If you’re a high school student in California passionate about computer science, artificial intelligence, or coding, consider joining a summer computer science program in the state. Summer programs and internships in the field can help you gain hands-on experience, develop technical skills, and explore technological innovations.
Many universities, research institutes, and tech organizations in California offer some great summer programs where you can work directly with experts, learn advanced programming languages, and engage in real-world projects. These programs provide access to resources, industry mentorship, and a collaborative environment to refine your skills and prepare for future academic and career opportunities.
Below is a list of 13 computer science summer programs in California –
1. Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy
Program Dates: June 23 – July 24
Application Deadline: March 10
Cost: $5,060 (includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, orientation, excursions & activities, basic health insurance, and on-site support)
Location: University of California, Berkeley
Eligibility: Domestic and international high school students aged 16-17 by the start of the program, having completed 10th or 11th grade with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The University of California, Berkeley hosts a two-week pre-college Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy for high school students with an interest in computer science. Through a rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical education with practical coding projects, you are introduced to the fundamentals of computer science, such as algorithm design, data structures, abstraction, recursion, and Python programming.
This program is specially designed for those with no prior coding experience. In these two weeks, you’ll learn the basics of coding and design your own programming project. Through planned activities and excursions, you’ll also get the chance to meet other participants and undergraduate research students.
2. UCLA Computer Science Summer Institute – Introductory Track
Program Dates: June 23 – July 11
Application Deadline: May 1
Cost: Approximately $2,500
Location: University of California, Los Angeles
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9-12 by Spring 2025; must be at least 15 years old by June 23, 2025
For high school students, the rigorous two-week Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy program provides an introduction to basic computer science ideas. The curriculum, which is held at the University of California, Berkeley, blends interactive coding laboratories, group projects, and lectures. You gain a solid foundation in data structures, computational reasoning, and Python programming.
Additionally, they cultivate the computational reasoning and critical problem-solving abilities necessary for the field, and you can work together with peers who have similar interests.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Program Dates: Cohorts start throughout the year; each program lasts 12 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Cost: Approximately $2,400; financial aid available
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students with a strong academic record
Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides the chance for high school students to collaborate one-on-one with PhD advisors from academic institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard. Computer science subjects, including cybersecurity, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and algorithms, are among the many areas in which you do independent research projects.
You will work on a research paper or project presentation that you can submit to journals for publication.
4. UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Residential Track
Program Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost: Approximately $14,000 (includes tuition, housing, meals, and activities)
Location: University of California, Berkeley
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program and have completed their sophomore or junior year with a minimum 3.0 GPA
UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars gives you the chance to get a firsthand look at college living as a high school student. You will get exposure to Berkeley’s professors, research facilities, and creative courses. To acquire academic credit that would help you in your future college applications, you will enroll in two college-level courses.
In addition to coursework, the program provides a range of extracurricular activities aimed at fostering leadership qualities and easing the adjustment to college life.
5. Veritas AI
Program Dates: 12-15 week cohorts in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions for multiple cohorts throughout the year
Cost: Starts from $2,290. Need-based financial aid is available
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Open to high school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers specialized programs for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. Through a structured curriculum, you gain a foundation in key AI concepts while being mentored by researchers and practitioners from top universities and leading companies.
The program emphasizes hands-on learning, encouraging you to apply your knowledge through both individual and group research tracks. You work on practical projects in areas such as computer vision, ethical AI, and natural language processing. This program can help you deepen your technical skills, build project portfolios, and explore potential career paths in the fast-growing field of artificial intelligence.
6. UC San Diego Summer Camps
Program Dates: Four-day camps conducted in June and July
Application Deadline: Registrations open in February; closing dates vary
Cost: $205 to $340, depending on the camp
Location: University of California, San Diego
Eligibility: Open to high school students; specific camps may have additional requirements
The University of California, San Diego offers a wide variety of summer camps for middle and high school students, covering exciting topics such as engineering, Python programming, Java, graphic arts, and robotics. Through engaging, practical learning opportunities, these camps aim to introduce you to fundamental ideas in STEM subjects.
You are guided through projects, coding exercises, and problem-solving challenges by instructors who are seasoned educators and professionals from the field. You will be prepared to tackle future academic and professional prospects in technology and engineering through the programs’ development of critical thinking and creativity, in addition to technical skills.
7. Caltech C-STEM Center
Program Dates: Varies; typically held during the summer
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Cost: Varies by program
Location: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA
Eligibility: Varies by program; generally open to K-14 students
Through engaging, practical activities, the California Institute of Technology’s C-STEM Centre works to advance STEM education for students in grades K–14. You learn to code by using robotics to solve real-world problems using programs like RoboBlockly and C-STEM Studio.
