If you have ever wondered what it’s like to build your own app, design a robot, or create an AI model that actually works, programming camps can be a great starting point! Programming camps can help you bring code to life, offering you insights to turn logic into creativity through hands-on projects, collaboration, and real-world coding challenges.
Typically shorter than regular coding programs, programming camps offer accessible and focused learning experiences. Whether you are new to programming languages like Python or coding, or are already exploring advanced tools and platforms like Unity or Arduino, these camps offer a space to experiment and learn through activity-based curricula. As a participant, you will build practical coding skills, connect with peers who think like innovators, and discover how technology can shape the future.
To help you with your search, here is a curated list of 15 programming camps for high school students. Here, you will find options that align with your schedule and goals, from immersive summer bootcamps at top universities to specialized online workshops in game design and robotics. And if you finish a camp and want to go further with a longer, mentored research experience in a technical field, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs are worth exploring as a next step.
1. Kode with Klossy Summer Camps
Location: Virtual and in-person camps; location varies by year
Cost: Free
Dates: Two weeks in the summer; dates TBA
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive teens, ages 13 – 18
Kode With Klossy runs free two-week coding camps designed to introduce students of underrepresented genders to STEM. You will explore programming, machine learning, data science, and other aspects of computer science through one of four learning tracks—Web Development, Mobile App Development, Data Science, or Machine Learning, each centered on practical, project-based learning. You will learn how to use tools such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for front-end design, Python for AI models and data visualization, and Swift with Xcode for iOS app creation. The curriculum focuses on technical skill-building as well as enhancing your awareness of ethics and accessibility in tech, encouraging collaboration and design thinking. By the end, you will build a portfolio-ready project while gaining experience in UI/UX principles, algorithm design, and structured programming logic.
2. Arizona State University’s SUCCESS Camp
Location: Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus, Mesa, AZ
Cost: $300; partial and full scholarships available
Dates: May 27 – 30
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 12
The Arizona State University offers a variety of camps for middle and high school students. The SUCCESS (A Survey of Computing, Coding, and Engineering Software Systems) camp is a four-day summer opportunity designed for students curious about computing. At camp, you will learn about different computing fields, including mobile/web development, cybersecurity, AI, augmented/virtual reality, game development, and embedded systems. The beginner-friendly program also adds activities to the curriculum to help you become familiar with coding and programming. For instance, you will work on exercises like using a virtual reality headset, developing an AI-based app, constructing an LED message wall, and building a game.
3. Code Their Stories Workshop by Black Girls Code
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: February 20 (one-day event)
Application deadline: Open until spots are filled
Eligibility: Students, ages 14 – 18
Black Girls Code’s “Code the Legacy” is a virtual, two-hour workshop that combines coding education with cultural celebration. Here, you will explore block-based coding using Scratch to create animations that honor the achievements of pioneering Black women innovators. Beyond programming, the experience introduces storytelling through technology, helping you connect creativity with social impact. Guided by mentors, you will research historical figures, design interactive projects, and share your animations with peers. The event focuses on both technical skills and cultural awareness, allowing you to gain insights for building a career in tech.
4. NYU SPARC (Summer Program in Automation, Robotics, and Coding)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $3,300 total (includes tuition, materials, and fees)
Dates: TBA; typically two weeks in the summer
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: U.S. and international high school students, ages 15+; preference given to students who have completed Algebra II, Trigonometry, or Pre-Calculus.
The SPARC program at NYU Tandon is a two-week opportunity to dive into robotics, mechatronics, programming, and automation. At SPARC, you will design and program robotic systems using microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators, gaining experience in mechanical and electrical engineering. Coursework covers coding constructs, circuitry, and system automation, culminating in competitive robotics challenges where you will test your creations in dynamic, real-world scenarios. Led by NYU faculty, SPARC focuses on helping you practice what you learn while engaging in problem-solving and peer collaboration. You will leave this camp-like experience with a self-created functioning robotic device.
5. ASU Summer Robotics Camp
Location: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Cost: $900
Dates: June 30 – July 11
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9 – 12
This ASU camp is a two-week opportunity for high school students interested in computer programming and robotics. You will join the high school track, called 9UP RobotCamp, to explore engineering design concepts, component-based robot construction, computing technologies, robotics programming, Web programming, Alice game programming, and phone app programming through various activities. You will also build a robotic device and engage in a challenge to share your work with peers and instructors. The program also offers insights into service-based computing.
6. Purdue University Northwest’s Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Summer Camp
Location: Purdue University Northwest’s Hammond Campus, Hammond, IN
Cost: $130
Dates: June 16 – 20
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
Purdue University’s Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Summer Camp is a week-long opportunity to explore the applications of AI/ML. At camp, you will learn how to code in Python with a focus on understanding how AI functions. You will explore topics like ML project workflow, linear regression, neural networks, ML performance metrics, and K-means. In the process, you will develop an understanding of how AI/ML is used to solve problems in trading, engineering, and e-commerce, and how this tech will be used in the future.
7. Illinois Tech Elevate College Prep Coding Bootcamp: Introduction to Python
Location: Illinois Tech, Chicago, IL
Cost: $550
Application deadline: TBA
Dates: June 22 – 26
Eligibility: High school students
Illinois Tech offers virtual, day, and overnight summer camp-like programs to high schoolers interested in exploring topics in STEM. The Coding Bootcamp: Introduction to Python program can offer you an introduction to computer programming through instruction and activities. During the program, you will learn the fundamentals of programming, gain exposure to Python, engage in coding sessions, and work on projects. The curriculum also covers programming concepts like variables, functions, basic algorithms, data types, and control structures.
