15 Best Online Computer Science Summer Programs for High School Students
Summer programs are a great way for high school students to gain hands-on experience, industry exposure, and professional connections without a high cost. Many prestigious organizations now offer virtual options, making online computer science summer programs for high school students more accessible than ever. These programs allow you to develop coding, data science, and artificial intelligence skills from home while working on real-world projects.
If you’re interested in computer science, an online summer program can help you build a strong foundation in programming and problem-solving. Whether you're just starting or want to refine your skills, these programs provide structured learning and mentorship. To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of the top 15 online computer science summer programs for high school students. These opportunities can prepare you for future studies and careers in technology while connecting you with like-minded peers.
1. AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp by Stanford University
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 participation fee + $40 application fee
Application Deadline: December 9 - February 28
Dates: June 16- June 27
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12 in the Fall, over the age of 14 by the start of the program.
The AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp is a virtual two-week program for high school students interested in machine learning and its applications in healthcare. Open to all technical levels, the program covers machine learning principles, evaluation metrics, and approaches to healthcare challenges through online modules, group discussions, and hands-on activities. You’ll collaborate with peers in breakout sessions, applying concepts to real-world problems.
The program also features "Career Lunch and Learns," where you can engage with guest speakers from academia, industry, and government. Additionally, you’ll gain exposure to advanced topics like generative AI and foundation models, offering a broader view of machine learning’s role in healthcare innovation.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program, $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase, or $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. Apply here.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions with cohorts starting in Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple 12–15-week cohorts offered year-round.
Eligibility: Open to high school students worldwide. AI Fellowship applicants should have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior experience with AI concepts or Python.
Application Requirements: Online application with questions about your background, coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. Columbia University Academic Year Weekend Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,810 per session
Application Deadline: Applications are closed currently.
Dates: (Spring) January 18 – March 23
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
The Columbia Academic Year Weekend Program offers high school students in grades 9–12 the chance to explore virtual courses over ten weekends. You can choose from subjects like Data Science and Machine Learning 1 & 2 or Introduction to Programming with Python, building skills in programming, data analysis, and machine learning. The program features interactive lessons and virtual community activities that support both academic growth and college readiness.
In addition to coursework, you'll attend college preparation seminars, workshops, and lectures led by Columbia faculty and staff. Upon completion, you’ll receive a Columbia University Certification of Participation and a personalized evaluation letter to strengthen your college applications.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility: Applicants must be current high school students with a strong academic record (typically an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4). No prior knowledge in their field of interest is required.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June).
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,218 - $6,238, depending on the duration of the program.
Application Deadline: January 15 - May 9
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18 by June 15
Summer@Brown Online allows you to explore advanced topics in technology and computer science through courses like Introduction to Computational Mathematics and Big Data Visualization, Introduction to Statistical Programming in R, and AI, Data Science, and Machine Learning. Taught by experienced instructors, these courses focus on building critical thinking and technical skills through rigorous, engaging content. You’ll connect with peers worldwide, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
The program offers flexible formats, from fully asynchronous courses to blended options with live sessions, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Interactive activities and virtual office hours support deeper understanding of complex concepts while preparing you for college-level academics.
6. Stanford Pre-College Summer Institute
Location: Virtual / In-person
Cost: $3,080 + $65 application fee
Application Deadline: March 20
Dates:
Session One: June 16 - June 27
Session Two: July 7 - July 18
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-11 at the time of application
The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes offer advanced computer science courses like Artificial Intelligence, Game Design, Introduction to Data Science, and Introduction to Java Programming. These live online classes feature interactive content beyond typical high school curricula, with small class sizes that encourage real-time discussions with instructors and peers worldwide.
You’ll dive deep into cutting-edge topics, enhance your programming skills, and gain insights into the evolving field of computer science. The program’s single-subject focus allows for immersive learning, guided by expert instructors who help you prepare for advanced academic challenges.
7. Futures: Machine Learning for High Schoolers by UC San Diego Extended Studies
Location: Virtual
Cost: $350 - $395 per course
Application Deadline: There is no application deadline.
Dates: 9-month course, you will have access to course materials for about 10 weeks per course.
Eligibility: High school students
The Futures: Machine Learning for High Schoolers program by UC San Diego Extended Studies offers an in-depth introduction to machine learning, combining hands-on experience with foundational theory. You’ll develop skills in Python programming, data processing, and machine learning algorithms, while exploring key concepts in probability, statistics, calculus, and linear algebra.
Courses like Python and Mathematics for Machine Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, and Deep Neural Networks teach you to implement models such as regression, clustering, and neural networks. By applying these skills to real-world projects, you’ll gain the tools to analyze complex data and build machine learning applications.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,000
Application Deadline: December 9 - January 24
Dates: June 18 - July 2
Eligibility: 9th-graders or rising 10th-graders in the summertime, over 14 years by the start of the program
Stanford AI4ALL is a two-week online program that introduces high school students to the world of artificial intelligence (AI) through hands-on learning and real-world applications. You’ll explore topics like robotics, computer vision, medical AI, and natural language processing, gaining practical experience with AI tools and techniques.
