10 University Computer Science Programs for High School Students
In today’s digital landscape, artificial intelligence and machine learning are rapidly transforming every industry, making computer science one of the most relevant and exciting fields of study. If you are a high school student passionate about computation, innovation, and new technology, enrolling in a university-level computer science program could be an excellent opportunity for you.
By participating in a computer science program, you can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field, giving you a competitive edge. This experience will not only refine your existing skills but also serve as a valuable asset in your college applications down the line. Additionally, it will broaden your opportunities in a rapidly changing industry and help facilitate a smooth transition to university-level studies.
To help get you started, we’ve compiled a list of 10 university computer science programs for high school students!
1. Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy
Location: University of Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Cost: $5,060 + $25 application fee (includes room and board for residential participants)
Dates: June 16 - June 28, 2024 (2025 dates TBA)
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March
Eligibility: Students aged 16–17 by the start of the program with a 3.0 GPA
Berkeley’s Summer Computer Science Academy is a 2-week intensive program for high school students interested in computer science, regardless of prior experience. Using Snap!, a visual programming language developed at UC Berkeley, students dive into the core concepts of computer science, learning fundamental coding, collaborative problem-solving, and essential computational thinking skills.
The program focuses on foundational "big ideas" in computer science, such as data manipulation, algorithmic thinking, and systems-based problem-solving. It makes it accessible for beginners yet challenging enough for those with some experience. Additionally, scholarships are available for students who need financial support. This academy provides an excellent entry point into computer science, offering insights into collegiate-level computer science in a rigorous environment.
2. Columbia’s Pre-College Summer Programs
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $12,154 (Residential); $6,100 (Commuter)
Dates: Various dates and lengths are available in the summer.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April. Summer 2025 applications will open in early December 2024
Eligibility: Students who will be 16 or older by the start of the program
Columbia’s Pre-College Summer Program offers high school students a range of 1- and 3-week courses in computer science topics, such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science, and coding. Courses are designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical applications, equipping students with a solid understanding of complex computer science principles.
Classes take place on campus, with various engaging lectures, projects, and collaborative assignments. The program aims to foster both individual skill development and teamwork. The program also offers a variety of co-curricular activities and access to Columbia’s campus resources, enhancing the experience of living and learning in a vibrant urban setting.
3. UPenn’s Summer Coding Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,949
Dates: July 6 - July 27, 2024 (2025 schedule TBA))
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11
UPenn’s Summer Coding Academy is a 3-week introduction to front-end web development. Students are taught Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and JavaScript (JS), which enables them to create interactive and seamless web experiences. This is also useful for those who do not intend to work in STEM-related fields.
The program combines instructor-led demonstrations, practical exercises, and collaborative projects to foster retention and deeper understanding. Students work on individual and group projects to develop their coding portfolios, learning to use tools like GitHub for version control. This camp provides a solid foundation for future studies in computer science, and a head start on technical skills applicable across industries.
4. UCLA’s Computer Science Summer Institute
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $3,197
Dates: June 24, 2024 – July 12, 2024 (2025 schedule TBA)
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in June
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 and are at least 15 years old
The UCLA Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI) offers two tracks: an introductory track for students new to programming and an intermediate track focused on data science fundamentals. Both tracks blend UCLA coursework, hands-on labs, and collaborative problem-solving projects. Students gain foundational skills in programming, computational thinking, and data analysis through this 3-week commuter program.
The Introductory Track covers Python programming and fundamental computing concepts, while the Intermediate Track dives into data science, including machine learning, data analytics, and statistical modeling. Students work extensively with real-world datasets and complete capstone projects showcasing their skills. Both tracks include guidance from UCLA faculty, Ph.D. mentors, and small-group interactions, providing a collegiate experience.
5. John Hopkin University’s Explore Engineer Innovation (EEI)
Location: Johns Hopkins University (Homewood Campus, Baltimore, MD); Hood College (Frederick, MD); and additional commuter locations at JHU's Applied Physics Laboratory (MD), Ohlone College (CA), and University of the District of Columbia (DC).
Cost: $3,575 for base tuition. Additional fees are based on residential/commuter options ($5,800 for residential students at Homewood, $5,550 at Hood College, and $250 for commuters).
