15 Computer Science Camps for High School Students in California
Tech is an integral part of everything we do today. Exploring the computer science behind this tech can open doors to a wide range of careers in engineering, cybersecurity, finance, and even medicine. As a high school student in California, it can often be confusing to navigate the huge variety of academic camps and programs, each offering valuable computer science education and tech-related courses. To make things easier, we have compiled a list of 15 computer science camps for students in California!
Note that while some might have certain prerequisites, most are open to beginners with no prior experience.
Location: Virtual.
Eligibility: Applicants can be anywhere in the world. For the AI Scholars program, no previous experience is required - applicants need to show a keen interest in AI. For the AI Fellowship program, applicants will either need to complete the AI Scholars program or have had past experience with AI concepts or Python.
Application Deadline: Program runs in cohorts throughout the year. Applications for the Winter Cohort close on December 3, 2023. You can apply here!
Program Dates: Program runs in cohorts throughout the year – the AI Scholars runs for 10 weeks, and the AI Fellowship program runs for 12-15 weeks.
Fee: AI Scholars - $1,790 | AI Fellowship - $4,900 | For both programs - $5900
Need-based financial aid is available.
Veritas AI offers a range of AI programs for ambitious high school students, starting from close-group, collaborative learning to customized project pathways with 1:1 mentorship. The programs have been designed and run by Harvard graduate students & alumni.
In the AI Scholars program, you will work with PhD students from top institutions to learn the fundamentals of Python and key concepts in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science. You will build a strong AI foundation through real-world group projects. In the AI Fellowship program, you will 1-1 with a mentor to create a unique, individual project. In the past students have worked on AI projects at the intersection of medicine, finance, sports, environmental science, mental health, and more. You can check out examples of past projects here.
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!
Summer Camps at the University of California San Diego
Location: University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA.
Fee: Fees vary for different camps, ranging from $205 to $340.
Application Deadline: Registrations open in February. There is no information available at the moment on when they close.
Program Dates: All camps are 4-day long, and will be conducted in June and July.
Eligibility: Some of the camps are open to all middle school students, and some to all high school students.
The University of California, San Diego, offers a variety of summer camps for middle and high school students. These camps cover engineering, Python, Java, graphic arts, robotics, and more.
High school students interested in computer science can choose from these camps:
You can take a look at all the available camps here. These camps will give students an opportunity to learn and build skills and knowledge in basic computer science concepts such as programming in Java and Python, data science, data visualization, and so on. The camps offer valuable insight into fundamentals of various technology, computer science, and engineering concepts, which can be a strong building block in your computer science journey.
Computer Science Academy at University of Berkeley’s Summer Sessions
Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA
Eligibility:
The program is open to domestic and international high school students
Students must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program (June 16, 2024).
Students applying must have completed 10th or 11th grade by the start of the program, and an overall B average (3.0, weighted or unweighted) in all their high school coursework.
Application deadline: March 11, 2024
Program dates: June 16 - 28, 2024
Fee: $5,060 (this includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, orientation, excursions & activities, basic health insurance, and on-site support) + $25 (application fee)
This rigorous 2-week program is for motivated high school students who are interested in computer science, and who wish to get a solid understanding of college-level student life. Students with no prior coding experience are welcome to apply!
During the program, you will learn key computer science concepts, collaborative programming, and problem-solving. The program is based on the well-known Beauty and Joy of Computing (BJC) curriculum – the introductory computer science course that Berkeley undergraduates use. Throughout the program, students will only use Snap!, a visual programming language. You will also pursue a programming project of your own design and interest. You’ll present your project at the end of the program, at the ‘Code Celebration’ event.
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes (Computer Science courses)
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors can apply. Students in 8th grade are eligible for certain courses.
Application deadline: Applications close in March (tentative, based on previous years).
Program dates: All courses will be held over the summer. Computer science courses are typically conducted in June and July.
Fee: $3,050. Need-based financial aid is offered.
Stanford offers a range of programs for high school students seeking a challenging pre-college experience. The Pre-Collegiate Summer Institute is designed for academic, social, and extracurricular enrichment, featuring instructors and engaging programs tailored to your interests. This virtual program concentrates on intensive study in a single online course. However it does not offer college credit.
