12 Best Computer Science Pre-College Summer Camps for Middle School Students
In today's rapidly advancing world, gaining a head start in any field can be incredibly beneficial, and for middle school students interested in technology, computer science pre-college summer camps offer a unique opportunity. These programs not only provide a deep dive into the exciting world of computer science but also equip students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are invaluable in any career path.
By participating in these camps, students can explore their passion for technology, learn programming languages, work on projects, and even develop their own apps and games. It's the perfect way for students to gain a competitive edge, meet like-minded peers, and get a glimpse of college life and beyond, all before heading to high school!
Here is a list of the 12 best computer science pre-college summer camps tailored for middle school students:
1. Science of Smart Cities (SoSC) at New York University (NYU)
The Science of Smart Cities (SoSC) is a focused three-week course for middle schoolers on using computer science, engineering, and technology to make cities more sustainable and safe. Through interactive activities, participants delve into coding, physical sciences, and urban planning, learning how science and engineering address real-world problems with innovative solutions, including the use of microcontrollers and sensors.
Mentored by NYU School of Engineering students, participants build smart city models incorporating STEM concepts learned. The program ends with student presentations to experts and the public, demonstrating creative solutions to real challenges. SoSC enhances STEM skills and awareness, preparing you for future roles in city planning and technology.
Cost: Free
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Application Deadline: April 14, 2024
Program Dates: July 8 to August 2, 2024
Eligibility:
Age 12 by the start of the program but not older than 14 on the day program begins
NYC Residents
2. Sally Ride Science Academy at the University of California San Diego
This program provides interesting workshops spanning various topics, from core STEM areas such as computer science, robotics, engineering, and biology, to other subjects like coding, data science, digital design, environmental science, biotechnology, and psychology. Guided by experienced educators and scientists, the interactive sessions aim to foster a broad range of interests, enhance critical thinking abilities, and encourage teamwork through projects. While most classes are held in person, there are also online alternatives available.
Cost: Each courses’ fees differ, ranging from $175 to $450. Scholarships are available.
Location: University of California, San Diego.
Application Deadline: The application deadlines vary depending on the course and program schedule. Typically, applications close several weeks before the course starts.
Program Dates: 4-day workshops held across June and July for different courses. Students can choose more than one course (the dates don’t overlap).
Eligibility: Open to all middle and high school students
3. Engineering Exploration at Oakland University
Oakland University’s Engineering Exploration summer camp is a rigorous week-long program that is perfect for students new to the field of computer science and eager to learn more. You will be able to learn how to code in various softwares from Scratch to Python.
Apart from this, the camp also touches upon industrial, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering. The curriculum covers both traditional programming and GUI-based object-oriented programming, with a strong emphasis on creativity through open-ended exercises. This is the perfect opportunity to get a head start before high-school through hands-on learning experiences.
Cost: $425 (lunch is included)
Location: Oakland University, Rochester, MI
Application Deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis
Program Dates: June 10 to 14, 2024
Eligibility: Open to all middle school students
4. Introduction to Computer Science at Harvard University
Harvard University, through the edX platform, provides a variety of online programs, including an introductory computer science course led by some of the university's senior faculty. This course represents an excellent starting point for those new to computer science.
Participants will acquire a thorough understanding of computer science fundamentals and programming, exploring topics such as algorithmic thinking, problem-solving, and programming languages including C, Python, SQL, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. The course delves into key concepts like abstraction, algorithms, data structures, security, software engineering, and web development, with problem sets that draw on real-world areas like biology, finance, cryptography, forensics, and gaming. It fosters an engaging learning community for students at various levels and concludes with a final programming project presented to peers.
Cost: Free (A certificate can be obtained for $299)
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Rolling basis
Application Deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Current high school students
5. Summer Computer Camps at CalTech (California Institute of Technology) with iD Tech
iD Tech collaborates with top universities nationwide to offer coding, game creation, robotics, and design programs for children and teenagers on their campuses.
Designed for different age ranges and skill levels, iD Tech's summer tech camps ensure a comprehensive learning environment that goes beyond just screen time. With a commitment to small class sizes—no more than 8 students per instructor—the camps delve into STEM topics such as Java, C++, Python, and Scratch programming, mobile app development for both iPhone and Android, Minecraft, game creation, robotics using VEX and LEGO, 3D modeling, filmmaking, photography, and website design.
The emphasis is on practical, collaborative learning. Participants not only engage with their peers but also experience a taste of college life, building confidence, skills, and connections that last beyond the summer.
Cost: $1,129
Location: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: June 24 to August 16, 2024 (Dates vary for different camps)
Eligibility: Open to all middle school students
6. MIT DynaMIT
MIT’s DynaMIT program is a fascinating intersection of materials science and computer science through a unique summer camp. Though the focus is on materials science, participants will delve into computer science through materials modeling and simulation, discovering how these fields combine to solve complex problems. This free camp is an excellent opportunity for middle school students with a keen interest in STEM to engage with cutting-edge research and applications. Students will also have the opportunity to interact with MIT’s esteemed faculty as well as current students, getting a better idea of the idea and helping them choose a path for their future.
