Are you in high school and passionate about technology? If so, computer science camps offer a focused gateway into advanced computing fields. These programs go beyond coding to emphasize analytical thinking, algorithmic problem-solving, and creative approaches to software and hardware design.
Why choose a computer science summer camp in high school?
Unlike semester-long or research programs, computer science camps are short, focused, and designed to build real skills. In just a few weeks, you can explore topics like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, cybersecurity, or game design—often using the same tools professionals use in college and industry. Through group projects, coding challenges, and guidance from experienced mentors, campers gain both a solid understanding of key concepts and valuable hands-on experience.
Below is a curated list of 13 computer science camps that stand out for their academic rigor, technical depth, and emphasis on project-based learning.
1. Tufts University – Coding Academy
Location: Tufts University, Medford / Somerville, MA
Cost: Commuter: $4,225 | Residential: $5,750 | Limited need-based scholarships are available
Dates: July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12 (additional eligibility requirements may be added; check the website for current updates)
At the Tufts Coding Academy, you will spend two weeks mastering Python through a mix of lectures, coding labs, and group projects. You will attend guest sessions on topics such as AI, robotics, and cybersecurity, and take “Tech Treks” to major companies like Google and HubSpot. The experience concludes with a final project presentation, providing insight into how coding is applied in both academic and professional settings.
2. New York University – Summer Program in Automation, Robotics and Coding (SPARC)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $3,300
Dates: Session 1: June 16 – 27 | Session 2: July 7 – 18 | Session 3: July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: May 15 (reviewed on a rolling basis)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 and older | Prerequisites are AP Math, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, a preference for completion of PreCalc and enrollment in AP Stats/Calculus
SPARC is a two-week, full-day summer program at NYU Tandon’s K12 STEM Center designed for students interested in robotics and coding. The program introduces you to key concepts in mechatronics, automation, and computer programming, with no prior experience required. You will learn to design and build interactive devices that utilise sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers. Students also participate in team competitions and engineering challenges.
3. ELITE Tech Camp
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: $1,799 (commuter) – $3,899 (residential)
Dates: Various one-week sessions from June to July
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students
The Rice ELITE Tech Camp is a pre-college summer program for high school students interested in engineering and technology. Created by Rice University’s School of Engineering and RCEL, it combines technical instruction with leadership development. During one-week sessions, you engage in hands-on projects using the engineering design process to solve real-world problems. The curriculum covers AI, machine learning, 3D printing, IoT, data analytics, and bioengineering.
4. Kode with Klossy – Summer Camps
Location: Virtual or in-person in Chicago, Dallas, Washington D.C., London, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, and St. Louis
Cost: Free
Dates: June 2 – 13 | July 7 – 18 | July 21 – August 1 | August 4 – 15
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school women and gender-expansive teens aged 13-18
Kode With Klossy is a free, two-week summer coding camp for high school students from underrepresented gender identities in tech. You can choose from four tracks—Web Development, Machine Learning, Mobile App Development, or Data Science—and gain hands-on experience with programming languages like JavaScript, Python, and Swift. During the camp, you will work on projects such as building websites, creating mobile apps, training AI models, and performing data analysis. The curriculum also covers algorithmic bias, user experience, and responsive design, fostering technical skills alongside ethical awareness and creative problem-solving.
5. Girls Who Code – Summer Immersion Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free | A $300 needs-based grant is available to U.S. students only
Dates: US students: July 7 – July 18 | US and International students: July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 16
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 (or ages 14–18) who identify as girls or non-binary
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is a free, two-week virtual program for high school students interested in computer science and game design. Through live lessons and hands-on projects, you’ll learn key skills in coding, UI design, and software development. Supported by leading technology partners, the program provides mentorship and networking opportunities with industry professionals. You’ll collaborate on creating a playable game and participate in team challenges. By the end, you’ll gain insight into tech careers while building connections in a supportive learning environment.
6. Engineering Overview Camps
Location: University of Texas at San Antonio, TX
Cost: $550 – $750
Dates: June 9 – 13 | June 30 – July 4
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
The Engineering Overview Camp provides high school students with the opportunity to explore six engineering fields, including Computer, Biomedical, Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil, through hands-on labs and interactive activities. Led by UTSA faculty, you will learn about each discipline and its potential career opportunities. The program also provides insight into UTSA’s academic programs and admissions process.
