Looking to make your summer count? If you are a high school student passionate about computer science, these programs offer the chance to turn curiosity into skills. Computer science teaches analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving, skills that apply to nearly every field, and if you’re looking to explore a super analytical field early on, a program can be an accessible way to do so.
Through hands-on projects, coding workshops, and guidance from experienced mentors, you’ll learn to code in languages such as Python and Java, and collaborate with peers on practical applications of technology.
What are computer science programs?
Unlike coding camps or programs that have a work-learn component (like an internship!) Computer science programs provide a structured learning experience. They follow a defined curriculum, encourage collaboration on projects, and sometimes even offer college credit. By joining such programs, you’ll not only build a technical foundation but also prepare for future engagement in technology.
If you are specifically interested in coding-focused programs, you can also explore our dedicated list of coding internships for high school students. Find that blog here.
Here is a curated list of 13 computer science programs for high school students that can help you gain practical experience, build advanced skills, and explore the exciting world of tech.
1. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute
Location: Virtual or in-person at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
Cost: Free for students from families earning under $1,50,000; $1,750 otherwise
Program Dates: 4-week summer program; Fall and Spring introductory programs run 8–12 weeks on Saturdays
Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High-achieving students entering their senior year of high school
MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute offers high school students hands-on, workshop-style courses in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Radars, Satellites, and Autonomous Systems. You’ll gain practical experience with robotics software, Python programming, control theory, and simulation environments. You’ll work in teams on challenging projects such as building UAVs, programming RACECAR autonomous vehicles, designing underwater robots, or exploring ASIC design, cybersecurity, microelectronics, quantum computing, GIS and remote sensing, and AI-driven serious games. You’ll learn collaborative tools such as git and VSCode—applying algorithms to real-world problems and developing technical problem-solving skills relevant to advanced computer science and engineering domains.
2. Kode With Klossy Summer Camps
Location: Virtual (global) + in-person in cities listed below
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Multiple 2-week cohorts:
- Chicago, IL: July 7 – 18
- Dallas, TX: June 2 – 13
- London, England: August 4 – 15
- New York, NY: July 21 – August 1; August 4 – 15
- San Francisco, CA: July 21 – August 1; August 4 – 15
- Seattle, WA: July 7 – 18; July 21 – August 1
- St. Louis, MO: June 2 – 13
- Washington, DC: July 21 – August 1
Deadline: Typically late March
Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive teens, ages 13–18; no prior coding experience required
Kode With Klossy Summer Camps are hands-on coding programs designed to help high school students build real-world technical skills in a fun, collaborative environment. The curriculum covers Web Development (JavaScript, HTML, CSS, responsive design, UI/UX), Machine Learning (Python, algorithms, natural language processing, chatbot training), Mobile App Development (Swift, SwiftUI, Xcode), and Data Science (Python, SQL, data visualization). You’ll work in teams to build real projects, practice version control, and use software frameworks – just like in the tech industry.
3. Changemakers in Computing
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free (includes $1,200 education stipend, breakfast, and lunch)
Program Dates: July 7 – 31
Deadline: March 4 – April 1; Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors at Washington State high schools; underrepresented, economically disadvantaged, and/or first-generation college-bound students
The Computing for the Common Good (CiC) program helps you see how computing can create real impact, you’ll explore how computing can address issues such as equity, justice and community well-being. You’ll develop strong coding proficiency, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork skills. The curriculum blends algorithmic thinking, collaborative software development, and ethical discussions around technology’s role in society.
4. META Summer Academy
Location: Menlo Park, California
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 16 – July 25
Deadline: December 1 – February 14; Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school students (sophomore year transcript required); must submit one Letter of Recommendation
The Meta Summer Academy is a six-week career exploration program that gives high school students an inside look at the tech industry and understand how technology shapes the world. You’ll explore Computer Science, Coding, and Technology Development through project-based learning. You’ll work collaboratively on hands-on projects that simulate real workplace challenges. In addition to technical training, the program focuses on professional growth with sessions on communication, collaboration, and self-expression via essays, discussions, and recommendation-based applications. By the end of the program, you’ll have a clear understanding of career pathways in tech and a strong foundation in computational thinking and teamwork to guide your future studies.
5. Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free (full scholarship supported by DTCC)
Program Dates: July 14 – August 8
Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students currently in 10th or 11th grade; residents of NYC and Nassau County
The Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS) is a four-week, hands-on program that introduces high school students to the exciting world of Cybersecurity. You’ll explore key topics such as Ethical Hacking, Cryptography, Steganography, Digital Forensics, Privacy, and Data Protection. The program includes theater-based communication exercises, which help you strengthen teamwork, leadership and presentation abilities – essential qualities for any future tech professional. With a strong emphasis on practical application, CS4CS trains you to use contemporary cybersecurity tools and frameworks, building both technical expertise and confidence in navigating today’s digital security landscape.
6.George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location:Virtual or in-person at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: $25 application fee (waivable); no program fees
Program Dates: June 18 – August 8
Deadline: Typically in February
Eligibility: High school students, minimum age 15 for most internships, 16 for wet-lab internships; no maximum age as long as not graduated from university
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) is an eight-week, full-time research internship that lets high school students work directly with cutting-edge technologies and scientists. You’ll explore a wide range of fields, from Molecular Medicine and Astronomy to Data Science, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Robotics, Environmental Science, and Software Engineering. Under the guidance of faculty researchers and industry professionals, you’ll develop essential skills in laboratory techniques, computational modeling, and scientific communication. By the end of the program, you’ll have a strong foundation in STEM research and the confidence to build a career in the STEM field.
