October 10–11, 2026
Kickoff opens the Challenge year.
Students attend talks and tutorials on the knowledge that helps teams finish a computational science project — then meet mentors and classmates from across New Mexico.
When and where
Kickoff Training Session in Socorro, New Mexico, at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NM Tech).
Saturday and Sunday, October 10–11, 2026
- Registration 9:00–11:30am Saturday morning in the Joseph Fidel Student Union building lobby, pictures, tours of the campus
- Lunch at the cafeteria
- 12:45-1:30 Opening Session Keynote
- 1:45-5:05 classes
- Pizza party dinner followed by another keynote and evening elective classes
- 8:30-11:50 Sunday morning classes
- 12 noon, lunch and keynote
- 1:00 pm, depart NM Tech
Housing lists
Find your school below, then open that hotel’s list. You need to be logged in to view room assignments.
- Bloomfield High, Capital High, Justice Code, New Futures, Santo Domingo Mid — Best Western housing list
- Albuquerque Academy, Bosque School, Española Valley High, Grants High, McCurdy Charter, School of Dreams Academy, St. Thomas Aquinas, Truman Mid — Comfort Inn housing list
The Kickoff is where teams learn computational tools, meet mentors, and connect with students from across New Mexico. Bring curiosity — tutorials meet beginners and experienced programmers where they are.
Students discuss their projects with volunteer scientists.
Before you attend
All teams attending the Kickoff must submit a proposal online prior to the conference and bring a hard copy with them. Proposals are short and concise — no more than 250 words.
Pay the $40/student registration fee or bring payment to Kickoff. See Important Dates for the full season calendar.
Register
Register for Kickoff so we can plan tutorials, meals, and space for your team.