25 Computer Science Summer Programs for High Schoolers in 2025

What’s Covered:

• 25 Computer Science Summer Programs for High School Students
• How Impressive are Computer Science Programs in High School Admissions?
• Other Ways to Spend Your Summer

 

Computer science summer programs allow you to build your skills and make friends who are as passionate about the field as you are. You may even get to travel somewhere new or experience life on the campus of a top college! Below is a list of computer science summer programs for high schoolers, where and when they take place, and guidance on which ones will provide the biggest boost to your college applications. 

 

25 Computer Science Summer Programs for High School Students  

 

1. Tandon NYU Summer Programs: Automation, Robotics, and Coding (SPARC)

 

Dates:

• Session 1: June 16 – 27
• Session 2: June 23 – July 4
• Session 3: June 30 – July 11
• Session 4: July 7 – 18
• Session 5: July 14 – 25
• Session 6: July 21 – August 1

Location: New York University (NYU)

Application Deadline: May 15

Cost: $3,300-$3,398 

 

Tandon NYU offers two-week, full-day programs for high school students in grades 9-12 that teach the basics of robotics, mechatronics, and programming. Participants learn about concepts and practices in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering and build a foundation for careers in fields like IoT, machine learning, and augmented reality. 

 

2. Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS)

 

Dates: July 14 – August 8

Location: New York University (NYU)

Application Deadline: May 15

Cost: Free

 

This four-week summer program is designed to empower the next generation of engineers to take on the challenge of cybersecurity. The program is open to current 10th and 11th graders living in New York City. Participants in CS4CS will learn about a variety of topics, including digital forensics, steganography, “white-hat” hacking, and cryptography. 

 

Students don’t need experience in computer science or cybersecurity to participate.

 

3. iDTech Tech Camps

 

Dates: Varies 

Location: Varies

Application Deadline: N/A

Cost: $1,199 and up   

 

iDTech offers Python and artificial intelligence camps for high school students. Students build foundational coding skills and explore emerging AI tools. Participants will gain hands-on AI experience using machine learning concepts with Google’s Teachable Machine to build a Rock, Paper, Scissors game.  

 

iDTech camps can be day or overnight programs, and they’re hosted at universities, providing students with the opportunity to sample college life while gaining hands-on STEM experience. Programs offer participants a mix of group and one-on-one sessions with certified coding instructors. 

 

4. The Coding School: National High School Research Program

 

Dates:

• Data Science Track: July 7 – August 8
• Quantum Computing Track: June 23 – July 25
• Artificial Intelligence Track: June 23 – July 25

Location: Online

Application Deadline: N/A

Cost: $3,995

 

The Coding School’s 2025 National High School Research Program aims to show high schoolers that these emerging technologies aren’t as intimidating as they may sound, and that anyone can enter the fields. Participants develop foundational concepts and apply their newfound knowledge to real-world research.

 

The program empowers students, provides them with valuable skills, and introduces them to a network of like-minded peers and professional mentors. Three research tracks are available: Data Science, Quantum Computing, and Artificial Intelligence.

 

5. Kode With Klossy

 

Dates: 

• Session 1: June 2 –13 
• Session 2: July 7 – 18
• Session 3: July 21 – August 1
• Session 4: August 4 – 15

Location: In-person and Online

Application Deadline: N/A

Cost: Free

 

Kode with Klossy is a two-week summer coding camp specifically designed for girls and gender expansive students ages 13-18. Program participants will focus on one of four topics: web development, mobile apps, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and data science. Kode with Klossy is being held both online and in person. In-person camps are available in:

 

• Chicago
• Dallas
• Washington D.C.
• London
• New York City 
• San Francisco
• Seattle 
• St. Louis  

 

6. NextGen Coding Classes 

 

Dates: Varies 

Location: In-person and Online

Application Deadline: N/A

Cost: $1,999- $4,495

 

NextGen Coding Classes offers online and in-person computer education summer programs for high school students—in-person courses are held in New York City. Programs cover a variety of computer-related subjects, including coding in Python and Java, machine learning, and data science. Class sizes are kept small—typically between 8 and 15 students—so participants are ensured personalized attention.  

