The ACM/CSTA Cutler-Bell Prize in High School Computing has been reimagined in an effort to remove barriers to student participation. We strongly encourage applicants to fully review the updated structure before beginning their application.
The ACM/CSTA Cutler-Bell Prize in High School Computing is a prize designed to recognize talented high school seniors at varying levels of CS proficiency, ensuring that students who are both new to CS, including self-taught learners with a portfolio of completed small projects (websites, apps, games), and those demonstrating advanced skills are celebrated. The program seeks to promote and encourage the field of computer science. It is intended to empower young and aspiring learners to pursue computing challenges beyond the classroom, leading to potential and practical real-world applications.
The prize is made available through a $1 million endowment established by David Cutler and Gordon Bell. Dr. Cutler is a software engineer, designer, and developer of several operating systems, including Windows NT at Microsoft and RSX-11M, VMS, and VAXELN at Digital Equipment Corporation. He is a Senior Technical Fellow at Microsoft. Dr. Bell was an electrical engineer, an early employee of Digital Equipment Corporation, where he led VAX development, and a researcher emeritus at Microsoft Research.
Program Timeline
- Mid-Winter: Application opens.
- Late Winter-Spring: Application closes; all applications are evaluated by reviewers.
- Spring: CSTA Awards Committee selects winners; all applicants are notified of their application status.
Prize
Up to nine winners will be selected. Award prizes will be scaled according to the tier to reflect increasing levels of CS proficiency and commitment. Each winner will be awarded a prize to be applied toward future college or university tuition that will be administered through the financial aid department at the institution the student will attend. The scholarship amounts and specific rubrics can be viewed below:
- Beginner Tier: Three students will each receive a $4,500 scholarship.
- Intermediate Tier: Three students will each receive a $6,750 scholarship.
- Advanced Tier: Three students will each receive a $8,625 scholarship.
Advanced Tier winners will also receive an invitation to attend and present at the CSTA 2026 Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the award, applicants must:
- Be a high school senior planning to pursue computer science or a related field after graduation.
- Submit an artifact that demonstrates engagement with modern computing technology and computer science. The artifact must include:
- A short video explaining the project, idea, or learning journey
- Short written essay responses describing the purpose, development process, and impact of the work
- Source code (Intermediate and Advanced Tiers only)
- Present work that reflects creativity, originality, and technical thoughtfulness, appropriate to the applicant’s experience level.
- Demonstrate a passion for computer science, including curiosity, problem-solving, and a commitment to continued learning.
Application and Review
CSTA’s mission to enhance the quality, accessibility, and inclusivity of computer science education includes expanding equitable practices to our programs and awards. In order to have a fair review process, all applicants are reviewed by educators who have completed CSTA’s reviewer training. The Cutler-Bell application also asks additional questions about prior awarding for projects and demographic information to ensure a fair process for all applicants.
See previous winners to learn about the types of projects selected. This year, to help better prepare students for the application process, a preview of the application is available for review. We encourage students to make a copy to prepare answers prior to submitting.
Have questions? Check out this FAQ or contact us at awards@csteachers.org.