10 Coding Programs for High School Students in New York City
Participating in specialized coding programs as a high school student is a great way to give yourself a significant edge when it comes to making a good impression during college admissions. As technology continues to evolve, proficiency in coding and computer science becomes increasingly valuable. Coding programs not only equip students with technical skills but also foster creativity and logical reasoning.
These opportunities allow you to explore subjects and skills that aren't typically covered in your standard coursework, providing both personal and academic growth. They also prepare you for a range of future opportunities, from higher education to careers in tech, and often provide real-world experience through projects and internships.
If you are a high school student looking to go beyond your school’s curriculum and buff up your resume, then this is the guide for you. Here are 10 coding programs for high school students in NYC that will offer you diverse opportunities to build and expand your coding skills.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year | 2024 Winter Cohort starts on Dec 16
Application Deadline: 2024 Winter Cohort: Nov 24
Eligibility: Open to high school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks.
Ladder Internships provide high school students with the unique opportunity to engage in real-world coding projects within the dynamic environment of startups. The program pairs students with companies across various fields, including tech, machine learning, and software development. It aims to provide students with practical coding experiences, help them build a professional network, and gain insights into the tech industry.
As an intern, you will work on a real-world project that’s important to the company and aligns with your interests and skills, allowing you to work closely with industry professionals. Over the course of the eight-week program, you will work on developing coding solutions, tackle technical challenges, and gain hands-on experience that directly contributes to your company's goals. To ensure a well-rounded, constructive internship experience, you will be paired with a company mentor who provides direct guidance on your project, along with a Ladder coach who offers additional support and oversight through one-on-one sessions.
Interns are expected to meet weekly deadlines, track progress, and refine their deliverables based on feedback. At the end of the program, you will present your completed project, showcasing your achievements and the skills you have developed.
2. NYU Tandon’s Cyber Security for Computer Science Summer Program (CS4CS)
Location: New York University, NY
Cost: Free
Program Dates: This is a three-week summer program.
Application Deadline: Closed for 2024. Applications typically open in February.
Eligibility: Open to students who are NYC residents and currently studying in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade
NYU Tandon’s Cyber Security for Computer Science Summer Program (CS4CS) is designed to introduce high school students to the critical principles of cybersecurity and computer science. This program is Ideal for beginners with little or no prior knowledge of programming and covers an extensive range of topics central to the cyber industry, such as “white-hat” hacking, cryptography, and steganography. It teaches you the skills needed to detect, investigate, and counter cyber threats. The curriculum also includes digital forensics and data privacy and explores the importance of ciphers in safeguarding networks.
Throughout CS4CS, you will also engage in the human side of cybersecurity, studying social engineering threats, such as phishing and identity theft, while learning strategies to combat them. Another unique feature of the program is Irondale, a mandatory component that uses improv theater to enhance students' communication and public speaking skills. This blend of technical and soft skill training ensures students leave with both the coding expertise and interpersonal skills necessary for success in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.
3. Columbia’s Pre-College Summer Sessions
Location: In-person at Columbia University | Virtual
Cost: Commuter Summer (1-3 Weeks): $2,700-$6,100 per session | Online Summer (1-2 Weeks): $2,700-$3,850 per session | Residential Summer (3 Weeks): $12,154 per session | For more details, read here.
Program Dates: 1-3 week courses in the summer (July-August)
Application Deadline: Dates vary based on the selected course; read here for more information.
Eligibility: Open to students who will be in grades 9-12 in the fall
Columbia’s Pre-College Summer Sessions offer high school students the flexibility to choose between online, commuter, or residential formats, making it one of the more versatile options for students. Ranging from 1-3 weeks, these courses cover essential topics, such as Java, Python, C, and various applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
As a participant, you can engage in courses like "Introduction to AI: Search Algorithms," which focuses on building AI programs using Python and Java, or "Data Science and Machine Learning," where you will gain hands-on experience with coding and implementing machine learning algorithms. Additionally, there are programs designed for beginners who are looking to dip their toes in the exciting field of coding.
The residential option of the program provides students 16 and older the opportunity to live on Columbia’s historic Morningside Campus, fostering an actual college environment with access to classrooms, libraries, and other amenities. It allows students to immerse themselves in the college experience alongside like-minded individuals from across the globe in a vibrant, multicultural city!
