Designing CS Poster Contest

Nextech’s Designing CS contest invites K–12 learners to help shape how computer science is represented and understood in classrooms across the state. As Nextech’s poster series has grown—covering topics from foundational CS concepts and algorithms to real-world careers—we see an opportunity to bring fresh perspectives directly from the students these resources are meant to serve. Through this contest, students are encouraged to creatively interpret computer science concepts, tell visual stories about what CS means to them, and imagine how these ideas can be made accessible and engaging for their peers.

The value of this program extends far beyond the posters themselves. By elevating student voice, Nextech reinforces the idea that computer science is for everyone and that students belong in the field—not just as learners, but as creators and leaders. Selected designs will be professionally produced and distributed to classrooms statewide, giving students the powerful experience of seeing their ideas turned into lasting educational tools.

Students are tasked with creating a poster to explain a computer science or a related field concept (such as AI, data science, or cybersecurity), a core practice, or relevant careers.

  • There will be no divisions in the competition; Nextech will simply select the top 10 posters for the published summer set.
  • Students are welcome to work independently, as pairs, in groups, or as a class.
  • The challenge will officially launch at CSPDWeek 2026; it is being promoted on the Poster Card distributed at the event.
  • The competition will run from October 2026 to February 2027 to ensure we can include students from both semesters.
  • Poster submissions will officially close on February 15, 2027, with judging taking place throughout February.
  • The selected designs are tentatively planned to be announced in mid-March 2027.

Each submission must include:

  • One poster (digital or hand-drawn, submitted as an image or PDF).
  • Poster Explanation
    • Intended audience (K-12, K-5, 6-8, 6-12, 9-12)
    • The concept explained
    • A summary of the student’s thought process (written or video).
  • Student’s information, including
    • Name
    • Grade
    • Contact Information (must include adult email address to be able to communicate)

The scoring criteria will explicitly ensure that the medium, concept, idea, or final form does not impact the scoring. Posters will be judged on the following five criteria:

  • Accuracy of the concept presented.
  • Clarity of the explanation.
  • Visual design and organization.
  • Creativity and engagement.
  • Appropriateness for the intended audience.
Prompt

Students are tasked with creating a poster to explain a computer science or a related field concept (such as AI, data science, or cybersecurity), a core practice, or relevant careers.

Participation Guidelines
  • There will be no divisions in the competition; Nextech will simply select the top 10 posters for the published summer set.
  • Students are welcome to work independently, as pairs, in groups, or as a class.
Timeline
  • The challenge will officially launch at CSPDWeek 2026; it is being promoted on the Poster Card distributed at the event.
  • The competition will run from October 2026 to February 2027 to ensure we can include students from both semesters.
  • Poster submissions will officially close on February 15, 2027, with judging taking place throughout February.
  • The selected designs are tentatively planned to be announced in mid-March 2027.
Submission Requirements

Each submission must include:

  • One poster (digital or hand-drawn, submitted as an image or PDF).
  • Poster Explanation
    • Intended audience (K-12, K-5, 6-8, 6-12, 9-12)
    • The concept explained
    • A summary of the student’s thought process (written or video).
  • Student’s information, including
    • Name
    • Grade
    • Contact Information (must include adult email address to be able to communicate)
Judging Criteria

The scoring criteria will explicitly ensure that the medium, concept, idea, or final form does not impact the scoring. Posters will be judged on the following five criteria:

  • Accuracy of the concept presented.
  • Clarity of the explanation.
  • Visual design and organization.
  • Creativity and engagement.
  • Appropriateness for the intended audience.

Are you interested in having your students participate in the Designing CS Poster Contest? FIll out this simple form and we will let you know when the contest submission form goes live!

Sign Up

Outcomes

This program is designed to create meaningful impact for students, educators, and classrooms across the state through the following outcomes:

  • Elevates student voice and agency by positioning K–12 learners as creators and contributors to how computer science is taught and represented.
  • Reinforces that computer science is for everyone, helping more students see themselves reflected in CS concepts, careers, and classroom visuals.
  • Provides authentic, student-informed classroom resources that spark curiosity, conversation, and deeper engagement.
  • Gives students real-world recognition and impact by transforming their ideas into professionally designed posters used statewide.
  • Strengthens classroom culture by promoting inclusivity, creativity, and peer-to-peer inspiration around computer science.
  • Supports educators with fresh, relevant visuals that complement instruction and make abstract CS concepts more approachable.