7. Engineering Design Experience
Location: Southern Methodist University (SMU) Lyle School of Engineering, Dallas, TX
Cost: $1,400
Dates: Female Camp: June 2 – 6 or June 16 – 20 | Male Camp: June 9 – 13 or June 23 – 27
Application Deadline: Applications open on February 17 and are on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th grade students
This Texas-based engineering program gives high school students a practical introduction to fundamental engineering concepts through hands-on projects. Working in the Deason Innovation Gym, you will utilize advanced equipment, such as 3D printers and laser cutters, to prototype and test your ideas. The curriculum spans civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering disciplines. In addition to technical training, you’ll build teamwork, communication, and project management skills. With guidance from mentors, including college students and alumni, you’ll complete and present a final project to faculty and family at the program’s end.
8. New York University – Coding for Game Design
Location: New York University, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $2,745 tuition + $50 application fee + $100 UP Service Fee | Need-based financial aid is available
Dates: Session 1: July 7 – 18 | Session 2: July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: High school students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year in the Fall | Must already have an Intermediate level of understanding of code and programming, preferably with at least one formal coding class completed with a B+ or higher grade
Offered in two in-person sessions of two weeks each, this summer program combines game design fundamentals with hands-on coding in C# and Unity. During the first week, you will study both theoretical and practical aspects of game creation, including aesthetics, rules, and audio design, while completing guided coding exercises. The second week centers on team-based production, where you will collaborate to build and refine a 2D game in Unity. The program concludes with a showcase and awards ceremony, allowing you to present your finished project in a professional, developer-style setting.
9. Tufts University – Engineering with Artificial Intelligence
Location: Tufts University, Medford / Somerville, MA
Cost: Commuter: $4,425 | Residential: $5,950
Dates: Session 1: July 5 – 17 | Session 2: July 19 – 31
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12 are eligible to apply | Prior programming experience required
This Tufts University summer program offers high school students an introduction to both the theory and practical applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Through insightful lectures by experts, labs, and hands-on projects, you will gain experience using industry-standard tools to build working AI models. The program also encourages thoughtful discussion on the ethical and social implications of AI technologies. Designed to develop both technical skills and analytical thinking, it provides a comprehensive foundation in one of the most influential fields of the modern era.
10. Boston Leadership Institute – Code Breaking & Cryptography
Location: Olin College, Wellesley, MA
Cost: $699
Dates: July 14 – 18
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
The Code Breaking & Cryptography program introduces students to the math and logic that power secure communication systems. You will explore how encryption methods are designed, decoded, and safeguarded—core concepts in cybersecurity and defense. The curriculum offers insight into modern cryptography, blending creativity with analytical and strategic thinking. Through hands-on activities, you will apply theoretical concepts to real-world coding challenges. It’s suited for students who enjoy rigorous problem-solving and wish to understand how cybersecurity systems are constructed from the ground up.
11. Summer Research Internship – Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 program fee + $40 application fee
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students entering 9-12 grade in the fall | Must be 14+ by the start of the program | Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or provide documentation of valid visa status | Applicants with strong math or computer programming skills or with experience in a healthcare project are preferred
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging hosts a two-week virtual internship for high school students with prior experience in programming, statistics, or math. This rigorous program introduces participants to how AI is reshaping healthcare through lectures, technical workshops, and research projects led by Stanford faculty. You will also join “Lunch and Learn” sessions featuring professionals who share insights on careers spanning technology and medicine. After completing the program, you will earn a Certificate of Completion, with opportunities for select students to continue independent research.
12. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging (AIMI) – Summer Health AI Bootcamp
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 participation fee + $40 application fee | Financial aid available
Dates: June 16- 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12 in the Fall | Over 14 by the start of the program | Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or provide documentation of valid visa status
The Summer Health AI Bootcamp is a two-week virtual program that introduces high school students to the intersection of healthcare and artificial intelligence. Open to all experience levels, it features interactive lessons, group activities, and discussions that cover key machine learning concepts and challenges in the medical field. You will learn about evaluation metrics, team collaboration, and innovations such as generative AI in an engaging, accessible way.
13. Berkeley Coding Academy – Data Science: The AI Journey
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts from $2,699 | Need-based financial aid is available
Dates: July 14 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled (early application advised)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18 years (also a cohort available for ages 12-14) with at least basic Python proficiency
Berkeley Coding Academy’s Data Science: The AI Journey provides an in-depth introduction to Python programming, machine learning, and real-world AI applications. Working in small cohorts of around eight or fewer students, you will learn through interactive lectures and personalized guidance tailored to your skill level. The program features collaborative research, access to annotated learning materials, and concludes with a capstone project. Upon completion, you will earn a Data Science Scholar Certificate, recognizing your achievement and foundational expertise in AI and data science.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Tufts University