Inside the
USA Computing Olympiad
Founded in 1992, USACO turns algorithmic problem-solving into a four-division route to the IOI and EGOI. Meet the people, milestones and selection path behind the contest.
Independent guide — not affiliated with the contest organizer. Facts checked against usaco.org · Last reviewed 15 July 2026.
| Founded | 1992 |
| Founder | Dr. Don Piele |
| Director | Dr. Brian Dean (2011– ) |
| Head coach | Dr. Rob Kolstad |
| Camp host | Clemson (2010– ) |
| IOI launched | 1989 · UNESCO |
What is USACO?
[ OVERVIEW ]USACO is a free, worldwide programming competition for pre-college students. Contestants climb Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum; the strongest US competitors enter the national-team selection pathway.
This page covers who USACO is and where it came from. For how a contest actually runs — schedule, scoring and promotion — see the full competition guide.
Founding, leadership and reach figures from the USACO history page at usaco.org.
How did USACO begin?
[ SINCE 1992 ]Five milestones trace USACO from an IOI selection effort to today’s worldwide competition and training system.
IOI launches
UNESCO starts the International Olympiad in Informatics for high-school problem solvers.
Don Piele founds USACO
The Wisconsin–Parkside professor creates a route for the first USA team to compete at IOI in Bonn.
National selection begins
Online contests and an academic summer camp become the recurring path to Team USA.
Camp settles at Clemson
After Wisconsin–Parkside and Colorado College, the training camp moves to Clemson University.
Brian Dean leads USACO
The Clemson computer-science professor directs a volunteer organization built by educators and former IOI team members.
How does USACO reach the IOI and EGOI?
[ WHERE IT LEADS ]The four divisions are checkpoints, not four separate contests. Progress through the same system, then enter the US team-selection path.
Four students
Top camp competitors represent the USA at the International Olympiad in Informatics.
A parallel team of four
Since 2021, USACO has also selected and trained the USA team for the European Girls’ Olympiad in Informatics.
Selection details can change by season. Check the current competition guide and official notices before planning.
Who runs USACO?
[ PEOPLE ]Three educators anchor the story; a volunteer network, including former USA IOI members, keeps the contest running.
Dr. Don Piele
Founder, 1992. Created the USA pathway to the IOI from Wisconsin–Parkside.
Dr. Rob Kolstad
Head coach. Built the online contest system and, with Hal Burch, the training pages.
Dr. Brian Dean
Director since 2011. Computer-science professor and long-time USACO staff member at Clemson.
Is this the official USACO site?
[ INDEPENDENT GUIDE ]An independent guide — not USACO
We explain the contest and offer tutoring. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by USACO, IOI or EGOI.
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