4. Kode with Klossy Summer Camps
Location: Multiple locations including NYC
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Multiple two-week sessions from June to August | TBA for 2025
Application Deadline: Closed for 2024. Applications typically close in March.
Eligibility: Open to girls, gender nonconforming, and trans students between the ages of 13-18.
Kode With Klossy Summer Camps are free, two-week coding programs designed for students of underrepresented genders in STEM fields. It aims to build both foundational coding skills and a strong sense of community. Scholars can choose from Web Development, Machine Learning, Mobile App Development, and Data Science tracks, each offering a focused curriculum that builds critical programming skills.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
In the Web Development track, you will learn how to create dynamic websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, with an emphasis on responsive design, accessibility, and improving user experience (UX) and user interface (UI).
The Machine Learning track will introduce you to the foundations of artificial intelligence, covering topics like algorithms, datasets, and natural language processing, as you work on developing chatbots using Python.
The Mobile App Development track takes you through coding in Swift and using SwiftUI to create fully functional iOS mobile apps.
In the Data Science track, you will analyze real-world datasets using SQL, Python, and data visualization tools to build data-driven visual projects.
Each track is designed to equip you with valuable skills, while the camp's inclusive environment encourages lifelong learning and connection within the STEM community.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Program Dates: The Summer Immersion Program is 2 weeks long, and the Self-Paced Program is 6 weeks long.
Application Deadline: Closed for 2024. Applications typically close in March.
Eligibility: Open to girls and non-binary students in 9th-11th grade (Virtual Summer Immersion Program) | 9th-12th grade (Self-Paced Summer Program). Read here for more details.
Girls Who Code offers two distinct summer programs for high school students aimed at teaching essential computer science skills and preparing them for careers in technology.
The Summer Immersion Program (SIP) is a two-week, live virtual experience where you will delve into game design and coding, with lessons covering beginner to intermediate computer science concepts, the design process, and UX principles.
If you seek more flexibility, the six-week Self-Paced Program lets you explore topics like web development, cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence at your own pace. Using coding languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python, you will work on projects independently while still benefiting from a network of peers and mentors through live events.
Both programs offer access to professional connections, financial grants, and tech support, making them an ideal starting point for students interested in coding, regardless of prior experience.
6. The UCLA Game Lab Summer Institute
Location: Virtual or in-person at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Virtual: $2,616 | In-person: - $4,920 (estimated)
Program Dates: Two weeks in the summer (July-August tentatively) | TBA for 2025
Application Deadline: Applications typically close between May to June. Check the website for updates on the 2025 sessions.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12, who are at least 15 years old by June with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, can apply.
The UCLA Game Lab Summer Institute introduces high school students to the world of game design through its in-person and virtual programs, making it especially accessible for those in NYC. Over two weeks, you will engage in both analog and digital game creation, learning to blend creativity with technical expertise.
The program covers essential aspects of game design, from crafting unique game systems and characters to building interactive worlds in Unity and coding playable video games. The curriculum focuses on engaging participants in hands-on experience in game design, character animation, world-building, and programming, where you will develop your own projects, gaining practical skills and artistic insight along the way. Throughout the program, you will benefit from live sessions led by experienced UCLA Game Lab alumni, ensuring personalized feedback.
By the end of the two weeks, you will have produced a portfolio of games or game assets, showcasing your creativity and technical skills! The virtual format mirrors the in-person experience, with interactive classes that allow students to fully engage with the material.
7. Stony Brook University’s Computer Science and Informatics Summer Research Experience Program (CSIRE)
Location: Stony Brook University, New York | Virtual
Cost: $2000-3000 (Housing costs are additional for the residential option.)
Program Dates: Six weeks from June to August; TBA for 2025
Application Deadline: The deadline for 2025 is yet to be announced; keep an eye on their website for updates.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 14 years of age can apply. Programming knowledge is mandatory.
Stony Brook University’s Computer Science and Informatics Summer Research Experience Program (CSIRE) is a competitive 6-week program that offers a deep dive into advanced research in computer science and biomedical informatics. It’s ideal for students with a solid foundation in programming or data analytics and pairs participants with faculty or Ph.D. mentors in labs where you will work on cutting-edge research projects. These projects cover a broad spectrum of topics, including machine learning, biomedical informatics, data science, human-computer interaction, and more.