You have a wide range of subjects to choose from, including several in the field of computer science. Some of these are Introduction to Data Science, Introduction to C++, Artificial Intelligence, and Introduction to Machine Learning. These courses give you insight into important computer science principles, helping you build a base for your future academics and career in the field. Here are all the computer science courses offered under the program. On successfully completing the program, you will receive a certificate of completion.
Computer Science - Introductory Track at UCLA’s Pre-College Summer Institutes
Location: University of California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-12 in Spring 2024 can apply.
Application deadline: Applications close June (tentative, based on previous years)
Program dates: End of June to mid-July (tentative, based on previous years)
Fee: Fees for this program are yet to be announced. Check here. Financial aid is available.
This 3-week program gives students a chance to earn college credit while still in school. You will build on your programming and data analysis skills. It provides a unique combination of a coding boot camp, lab touring experiences, as well as 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 the design and implementation of computer programs. Key topics covered are data types, control structures, and functional decomposition. No prior computer science knowledge is required to participate!
Since this is a commuter program, no housing will be provided.
There’s an intermediate track of the same program, open to 10-12 graders.
Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP)
Location: ASDRP, Warm Springs Blvd., Fremont, CA
Eligibility: All high school students who are currently enrolled in or entering 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade can apply.
Application deadline: December 30, 2023 (Spring session) | April 15, 2024 (Summer session) | Mid-August (Fall session)
Program dates: Sessions are conducted in Spring or Fall (after school and on weekends) and in the Summer (8 weeks). Exact dates will be announced here.
Fee: There is no information available on this. The program mentions that students from low-income backgrounds may attend for free.
This program, offered by one of the premier Bay area pre-collegiate research & development institutions, is an opportunity for students to dive into the world of research and explore their interests in one of 3 subject groups, one of which is computer science and engineering. The program, which covers a wide range of computer science concepts, empowers you to work closely with experienced mentors, conduct original research on projects in a field of your choice. Through this immersive experience, you will not only gain a deeper understanding of computer science, but also develop and hone research skills that will aid your college academics. The ASDRP can pave the way for your potential careers in research, academia, and various STEM fields. Students enrolled in the Spring or Fall sessions spend 10-15 hours a week doing research in the program, after school and on weekends. Students enrolled in the Summer session spend approximately 20 hours a week in the program, for 8 weeks, after the school year has ended.
Over 30 research papers from ASDRP 2019-2020 students have been submitted for publication in undergraduate/high school-level research journals. Multiple groups of ASDRP students also presented their research posters at undergraduate research conferences.
UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars (Credit Tracks)
Location: University of California, Berkeley. CA. There is a virtual track option as well.
Eligibility: Students who have completed the 10th or 11th grade by the start of summer classes, are 16-17 years old by the start of the program (Sunday, June 18, 2023), can apply.
Application deadline: March 11, 2024 (residential track) | June 3, 2024 (commuter track) | June 3, 2024 (virtual track)
Program dates: June 16, 2024 - August 9, 2024 (residential track, session C) | June 30, 2024 - August 9, 2024 (residential track, session D) | Students on the commuter and virtual tracks can choose the courses they wish to attend.
Fee: $25 application fee + $15,800 (residential track, session C) | $14,500 (residential track, session D) | $595 + $500 + $65 (per unit fee, commuter and virtual tracks). Financial aid is available.
This program offers a diverse array of experiences, with options to suit a variety of different subject interests. You can choose from three tracks: residential, commuter, and virtual. For those interested in computer science, a range of courses await – here are a few: The Beauty & Joy of Computing, Programming Methodology, Data Structures, Machine Structures, and Computer Security. Each course will encourage you to deepen your understanding of the field, aid you in your future academics, and help you plan your career in your chosen industry.
UC San Diego Academic Connections at University of California, San Diego
Location: University of California, San Diego. There are online course options offered too!
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.
Application deadline: May (residential) | June (online). These are tentative, based on previous years.
Program dates: 3 weeks in July (residential and online). This is tentative, based on previous years.
