If you’re looking for a pocket-friendly way to gain experience in the field of computer science, consider free CS programs for high schoolers!
The programs provide solid research/work opportunities at no cost and can help you develop advanced skills and gain in-depth experience in the field. These programs typically offer a range of resources, including online courses, coding challenges, and project-based learning modules. As a participant, you can engage with fundamental topics such as algorithms, data structures, and programming languages, and progress to more specialized areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or web development.
By participating in these programs, you can build practical skills through hands-on projects, collaborate with peers and mentors, and gain insights into industry practices. This experience can enhance yourproblem-solving abilities, technical proficiency, and understanding of real-world applications, preparing you for CS programs in college, or internships in the summer.
Here are 12 free computer science programs for high school students!
1. Horizon Academic Research Program — CS Track
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!
Courses offered by Horizon related to computer science include ‘Algorithms, Data Structures, and Python,’ which covers foundational techniques in algorithm design and coding in Python, and ‘Data Science Approaches to Internet Security,’ which focuses on using data science methods to enhance cybersecurity practices.
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. Apply here!
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.
If you’re a high school student interested in a free computer science program, the Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT could be a compelling option. This six-week program is designed for students who are highly skilled and committed, offering the chance to conduct independent research and take college-level courses.
During the first week, you’ll attend advanced STEM classes taught by experienced professors, which can provide a strong foundation in various topics. The core of the program is a five-week research internship where you can work on computer science projects under the mentorship of seasoned researchers. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research through both oral and written reports, mimicking a professional conference environment. However, keep in mind that RSI is extremely selective, with an acceptance rate under 5%.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)
Application deadline: Closed for 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: 6 weeks, specific dates to be announced for 2025.
Eligibility: High School Juniors(U.S. and International) are eligible to apply.
This 10-week summer program is designed for rising sophomores and juniors in New York City with a strong interest in STEM. It offers hands-on experiences in various STEM fields, including Bio and Molecular Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Robotics, AI, Computer Science, and Machine Learning.
The program covers a range of topics, such as college-level research methods, expository writing, scientific methodologies, professional development, and ethics. The initial six weeks consist of remote workshops held after school, while the subsequent four weeks take place in person at NYU from 9 am to 4 pm. The program admits approximately 80 students, making it a selective opportunity for participants.
Location: New York University (New York, NY)
Application deadline: March 1, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: 10 weeks, June 3, 2024 — August 9, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school students living in New York City in grades 10 and 11 at the time of application can apply.
Carnegie Mellon’s Computer Science Scholars (CSS) program is a free, selective pre-college summer program for high school juniors with a focus on computer science. The program provides a structured academic experience including college-level courses in programming and mathematics, as well as attendance at guest lectures, seminars, and academic tours.
Participants engage in group projects under the supervision of faculty, staff, and graduate students. The program concludes with a symposium where students present their group projects. In addition to academic components, students have opportunities for networking with peers and exploring the city during weekends.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
Application Deadline: Applications are typically due in March.
Program Dates: June 22, 2024 — July 20, 2024 (4 weeks). TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school juniors with a demonstrated financial need who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents can apply.
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University provides a selective 7-week summer research opportunity for 12 high school juniors and seniors. Participants can choose to focus on various research topics, including those related to computer science such as algorithms, machine learning, cybersecurity, or data science.
Throughout the program, scholars engage in intensive research projects, working closely with experienced faculty members to develop practical skills and conduct hands-on research. Upon completing their research project and submitting a final report, scholars receive a $750 stipend.
Location: Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX)
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: 7 weeks, June 16, 2024 -August 1, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: At least 17 years of age by the program start date, and should graduate in 2023 or 2024 (U.S. and International) for the 2024 program.
CS4CS is a fully funded program that offers high school students an introduction to fundamental concepts in cybersecurity and computer science. The curriculum includes topics such as ethical hacking, cryptography, steganography, digital forensics, privacy, and data management, reflecting current needs in the cyber industry.
Additionally, CS4CS integrates the Irondale program, which uses theater techniques to enhance communication and public speaking skills through improvisational exercises. Participants use software tools to identify and address cyber threats, study the application of ciphers in network security, and develop coding proficiency. The program also includes a focus on behavioral science to understand and counteract threats like phishing and identity theft.
Location: New York University (Manhattan, NY)
Application Deadline: April 14, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: 3 weeks, July 15 — August 9, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: NYC residents that are entering 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in September of the year of the program.
Girls Who Code offers programs designed to address the gender gap in technology through practical experience and professional networking. Their summer programs include a 2-week immersion program and a 6-week self-paced program. The 2-week immersion program targets beginner to intermediate levels of computer science education. It covers fundamental concepts, iterative design processes, and basic UX design principles, and provides an overview of the tech industry.
