Computing and CS programs

The largest hackathon in the world, built entirely on open NASA and partner space agency data. Teams spend a weekend on a real challenge written by NASA experts, spanning software, data science, hardware, design and science storytelling. Alberta hubs ran in both Calgary and Edmonton in 2025. The 2026 edition runs November 14 to 15 with registration opening August 26, 2026, so check the site for the confirmed Alberta locations.

Premier Canadian programming and algorithm design challenge hosted by the University of Waterloo. Students apply advanced computer science and algorithmic research to solve complex problems. Top scorers are invited to the Canadian Computing Olympiad (CCO).

Free curriculum-aligned AI learning kits and guest speaker sessions that Amii provides to Alberta schools, including an AI in Junior High stream. Delivered by your teachers rather than applied to directly, so the way in is asking a teacher to bring it into your classroom.

Provides paid IT, hardware, and network configuration work experience for older high school students and recent graduates. Students refurbish and deploy computer equipment while building real-world technical skills.

Delivered through Alberta school boards, allowing students to research network vulnerabilities and earn industry-recognized certifications in cybersecurity, networking, and IT fundamentals directly through their high school.

Virtual platform with active Canadian school partnerships providing mentorship and micro-credentials in artificial intelligence, web development, and cloud computing. Students earn IBM-recognized badges upon completion.

National hackathons and virtual coding clubs where young women build their first web and software projects. No coding experience required.

Applications typically close in mid-May for the August session. Week-long dive into quantum information science and cryptography at IQC, University of Waterloo (formerly QCSYS), with lectures, labs and direct researcher access.

Global tech education program where teams of young women identify a community problem, conduct user research, and build a mobile app or AI solution. Alberta participants can work remotely or through local hubs. Teams pitch to a panel of tech industry judges.

Your teacher registers the team between April and October; the season runs October to May with a national finale. Teams defend simulated networks in real-time cyber defence scenarios. Registration is open to educators, not to students directly.

Summer research applications are open now, and the signature Introduction to Quantum Computing course runs from October. Qubit by Qubit teaches quantum computing to high school students, taught by PhD researchers with Google Quantum AI.

Hacker applications for the September 18-20, 2026 event are closed; the next cycle opens the following summer. Canada's largest hackathon brings 1,000+ students to Waterloo for 36 hours of building, with travel, food and lodging covered.

Ethical hacking competition where teams research network vulnerabilities, cryptography, and server security, then compete in simulated real-time Capture the Flag (CTF) events. Regional and national levels with Alberta participation.

Premier global coding competition where high school app developers design, research, and submit an original Swift playground or iOS app. Winners receive exclusive Apple development tools, WWDC access, and global recognition.

Specialized enrichment bootcamps run by UAlberta's Computing Science department focusing on applying machine learning algorithms to game design and logic. Students explore AI concepts through hands-on programming projects.