High School Projects
IT Expo High School Competition
The University of Cincinnati School of Information Technology is accepting project proposals for the IT Expo High School Competition. The competition will be held on April 8, 2025. The competition will last one hour and teams are encouraged to attend the whole event.
How to Compete
I. Create Your Team
- Teams may include high school students from 9th grade to 12th grade.
- Each team can include up to 5 students.
- Each team must have one teacher advisor.
II. Identify a Problem in the Community
- Your team project should explore a real-world issue in the community and how technology could make it easier or better.
III. Use Technology to Solve the Problem
- Projects should utilize technology and be relevant to the following IT topics: Web and Software Application Development, Networking/Systems, Cybersecurity, Game Development and Simulation or Data Technologies.
IV. Showcase Your Project at IT Expo
- You and your team show off your final project during the high school competition at the annual IT Expo on April 8, 2025!
How to Submit
For more ideas, view past IT Expo projects on our virtual event website.
Registration has now closed
We look forward to seeing everyone's projects!
Complete and submit the high school competition registration form. We will notify you if the project proposal has been accepted for the high school competition and include next steps.
Poster Specifications
Print Size: 48"W x 36"L (Landscape/Horizontal)
Lamination: Matte
Mounting: Foam Board
High Resolution: 300 DPI
File Type: PDF (preferred), image file acceptable
File Size: Under 150 MB (although FedEx can handle files up to 150 MB we encourage you to keep your file size smaller for distribution purposes. Files between 10 - 20 MB are expected.)
Project Topics
Submissions of any projects that are relevant to the following IT majors are welcome:
Project evaluations in the Web and Software Programming area will be based on functionality, usability, and interface design. The website or app can be an ongoing project or proof of concept. Due to the time restraints, it is not necessary for the website/app to already be hosted or deployed nor have created an impact.
Example projects include:
- High School Competition: No Lab Physics
- Senior Design: Anxiety Knot
Project evaluations in the Networking and Cybersecurity area will be based on technical novelty and potential impact on cyber education and technology adoption at high schools.
Example projects include:
- High School Competition: Designing a Secure Network for an Athletic Venue
- Senior Design: OptFor vs Blue
Project evaluations in the Game Development and Simulation area will be based on functionality, usability, and interface design. The game or simulation can be an ongoing project or proof of concept. Due to the time restraints, it is not necessary for the game or simulation to already be hosted or deployed nor have created an impact.
Example projects include:
- High School Competition: Talawanda Games
- Senior Design: Get To The Other Side
Example projects include:
- Senior Design: VonLehman Security Auditing
Timeline
| January 17, 2025 | Pre-Registration Deadline for Team and Project Idea |
| February 28, 2025 | Final Registration Deadline for Team and Project Idea |
| March 7, 2025 | Confirmation for IT Expo HS Competition Participation (Before or on) |
| March 21, 2025 | Submit Poster Content for Competition |
| April 8, 2025 | Present Project at IT Expo |
Awards
Winning team members will receive a scholarship to the University of Cincinnati School of Information Technology. Recognition awards will also be awarded to the teams and schools who participate in the high school competition.
Have Questions?
Jenifer Soale
Asst Professor – Educator, School of Information Technology
TEACHER-DYER