If you’re a high school student considering a major in computer science, a summer program at a university can be a smart way to build skills, explore career paths, and experience college-level learning. These programs often cover topics like AI, app development, cybersecurity, UX/UI design, and robotics — giving you hands-on experience through real projects and expert instruction.
You’ll also get a chance to dive into current tech trends, collaborate with peers, and strengthen your portfolio for college applications. Many programs include campus-based learning, group work, and even the opportunity to earn college credit.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up 16 university computer science summer programs for high school students that offer immersive, practical learning experiences in computer science.
1. Carnegie Mellon CS Scholars
Location: Carnegie Mellon campus, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: The program is fully funded and covers tuition, housing, meals, field trips, and special events. You can request travel assistance if transportation to CMU is a major barrier.
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: June 21 – July 19
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and will be at least 16 years old by the program start date
Carnegie Mellon’s Computer Science Scholars (CSS) is a four-week summer program where you can explore computer science alongside CMU faculty, staff, and researchers. You’ll take college-level CS courses and join weekly seminars on college admissions, financial aid, and social-emotional wellness.
You’ll build a foundation in Python programming, covering variables, functions, conditionals, loops, lists, dictionaries, and strategies like top-down design and debugging. You’ll also take a pre-concepts of math course meant to build your confidence and skills in math.
You’ll also meet CMU faculty and professionals in the field to get a better sense of the career possibilities in computer science. If you complete the program and show interest, you may be invited back the next summer for CMU’s AI Scholars program as a rising senior.
2. NYU Tandon School of Engineering’s Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: May 15
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th-grade students who live in NYC or Nassau County
NYU Tandon School of Engineering’s Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS) program introduces high school students to computer science and cybersecurity. In this program, you’ll learn the basics of cryptography, digital forensics, ethical hacking, privacy, and data protection in the cybersecurity field. You’ll also practice coding, attend communication workshops, and work on real-world security analysis.
You will learn how to use software tools to detect cyber threats, trace their sources, and explore ciphers for securing networks while also building coding skills. You’ll also dive into the behavioral side of cybersecurity, such as identity theft and phishing. Plus, you’ll participate in Irondale, an improv-based program to help improve your communication and public speaking.
3. UCLA’s Computer Science Summer Institute (Introductory Track)
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $3,291 (commuter program); scholarships are available
Application Deadline: June 13
Dates: June 23 – July 11
Eligibility: Current 9th–12th graders who are at least 15 years old by the start of the program and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. No previous experience in computer science is needed.
UCLA’s Computer Science Summer Institute (Introductory Track) is a mix of coding boot camp, lab tours, and college-level coursework designed for high school students interested in computer science or related fields. You’ll learn how to use computers to solve problems, explore ideas, and be creative by designing and building your own programs.
The course uses Python to introduce programming and computer science basics. You’ll get hands-on experience with core topics like data types (integers, booleans, strings, lists), control structures (like conditionals and loops), and functional decomposition, such as breaking down tasks into smaller parts using functions. As you build, test, and improve your own programs, you’ll get to see how computing can be both powerful and fun.
4. NYU’s Coding for Game Design High School Summer Program
Location: NYU Downtown Brooklyn campus, NY
Cost:
- $2,995, which includes tuition, fees, and a non-refundable application fee. On-campus housing is optional at an extra cost.
- Need-based scholarships are available for New York-based commuter students.
Application Deadline: May 31; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
Dates: July 7 – July 18 | July 28 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors with an intermediate understanding of coding and programming, ideally having completed at least one formal coding course with a B+ or higher
NYU’s Coding for Game Design High School Summer Program allows students to learn game design with C# and Unity scripting. You’ll collaborate with experienced designers and developers to create 2D and 3D games. Every morning, you’ll have a game design lesson that covers topics such as mechanics, rules, level design, dynamics, aesthetics, and audio design. Afterward, you’ll spend the rest of the day coding.
You will develop coding skills, apply game design principles, and gain hands-on experience using industry techniques. Each day, you’ll work on a team project to create your final game. On the last day, you’ll complete production and showcase your game at the award ceremony.
5. Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy
Location: UC Berkeley campus, Berkeley, CA
Cost: $5,160; plus a $25 application fee
Application Deadline: March 10
Dates: June 23 – July 4
Eligibility: High school students who’ve completed 10th or 11th grade by the program start date, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and are at least 16 years old
The Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy is a two-week program designed for high school students who are interested in computer science and want to experience college life. You’ll dive into core CS concepts, practice coding, work on group projects, and sharpen your problem-solving skills using the Beauty and Joy of Computing (BJC) curriculum, the same one taught in Berkeley’s intro CS course for undergrads.
Each day, you’ll tackle creative coding challenges with Snap!, a visual programming language. You’ll cover computing basics and build a coding project based on your own interests. Topics include abstraction, number systems, functions, conditionals, Boolean logic, algorithms, lists, higher-order functions, the social side of computing, recursion, and tree recursion.
At the end of the program, you’ll take part in a Code Celebration, where you’ll present your final project, solo or with a team, to Berkeley CS faculty and instructors, who will give feedback and ask questions about your work.