Here is everything you need to know about the DynaMIT program!
Cost: Free
Location: MIT, Massachusetts
Application Deadline: March 10, 2024
Program Dates: August 14 to 18, 2024
Eligibility: Rising 6th and 7th graders
7. Smith College Science and Engineering Summer Program
The Smith Summer Science and Engineering Program (SSEP) caters to outstanding rising high school students who have a keen interest in science and engineering. Participants engage in hands-on research alongside Smith faculty in the life and physical sciences, as well as engineering.
Since its start in 1990, the program has welcomed over 100 students each year. To date, nearly 1,800 students from 46 states and 53 countries have taken part in the SSEP. Following the program, students begin their high school studies with an enhanced readiness for challenging science classes and a clearer understanding of college expectations.
Cost:
Tuition:
per session (2 weeks): $4,745
both sessions (4 weeks): $8,082
Deposit:
per session (2 weeks): $950
both sessions (4 weeks): $1,616
Location: Smith College, MA
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates:
Session 1: July 6 to 19, 2024
Session 2: July 21 to August 3, 2024
Eligibility: Rising 9th grade students
8. Programming for Everybody at University of Michigan
The Programming for Everybody course offered at University of Michigan is for anyone looking to learn the basics of computer programming using Python. Perfect for beginners and without any prerequisites, the program is designed for newcomers in the world of programming.
As a middle school student, participating in this program will allow you to get a headstart in your programming experience before you head to high school. It will also help you gauge your interest in computer programming using Python and help you better choose your college academic path. The course uses materials from the “Python for Everybody” textbook. By the end of this course, you will be ready to take more advanced programming courses.
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis
Program Dates: 7 weeks, on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Current middle school students
9. Discover Engineering Summer Camp at UIUC
Discover Engineering (DE) is a week-long, on-campus camp targeted at rising freshmen and sophomores who have a keen interest in mathematics and science. Participants engage in multiple projects that span various engineering disciplines. The camp includes tours of different research laboratories across the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Grainger College of Engineering campus, offering campers a closer look at the diverse engineering fields offered.
Additionally, campers have the opportunity to meet and interact with faculty and students who are actively involved in research within these disciplines. This camp serves as an excellent introduction to the field of engineering, providing insights into the broad spectrum of career paths and fields of study available to engineers.
Cost: $1,000
Location: UIUC Campus, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
Application Deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis
Program Dates: July 14 to 20, 2024
Eligibility: Current 8th grade students
10. Penn GEMS at University of Pennsylvania
Penn GEMS at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania is a day camp lasting one week aimed at middle schoolers in 7th, 8th, and 9th grades, concentrating on areas such as bioengineering, nanotechnology, materials science, graphics, and computing. The camp is committed to engaging students in hands-on activities within applied sciences, technology, and engineering.
It's important to note that GEMS is strictly a day camp, requiring participants to be dropped off and picked up from the Penn campus each day. The camp focuses on introducing engineering concepts to students via fields like nanotechnology, materials science, bioengineering, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, robotics, graphics, and computing. Additionally, with faculty from around the world, there is a focus on solving real-world problems through collaboration, teamwork, and enhancing self-belief.
Cost: $650
Location: University of Pennsylvania campus
Application Deadline: March 4, 2024
Program Dates: June 24 to 28, 2024
Eligibility: Current 7th to 9th grade students
11. Programs for Enrichment and Accelerated Knowledge (P.E.A.K.S) at Georgia Tech
The P.E.A.K.S experiences at Georgia Tech University offer middle school students the chance to enhance their knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) through a range of hands-on activities, including research projects and experiential learning.
This on-site summer initiative falls under Georgia Tech's Expanded Learning Programs, aiming to promote and advance the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by providing enriched learning experiences that equip the next generation of STEAM leaders. Designed to last one to two weeks, these programs enable students to engage with respected mentors from various STEAM disciplines.
Cost: $450 to $640
Location: Georgia Tech campus
Program Dates: June 6, 2024, to July 22, 2024
Application Deadline: April 1 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising 6th to 8th grade students
12. Veritas AI
While not a conventional pre-college program, Veritas AI offers an online program specifically designed for middle and high school students, founded and run by Harvard graduate students. For middle school students, there are two primary paths to choose from. The first option is the AI Trailblazers bootcamp, which introduces students to the basics of Python programming, along with fundamental concepts in machine learning and artificial intelligence. Students will engage in practical, real-world projects spanning areas such as healthcare, finance, autonomous driving, and beyond, all while being mentored by experts from leading universities. This program is particularly well-suited for beginners.
For those who have completed the bootcamp or already possess some Python skills, the AI Junior Fellowship presents an excellent next step. In this segment, students have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a mentor to develop a unique project or research paper over the course of 12 weeks. This allows students to delve into the convergence of different subjects and effectively demonstrate their enthusiasm and knowledge.
Cost: AI Trailblazers - $1,790 (need based financial aid available), AI Junior Fellowship - $2,900
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: February 25, 2024
Program Dates: AI Trailblazers - runs for a total of 25 hours over 10 weekends; AI Junior Fellowship - 12 weeks.
Eligibility: Middle school students
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