New Mexico · State Grant

New Mexico Supercomputing Challenge

Funding

$40/student to participate; scholarships and prizes

Grade Focus

Grades 6-12

Application Due

September 30, 2026

Level of Gov't

State/Federal — New Mexico Supercomputing Challenge

Eligibility

New Mexico middle and high school students in grades 6-12. Teams of 2-5 students work with a teacher-sponsor to design and implement a computational solution to a real-world problem. All NM schools are eligible to participate.

Program Goals

The NM Supercomputing Challenge engages students in computational thinking, programming, and problem-solving through a year-long project. Students develop a computational model addressing a real-world challenge — exactly the kind of applied CS and AI literacy that Forward Education kits support.

Read the Grant

Application and Distribution

Registration and team formation by September 30, 2026. Teacher-sponsors register their school and students at supercomputingchallenge.org. Teams work throughout the year on their project, culminating in a spring competition.

Cycle Notes

Annual cycle. September 30, 2026 registration deadline. Year-long competition culminating in spring. Monitor supercomputingchallenge.org for future cycles.

Grant Award Amount

$40 per student to help cover participation costs. Top teams receive scholarships and prizes. The primary value is the educational experience and competitive recognition rather than the per-student stipend.

Allowable Purchases

Forward Education Products for This Grant

These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.

Coding for Good Kit — an all-in-one coding, robotics, and AI literacy toolkit using micro:bit for real-world challenges
CodeCTRL controller with display for micro:bit — a handheld game-style controller for interactive games and physical computing
Climate Action Kit — a beginner-friendly STEM kit combining micro:bit sensors to code solutions for climate change and sustainability
Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses
CHARGE Battery Pack for micro:bit — a compact rechargeable power solution that makes micro:bit projects fully portable

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the NM Supercomputing Challenge work?

Teams of 2-5 NM students in grades 6-12 work with a teacher-sponsor to design a computational solution to a real-world problem over a full school year.

What is the registration deadline?

September 30, 2026.

What do students work on?

A computational model addressing a real-world challenge — climate, health, community, or any domain. Applied CS and programming skills are the core.

Is any school in NM eligible?

Yes — any New Mexico middle or high school can participate.

How can Forward Education help?

Our Coding for Good Kit and CodeCTRL controller support the hands-on computational thinking and programming skills that Supercomputing Challenge participants develop.

Grant Support