6. NYU’s Summer Program in Automation, Robotics, and Coding (SPARC)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $3,300; plus $1,036 for housing and meals
Application Deadline: May 15; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
Dates: June 16 – June 27 | July 7 – July 18 | July 28 – August 8
Eligibility: Current 9th to 12th graders who are at least 15 years old and have experience with AP Math, Algebra 2, or Trigonometry. Completing Pre-Calculus and being enrolled in AP Statistics or Calculus is preferred.
NYU Tandon School of Engineering’s Summer Program for Automation, Robotics, and Coding (SPARC) is a 2-week, full-day program that introduces high school students to the basics of robotics, mechatronics, and programming. Throughout the program, you’ll work hands-on with a robotics kit to explore how microcontrollers connect with sensors and actuators.
You will design and program interactive robots that utilize microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators. Additionally, you will learn important coding concepts such as variables, loops, conditionals, and binary code to bring your robots to life. At the program’s end, you’ll participate in tournament-style challenges where your robot will complete tasks based on real-world robotics scenarios.
7. UC Berkeley’s Management, Entrepreneurship, & Technology (M.E.T.) Innovation Academy
Location: UC Berkeley campus, Berkeley, CA
Cost: $10,499
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: June 29 – July 17
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
UC Berkeley’s M.E.T. Innovation Academy is a hands-on summer residential program for high school students interested in both technology and entrepreneurship. While not solely focused on computer science, the program is run by the Haas School of Business and the College of Engineering and gives you a chance to build your engineering knowledge while also learning the basics of business.
During the program, you’ll work with a team on a capstone project where you’ll develop a startup idea and pitch it to real venture investors. You’ll create prototypes at Berkeley’s Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation and hear directly from engineers, product managers, and marketers at top Silicon Valley companies like Ambi Robotics and Dolby. You’ll also get career advice and support, meet current M.E.T. students and alumni working in tech and startups, and explore the Bay Area through planned events and outings. You can check out more details about the program here.
8. NYU Tandon School of Engineering’s Computer Engineering for Good (CE4G)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $4,500; $1,554 for housing and meals.
Application Deadline: May 15; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Dates: June 16 – July 2 | July 14 – August 1
Eligibility: Current 9th to 12th graders who are at least 15 years old and have experience with AP Math, Algebra 2, or Trigonometry. Completing Pre-Calculus and being enrolled in AP Statistics or Calculus is preferred.
NYU Tandon School of Engineering’s Computer Engineering for Good (CE4G) program focuses on how computer and electrical engineering can help address global inequality. You’ll explore real-world problems using technologies designed for developing regions and apply your engineering skills to create sustainable, innovative solutions. Throughout the program, you’ll learn how to take a design from concept to implementation.
You’ll get hands-on experience with embedded systems, build internet-connected devices, and use engineering to tackle social issues. You’ll work with tools like Arduino and Raspberry Pi, learn about sustainability and public health, and sharpen your critical thinking. You’ll also learn how to create tech solutions that support long-term change by combining computer and electrical engineering.
9. Stony Brook University’s Pre-College Summer Program — Machine Learning and Self-Driving
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: $2,250 (residential), $1,250 (commuter), plus a non-refundable $45 application fee. Discounts are available.
Application Deadline: May 30
Dates: July 20 – July 25
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who are U.S. residents and between 15 and 17 years old
Stony Brook University’s Machine Learning and Self-Driving program is a one-week program where you’ll learn machine learning fundamentals and self-driving tech through lectures and hands-on work with a custom-built remote-control car. The program introduces key topics like self-driving systems, machine learning algorithms, neural network structures, and data analysis. You’ll also explore deep neural networks such as CNN and ResNet using the PyTorch platform.
Throughout the week, you’ll combine learning in the classroom with practical experience. You’ll manually drive radio-controlled cars built by the team, see a demo of a self-driving RC car, and follow guided steps to test-drive RC robots, collect data, and train neural networks to drive the cars on their own.
10. NYU Tandon School of Engineering’s Digital Design & User Experience (UX)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $3,050; plus $1,036 for housing and meals
Application Deadline: May 15; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
Dates: July 7 – July 18
Eligibility: Current 9th graders to graduating 12th graders who are at least 15 years old. Experience with Algebra 2, a similar logic class, or Trigonometry is optional.
NYU Tandon School of Engineering’s Digital Design & User Experience is a 2-week program where you’ll learn UX and interface design fundamentals, focusing on creating your own project by the end of the program. You’ll learn how to conduct UX research and design user-friendly solutions using beginner-friendly tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma. The program also provides insight into the professional world of UX design and its applications in areas such as game design and development.
You’ll work on creative design challenges while keeping user needs and experience in mind. You’ll also learn how to sketch and build both low- and high-fidelity prototypes to present your ideas. By the end of the program, you’ll know how to put together and present a design portfolio to show off your work.
11. ASPIRE by the Johns Hopkins University
Location: Offered virtually or in-person at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost; unpaid
Application Deadline: February 15
Dates:
- The summer session runs from June 24 – August 21.