The program fosters collaboration with a diverse community of peers and provides mentorship from leading AI practitioners, offering insights into both technical concepts and career pathways. By the end of the program, you’ll have a deeper understanding of AI’s potential to address real-world challenges and its impact on society.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Interested students can join the program waitlist.
Dates: TBD
Eligibility: Women and gender-expansive students aged 13-18
Kode With Klossy offers free, two-week coding camps designed for students from traditionally underrepresented genders in STEM. You can choose from four custom curricula—Web Development, Machine Learning, Mobile App Development, and Data Science—gaining hands-on experience with languages like JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Python, and Swift.
No prior coding experience is required, and the program focuses on practical skills through project-based learning. By the end of the camp, you’ll have a portfolio of projects showcasing your ability to build dynamic websites, develop mobile apps, explore AI concepts, and analyze data.
10. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Online Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost:
LIVE courses: $550 - $1,365
Individually Paced courses: $984 - $1,499
Session-Based courses: $716 - $2,127
Application Deadline:
May 20 for LIVE courses and Session-Based courses
Deadlines for 2-week Individually Paced courses depend on the course chosen
Dates: Dates and duration vary depending on the type of course chosen
Eligibility: High school students
The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) offers online courses for academically advanced students looking to expand their knowledge beyond the traditional classroom. With flexible formats—session-based, live, and individually paced—you can learn at your own pace while connecting with peers from around the world.
In the computer science track, you’ll explore topics from basic programming with Scratch to advanced courses like Java and AP Computer Science. Through hands-on projects in game design, animation, and web development, you’ll develop practical coding skills. Expert instructors provide personalized support, helping you deepen your understanding of computer science and related fields.
11. Girls Who Code
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Dates:
Pathways: June 30 - August 8
Summer Immersion Program: July 7 - July 18 and July 28 - August 8
Eligibility: Girls/non-binary students currently in grades 9-12
If you’re a high school student interested in coding, Girls Who Code Summer Programs offer free, virtual opportunities to develop your skills and explore tech careers. The Summer Immersion Program (SIP) is a two-week live course focused on game design, UX, and computer science fundamentals, with interactive workshops and guidance from expert instructors. For more flexibility, the Pathways Program offers a six-week self-paced option covering topics like cybersecurity and AI, using coding languages such as Python, HTML, and JavaScript.
Both programs include hands-on projects, mentorship from industry professionals, and opportunities to connect with a supportive community. You’ll gain practical experience, engage with tech leaders, and join an alumni network that fosters growth in the tech field.
12. StandOut Connect
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,950
Application Deadline: February 2 (regular application deadline)
Dates: Spring program:
Weeks 1 – 5 (Professional Training): March 9 – April 6
Weeks 6 – 14 (Internship): April 7 – June 6
Eligibility: Student who will be 15 or older by March
StandOut Connect offers a two-part online program to help you develop professional skills and secure a guaranteed internship in fields like technology, computer science, and finance. In the first month, you’ll join interactive weekend workshops led by alumni from top universities like UChicago, focusing on resume building, storytelling for applications, and tools like Excel and AI, along with mock interviews and networking strategies.
In the second phase, you’ll complete a two-month remote internship with companies linked to leading entrepreneurial ecosystems, working on real projects, expanding your professional network, and gaining recommendation letters with the potential for return offers.
13. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: Virtual / NASA centers across the country
Stipend: While most interns receive a stipend, certain opportunities are unpaid
Application Deadline:
Summer: February 28
Fall: May 16
Dates:
Spring Session: Mid-January to Early May
Summer Session: Late May to August
Fall Session: Late August to Mid-December
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, full-time students (high school through graduate level) aged 16 at the time of application, with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
NASA’s OSTEM internships provide paid, part-time or full-time opportunities for students to work on projects in science, technology, and space exploration, either remotely or at a NASA facility. The program offers hands-on experience, mentorship from professionals, and exposure to real-world STEM applications.
With three sessions held annually, these internships allow you to develop practical skills and contribute to ongoing projects that align with your academic and career interests.
14. Purdue University’s Machine Learning for Beginners
Location: Virtual
Cost: To be announaced
Application Deadline: To be announced
Dates: June 10 - June 14 (Tentative, based on 2024 program dates)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 - 12
Purdue University’s Machine Learning for Beginners is a five-day program for high school students in grades 10–12 interested in programming and mathematics. You’ll learn Python basics and explore topics like data fitting, feature extraction, and pattern recognition—no prior coding experience required.
By the end of the program, you’ll be able to apply Python to simple scientific tasks, understand concepts like optimization and linear regression, and see how machine learning is used in real-world applications like image processing.
15. Emerging Tech Camp by The Coding School
Location: Virtual
Cost: Early registration is about USD 700.
Application Deadline: TBA
Dates: 2nd week of July (tentative; based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
Summer of Emerging Tech offers virtual camps and research opportunities for high school students to explore fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, data science, cybersecurity, and web development. You’ll gain hands-on experience through activities such as programming machine learning algorithms, running code on quantum computers, and collaborating on research with university faculty.
Each camp is tailored to different interests and skill levels, covering topics from Python programming and AI projects to Big Data analysis and the intersection of art and technology. You’ll also have the chance to create portfolio-ready projects that highlight your skills.
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