If you are in middle school and interested in coding, it can be hard to figure out what steps you should take to build foundational skills. Taking part in computer science or coding programs will allow you to explore these subjects in depth, with guidance from professionals. An added bonus is that a lot of these programs will help you when you later take high school courses in these subjects. 

In this list, we’ve detailed the top 5 Python programs open to middle school students. Choosing to take part in them will help you build your understanding of concepts, which you can later apply in research or competitions. 

1. Veritas AI‘s Introduction to Python

Location: Virtual

Cost: $1790

Note. Need-based financial aid is available.

Application Deadline: 

Program Dates: March 10 - May 12 (every Sunday)

Veritas AI is a virtual AI program for middle school and high school students founded and run by Harvard graduate students. In their Introduction to Python course, designed specifically for middle school students,  you will explore the basic concepts of Python, how it is used in data analysis, machine learning, data visualization and natural language processing!

The course is taught by Harvard instructors and the program focuses on hands-on exercises and programming notebooks. The final output for this course is a group project where you will apply Python fundamentals to a real-world project! You can find more information about the program here!

2. UC Berkeley Coding Academy’s Data Science to AI

Location: Virtual

Cost: $2,495. Limited scholarships are available.

Application Deadline: To be announced.

Program Dates: Held in the summer. Dates to be announced.

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 while gaining access to long-term valuable resources like Berkeley Coding Academy lecture videos, slides, and portfolio projects, consider applying to this program! 

3. UCSD’s Introduction to Python Programming and Machine Learning

Location: UCSD Campus

Cost: Not specified

Application Deadline: Rolling Admission

Program Dates: Held in the summer. Dates to be announced.

Note. You can reach out to the Pre-College Program department to get the specific dates for the program! 

This summer course by UCSD introduces students to programming in Python and one of the most common applications in machine learning - the image classifier. Throughout the program, you will create a basic image classifier (using Google Teachable Machine tool) and will integrate it into an application framework - both in a web page and a Raspberry Pi platform. 

By the end of the program, you will be expected to: 

• Write Python scripts executing basic math operations, conditional statements, and loops

• Write Python functions and call them from a main program

• Create an image classification model using Google Teachable Machine with at least 3 classes

• Integrate and test an image classifier model with a Python (or equivalent) script

• Integrate and test an image classifier model on the Raspberry Pi platform

4. Introduction to Computer Science at Harvard University (Online)

Location: Virtual. The course can be accessed on the edX platform.
Fee: Free. To obtain a verified certificate on completion, you’ll need to pay $219.
Application Deadline: The course is open till December 31, 2024, accessible to anyone!
Program Dates: Self-paced, students can begin the course at their convenience. It’s available till December 31, 2024.
Eligibility: This is an introductory course open to anyone.

Harvard University offers several programs taught online via edX.This introductory course, taught by some of Harvard’s senior faculty members, is a strong step for students starting out in computer science.

In the course, you will gain a comprehensive grasp of computer science and programming concepts. This self-paced course covers algorithmic thinking, problem-solving, and diverse languages like Python, C SQL, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. You will explore abstraction, algorithms, data structures, security, software engineering, and web development. The course also offers engaging problem sets inspired by real-world domains such as biology, finance, cryptography, forensics and gaming!

The course caters to everyone, regardless of previous programming experience. You can also opt for earning a certificate at an additional cost of $219, which will be given after successful completion of assignments and the final projects. 

5. Science of Smart Cities (SoSC) at New York University (NYU)

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY.  
Cost: Free.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close mid-April.
Program Dates: July - August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Students who live in New York City and will be 12 years old by the start of the program but not older than 14, can apply. Students should have a strong academic record and demonstrated interest in STEM.

Science of Smart Cities (SoSC) is a three-week program designed for middle school students to explore computer science, python, engineering and technology that enhance city sustainability and safety. Through hands-on activities, demonstrations and experiments, you will dive into topics like coding, physical sciences, and urban science. You will also learn how scientists and engineers apply fundamental knowledge, STEM-based skills and innovative solutions to the real-world, and how microcontrollers, sensors and other hardware work.

Your final project involves creating a smart city, where you will integrate the STEM concepts that you learnt during the program. The program culminates with presentations to experts and the public, where you will demonstrate how your project addresses a real world challenge.

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