- The academic-year session runs from September 15 to May. Seniors need to complete 60 hours by December 31, and juniors must complete 30 hours.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 15 years old, have a GPA of 2.8 or higher, and live in certain Maryland counties
The ASPIRE program provides high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to explore STEM careers before selecting a college major. You’ll collaborate with mentors at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab (APL) on real projects, developing both technical and teamwork skills in a professional environment. You can pick two areas of interest, but the program assigns mentors and projects. Fields include AI and Machine Learning, Environmental and Life Sciences, Aerospace, Cybersecurity, Programming, Math and Data, Physical Science, and STEM Education.
Past projects have included using Python to create an accessibility map of APL’s campus, training robotic arms through behavior trees, constructing a 3D model of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and developing a new version of Battleship with Java and connected systems. You can also select up to three preferred project types, like Coding and Software, Design, Hardware, or Social Impact. The program is competitive, with about a 10% acceptance rate.
12. Princeton University’s AI4ALL
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 9
Dates: July 9 – July 30
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors living in the U.S. or Puerto Rico who meet low-income requirements
Princeton AI4ALL is a summer program for high school students from diverse backgrounds to explore artificial intelligence and help broaden representation in the field. You will learn about AI algorithms and their foundations, develop technical and analytical skills, and participate in seminars, lab experiments, and group projects. The program includes real-world projects, and you’ll work on AI applications, collaborate with peers, and receive mentorship from experts.
In addition to lectures, you’ll learn about ongoing research in AI at Princeton, attend a field trip to Washington, DC, to explore AI’s role in public policy, and visit different organizations. You’ll get access to Princeton’s advanced AI research facilities and take part in mentoring sessions with AI faculty, career development talks, and social events with Princeton AI grad students. The program culminates in a small-group research project on the societal impact of AI, which you’ll present at the end.
13. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program
Location: Offered in remote, hybrid, and in-person formats at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee that can be waived for those with financial need. The internship is unpaid, and participants cover their own travel and housing.
Application Deadline: February 2
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility:
- Interns must be at least 15 years old by the start of the program to qualify for remote, in-person, or hybrid computer lab internships.
- Interns must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program to be eligible for in-person or hybrid wet-lab internships.
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) will allow you to work with faculty researchers at George Mason University. Over the 8-week internship, you’ll get hands-on experience with advanced tools and tech, improve your science writing and communication, learn about STEM careers from professionals, and build research problem-solving skills.
Internships may be remote, in-person, or hybrid, based on the project and mentor. Research areas include Computational and Data Sciences, Cyber Security Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Institute for Digital Innovation, Computer Science, Game Design, and more, with some projects eligible for publication or conferences. You can check out past projects from different departments here. If you’re interested in computer science, you can explore topics like machine learning, robot planning, optimization, software engineering, hybrid quantum computing, and theoretical CS.
14. Stanford AI4ALL
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,000; financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: January 24
Dates: June 18 – July 2
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores who will be at least 14 years old by the program’s start
Stanford AI4ALL is a two-week virtual program for high school students interested in AI. You’ll dive into topics like robotics, natural language processing, medical AI, and computer vision while exploring AI’s impact on society. The program includes hands-on research projects, mentorship activities, and lectures, all focused on increasing diversity in AI.
In partnership with the Stanford AI Lab, the program offers research experience, career development workshops, and mentorship from faculty and senior researchers. You’ll collaborate on group projects with graduate students and postdocs, attend expert-led lectures, and participate in social events with Stanford AI graduate students.
15. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: The program is tuition-free, but if you decide to live on campus, you’ll need to pay $2,360.25 for housing and meals, plus at least $500 for additional food costs. A stipend is provided.
Application Deadline: February 7
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program offers high school juniors the chance to do independent STEM research. You can choose up to three research areas, including fields like biomedical informatics, biochemistry, computer science, astronomy, mechanical engineering, and more.
If you’re interested in computer science, you can work on projects like system-level software, embedded systems, smart home tech, computer architecture, or networks.
You will be paired with a mentor, participate in a research group, and engage in a project. The program features lab tours, faculty presentations, and workshops. It’s a selective program, boasting a 5% acceptance rate.
16. Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) at Columbia University
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $10,705 (Residential) | $5,875 (Commuter); need-based scholarships are available
Application Deadline: March 3
Dates: July 7 – July 25 | July 28 – August 15
Eligibility: High school students can apply, and if you’re 16 or older, you can join the residential program.
Columbia Engineering’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) is a pre-college STEM program with two separate three-week sessions. Each session includes one college-level, project-based course taught by Columbia faculty, with options like Biomedical Engineering, Robotics, Product Design, AI, Data Science, and more.
If you’re interested in computer science, the Intro to Computer Programming course is a good pick. You’ll learn programming basics and computer science concepts using Python, build problem-solving skills, and create your own applications. You’ll also pick a skill-building seminar led by Columbia undergrads and staff, with some classes using the Makerspace for hands-on projects. The program also offers workshops on public speaking and presentation skills, with support from Columbia students throughout.
Bonus programs –
While the programs below aren’t hosted by universities, they are founded by Harvard and Oxford alumni, and offer college credit!
1. Veritas AI – AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest.You can find examples of previous projects here.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
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 – Carnegie Mellon University
