8 Computer Science Programs for High School Students in Massachusetts
For students in Massachusetts, a hub of technological innovation and home to world-class institutions and tech companies, computer science programs can be particularly transformative. Participating in these programs not only enriches your understanding of computer science but also provides a practical glimpse into the tech industry.
In Massachusetts, students can choose from a variety of programs tailored to different facets of computer science. These programs not only hone technical skills such as coding, algorithm design, and system analysis but also foster soft skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
In this blog, we'll explore 8 computer science programs for high school students in Massachusetts!
Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students and our programs are geared towards 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 for a period of 12-15 weeks. These programs are a great option for you if you like engaging in hands-on learning and are a beginner!
Location: Remote - you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: $1790 for AI Scholars & $4900 for AI Fellowship
Application Deadline: Upcoming cohorts - Summer 2024: April 21, 2024 (regular deadline I), May 12, 2024 (regular deadline II). You can apply here!
Program Dates: Multiple sessions from May - September. You can find all the dates here!
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall of 2023. No previous knowledge is required for AI Scholars!
Note. The financial aid is available for students from households earning less than $60,000 annually (for a typical household of 4) with minimum assets.
2. 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!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and on college applications. Apply here!
3. MIT’s Research Science Institute
The Research Science Institute (RSI), sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) and held at MIT each summer, offers a prestigious research-based summer program for high school students interested in computer science. Each year, RSI selects 80 talented high school juniors from across the globe to partake in its 6-week, fully-funded program. Students engage in independent research within computer science (among other STEM disciplines) and enroll in college-level courses. With an acceptance rate below 5%, RSI is a highly selective program.
The program begins with an intensive week of STEM classes taught by MIT faculty, setting the stage for the subsequent 5-week research internship. During this period, students have the opportunity to take on computer science projects under the mentorship of scientists and researchers. At the end of the program, students present their research to their mentors and peers.
For those curious about the specific projects undertaken by RSI scholars, you can explore the 2023 projects here.
Here is everything you need to know about RSI!
Location: MIT Campus, Cambridge MA
Cost: None
Application Deadline: The applications for RSI 2024 have closed. However, every year, US applications are due on January 15, while international students have the deadline of March 15.
Program Dates: June 23 to August 3, 2024
Eligibility:
Students who are rising seniors (you will have to apply in the middle of your junior year). High school seniors are not eligible to apply.
It is recommended that PSAT Math Scores be at least 740 (or higher) and Evidence-Based Reading/ Writing Scores be 700 (or higher). ACT math scores should be at least 33, and verbal scores should be at least 34. However, you can offset lower scores through recommendations, high school grades, and science activities.
Note: There are different application processes for U.S. Citizens/Permanent Residents and International Applicants. You can look here for specific details!
4. Harvard’s Pre-College Summer School Program for High School Students (CS Programs)
Harvard University offers a rigorous Pre-College Program over the summer, lasting two weeks, where participants engage in college-level coursework and get a taste of university life. For those with a keen interest in computer science, the program includes a variety of courses ranging from “Introduction to Scientific Programming in Python” to “Mathematical Elements of Artificial Intelligence”.
It’s important to note, however, that this 2-week course does not earn credits. For students looking to earn credits during the summer, Harvard’s Secondary School Program may be a more suitable option, requiring participation in a course that spans 4-7 weeks.
Location: Harvard University (Cambridge, Massachusetts) and online option for the Secondary School Program.
Cost: $5,550 (pre-college program), $3,600–$13,750 (secondary school program, depending on the number of courses selected).
Application Deadline:
Early Application and Priority Financial Aid Deadline — January 10, 2024
Regular Application and Financial Aid Deadline — February 14, 2024
Late Application Deadline — April 10, 2024
Program Dates: There are multiple sessions of the pre-college program from June to August 2024.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be expected to graduate from high school and enter college in 2025 or 2025
Be at least 16 years old by June 22nd, 2024 and must not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2024.
The MITES Semester, offered by MIT, is a six-month hybrid program in STEM disciplines allowing for an in-depth exploration of science and engineering. Participants select a project-based course complemented by a core supplemental course, which might cover subjects such as computer science, calculus, physics, science writing, or communication.
This program offers an opportunity to explore interdisciplinary areas incorporating computer science. Previous projects have spanned topics like computational biology, embedded systems, machine learning, robotics, thermodynamics, climate change, and more. Upon completion of the MITES program, participants receive a detailed evaluation from their instructor, noting their strengths, areas for improvement, and class contributions. This feedback can be an invaluable addition to college applications.
MIT particularly welcomes applications from students of underrepresented groups and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
If you are interested in applying to MITES Semester, check this blog out!