7. The Coding School: National High School Research Program
Location: Virtual; mentors from Columbia University, Harvard, MIT, Stanford, University of Maryland, UC Berkeley
Cost: $3,995 for 5-week program; $1,000 for optional pre-program self-study (for non-alums). Full and need-based scholarships available.
Program Dates: 5-week summer program
Deadline: varies with program
Eligibility: Incoming 9th–12th graders and rising college freshmen
The Coding School is a five-week, virtual research program that lets you dive into real-world research in Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science. You’ll receive technical training, learn to apply technology to real-world problems, and develop college-level research skills. Guided by mentors from top universities, government, and industry, you’ll create your own research projects using real datasets. You’ll gain hands-on experience in data analysis, programming (R, Python), machine learning, research protocol, and professional presentation skills.
8. Terp Young Scholars
Location: University of Maryland campus, College Park, MD, or fully online
Cost: Campus $1,791 | Online $1,420 (partial scholarships available, up to 30%)
Program Dates: July 13 – 31
Deadline: Varies by admission cycle; scholarship application closes April 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders
Terp Young Scholars gives high school students a three-week pre-college experience at the University of Maryland, where you can explore new academic fields, connect with faculty, and even earn three university credits. You’ll choose from a range of courses, including GEOG276: Geocomputing, which teaches Python programming for geographic data analysis and GIS applications. The program supports both on-campus and online learners, offering interactive lectures, hands-on projects, and personalized academic guidance. By the end of the program, you’ll gain practical skills, college credits, and valuable insights into potential career paths. Partial scholarships and tuition remission are available for eligible applicants, with awards covering up to 30% of program fee.
9. UT Computer Science Summer Academy for All
Location: University of Texas at Austin, TX (residential, overnight)
Cost: Free (travel scholarships available)
Program Dates: Standard Edition: July 6–12 | Machine Learning Edition: July 27–August 2
Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students entering 11th–12th grade
The Academy for All offers high school students a one-week, hands-on experience in computer science at UT Austin. You can choose between two exciting tracks: the Standard Edition, covering C++ programming, Arduino microcontrollers, project management, and tech careers, or the Machine Learning Edition, which focuses on Python, machine learning concepts, and the social impact of Artificial Intelligence. During the program, you’ll live on campus, receive guidance from UT instructors and mentors, and take part in coding workshops, team challenges, and collaborative workshops. Beyond technical learning, the Academy helps you prepare for college, build networks and discover what real-world tech careers look like. Travel scholarships are available for students with financial need.
10. Girls Who Code Summer Programs
Location: 100% Virtual (open to students worldwide)
Cost: Free (with a $300 needs-based grant for eligible U.S. students in SIP)
Program Dates: Summer Immersion Program: 2 weeks | Pathways: 6 weeks
Deadline: Rolling; early application recommended
Eligibility: Summer Immersion Program (SIP): Current 9th–11th graders
Pathways: Current 9th–12th graders, including program alumni and graduating seniors
Girls Who Code Summer Programs help high school students develop coding skills, gain real-world tech experience, and explore careers in Computer Science. You’ll learn by doing, through projects in Game Design, Web Development, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence. You’ll join a diverse sisterhood of learners, receive mentorship from industry professionals, and build skills relevant for college and future careers in technology. Whether you are new to coding or already have some experience, the program’s virtual format makes it accessible to all.
11. UCLA Computer Science Introductory Track
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Cost: $3,291
Program Dates: June 23 – July 11
Deadline: June 13
Eligibility: High school students entering 9th–12th grade in Spring; must be at least 15 years old by June 23
The Introductory Track at ULCA gives high school students a strong start in Computer Science through a mix of university-level coursework and hands-on coding projects. You’ll learn programming concepts including data types, loops, conditionals, and functional decomposition, while exploring how these skills are applied in real-world computing. The program combines lab tours, problem-solving challenges, and mentorship from UCLA faculty, helping you develop technical skills and confidence as a budding computer scientist. By the end of the program, you’ll have a strong foundation in coding and a clear sense of how to pursue a career in computer science.
12. Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy
Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
Cost: Application fee-$25; Program fee- $5,160
Program Dates: February 3
Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–17 with little to no previous coding experience
The Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy is a two-week academy that introduces high school students to the fundamentals of computer science using the Beauty and Joy of Computing (BJC) curriculum. You’ll take part in coding challenges using Snap!, explore core computer science “big ideas,” and develop your own programming projects. Beyond the classroom, the residential program includes orientation, webinars, campus excursions, and mentorship from Berkeley undergraduates. You’ll build skills in collaborative programming, problem-solving and computational thinking – all while getting a taste of college life at UC Berkeley.
13. Columbia University Introduction to Programming with Java
Location: Online, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
Cost: $ 3,965
Program Dates: July 7 – 18
Deadline: Rolling basis on Columbia University
Eligibility : High school students
This is a two-week online program that helps high school students build a strong foundation in coding and problem-solving. Through interactive virtual classes, you’ll learn how to program using Java while applying your skills to real-world challenges. Alongside hands-on sessions, you’ll take part in seminars, workshops, and lectures to prepare for academic challenges at the university level. The program combines coding practice with insights from Columbia’s faculty, helping you build a strong foundation for advanced study in computer science while fostering collaboration and engagement through the university’s interactive online learning platform.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program (Computer Science Track)
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or cybersecurity, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced CS concepts and develop a research paper on a topic of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations, including a wide range of CS focused options. You can find the application link here!
Image source – UC Berkeley