The Department of Computer Science and Computer Engineering will host its annual High School Programming Contest on March 11 after a two-year pandemic hiatus. High school students from across Arkansas will gather at the U of A to compete in the exciting problem-solving and programming event. These talented students will challenge each other using their skills in the C, C++ or Java programming languages.

Students interested in participating should contact their high school teachers to register in teams of three. Registration, which closes Feb. 14, can be done at http://hspc.uark.edu/.

In the past, hundreds of students have squared off in the eight-question problem-solving event. Professor Wing Ning Li, who led the event for more than two decades, has since retired and passed his duties to Kevin Jin. Li will attend this year's event as a supporter and honored guest.

Li said he believes this event is an opportunity to represent the U of A, get high schoolers interested in programming and encourage students to think critically about solving problems in programming.

The contest will be held on Saturday, March 11, in J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. Center for Academic Excellence on campus. Students who participate will receive door prizes and a free T-shirt with registration, as well as the opportunity to win trophies, prizes and newfound programming knowledge.

Those interested in sponsoring the event may still do so by contacting hspc@csce.uark.edu. More information about the contest can be found at http://hspc.csce.uark.edu/.