// about: season 2026-27

Challenges

> three phases. one badge board. earn as many as you can.

Submissions live on a private Padlet site: one per team, link provided after enrollment.
Padlet works like a Google Classroom page: post notes, screenshots, video, and links as proof of work.
Only CS4IL judges can view your Padlet; it stays private from the public.
Complete a phase, earn its badge(s). More badges improve your shot at the overall prize.
Work continues all year on your own schedule. Deadlines go to coaches and post here.

// jump to

[01]

Minecraft Velocity Prize

Starting in October, Microsoft releases its new Minecraft world, Velocity Prize. Teams submit a timed run through the world to locate a hidden flag, using Python or JavaScript inside Minecraft Education Edition, or other methods including AI-assisted companions.

// earnable badges

Fastest team timeFastest alliance time (avg. of all teams in an alliance)Worldwide Top 100

// resources needed

Minecraft Education Edition (licenses available on request)
[02]

Processing / Code Yourself

Teams submit generative art built with P5.js, an open-source, beginner-friendly language for 2D and 3D artwork also used in national competitions like Code Yourself. Several badges are earnable here, so there's more than one way to score.

// earnable badges

Submit to Code Yourself competition (must meet criteria)Create a playable 2D or 3D game using ProcessingCollaboration Badge (details TBD)Code Yourself National Finalist

// resources needed

Processing software: OpenProcessing or equivalent platform
[03]

Hardware Hack / Cybersecurity

Each team gets a custom printed circuit board (PCB) designed by CS4IL, packed with puzzles to decode. Figure out how to boot the card and load programs onto it, then show off your hardware badges at the end-of-season showcase or on your Padlet.

// earnable badges

PowerOn BadgeBootUp BadgeGameOn BadgeAI BadgeEnd to End Badge

// cross-challenge badges

Earnable on top of any challenge above.

Creativity BadgeUnique Solution BadgeTeam Spirit BadgeFirstTimer BadgeCommunity Helper Badge

// results

Prizes

1st place
$1000
2nd place
$500
3rd place
$250

> judging

Judged solely on merit, quality, completeness, and creativity by an independent panel designated by CS4IL. Winners announced spring 2027.

// additional challenges

New challenges and badges may be added throughout the year, announced to coaches and posted here. Some will be optional or local-teams-only and won't affect overall standings; those will always be labeled clearly when posted.