a storyboard that shows your insights and solutions. Training, resources, and access to SAP Analytics Cloud are free for all participants. Finalists compete in National Finals, and winners move on to the Regional Finals in Kuala Lumpur.

Location: Online (National Finals in each ASEAN country; Regional Finals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; cash prizes include up to $1,000 per team at the national level and up to $2,000 at the regional level 

Application Deadline: May 31

Program Dates: February 28 – October

Eligibility: Youths aged 15–30 with ASEAN nationality, currently enrolled full-time in an educational institution (high school, university, or polytechnic) in one of the 10 ASEAN countries

14. After The AP Data Science Challenge

After the AP Data Science Challenge is a project for high school students to practice data analysis after AP exams. You use data from the U.S. Department of Education and build predictive models in R. Your goal is to find which colleges give the best financial return by predicting student loan default rates. 

You can finish the project in one to two weeks with free online tools and submit your model to an optional national contest. Top models get national recognition. This project gives hands-on experience with statistics, coding, and machine learning using Jupyter Notebooks.

Location: Online (U.S. and U.S. territories only)

Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; winners are recognized for their work, which could be a great achievement to note in their college or work applications

Application Deadline: April 18

Program Dates: May 5 – June 6

Eligibility: U.S. high school students who have completed AP Statistics, AP Computer Science A, or AP Computer Science Principles

15. Sports Analytics Symposium Data Challenge

Sports Analytics Symposium Data Challenge invites teams of up to three students to analyze Major League Baseball pitch-level data. You will use new metrics like bat speed and swing length to explore a research question about batters, pitchers, or their interactions. 

You submit a reproducible report with code and visualizations. Teams must register by early December. Selected teams get travel support, free registration, and a chance to connect with industry professionals. Judges from academia and sports evaluate entries based on originality, method, relevance, and communication.

Location: Hybrid : Virtual submission and In-person finals at CSAS in New Haven, CT

Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; travel support and waived conference fees for finalists who will be invited to present their findings in New Haven, CT and receive cash prizes and plaques

Application Deadline: January 15

Program Dates: Finalists present April 11–12

Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students 

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research in data science, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD 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.

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