8. UC Riverside’s STEM-Focused Robotics Summer Camp
Location: UC Riverside’s Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering, Riverside, CA
Cost: $600
Dates: July 14 – 18
Application deadline: June 6
Eligibility: High school students
This UC Riverside camp is meant for high schoolers curious about emerging tech fields like robotics. At camp, you will learn about robotic systems, electronics, and embodied AI design through guided lab exercises. Here, you will also explore concepts such as embedded system design, autonomous and manual robot-car navigation, microcontroller programming, obstacle avoidance, and wireless phone-based navigation control. The program offers opportunities to explore STEM fields and subfields and choose a specific area of interest before committing to a college degree.
9. University of the Pacific’s Coding Camp
Location: University of the Pacific’s Stockton Campus, Stockton, CA
Cost: $3,800; discounts of $500 available for eligible applicants
Dates: Session 1: June 1 – 11 | Session 2: June 16 – 26
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school students
The two-week Coding Camp is part of the University of the Pacific’s High School Summer Institute, a residential pre-college program. At camp, you will first explore coding and Python basics and concepts like flow control structures, variables, functions, arrays, and algorithmic and computational thinking. Then you will use what you have learned to code a solution to an assigned problem. You will also engage in coding challenges at camp. With the program structure designed to resemble a camp, social activities like sports, karaoke, and movie nights are part of the experience.
10. USF High School Robotics Camp
Location: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Cost: TBA
Dates: One week in the summer; dates TBA
Application deadline: TBA; registrations open on February 1
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders
This camp is an opportunity to explore robotics through a project-based curriculum under the guidance of faculty at the USF College of Engineering. At camp, you will design, build, and program an AMR (autonomous mobile robot) using actuators, Raspberry Pi, sensors, and 3D-printed parts. You will also learn about robotics theory, circuit design, and Python programming, industrial robotics, and learn how to work with ABB RobotStudio. You will leave the camp with your own robot, completed projects, and programming files to continue learning at home.
11. University of Minnesota’s Summer Computing Academy
Location: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Cost: Two-week camp: $125; One-week camp: $75; scholarships available
Dates: June 9 – 20 (two weeks); June 23 – 27 (one week)
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 12
The Summer Computing Academy is a residential, camp-like program for students interested in learning to code with Python. It offers a one-week format for beginners and a two-week option for those with some coding experience. During the program, you will attend lectures covering the basics of Python and programming and practice coding in a computer lab. You will also work on projects involving processing images, powering small robots, and building apps. Additionally, sessions covering career exploration and planning are part of the program. At the end of one or two weeks, you will present your work to peers and instructors.
12. National High School Game Academy
Location: NYU CREATE Lab, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $2,745 + a non-refundable $50 application fee + other $150 – $200 program fees; need-based scholarships available for NY students.
Dates: July 7 – 18 | July 28 – August 8
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school with intermediate programming skills; completion of at least one formal coding class with a B+ or higher grade is preferred.
NYU Create Lab offers high schoolers practical tech learning experiences through camp-like programs. During the Coding for Game Design program, you will learn principles of game design, learning how to work with C# and Unity scripting, and build 2D games within teams. You will spend your mornings on design lessons and afternoons on coding sessions, with optional TA-led project time available. The program ends with a game showcase where you, along with your team, will present your finished games.
13. UT Computer Science Summer Academy for All
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Free; travel scholarships available for eligible students
Dates: June 7 – 13 (Standard Edition) | June 14 – 19 (Machine Learning Edition)
Application deadline: December 22
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11–12; some coding experience is required for the Machine Learning Edition.
The Academy for All at UT Austin offers a one-week introduction to computer science. Designed for high school students, the program offers two tracks: Standard and Machine Learning, allowing you to choose between C++ programming with Arduino microcontrollers or Python-based machine learning experiences. Under the guidance of UT faculty and mentors, you will engage in project-based learning, exploring topics like coding fundamentals, data modeling, teamwork, and ethical tech practices. Beyond coding, you will experience campus life at UT Austin while staying in residence halls, attending workshops in the Gates Dell Complex, and networking with current undergraduates and industry representatives.
14. UC Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy
Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA
Cost: $5,160 (includes tuition, housing, meals, and activities) + $25 application fee; scholarships available
Dates: June 22 – July 4
Application deadline: March 10
Eligibility: Domestic and international students, ages 16–17, who have completed grade 10 or 11 with a minimum 3.0 GPA; basic English proficiency required for international applicants.
The Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy offers a two-week introduction to computer science to students interested in exploring coding and computational thinking in a collegiate setting. Based on the Beauty and Joy of Computing (BJC) curriculum, this program covers coding fundamentals, data representation, algorithms, and problem-solving through Snap!, a visual programming language. Each day blends hands-on coding challenges, collaborative projects, and guided workshops led by Berkeley’s experienced BJC instructors. At the end of the program, you will complete a self-designed programming project.
15. Worcester Polytechnic Institute Frontiers: Robotics Track
Location: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA
Cost: $4,495/session (includes tuition, housing, meals, field trips, workshops, and activities)
Dates: Frontiers I: July 5 – 17 | Frontiers II: July 19–31
Application deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders
WPI’s Frontiers allows you to spend two weeks engaging in STEM coursework and exploring topics in the humanities, arts, or business. You can choose the Computer Science: Programming Horizons major to gain exposure to programming, internet technologies, and AI applications. During sessions led by a WPI professor, you will learn about the foundations of web development, build interactive web pages with multimedia elements, and explore Generative AI concepts and tools. You will also learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and experiment with simple machine learning models and intelligent interfaces. Beyond academics, the program offers opportunities for social engagement and guidance on resume building, career exploration, and navigating the college admissions process.
Image Source: UC Berkeley