Fee: $1,500 (online course tuition) | $1,700 (online course tuition + online SAT prep course) | $5,700 (residential course tuition + housing) | $5,900 (residential course tuition + housing + online SAT prep course). Scholarships are available.
This summer program is designed for high-achieving students who are keen to explore a range of subjects at the college level. If you’re inclined towards computer science, you can choose from courses such as Introduction to Python Programming and Computers and COVID: An introduction to programing and computational biology. The first one is offered virtually as well. Through engaging coursework, interactive discussions, and hands-on projects, you will dive into the subject area of your choice, learn the basics, and build your way to a final project. With this program, you have the opportunity to learn from UC San Diego faculty members and engage in intellectual discussions with peers who share your passion for learning.
Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs: Academic Enrichment (Online track)
Location: Virtual.
Eligibility: The academic enrichment programs are open to all high school students.
Application deadline: The program is held in 3 sessions: Summer, Fall, and Spring. The applications for the Spring 2024 session close on December 5, 2023. Applications for the Summer 2024 session will open in late-November. See dates and deadlines here.
Program dates: Spring 2024: January 20, 2024 - March 24, 2024 | Summer 2024: 3 sessions: July 1-12, 2024, July 15-26, 2024 and August 5-9, 2024. See details here.
Fee: $3,310 (Academic Year: Weekend) | $3,960 (Online summer, 2 weeks) | $2,810 (Online summer, 1 week) | Check the cost details of the other programs here. Some financial aid is available.
Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs offer a number of tracks for motivated, ambitious high school students. During the academic year, you can choose the Weekend program option, and over the summer the online academic enrichment program options.
The Academic Year Weekend and Summer academic enrichment programs offer a range of courses to high school students. For those keen on computer science, you can take a look at these: Big Data & Machine Learning and Introduction to Programming with Python. While these courses do not offer college credit, they are a strong starting point if you’re looking to make your way in the field of computer science.
COSMOS UCSD University of California, San Diego
Location: University of California, San Diego (residential)
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12, who excel in mathematics/science, and are attending a California high school are eligible to apply.
Application deadline: Applications will open on January 10, 2024, and tentatively close in mid-February.
Program dates: July 7, 2024 - August 2, 2024
Fee: $42 application fee + $5,008. Financial aid is available for California residents.
Note: This program is held simultaneously across UC San Diego, UC Irvine, UC Davis, and UC Santa Cruz.
COSMOS (California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science) is a highly-regarded summer program for talented and motivated students who have a keen interest in STEM subjects. During the program, you will engage in intensive, hands-on coursework and research projects in a discipline of your choosing. The program is structured into various subject clusters – you have to select the one you want to conduct your study and research in. These are the available options in computer science:
Video Game Programming and Game AI Design
Machine Learning: Can We Teach a Computer to Think?
H4O: Hacking for Oceans, Computers in Everyday Life.
You will identify and develop a research topic specific to your area of study for your final research project, for which you will have access to university resources including teaching laboratories and libraries. Since you will be living on campus, this program offers an all-rounded window into college academic life.
Summer Session at Stanford University
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA. The program has both commuter and residential options.
Eligibility: Students who are current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors at the time of application, at least 16 years old at the start of the program and no more than 19 years old by the last day of the program, can apply. Those applying must also not be matriculating into Stanford as a first year.
Application deadline: December 11, 2023 (early decision deadline) | January 16, 2024 (regular decision deadline). See all dates and deadlines here.
Program dates: June 22, 2024 - August 18, 2024
Fee: $4,962 (Commuter, minimum 3 units) | $17,328 (Residential, minimum 8 credit-bearing units, which is typically 2-3 courses). Calculate your exact costs!
The Stanford Summer Session, with a wide range of course options for high school students, is an 8-week intensive academic experience designed to augment your academic journey and prepare you for college. Through this program, you will have the opportunity to explore your interests in various disciplines, including computer science. Among the courses offered in the field are Programming Methodology, Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning. See all the courses here! By engaging in rigorous coursework taught by Stanford faculty and researchers, you will hone your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and develop your knowledge and expertise in the field of computer science. The program's environment fosters intellectual growth, encourages creativity, and cultivates a sense of independence.