 

There are no prerequisites for joining NextGen Bootcamp’s programs—they do not require any prior coding knowledge.

 

7. Girls Who Code Summer Programs

 

Dates: 

• Immersion Program Session 1: July 7 –18
• Immersion Program Session 2: July 28 –August 8
• Pathways Program: June 30 –August 8

Location: Online

Application Deadline: March 29

Cost: Free

 

Girls Who Code offers two summer programs for girls and nonbinary students: the Summer Immersion Program and Pathways, a six-week, self-paced Program.  The Summer Immersion Program is open to high schoolers in grades 9-11. This two-week-long virtual course focuses on beginner to intermediate computer science concepts and UX design basics.

 

The Pathways Program is open to high schoolers in grades 9-12, including graduating high school seniors. This course allows students to learn coding languages like Python and JavaScript, as well as explore fields like cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence. Students in the self-paced program have six weeks to complete course projects. Support is available through weekly live advisory sessions and activities.

 

8. Wolfram High School Summer Research Program

 

Dates: June 25 – July 12

Location: Bentley University

Application Deadline: January 15

Cost: $4,500

 

The Wolfram High School Summer Research Program is a two-and-a-half-week intensive training that aims to advance high schoolers’ programming and problem-solving skills. Students participate in lectures and activities led by Wolfram instructors and build hands-on experience developing a project from ideation to a completed product. 

 

The program is open to students between the ages of 14 and 17. Approximately 50 students are admitted to the program annually.

 

9. Emagination STEM Camp

 

Dates: Varies

Location: Fairfield University and North Central College 

Application Deadline: N/A

Cost: $1,960-$3,760

 

Emagination STEM Camp offers several technology courses that will interest high schoolers with an interest in computer science, most notably coding basics, coding in C#, coding in Java, and AI Explorations. Each course is two weeks long and meets for three hours a day. 

 

Camps are offered on two college campuses—Fairfield University in Connecticut and North Central College in Illinois—and provide participants with a college-like experience.

 

10. Terp Young Scholars

 

Dates: July 14 – August 1

Location: University of Maryland and online

Application Deadline: June 1

Cost:

• Commuter: $1,730
• Online: $1,365

 

This program for rising 10th graders to graduating high school seniors is offered through the University of Maryland. The three-week-long, immersive experience allows students to undertake college-level work, earn college credit, and, in the case of in-person students, learn on a college campus. 

 

Participants in the Terp Young Scholars program choose one course to explore—where they attend class, work on projects, take exams, and collaborate with their peers. Of most interest to students interested in computer science is the online course, Principles of Python Programming.  

 

11. Naval Academy Summer STEM Program

 

Dates:

• Rising 9th graders: June 2 – 7
• Rising 10th graders: June 9 – 14
• Rising 11th graders: June 16 – 20

Location: U.S. Naval Academy

Application Deadline: March 31

Cost: $750  

 

High schoolers in grades 9-11 interested in careers as coders, game developers, designers, and robotics engineers should check out the Naval Academy Summer STEM program. The week-long residential program tests participants’ problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills while exploring the world-class labs and facilities at one of the top engineering programs in the nation.

 

12. WPI Frontiers Program

 

Dates:

• Session 1: July 6 – 18
• Session 2: July 20 – August 1

Location: Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)

Application Deadline: April 30 

Cost: $4,495 

 

This two-week, residential program at WPI allows students in grades 10-12 to explore a STEM major with a humanities, arts, or business minor—providing a preview of college life at WPI. Students interested in computer science may want to pursue the major Computer Science: Possibilities in Programming or the major Data Science: Extracting Knowledge and Insights.   

 

In addition to coursework, students participate in a variety of recreational activities and college preparatory programming.

 

13. National High School Game Academy

 

Dates: June 21 – August 2 

Location: Carnegie Mellon University

Application Deadline: March 1

Cost: $12,529 

 

This six-week residential program for current high school sophomores and juniors is hosted by Carnegie Mellon and provides students with hands-on experience designing video games. The course is a great opportunity for students interested in software development, as it takes students through the process of creating a video game from ideation to pitch to final ship.

