Columbia University’s Science Honors Program (SHP) offers Saturday-morning courses for high-school students in grades 10–12. Fall 2026 includes Competitive Programming, an introduction to algorithmic problem solving in the style of USACO, ICPC, and Codeforces.
Students learn to interpret problem statements, design correct and efficient algorithms, and implement solutions through hands-on practice. Topics include sorting and searching, recursion, greedy algorithms, dynamic programming, and graph traversal. Instruction and reference solutions use C++; students may submit in C++, Python, or Java.
An introductory programming course or equivalent experience is recommended. No prior competitive-programming experience is required.
SHP meets on Saturdays from September 19 through December 12, 2026. See Columbia Engineering Outreach Programs for the current calendar, admissions information, fees, and all course descriptions.
Science Honors Program information and Fall 2026 courses
Columbia also develops contest opportunities for high-school teams in the New York tri-state area. Future dates, registration details, and contest materials will be posted here when available.
For competitive programming questions, contact yongwhan.lim@columbia.edu.