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USACO runs free online programming contests each season, open to anyone with a free account -- no school affiliation, teacher sponsor, or qualifying round required. Contestants compete in Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum divisions and are promoted by scoring well. The strongest US performers are invited to a summer training camp and selected to represent the US at the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) or the European Girls' Olympiad in Informatics (EGOI).
Who can apply
GradesGrades 9–12
Min GPA—
ScopeNational
StatesAll states
FieldsComputer Science · Computer Programming
Logistics
Cost to youFree
Financial aidNot listed
StipendNot listed
FormatOnline
LengthFour online rounds per season (2025-26 ran Jan 9-Feb 23, 2026), each a ~4-day window, plus a proctored US Open in March; top scorers invited to a May training camp; 2026-27 dates not yet posted.
WhereOnline
AwardsTop US scorers are invited to a summer training camp and selected for the US IOI or EGOI team; no cash prizes.
Applying
DueNot yet posted (2026 cycle closed March 28); online windows, no registration
You submitCreate a free account at usaco.org and compete during each open contest window; no school sponsor needed.