 

14. AI Scholars

 

Dates: June 21 – July 19 

Location: Carnegie Mellon University

Application Deadline: March 1

Cost: Free

 

This free four-week program for rising high school seniors explores artificial intelligence through classroom instruction, research projects, lectures, and engagement with the nation’s leading tech companies. Students will also participate in college prep and readiness seminars focused on college application preparation.

 

15. UT Computer Science Summer Academy for All

 

Dates:

• Standard Academy: July 6 – 12
• Machine Learning Academy: July 27 – August 2

Location: University of Texas, Austin (UT Austin)

Application Deadline: N/A

Cost: Free

 

This week-long residential summer program offered by UT Austin is open to students of all skill levels in grades 11 and 12. Standard Academy for All participants will learn about C++, project management, and careers in tech, while those in the Machine Learning Edition will explore Python, machine learning concepts, and the social impacts of the technology. 

 

All participants will gain firsthand experience living and learning on a college campus, including sharing a room in a residence hall with a roommate, eating in the dining hall, and tackling college-level coursework.

 

16. Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy

 

Dates: June 23 – July 4

Location: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

Application Deadline: March 10

Cost: $5,160 

 

The Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy allows students ages 16 and 17 to immerse themselves in computer science and coding for two weeks in the summer. The program is based on the introductory computer science course taken by UC Berkeley undergrads. The academy culminates with the Code Celebration, an event where participants show off the coding project they worked on during the program. 

 

This is a residential program. Consequently, students leave with a deeper understanding of college life.  

 

17. Summer Liberal Arts Institute (SLAI) Computer Science

 

Dates: July 12 – August 1

Location: Carleton College

Application Deadline: March 3

Cost: $4,900 

 

This residential program is open to rising high school juniors and seniors. The SLAI Computer Science program takes a different approach to exploring the field—it looks at it through the lens of liberal arts. Participants will learn about finding computational solutions via classwork, hands-on labs, and working in small teams on projects. The program concludes with a symposium where students share the results of their work. 

 

18. Veritas AI Scholars

 

Dates: 

• Session 1: May 12 – 23
• Session 2: June 2 – 13
• Session 3: June 9 – 20 (morning)
• Session 4: June 9 – 20 (afternoon)
• Session 5: June 16 – 27 (morning)
• Session 6: June 16 – 27 (afternoon)
• Session 7: June 30 – July 11
• Session 8: July 14 – 25 (morning)
• Session 9: July 14 – 25 (afternoon)
• Session 10: August 4 – 15

Location: Online

Application Deadline: May 25

Cost: $2,290

 

This program, founded and operated by Harvard graduate students, teaches students in grades 9 through 12 the fundamentals of Python and the key concepts of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Participants work in small teams under the guidance of an artificial intelligence expert in fields including gaming, sports, finance, and health care.

 

The structure of the summer program has participants completing 25 hours of work over two weeks. 

 

19. Columbia University Introduction to Programming with Java

 

Dates: July 7 – 18

Location: Columbia University 

Application Deadline: N/A

Cost: N/A

 

This program is designed to provide participants with an understanding of the fundamentals of Java and build familiarity with object-oriented programming concepts, algorithms, and techniques. Students will also challenge their logical reasoning, systematic thinking, and problem-solving skills on programming projects and in labs. Students already knowledgeable in Java may want to check out this program’s counterpart course, Introduction to Programming with Python.

 

20. UCLA Computer Science Introductory Track

 

Dates: June 23 – July 11

Location: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Application Deadline: June 13

Cost: $3,291 

 

This commuter program at UCLA combines a coding boot camp with college-level coursework and lab experiences to introduce students in grades 9-12 to computer science. Program participants will explore the design and implementation of computer programs, learn how to use computers as tools, and explore topics like integers, strings, lists, control structures, and functional decomposition.  

 

No previous coding experience is necessary to participate in this program.

 

21. Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)

 

Dates: 

• Residential: June 29 – August 8
• Commuter: June 30 – August 8

Location: Boston University

Application Deadline: February 14

Cost: $9,521-$9,845 

 

High school juniors passionate about developing their STEM skills will want to check out RISE, a six-week program that provides research opportunities in a number of fields, including computer science, data science, and electrical and computer engineering. 