In addition to lab work, you will have the opportunity to attend seminars led by Stony Brook faculty, gaining exposure to advanced research and emerging trends in the field. The program emphasizes hands-on research and presentation skills, giving you the chance to present your project both mid-program and at the end.
You will also have opportunities to visit labs, attend career-focused seminars from CSIRE alumni, and engage in discussions on real-world applications of informatics and computer science.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4000 (financial aid available)
Program Dates: Three weeks in July (tentative); TBA for 2025
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March. Keep an eye on their website for updates on the 2025 session.
Eligibility: Open to students who are rising 10th graders
Stanford AI4ALL is a three-week virtual program that allows high school students to dive into the emerging and exciting field of artificial intelligence while promoting diversity in tech. Focused on hands-on learning, the program offers students the opportunity to engage in real-world research projects guided by AI professionals.
As a participant, you will explore a range of AI applications, including how AI is used in fields like medicine, disaster response, and poverty alleviation. Aside from that, lectures with Stanford faculty, group projects, and one-on-one mentorship sessions will help you gain a deep understanding of AI’s potential to solve critical global challenges.
The program also emphasizes personal growth and career development, with small group mentoring sessions and talks from AI researchers and industry leaders. You will work in small teams on AI projects, focusing on the societal impacts of the technology. By the end of the program, you will leave with a deeper understanding of AI, a network of mentors, and the skills to pursue further studies or careers in this dynamic field!
9. NYU’s Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC)
Location: New York University, NY
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Five weeks in the summer; TBA for 2025
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-11 can apply. Prior knowledge of physics and coding is mandatory.
NYU’s Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC) is aimed at equipping high school students with the technical and entrepreneurial skills needed to shape the future of urban development.
Throughout the program, you will engage in hands-on learning experiences involving coding, microcontrollers, circuit deployment, and sensor integration. These technical components are framed within the broader context of smart cities, allowing you to understand the practical applications of your work in real-world urban scenarios. In addition to gaining technical proficiency, you will also explore the entrepreneurial aspects of product development, including economics, project management, and navigating the complexities of patents and copyrights.
At the program's conclusion, you are expected to showcase your prototype in a final presentation, demonstrating the practical impact of your work. A key highlight of the program is the concluding Shark Tank-style event, where you pitch your ideas to entrepreneurs and receive valuable feedback. The program also includes Irondale, a theater-based workshop that helps students sharpen public speaking and communication skills.
10. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost:
$2,290 for the AI Scholars program (10-week bootcamp)
$5,400 for the AI Fellowship (12–15 weeks, 1;1 mentorship)
$6,900 for both AI Scholars + Fellowship.
Need-based financial aid is available.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts during the year | 10-15 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling | Winter Cohort: October 20, 2024
Eligibility: High school students from around the world with an interest in AI can apply. Applicants of the AI Fellowship program will either need to complete the AI Scholars program or have had experience with Python.
Veritas AI, led by Harvard graduate students, engages high school students in advanced data science and artificial intelligence concepts. This program provides a comprehensive introduction to essential topics, such as neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, and sentiment analysis, with a focus on coding in Python.
As a participant, you will experience hands-on learning through research projects guided by expert mentors, which will allow you to apply your knowledge in practical scenarios, offering a valuable addition to your academic portfolios. The Veritas AI curriculum is divided into several specialized programs catering to varying levels of experience and interest.
The AI Scholars Program, a 25-hour course, introduces foundational AI and machine learning concepts through a team project.
The AI Fellowship, a more advanced 12-15 week mentorship, supports students in developing and executing independent AI projects with opportunities for publication and showcase.
The Deep Dive Programs - AI + Medicine and AI + Finance focus on applying AI to specific industries, providing an in-depth exploration of how AI impacts these fields.
Are you looking to start a project or research paper in the field of AI and ML? Consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI is an AI program designed for high schoolers and founded and run by Harvard graduate students. The program aims to allow students to create unique projects in the field of AI. Participants will get to learn more about AI from researchers and experts and work 1-on-1 with mentors from Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and more. In just the past year, we’ve had over a thousand students learn with us! You too can apply!
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