15 Computer Science Summer Programs for High School Students
Computer science deals with the study of algorithms, data structures, network design, data modeling, and AI. If you’re a high school student interested in pursuing a computer science degree, a summer program can help you gain hands-on experience in the field and build your skills before college! These programs provide a structured environment where you can learn from experts, collaborate with peers, and work on projects that will both challenge and inspire you.
Participating in a summer program can expose you to cutting-edge tech and emerging trends in the field of computer science, enrich your academic perspective, help you explore potential career paths in your chosen field, and boost your college applications!
In this blog, we’ll explore the 15 best computer science summer programs for high school students.
1. UCLA’s Computer Science Summer Institute (Introductory Track)
Location: University of California Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $3,197 (This is a commuter program)
Application Deadline: June 1, 2024
Program Dates: June 24, 2024 – July 12, 2024
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 can apply. All participants must be at least 15 years of age by the first day of Summer Sessions 2024 on June 24th, no exceptions allowed.
The Computer Science Introductory Track offers a combination of coding and lab touring experiences, as well as UCLA coursework designed for high school students interested in computer science and related majors. During the program, you will tour UCLA’s state-of-the-art laboratories while also completing UCLA coursework designed for high school students interested in computer science and related majors.
You will learn how to use computers as tools for problem-solving, creativity, and exploration through UCLA’s computer programs that cover data types including integers, strings, and lists; control structures, including conditionals and loops; and functional decomposition. UCLA’s Computer Science Summer Institute replicates what it would be like to take a college-level computer science course and utilizes Python (a programming language) to introduce students to both programming itself, and the broader field of computing. This opportunity is only available for students able to commute to UCLA’s campus, as there is no option for on-campus housing.
There’s an intermediate track you can consider if you have prior experience in the field.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: Lumiere Individual Research Program – $2,800 | Lumiere Premium Research and Publication Program – $4,800 | Lumiere Research Fellowship – $8,400.
Need-based financial aid is available. Also check out the Lumiere Research Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students.
Application Deadline: Upcoming summer cohort deadline - May 12, 2024. You can apply here!
Program Dates: The summer cohort typically begins in June. The program length depends on which one you choose to attend!
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.
Founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 1-on-1 mentorship opportunity which pairs ambitious students with top university PhDs to work on real-world research projects. Students can choose the field they want to conduct research in – students keen on computer science can select that! You will also choose your project topic – it can be algorithms, applied technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, theoretical foundations and coding, or anything else. This program offers a unique and valuable experience for high school students who wish to pursue computer science and are keen to conduct independent research.
During the program, you and your mentor will dive into the research process. You will gain hands-on experience in formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing data. The Lumiere Research Scholar Program will give you a glimpse into the academic and professional worlds of computer science research.
3. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: AI Scholars - $1,790 (financial aid is available) | AI Fellowship - $4,900 | Combination (AI Scholars + AI Fellowship) - $5,900
Application Deadline: Upcoming summer cohort deadlines - May 19, 2024. You can apply here!
Program Dates: You can find all available dates for the summer cohort here.
Eligibility: High school students passionate about AI; Basic understanding of Python or completion of AI scholars is required for the AI Fellowship program.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs geared toward high school students who want to build their foundations in computer science. In the program, students learn various concepts in data science and artificial intelligence like neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, coding using Python, and more.
Veritas AI offers up to 100% financial aid for the 10-week AI Scholars program. Through the program, students build real-world, hands-on projects in groups of 3-5 students to showcase their interests and skills. You can also apply for the AI Fellowship where you work 1-1 with mentors from top universities to build unique machine learning projects over 12-15 weeks. These programs are a great option for you if you’re keen to engage in hands-on learning and are a beginner!
4. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Application Date: May 21, 2024 for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort
Program Dates:
Summer seminar - June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024
Fall seminar - October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025
Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
5. Columbia’s Pre-College Summer Sessions
Location: Both in-person (Columbia University, NY) and virtual options are offered.
Cost: $2,700 - $12,154. Varies based on whether you choose to attend in-person (residential or commuter) or online.
Application Deadline: Varies. Applications for Summer Session A are closed but applications for Summer Session B are open.
Program Dates: One to three-week courses are available between June 24 and August 9, 2024.
Eligibility: High school students who will be in grades 9-12 in Fall 2024 can apply.
Columbia’s pre-college program offers a number of computer science courses to choose from, ranging from 1-3 weeks, either in-person or online. The computer science courses, listed here, cover important fundamentals of computer science and coding such as Java, C, and Python, and technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. With no prior experience required, learning to program through Columbia’s Pre-college courses would be a great way to both enhance your transcript and resume, as well as beef up your computer science skills.
If you’re interested in computer science, you can choose ‘Introduction to Programming with Java’, an introductory course designed to help develop logical reasoning and computer programming skills through lessons in the fundamentals of Java. ‘Introduction to Programming with Python’ is another introductory course designed to develop your reasoning and programming skills through Python.