Location: Remote but synchronous
Cost: None
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to December (exact program dates vary)
Eligibility:
To be eligible to apply to MITES Semester, applicants must be:
U.S. citizens or permanent residents
High school juniors
6. Summer Science and Engineering Program at Smith College
Smith College was the first women's college to create its own engineering science program, the Picker Engineering Program. For high school students with a strong interest in science and engineering, the Smith Summer Science and Engineering Program (SSEP) presents the perfect opportunity.
This two-week program involves small groups of no more than 17 students working closely with Smith faculty, supported by undergraduate interns. Engaged in both lab work and field studies, students are motivated to ask significant research questions and to gain hands-on experience with experiments. The SSEP curriculum spans a broad array of subjects, from the chemistry behind herbal medicine and the creation of intelligent robots to issues in global young women's health, the search for new bacteriophages, and studies on the nexus of the body and mind.
Since its launch in 1990, the program has annually welcomed over 100 students, cumulatively impacting nearly 1,800 students from 46 states and 53 countries. Participants leave the SSEP with a profound comprehension of the scientific and engineering inquiry process, proficiency in using sophisticated scientific tools, and enhanced critical thinking and analytical skills.
Location: Smith College, MA
Cost: (financial aid is available)
Application Fee: $50 before April 8, $100 after April 8
Tuition:
1 session (2 weeks): $4,745
Both sessions (4 weeks): $8,082
Deposit:
1 session (2 weeks): $950
Both sessions (4 weeks): $1,616
Application Deadline: May 15, 2024
Program Dates:
Session 1: July 6 to 19, 2024
Session 2: July 21 to August 3, 2024
Eligibility: Students entering 9th to 12 grade in Fall 2024
7. MIT’s Women’s Technology Program
The Women's Technology Program (WTP) at MIT is a highly sought-after four-week summer initiative aimed at introducing high school girls to the foundations of computer science and engineering. Throughout the duration of the program, participants will partake in classroom learning, laboratory sessions, and team-based projects. The program focuses on imparting core concepts and skills in computer science, with a significant emphasis on Python programming, alongside providing access to MIT’s state-of-the-art research facilities.
WTP’s coursework is delivered by graduate students from the MIT Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, with support from MIT or Wellesley College undergraduates. The program fosters a collaborative learning environment, encouraging students to explore diverse problem-solving strategies. It's important to note that in 2024, WTP will exclusively offer the Mechanical Engineering track, as the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science track will temporarily pause.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: No cost (Note. WTP is still deciding whether there should be a tuition fee charged. Currently, there is no cost – however, even if a fee was implemented, financial aid will be available).
Application Deadline: January 15 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 29 to July 26, 2024 (subject to change as these are the projected key dates).
Eligibility:
This program is women-focused.
Applicants must be rising seniors in high school.
Students who have already covered WTP’s curriculum in their high school classes, after school activities, online courses, or other summer programs or internships will not be accepted.
8. UMass Turing Summer Program
This no-cost, three-week commuter course is tailored for students who are passionate about computer science and technology. The curriculum is centered around programming in Python and crafting health-sensing applications, but it doesn't stop there. Students will also dive into contemporary topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, mixed reality, sustainability, and cloud computing. To ensure a practical learning experience, the program structure includes two classroom sessions and one laboratory session each day, allowing students to apply what they've learned in a hands-on environment.
Beyond this, UMass Amherst expands its educational offerings with two-week residential programs covering a wide array of subjects, alongside six-week research intensives in specialized study areas. To support access to these enriching experiences, scholarships are offered for select courses, making them more accessible to students who demonstrate a need or exceptional potential.
Location: UMass Amherst campus, MA
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Program Dates: July 8 to 26, 2024
Eligibility: Entering sophomores and juniors with a good background in mathematics. Previous experience in programming languages is desirable but not necessary
9. Coding Academy at Tufts University
The Tufts Coding Academy is designed to equip you with the crucial coding skills needed to solve real-life challenges. The program emphasizes Python programming, a highly adaptable and popular language essential for various applications, including mobile apps, web development, software creation, and desktop GUIs. Given the skyrocketing demand for coding proficiency across multiple sectors, the skills you acquire here will serve you well in the future.
What sets the Tufts Coding Academy apart is its comprehensive approach to teaching coding. Beyond the daily coding workshops and hands-on practice, the academy enriches your learning experience with a variety of guest lectures from the faculty on subjects spanning the history of programming to contemporary topics in AI, Robotics, and Cybersecurity.
Unique "Tech Treks" to Boston's leading tech companies like Hubspot, Google, Ginkgo Bioworks, and Fidelity expose you to the myriad career paths in software and technology, allowing you to learn directly from industry professionals. The program concludes with the presentation of your coding projects, showcasing the comprehensive set of skills and knowledge you've garnered at the Tufts Coding Academy.
Location: Tufts Medford Campus, MA
Cost: Commuter: $4,000, Residential: $5,500, Materials Fee $200
Application Deadline: May 1, 2024
Program Dates: July 21 to August 2, 2024
Eligibility: Entering grades 10-12 or a Spring 2024 high school graduate
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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