The programs are intended to improve teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking. One of the program’s main goals is to expand access for under-represented groups to STEM disciplines. You will work on projects that can help you meet standards for college and job preparedness.
8. Stanford AI4ALL
Program Dates: Typically held in July; exact dates vary annually
Application Deadline: Usually in January; specific dates announced annually
Cost: Free; includes room and board
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors from underrepresented backgrounds in AI
Stanford AI4ALL is a three-week residential program that aims to increase diversity and inclusion in the field of artificial intelligence. Through a mix of practical projects, technical training, and mentoring, the Stanford University-hosted program gives high school students an intensive experience with artificial intelligence. You work on research projects in fields like robotics, computer vision, and natural language processing. To develop a solid technical foundation, you also receive basic training in Python programming and fundamental AI ideas.
The curriculum encourages you to think critically about the technology you are developing by incorporating conversations on the ethical, social, and societal effects of AI in addition to technical instruction. You will also receive advice and support to pursue further education and careers in artificial intelligence through mentorship from Stanford teachers, graduate students, and business executives.
9. UC Irvine ICS Summer Academy
Program Dates: July
Application Deadline: Varies
Cost: $2,500
Location: University of California, Irvine, CA
Eligibility: Rising high school students with an interest in computer science
The UC Irvine ICS Summer Academy is a program designed to introduce high school students to university-level computer science education in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment. Hosted by the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, the program offers a variety of specialized tracks, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, and software engineering.
You work closely with experienced faculty and current university students, gaining hands-on experience through coding labs, practical projects, and group discussions.
10. USC CS@SC Summer Camps
Program Dates:
- In-Person: June 23 – July 11
- Virtual: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling; spots fill quickly, so early application is recommended
Cost: Varies, depending on the program chosen (In-Person); $200 (Virtual); financial aid available for qualifying students
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, and Virtual
Eligibility: Open to K–12 students; high school students should apply for intermediate or advanced classes depending on skill level
The CS@SC Summer Camps at the University of Southern California are a dynamic and accessible way for high school students to explore computer science, app development, game design, and more. Run by USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering, these camps offer both virtual and in-person formats to suit different learning preferences. The curriculum is project-based and hands-on, encouraging you to learn by doing—whether that means coding a mobile app, building a game, or designing a robot.
You can choose from beginner-friendly classes or more advanced ones, depending on your prior experience and interests.
11. UC Davis C-STEM GIRL Camps
Program Dates: Various one-week sessions during the summer; specific dates available on the program website
Application Deadline: Varies; refer to the program website for details
Cost: Free of charge
Location: Happens across the United States, including California
Eligibility: Middle and high school girls interested in STEM
The goal of the free, one-week summer UC Davis C-STEM GIRL (females in Robotics Leadership) Camps is to encourage middle and high school females in STEM. These camps integrate experiential robotics and programming instruction with leadership development. You design, construct, and program your own robots using platforms based on Arduino and the C/C++-based Ch programming language.
The curriculum places a strong emphasis on critical thinking, teamwork, and public speaking. You also participate in group projects and presentations to improve your technical and communication skills.
12. USC Viterbi School of Engineering Summer High School Intensive in Next-Generation Engineering (SHINE)
Program Dates: June to August; exact dates vary annually
Application Deadline: Typically in March; specific dates available on the program website
Cost: Approximately $5,000; limited financial aid available
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders with a strong interest in engineering and computer science
The SHINE (Summer High School Intensive in Next-Generation Engineering) program at USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering is a 7-week immersive research experience for high school students. You work closely with USC faculty and Ph.D. mentors on practical engineering projects.
The program spans disciplines such as computer science, biomedical engineering, and aerospace. You attend lab meetings, contribute to research papers, and present your work in a final symposium. SHINE also includes professional development workshops on scientific writing, presentation skills, and ethics.
13. Santa Clara University’s Summer Engineering Seminar (SES)
Program Dates: Typically held in July; specific dates vary annually
Application Deadline: Usually in March; exact dates available on the program website
Cost: Free of charge; participants are responsible for transportation to and from the program
Location: Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with an interest in engineering
Santa Clara University’s SES is a five-day program that introduces high school sophomores and juniors to the field of engineering, including computer science. The program gives you an exposure to various engineering disciplines, including software, mechanical, and electrical engineering, through a curriculum that incorporates practical projects, interactive workshops, and lectures.
You will understand the fundamental ideas and applications of engineering through hands-on experiences and problem-solving exercises. Additionally, SES aids in developing critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative skills
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like computer science, data science, AI & ML, 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 – Santa Clara University