6. NYU’s Summer Program in Automation, Robotics, and Coding (SPARC)
Location: NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, NY
Cost: $3,000
Application Deadline: May 10, 2024
Program Dates: Multiple sessions are available. June 17 - June 28, 2024 | July 8 - July 19, 2024 | July 29 - August 9, 2024.
Eligibility: Students who are rising 9-12 graders can apply.
This program includes actual robotic programming in its coursework. SPARC’s summer course combines computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. You will get to learn about basic electrical components, circuits, and circuit configurations; microcontroller anatomy, features, and programming; and coding key constructs like variables, conditionals, loops, and data representations; all while building interactive, robotic devices.
This opportunity will introduce students to the basics of robotics, mechatronics, and programming during its 2 week, full-day summer program. While you do not need experience in robotics to participate in SPARC, this program is searching for academically strong students with an interest in robotics and the ability to take initiative. Of the topics covered during the program, some of the key factors include applications for microcontrollers, interface sensors, and actuators through hands-on experience.
7. Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy
Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA
Cost: $5,060 (includes tuition, housing, meals, activities, and health insurance) + $25 application fee. Scholarships to cover tuition, room, and board are available.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program Dates: June 16, 2024 - June 28, 2024 (2 weeks)
Eligibility: Domestic and international students aged 16-17 with an interest in computer science
The Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy is a solid option for high school students interested in computer science and software engineering, whether you have prior coding experience or not. Students will explore coding, learning new concepts, collaborative programming, projects, problem-solving, and daily coding challenges. The computer science department at Berkeley is highly-reputed across the world, making this a prestigious and selective program with a small cohort size.
Some topics you will learn about include abstraction, functions, number representations, recursion, tree recursion, algorithms, social implications of computing, lists and higher order functions, and Boolean logic and conditions. The program will end with the Code Celebration where students will present their individual or group coding projects.
8. Carnegie Mellon Computer Science Scholars
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free (includes tuition, room, and board)
Application Deadline: Applications are typically due in March.
Program Dates: June 22, 2024 - July 20, 2024 (4 weeks)
Eligibility: High school juniors with a demonstrated financial need who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Carnegie Mellon’s Computer Science Scholars (CSS) program is a selective pre-college summer program that allows high school juniors to learn directly from faculty, researchers, and engineers. Students will participate in college-level courses, guest lectures, seminars, academic tours, field trips, and college preparation workshops while also networking with peers and exploring the city on weekends.
The curriculum highlights computer science programming and math, with students also getting a chance to participate in group projects led by faculty, staff, and graduate students. On the final day of the program, students will deliver group presentations on their projects at a closing symposium.
9. Stanford University’s Pre-Collegiate Studies
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,050 + potential course-specific costs not exceeding $100. Financial aid is available based on demonstrated financial need
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program Dates: June 17 - 28, 2024 | July 8 - 19, 2024
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-11 can apply
Stanford University offers pre-college summer courses wherein students can participate in intensive classes covering subjects of their choice. The courses will include project work, hands-on experience, collaboration and discussion, lectures, and social activities, allowing students to undergo an in-depth study while also expanding their network of like-minded people. Note that class sizes are small, and acceptance is highly competitive and selective.
For students interested in computer science, multiple course options are available, such as ‘Introduction to Machine Learning’, ‘Introduction to AI’, ‘Introduction to C++’ and ‘Human-Computer Interaction’. Students will further work on group projects and deliver presentations.
10. NextGen Bootcamp - Computer Science Summer Program NYC
Location: On campus at 185 Madison Ave, NYC, or virtually.
Cost: $4,495
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: July 22, 2024 - August 15, 2024
Eligibility: All high school students can apply
NextGen Bootcamp is offered both in-person for NYC residents, and online for those who wish to join virtually. This 4-week course is packed with learning critical skills and techniques software developers use today. The course is divided into two parts, each containing a series of activities and projects that get students coding throughout most of each day.
Part 1: ‘Java and Computer Science’ where you’ll learn Java, a high-level programming language that involves countless transferrable skills and concepts. Topics covered include object-oriented programming and recursion. This course will prepare students for the AP Computer Science Exam.
Part 2: ‘Python and Data Science’ where you’ll learn the fundamentals of coding in the Python language. Python is rooted in mathematical computation, enabling students to learn the principles of data science, such as visualization of complex data sets, along the way.
11. Tufts University’s Pre-College Engineering and Computer Science Programs
Location: Tufts University – Medford / Somerville Campus
Cost: $5,500 (Residential) | $4,000 (Commuter) for both the Engineering Summer Program and the Coding Academy. There is an added $200 Materials Fee for the Engineering Summer Program.
Application Deadline: Applications for both programs close May 1, 2024.
Program Dates: 2-week program options between July 7 and August 2, 2024.
Eligibility: Students must be entering grades 10-12 or be a Spring 2024 high school graduate for both programs.
Tufts Pre-College Engineering and Computer Science Programs offer two tracks that cover various topics in computer science and artificial intelligence. The first is the Engineering with Artificial Intelligence track, where you will gain exposure to cutting-edge experiments including AI and ML at both the university and industry levels. You will also gain hands-on experience in developing new applications and finding solutions to modern-day problems with AI and ML.