The 6-week self-paced program allows high school students to choose between learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for web development, or exploring intermediate Python applications with a focus on cybersecurity or data science. The programs are accessible at no cost, with a $300 need-based grant available for eligible U.S. students. Approximately half of the participants come from underrepresented groups, including Black, LatinX, and individuals from low-income backgrounds who identify as girls, women, or non-binary.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Applications open by mid-January 2024. Early acceptance is due by mid-February 2024. General application deadline in late March 2024.
Program Dates: 2 weeks, typically, in July but may vary depending on the program.
Eligibility: All female and non-binary high school students are eligible.
8. MIT PRIMES
MIT PRIMES is a year-long research program for advanced high school students focusing on mathematics, computer science, or biology. Participants work on individual or group research projects under the mentorship of MIT graduate or postdoctoral students.
The program is competitive, requiring applicants to solve a set of questions related to their chosen research area. The structure of the program consists of four phases: advanced reading, active research, independent study, and write-up. Students are expected to dedicate at least 10 hours per week to independent study and research. You can see previous years’ problem sets here.
Location: Virtual, with occasional travel to the MIT campus (Cambridge, MA)
Application deadline: November 30, 2024.
Program dates: February 1, 2025, to January 15, 2025.
Eligibility: All high school students living within the Greater Boston area can apply.
The Beaver Works Summer Institute is a four-week program designed for high school seniors aiming to advance their STEM skills through focused coursework. The program offers both online and in-person components. For computer science, students can select from the following courses:
- Serious Game Development with AI: This course involves applying machine learning and game-like modeling to develop socially relevant policy interventions.
- Embedded Security and Hardware Hacking: Participants learn Python and C programming, assembly language, and cryptography, with a project that involves designing a secure internet-based home door lock.
- Cyber Security in Software Intensive Systems: This course covers various aspects of cybersecurity, including intelligence, network defense, digital forensics, malware analysis, and offensive security.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)
Application deadline: March 31, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: July 8, 2024, to August 4, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors can apply.
The Academy for All with UT Computer Science is a one-week residential program designed to teach high school students the fundamentals of computer science. The program is led by UT faculty and includes sessions on career exploration in technology, meetings with industry professionals, and college application preparation.
The program is divided into two cohorts, held in June and July:
- Standard Edition: Focuses on coding in C++ and using the Arduino microcontroller to create an LED light display.
- Machine Learning Edition: Emphasizes coding in Python and involves developing and training a machine learning model.
UT-Austin provides need-based scholarships of up to $500 to assist with transportation costs to and from the university campus.
Location: University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX)
Application deadline: January 7, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: June 9–15, 2024, and July 7–13, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Rising high school students in grades 10, 11, and 12 can apply.
REHS is a student outreach program at the UC San Diego Supercomputer Center designed to introduce high school students to computer science and its applications in various research fields. Participants can select between non-research and research project options.
Non-research projects involve internships at the Supercomputer Center, providing practical, hands-on experience. Research projects require students to work one-on-one with a mentor, typically a faculty member, to support their ongoing research. Students choosing a research project are required to pay a $1,500 registration fee.
Location: University of California San Diego (San Diego, CA)
Application deadline: March 15, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: June 17 — August 9, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10, 11, or 12 living in Southern California. Applicants must be at least 16 years old before the start of the program.
The CIC program, offered by the University of Washington, is a four-week course aimed at high school students, with a particular focus on those from underrepresented communities. The program introduces fundamental concepts in computer science and engineering and is taught by the university’s undergraduate and graduate students.
The curriculum includes instruction in coding, problem-solving, and ethics in technology. Upon completion of the program, all students receive a $1,500 stipend. Additionally, students with demonstrated financial need are awarded a $250 gift card for meal expenses.
Location: University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
Application deadline: April 3, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: July 8, 2024, to August 4, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: All high school students can apply.
Bonus Programs
If you’re interested in developing a project or research paper in AI and machine learning remotely, you might want to explore opportunities with Veritas AI.
Founded by Harvard graduate students, Veritas AI offers fully virtual research programs where you can collaborate one-on-one with mentors from prestigious institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. These programs are tailored to help you create unique and personalized projects. Over the past year, more than 1,000 students have joined us to learn AI and ML. If this sounds like something you’d like to pursue, you can apply here!
For high school students eager to engage in intensive research, consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs. These online programs, created in partnership with researchers from Harvard and Oxford, are highly selective. Last year, over 4,000 students applied for just 500 spots! You can find the application form here.
Additionally, check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit initiative dedicated to supporting talented, low-income students. Last year, 150 students received full need-based financial aid to participate in research programs.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.