Research Mentorship Program at University of California, Santa Barbara
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA.
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 (outstanding 9th graders may be accepted on a case-by-case basis) with a minimum 3.80 weighted GPA, can apply.
Application Deadline: March 15, 2024
Program Dates: June 17, 2024 - August 2, 2024
Fee: $4,700 (commuter option) | $6,599 (housing option)
UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program is a competitive summer program for high school students to engage in interdisciplinary, hands-on, university-level research. Students work closely with mentors to work on a research project of their choice (you can pick computer science!) while learning about research techniques and gaining insight into professional research-based opportunities. This program is an excellent opportunity for students interested in exploring the field of computer science at the intersection of various other disciplines.
Interdisciplinary research is a good option for you to consider if you are interested in pursuing a university degree that isn’t strictly computer science or STEM. This program is quite competitive and offers a solid foundation for you to get started on independent research, all within the span of a few weeks. Apart from conducting research as a program participant, you can spend the rest of the summer after the program refining your research, and presenting your learnings and the impact of your research in your college applications/interviews.
Note that this program does require a basic understanding of the field.
With artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) growing into strong components of computer science, we’ve included a few programs focused on those for you!
Stanford AI4ALL | Stanford HAI
Location: Virtual.
Eligibility: Current 9th graders (rising 10th graders during the summer of the program) with a keen interest in AI.
Application deadline: March (Tentatively, based on previous years). You can check for updates here.
Program dates: June 26 - July 14 (Tentatively, based on previous years)
Fee: $4,000. Need-based financial aid is available.
Stanford’s 3-week online program, co-organized by the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI), in partnership with AI4ALL, is a highly-regarded program that gives participants the opportunity to dive into the world of AI through a combination of lectures, hands-on research projects, and mentoring activities. AI4ALL is a nonprofit organization dedicated to training the next generation of AI researchers.
Students will interact with AI experts and gain insights into the latest advancements while exploring applications of AI in areas such as medicine, disaster response, and combating poverty. You can expect to participate in small-group research projects led by graduate students and postdocs in computer science and AI. The research projects focus on how AI can improve pressing problems in society.
Note that this program is a solid choice for students interested in hands-on, application-based learning in the field of AI, and are looking for an opportunity to work on real-world problems while still in high school.
Check out the program’s daily schedule here.
Data Science to AI at the Berkeley Coding Academy
Location: Virtual.
Eligibility: Students aged 12-18 are eligible. Students must have prior Python experience.
Application Deadline: To be announced.
Program Dates: The 1-1 classes are held year-round on the topics of Python, Data Science, and Machine Learning. Classes usually meet once per week, but scheduling is flexible.
Fee: $2,495
Berkeley’s summer course on data science to AI is focused on introducing students to the fundamentals of AI, ML, and big data science. The academy offers 1-1 classes for students aged 12-18, and a junior Python coders program for ages 7-11. Through the programs, you will learn how to write and evaluate Python code behind AI and build ML models from real data. This course is a good choice for you if you are looking to take part in a technical skill-building course. The course has different levels for students based on their coding background. You will work in small groups to create your own projects and models.
If you’re looking to hone your technical and programming skills, and gain access to long-term valuable resources like Berkeley coding academy lecture videos, slides, and portfolio projects, consider applying to this program!
Machine Learning for Beginners at Purdue University
Location: Virtual.
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12 who have taken high school algebra 2 can apply. Calculus 1 is recommended, but not required.
Application Deadline: July (Tentatively, based on previous years
Program Dates: July (Tentatively, based on previous years)
Fee: $200
Machine learning for beginners by Purdue University, with support from the National Science Foundation 5-day crash course that introduces students to AI and ML. You will learn the fundamentals of AI & ML, Python, types of regression, pattern recognition, and image processing. This is a great fit for students looking to get started on their ML journey and leave the course with proficiency in Python programming while gaining insights into practical applications that include building software and programming robots.
Here's what 5 days at this machine learning crash course looks like!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!Image source: Stanford University Logo