January 1, 2026 | Rules and App Specifications (PDF) available now.

To promote student participation in the future of amateur radio through software. 

• Competition begins January 1, 2026, and ends March 31, 2026.
• Rules and App Specifications (PDF) published on January 1, 2026.
• All projects must be submitted between February 1 and March 31, 2026. An online project submission form will be made available beginning February 1, 2026.

While not required, we recommend completing the Pre-Registration form to receive any updates and reminders we share about the competition.
Pre-Register Now

Help shape the tools that will support the next generation of amateur radio! The ARRL Student Coding Competition challenges young amateur radio licensees to create a mobile app that ARRL can build on to offer to members, with appropriate attribution. Whether you’re passionate about software, eager to solve real problems, or excited to contribute something meaningful to the amateur radio community, this is your chance to make a lasting impact. Put your skills to work, showcase your creativity, and compete for national recognition—and cash awards—while helping strengthen the future of amateur radio and ARRL.

Parents/Guardians and Teachers: encourage STEM-oriented students to compete and win.

• Does the project meet the published Rules and App Specifications (PDF)?
  
• UI Usability – ease of use, discoverability.
  
• Attractiveness of the UI.
  
• Stability, code quality.
  
• Bonus Features.
• A virtual video interview will be held with all finalists.

• It is NOT ALLOWED to copy another app.
• It is NOT ALLOWED to create an app that just presents some other website.
• It is NOT ALLOWED to use proprietary or licensed technology, other than device’s OS APIs.
• It is NOT ALLOWED to use code or languages that would be unacceptable to app stores.
• It is NOT ALLOWED to use code designed to disrupt normal device operation.
• Must contain original work. Any third-party libraries or code used must permit commercial use and redistribution.
• The app must adhere to agreements for Apple Developers and any other applicable OS.

Individuals or teams of up to three (3) qualifying individuals may participate. If the submitted project is from a team, the prize will be split evenly among team members.

• An online project submission form will be made available beginning February 1, 2026.
• App source code checked into GitHub, and instructions for building and running the developed app. Must be buildable with standard tools.
• Provide a description of (a) your development process, and (b) app features with (c) screenshots. Include why it’s a winner!
• Include a biography of the individual participant and all team members (if applicable).

[X] an ARRL Member (including all team members)

[X] Aged 21 or younger

[X] US Amateur Radio licensee

Don’t forget that ARRL Membership is FREE for full-time students aged 21 years or younger.

Student Membership

• Competition begins January 1, 2026, and ends March 31, 2026.
• Rules and App Specifications (PDF) published on January 1, 2026.
• All projects must be submitted between February 1 and March 31, 2026. An online project submission form will be made available beginning February 1, 2026.

While not required, we recommend completing the Pre-Registration form to receive any updates and reminders we share about the competition.

Pre-Register Now

“The CEO is encouraged to select a committee of judges from the membership to review each submission and identify one or more winning entries. The CEO shall award the winner(s) with an award, the total of all awards not to exceed $25,000.”

--Minutes of the ARRL Board of Directors Meeting (January 2024)