ACM/CSTA Cutler-Bell Prize in High School Computing

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) & Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) · National

ACM and CSTA jointly award the Cutler-Bell Prize to U.S. high school seniors who submit an original computing project (a website, app, game, or other artifact) with a video and written reflection on its development and impact. Three tiers reward different skill levels: Beginner ($4,500), Intermediate ($6,750), and Advanced ($8,625), with three winners per tier; Advanced winners are invited to present at the CSTA Annual Conference. Funds go toward the recipient's college tuition through their school's financial aid office. Applications typically open in late fall and close in mid-March; the 2025-26 cycle closed March 15, 2026, and 2026-27 dates were not yet posted.

Eligibility

GradesSeniors only

Min GPA—

ScopeNational

StatesAll states

Fields of studyComputer Science

Applying

Award$4.5k–$8.6k

OpensTypically opens mid-winter

DueNot yet posted (2026 cycle closed March 15)

EssayRequired

Rec. lettersNot listed

RenewableNo

Awards/yr9

Three tiers per winner: Beginner $4,500, Intermediate $6,750, Advanced $8,625; paid toward college tuition via the recipient's financial aid office.

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