To promote youth participation in the future of Amateur Radio through Software

• Competition begins January 1, 2026, and ends March 31, 2026.
• All rules and app specifications will be published on January 1, 2026.

Register your interest in participating.  We will send you regular updates as more information becomes available.
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 useful apps. 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.

• Important: Don’t start yet! All rules and app specifications will be published on January 1, 2026.
• Get a mobile iOS app that ARRL can build on to offer to members, with appropriate attribution.
• Encourage the use of software in amateur radio.
• Give bright young STEM-oriented students a chance to compete and win.

• Specification checklist – were the specifications met.
• UI Usability - ease of use, discoverability.
• Attractiveness of the UI.
• Stability, code quality.
• Extra features (like an Android version!).

• Copying another app.
• Mainly Open Source code (scope TBD); must contain original work.
• App that just presents some other website.
• Use of proprietary or licensed technology, other than device’s OS APIs.
• Code or languages that would be unacceptable to app stores (ex, Python on iOS).
• Code designed to disrupt normal device operation.

• App source code checked into GitHub.
•  Must be buildable with standard tools.
• Compiled and operational app available for download.
• Description of app features, including why it’s a winner. 
• Screenshots.
• Team members -- bios for team members.
• Description of development process.

? an ARRL Member (including all team members)

? Aged 21 or younger

? US Amateur Radio licensee

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

Pre-register now.

Competition will run Jan. 1 to Mar. 31, 2026. Complete specifications will be announced on January 1, 2026.

“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)