 

Participants can choose between two tracks in the RISE program: Internship and Practicum. Those on the internship track will spend 40 hours a week working on research projects, while those on the Practicum track begin each day with a two-hour lecture followed by four hours of group research. Once a week, practicum track participants will join the internship students for workshops aimed at building academic and professional skills.

 

22. UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program

 

Dates: June 16 – August 1 

Location: UC Santa Barbara 

Application Deadline: March 17

Cost: 

• Commuer: $5,175
• Residential: $12,474 

 

The Research Mentorship Program enables high-achieving high schoolers to tackle hands-on, university-level research in a variety of fields, ranging from STEM to the Humanities, including computer science. Students work with a mentor to learn about research techniques, gain insight into professional opportunities, and grow their academic goals. The program concludes with participants reporting their findings in a technical research paper and presenting at a formal academic symposium.

 

23. MITES Summer 

 

Dates: Late June – Early August 

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 

Application Deadline: February 1 

Cost: Free  

 

High school juniors with a passion for STEM will want to check out MITES Summer. This six-week program immerses students in life at MIT—taking courses, participating in lab tours, and attending social events—while also preparing them for college admissions.

 

The MITES Summer program includes high-level math and science coursework along with electives focusing on real-world STEM applications. In the past, electives have included courses in machine learning, electronics, and engineering design. 

 

At the conclusion of the program, students receive a written evaluation from their instructor, which many submit as supplemental material with their college applications.

 

24. Changemakers in Computing

 

Dates: July 7 – 31

Location: University of Washington

Application Deadline: April 3

Cost: Free

 

This free program introduces Washington State high school juniors and seniors to computer science and engineering. Participants learn coding, engage in hands-on projects, and explore various fields of computing. They also receive college guidance ranging from what college can look like for them and how to afford it to what fields to pursue.

 

The program is aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds, economically disadvantaged, and potential first-generation college students. Not only is the program free, participants also receive a $1,200 stipend for completing it.

 

25. META Summer Academy 

 

Dates: June 16 – July 25

Location: Menlo Park, California 

Application Deadline: February 14

Cost: Free

 

Participants in META’s Summer Academy get firsthand experience and an up-close look at one of the world’s leading social media networks. Students will learn to code, build valuable soft skills, and explore topics like final and media literacy. Participants will also gain insight into potential career paths. 

 

The program is open to high school sophomores who are full-time residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, and Redwood City, California. 

 

How Impressive Are Computer Science Programs in College Admissions? 

 

Computer science summer programs are a great way to show colleges that you are passionate about your academic interests, and attending a prestigious summer program can give your odds of college admission a significant boost. 

 

The four tiers of extracurricular activities provide a good guideline for understanding the influence summer programs have on your chances of getting into college. Tiers 1 and 2 are reserved for the most impressive and rarest activities—and have the most impact on college admissions. Extracurriculars in Tiers 3 and 4 are more common and hold less weight with admissions offices. Most summer programs are in Tiers 3 and 4, though ones that are highly selective, free, and have a competitive application process would be considered Tier 1 or 2.  

 

CollegeVine can add clarity to the impact your participation in activities outside the classroom, including computer science summer programs, has on your chances of college acceptance. Our free chancing engine uses a number of data points—like academics, extracurriculars, and demographics—to estimate your odds of getting into over 1,600 colleges in the United States.

 

Other Ways to Spend Your Summer  

 

Summer computer science programs are one approach to improving your college application, but you may also want to look into volunteer work, independent study, and internships. For example, computer science internships are a challenging—and even more impressive—experience that can increase your chances of acceptance into college.  

 

Another option is self-guided extracurriculars, which, when compared to summer programs, have the advantage of generally being more affordable and easier to fit into busy schedules. Some computer science-related, self-guided activities to consider include participating in an online hackathon, building a website or computer, or learning a new programming language on your own.

 

If you want to give back to your community, you can also teach residents of a retirement home how to use a technological device, such as a smartphone or computer, or lead a coding camp for elementary schoolers in your community.  

 

Overall, computer science summer programs are an excellent way to enhance your chances of acceptance, but they’re only one component of the whole application. For more approachable extracurricular opportunities, check out our list of online opportunities for high school students.