Dates: June 30 – July 25, 2025
Application Deadline: Applications for summer 2025 will open in December
Eligibility: High school students with a preference for rising juniors and seniors
The Explore Engineering Innovation (EEI) program at Johns Hopkins is a four-week intensive designed to introduce high school students to diverse engineering fields, including civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical, and materials science. While not a traditional computer science program, this intensive gives students a glimpse into the world of engineering, which typically goes hand in hand with computer science. Participants work on projects such as designing bridges, testing material strength, creating bioreactors, and building user-centric electronic devices, culminating in a final presentation to their peers.
Upon successful completion, participants can earn three college credits, boosting their college applications and providing an early glimpse into university-level engineering coursework.
6. TUFTS’ ‘Coding Academy’ for High School Students
Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Cost: Commuter: $4,225; Residential: $5,750; Need-based scholarships available
Dates: July 20 - August 1, 2025
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10-12 or a Spring 2025 High school graduate
In Tufts’ 2-week Coding Academy for high school students, participants will learn Python to develop mobile apps, web and software development, and desktop graphic user interfaces (GUIs). The coding program offers a well-rounded learning experience, combining daily coding lectures with a variety of guest lectures from faculty on subjects like the history of programming, AI, robotics, and cybersecurity. Students will work on refining their programming skills through individual and group-based sessions focused on coding and computer science.
The program also includes "Tech Treks" with local tech companies in the Boston area, giving young students the chance to explore careers in software and technology. Past visits have included companies like Hubspot, Google, Ginkgo Bioworks, and Fidelity.
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: None
Dates: Exact program start dates vary. But the program starts in mid-June and runs for 6 weeks.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors who are citizens or permanent residents; the program particularly encourages applications from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds
MIT’s MITES Summer Program is a prestigious, 6-week residential program that introduces high school juniors to STEM fields through immersive coursework and hands-on projects. Participants enroll in advanced subjects, including computer science courses, that cover high-level concepts that are often unavailable in standard high school curricula. In addition to classes, students gain practical exposure to STEM careers through lab tours, hands-on workshops, and sessions with industry experts.
A hallmark of MITES is its holistic support structure, which includes mentorship from MIT faculty and guidance on college admissions. Students receive personalized evaluations from instructors, which they can use to enhance college applications.
8. Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Programs
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free (fully funded for accepted participants)
Dates: June 21 – July 19, 2025
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Eligibility: 10th and 11th-grade students who are at least 16 years old
Carnegie Mellon’s Computer Science Scholars (CSS) program is a four-week immersive experience aimed at rising high school juniors who have historically had limited access to advanced STEM education. Held on the Carnegie Mellon campus, CSS provides an introduction to core computer science concepts, programming, and digital literacy under the guidance of CMU faculty and graduate mentors. Participants engage in intensive coursework covering topics like Python programming, algorithm design, and problem-solving, with additional workshops on college application preparation and personal statement writing.
This program is ideal for students passionate about computer science and interested in a rigorous introduction to the field. Industry field trips, guest lectures, and mentorship sessions round out the experience, exposing students to real-world computer science applications and career paths. Fully funded, CSS covers tuition, room, board, and materials, making it accessible to students who demonstrate financial need or lack access to advanced CS resources in their communities.
9. NYU’s Cyber Security for Computer Science
Location: NYU)Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free
Dates: July 15 – August 9, 2024 (2025 schedule TBA)
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in mid-April
Eligibility: NYC residents who are currently in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade.
Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS) is a highly regarded, 3-week summer program designed to introduce high school students to the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. The program covers foundational topics like ethical hacking, cryptography, digital forensics, steganography, and data privacy.
Led by NYU faculty and cybersecurity professionals, students gain hands-on experience in detecting and analyzing cyber threats. The curriculum includes practical exercises with cybersecurity tools and introduces techniques to counteract threats such as phishing and malware. The CS4CS program is fully funded, removing financial barriers for students, and offers a comprehensive pathway for those interested in exploring cybersecurity as a career.
10. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Duration: 12 weeks to 1 year, depending on program choice
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Eligibility:
You must be currently enrolled in high school
Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students an excellent opportunity to engage in independent research under the guidance of Ph.D.-level mentors from top universities worldwide. Through a range of customizable options, students work one-on-one with their mentor to develop a research project tailored to their interests in fields such as computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, biology, data science, economics, and more.
The program includes weekly meetings, individualized research and writing sessions, and opportunities to present findings at the Lumiere Research Symposium. For those interested, successful completion may also qualify for 3 post-baccalaureate credits from UC San Diego Extended Studies, enhancing academic credentials.
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!
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