An annual design competition from Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, open to students in grades 9 through 12 and homeschoolers across the United States. Working alone or in teams of up to three, students respond to a yearly challenge by documenting an existing design in their community and sketching an original solution. Selected finalists take part in mentoring activities and travel to New York City and Washington, D.C. to present their designs to judges.
Offered by Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. Competition for high school students in USA. Format: Online. Cost: Free. Grades 9–12. Deadline: 2027-02-08.
Fields: Arts, Engineering
Info checked November 2026.
Applications open January 5, 2027 and close February 8, 2027.
Yes. National High School Design Competition is free to take part in.
High school students in grades 9 to 12. It runs online. Age, residency and citizenship rules are on the official page.
More academic competitions for high school students