Their second track, Coding Academy, offers the opportunity to learn how to use code to work with and understand data and models required for today's digital world. Through data-intensive research methods and hands-on workshops, you will gain the skills necessary to pursue either an academic or corporate career in computer science. By the end of this program, you and your team will get to build, deploy, and pitch an app of your design and code. Another unique aspect of this camp is its "Tech Treks", in which you will venture into Boston-area technology-centric companies, such as Hubspot, Google, Ginkgo Bioworks, Fidelity, and more to explore the vast array of careers in the ever-expanding fields of software and technology.
12. Stony Brook University Computer Science and Informatics Summer Pre-College Program
Location: Stony Brook University, NY
Cost: $2,200; scholarship opportunities are available.
Application deadline: May 15, 2024
Program dates: July 21 - 26, 2024
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors with a good academic standing can apply
The Stony Brook University Computer Science and Informatics Summer Pre-College Program in Machine Learning and Self-Driving immerses high school students in the fundamentals and applications of machine learning. During this week-long program, participants will explore self-driving concepts, machine learning algorithms, neural network architecture, and data analysis techniques through lectures and hands-on interactive exercises with a self-developed remote-controlled vehicle.
This program is designed to spark students' interest in STEM, particularly in machine learning, by providing them with practical experiences in building and programming autonomous vehicles. By engaging in the development flow, collecting data, and training neural networks, you will gain a solid foundation in machine learning and a better understanding of its applications in self-driving technologies.
13. University of Maryland’s Terp Young Scholars - Introduction to Computing
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost: $2,500
Application Deadline: May 1, 2024
Program Dates: July 8 - 26, 2024
Eligibility: All high school students can apply.
Terp Young Scholars program’s Introduction to Computing course offers a basic learning experience for anyone interested in building a foundation in the field of computer science. The goal of this program is to help you learn how to apply computational thinking skills to master basic programming skills in a general coding language, including conceptualizing the problem, designing a solution, implementing using basic language constructs, documenting said implementation, testing said implementation, refining said implementation and then assessing the quality of the solution.
By the end of this program, you will be able to explain the limitations of algorithmic problem solving including time and space constraints when using a computer to solve a problem, apply mathematical formulas to help solve mathematical problems through true applications, and better understand how these programming skills apply to the various areas of computing including creative arts, information/data, security and community concerns.
14. NSLC’s High School Summer Data Science Program
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Cost: $3,795 (Residential)
Application Deadline: NSLC will continue to accept applications if spots are available in a program or on a program’s waitlist. The online enrollment application will display all current availability.
Program Dates: Multiple sessions are available. July 10 - July 18, 2024 | July 22 - July 30, 2024
Eligibility: Students must be between the ages of 14-18 and have completed at least one year of high school (students may attend NSLC through the summer following high school graduation).
At NSLC’s Data Science program, you’ll analyze and learn how to make large-scale decisions based on data you’ve studied. After the analyzing stage, you’ll then be taught the best ways and methods to present your findings to clients. Using Python, you’ll experience the process of extracting website data for analysis and research. Past workshops have included Data Consulting, Web Scraping, a Human Code Competition, and Data Security, Privacy, and Ethics.
These workshops are designed to support your pursuit of knowledge within the realm of data science, as well as train you on how to best serve future clients. NSLC also brings in guest speakers from a variety of backgrounds and big companies that will speak on practical knowledge and real-world experiences that apply directly to the Data Science program.
15. Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS) at NYU Tandon School of Engineering
Location: New York University, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications typically close mid-April.
Program Dates: July 15, 2024 - August 9, 2024 (3 weeks)
Eligibility: NYC residents that are currently in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade
New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering offers a prestigious program in computer science that is focused on cybersecurity. The program introduces selected students to the fundamentals of cybersecurity and computer programming, with no prior experience required in the field. Students will learn topics like steganography, digital forensics, privacy, data usage, white-hat hacking, and more.
As part of the program, students will learn to use various software and tools and techniques to detect cyber threats. You will also learn coding and the use of ciphers to protect computer networks. In addition, students will understand the basics of behavioral science to better understand and avoid such threats. A public speaking and communication program called Irondale is also mandatory for students.
16. Brown Pre-College Program - Introduction to ML & AI with Python
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: $5,364 (commuter) | $7,038 (residential)
Application Deadline: May (tentatively, based on previous years). You can check for updates here.
Program Dates: June - July (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders. While not a requirement, algebra and pre-calculus are recommended.
Brown’s introductory course on ML and AI is structured to help you learn, understand, and practice big data analytics and AI approaches with a focus on real-world applications, which includes the study of computing big data technologies and ML techniques. By the end of the program, students will have a basic understanding of AI, understand the applications of big data science across various disciplines, use ML techniques, and be able to deploy algorithms for specific research problems.
This program is ideal for students who are just starting out in the field of AI and ML. The focus of the course is on the theory and applications of AI and ML without relying on complex math. The classrooms are interactive and do require students to put in some time outside of the class to work on assignments.
Bonus! Here’s a few more programs you can consider:
If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also 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 data science and AI with us. You can apply here!
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