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The VCU College of Engineering hosts annual high school programming contest

Every year, the Department of Computer Science invites high school students from across Virginia to put their programming skills to the test.

May 7, 2024

3 students doing programming work huddled around a computer

On April 19, the VCU College of Engineering’s Department of Computer Science hosted the annual High School Programming Contest. Teams of four students showcased their coding prowess and problem-solving skills, using Java and Python to complete a series of challenging problems.

“Since its inception in 2004, this event has served as an engaging platform for students to demonstrate their programming skills,” Tomasz Arodz, Ph.D., associate professor in the computer science department said. “The contest not only highlights the technical abilities of the students but also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and critical thinking in the realm of computer science.”

Twenty-one teams from 13 different high schools, totalling 82 students, traveled to VCU Engineering’s East Hall to participate in this year’s event. The top three teams were awarded a certificate and prizes.

Students from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Fairfax County
First place: Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Fairfax County
Students from Broad Run High School, Loudoun County
Second place: Broad Run High School, Loudoun County
Students from The Governor’s School for Science and Technology, Hampton
Third place: The Governor’s School for Science and Technology, Hampton

View more photos from the event.

The Department of Computer Science provides undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to perform real-world research as soon as they enroll. From designing algorithms to solving complex computing problems to working with cutting-edge AI technology, students gain understanding of many important computing topics. Browse videos and recent news from the Department of Computer Science to discover how the College of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University prepares the next generation of scientists and engineers for the challenges of the future.