8 Free Software Engineering Bootcamps for High School Students
For high school students interested in software engineering, bootcamps offer a specialized and immersive learning experience that stands apart from traditional summer programs or camps. Unlike summer programs that cover a variety of topics or camps that often blend learning with recreational activities, bootcamps focus solely on building specific skills through hands-on training in coding and software development.
Designed to rapidly develop competencies, bootcamps often feature project-based learning and mentorship from industry professionals. This practical approach introduces students to software engineering, providing them with the opportunity to gain relevant experience and build a portfolio. For students aspiring to enter the tech field, bootcamps are an excellent way to acquire valuable skills that can open up future career opportunities.
Below is a list of 10 free software engineering bootcamps that allow high school students to dive into coding and development.
1. Google - Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)
CSSI is a highly competitive three-week immersive program for high school seniors passionate about computer science and planning to major in the field. Held at Google campuses across the U.S., CSSI offers hands-on, project-based learning in programming along with personal development workshops.
Participants explore programming fundamentals such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more through interactive projects led by Google engineers. By the program's end, students collaborate in teams to design and present web applications, showcasing their work to Google employees. The curriculum also includes career-building workshops on resume writing, design thinking, and goal setting, culminating in a final presentation where students demonstrate their projects.
Location: The bootcamp is held at various Google campuses across the country.
Cost: Free! Food, accommodation, and travel expenses are fully covered by Google.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program Dates: The program typically runs between June to August.
Eligibility: High school seniors in the U.S. or Canada planning to pursue a degree in computer science or related fields are eligible to apply.
2. Veritas AI
Founded and run by Harvard graduate students, Veritas AI offers high school students a chance to explore artificial intelligence through tailored programs. The AI Scholars program is a 10-session bootcamp introducing students to the fundamentals of AI, machine learning, and data science, allowing them to apply these concepts through real-world projects.
For advanced students, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase provides a one-on-one mentorship experience, guiding students through individual projects with the goal of publishing in academic journals. This program encourages students to merge AI with other fields such as finance, medicine, sports, and environmental science.
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Some need-based financial aid is available.
The cost of the AI Scholars program is $2290.
The cost of the AI Fellowship program is $5400.
Application Deadline: The Winter Cohort application deadline is October 20, 2024.
Program Dates: The program dates vary depending on the cohort.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply. AI Fellowship applicants should have either completed the AI Scholars program or have experience with AI concepts or Python.
3. Per Scholas
Per Scholas offers free coding bootcamps for high school students, providing comprehensive training in web development, software engineering, and networking. The immersive curriculum covers both technical skills—such as programming languages, systems administration, and database management—and soft skills like problem-solving and collaboration.
Participants work on real-world projects simulating industry challenges, giving them a competitive edge in the job market. Additionally, students gain access to career development resources, including mentorship, resume-building workshops, mock interviews, and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
Location: The bootcamp is available online and in-person at various locations across the country, including New York, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Dallas.
Cost: Free, including free access to learning materials and resources.
Application Deadline: The application deadline varies depending on the location and course.
Program Dates: The bootcamps are offered multiple times a year, with each program running between 12 and 15 weeks, depending on the specific course.
Eligibility: High school graduates who are 18 years or older are eligible to apply. Priority is given to students from underserved communities, underrepresented groups, and individuals looking to advance their careers in the tech industry.
4. Girls Who Code - Summer Programs
Girls Who Code offers free, virtual summer programs to help high school students gain essential computer science skills and prepare for careers in tech. These programs offer hands-on learning, professional connections, and a supportive community, with no prior coding experience required.
Students can choose between two options. The Summer Immersion Program is a two-week live virtual classroom experience focused on game design, sponsored by leading tech companies. Participants learn coding fundamentals and the design process from industry professionals. The Self-Paced Program is a six-week course covering topics like web development, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, allowing students to learn independently at their own pace. Both programs emphasize real-world projects, professional networking, and fostering a diverse community of young women in technology.
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Free! A $300 needs-based grant is available for eligible U.S. students participating in the Summer Immersion Program.
Application Deadline: The application deadline for the Summer 2025 is yet to be announced. You can sign up here to get notified.
Program Dates: The Summer Immersion Program runs for two weeks, while the Self-Paced Program runs for six weeks. Both are offered during the summer.
Eligibility: Current female high school students in grades 9th to 12th graders are eligible to apply.
Resilient Coders offers a free, 18-week bootcamp designed to create equitable pathways into tech careers, specifically for students of color. Throughout the program, students acquire skills in full-stack JavaScript development, working with technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node, MongoDB, and React.
In addition to technical training, the program emphasizes professional development, including communication, time management, and interview preparation. Graduates leave equipped not only for immediate careers in coding but also with the adaptability to learn new technologies in the future.
Location: Virtual.
Cost / Stipend: The bootcamp is free of cost. Participants receive a bi-weekly stipend of $500.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for 18 weeks. Dates for the 2025 program are yet to be announced.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 18 years old and residing in Greater Boston and Greater Philadelphia areas are eligible to apply. Priority is given to people of color, with a focus on individuals seeking economic empowerment through tech careers.
6. Hack Upstate - Careers in Code
Careers in Code is a 24-week full-stack web development bootcamp designed to equip women and people of color, especially those currently living at or around the federal poverty line in Central New York, with the skills needed for tech careers. The program, held in Syracuse, offers both in-person and hybrid instruction.
Students receive hands-on coding training alongside personalized career coaching to help them secure internships and entry-level positions with local employers. The bootcamp also provides living stipends, loaner laptops if necessary, and access to a dedicated student success team that supports participants during and after the program.
Location: The bootcamp takes place in a hybrid format, with in-person classes held in Syracuse, New York.
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: There is currently no information available. You can join the 2025 program waitlist here.
Program Dates: The program dates vary depending on the Summer, Winter, or Spring cohort.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 18 years or older and currently reside in Cayuga, Madison, Oswego, or Onondaga County in Central New York are eligible to apply. Check the full list of eligibility requirements here.
7. freeCodeCamp
freeCodeCamp offers a free, self-paced coding curriculum designed to help learners build programming skills. Divided into certifications, each requiring around 300 hours of study, the curriculum covers areas such as responsive web design, JavaScript algorithms, front-end development libraries, and data visualization.
To earn a certification, students must complete five required projects and pass the associated tests. While instructor support is limited, freeCodeCamp provides access to a robust alumni network and a wealth of online resources. Participants can track their progress, earn certifications, and showcase their achievements on résumés and LinkedIn profiles.
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: There is no deadline; students can start the boot camp anytime.
Program Dates: The program is self-paced.
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.
8. Codecademy
Codecademy offers a variety of free, beginner-friendly courses tailored to high school students interested in starting their journey in software engineering. The curriculum includes foundational programming languages like HTML, JavaScript, and SQL, as well as WordPress development and an introduction to UX design—valuable skills for aspiring web developers.
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: The program is self-paced.
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.
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