Top 20 Summer Programs in Computer Science for High Schoolers

As a high school student, pursuing your passion for computer science during the summer can be a rewarding experience. Whether you’re a coding enthusiast or just starting your journey in the world of technology, participating in a summer program can be an extremely fulfilling opportunity that can expand your skill set and knowledge and allow you to meet fellow aspiring computer scientists. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 summer programs in computer science to help you explore your interests.

#1 Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)

• Hosting Institution: Google

• Cost: Free

• Format: In-person or online

• Application Deadline: Late February

Description: The Google CSSI is a highly sought-after summer immersion program that offers high school students an introduction to computer science and software engineering. During this free summer program, you will get experience in coding and problem-solving, while also developing key professional skills. It’s a great opportunity for high schoolers to learn from top professionals in the computer science industry and to work on real-world projects.

#2 LaunchX

• Hosting Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• Cost: $4,750 - $9,970

• Format: In-person or online

• Application Deadline: November, January, April

• Description: LaunchX is an exciting pre-college program that allows high school students to bring their ideas to life. This entrepreneurial program combines computer science and business to offer high schoolers a chance to build a product/company from scratch. Students get first-hand research experience creating and launching a startup with the mentorship of people who have been through the process before.

#3 Stanford AI4ALL

• Hosting Institution: Stanford University

• Cost: $6,500

• Format: In-person

• Application Deadline: Mid-February

• Description: Stanford AI4ALL is a summer program that introduces high school students to the world of artificial intelligence. If you're a CS scholar looking to go beyond typical computer engineering programs, this summer institute covers the fundamental concepts of AI, as well as the ethical and social implications of this technology. In a world where AI is becoming ever-present in our society, a program like this is perfect for those who want to get ahead of the curve on disruptive technology.

#4 Carnegie Mellon University’s Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)

• Hosting Institution: Carnegie Mellon University

• Cost: Free

• Format: In-person

• Application Deadline: March 1

• Description: SAMS is a highly competitive and free summer program for high-achieving high school students passionate about computer science, math, and science. During this summer immersion program, you’ll be surrounded by a rigorous academic curriculum, exploring advanced topics within the aforementioned subject areas. SAMS is a great way for any high school student to gain valuable skills that can later be used in their career.

#5 iD Tech Camps

• Hosting Institution: Various campuses

• Cost: Varies depending on course

• Format: In-person or online

• Application Deadline: Varies depending on course

• Description: iD Tech Camps are a series of innovative and customizable summer programs meant to help students find their passion in technology, coding, game development, data science, robotics, and more. With locations across various universities and virtual options, these camps provide students with a hands-on learning experience in a technology field of their choice. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced coder, iD Tech will have a program for you.

#6 Columbia University’s High School Coding Academy

• Hosting Institution: Columbia University

• Cost: $2,500

• Format: Online

• Application Deadline: Rolling

• Description: Columbia University offers an exceptional summer program for high school students interested in any field within computer science. This program offers boot camps in coding, data analytics, cybersecurity, UX/UI, and more. Students will get to work on hands-on projects and receive mentorship from experienced instructors while gaining access to Columbia’s resources.

#7 Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy

• Hosting Institution: UC Berkeley 

• Cost: $5,085

• Format: In-person

• Application Deadline: Mid-March

• Description: Berkeley’s Summer Computer Science Academy is a great way for high schoolers to dive into the world of computer science. Hosted by one of the world’s top public universities and one of the top computer science schools in the nation, students will be put through a rigorous but enriching curriculum. You will have the chance to learn about coding, algorithm development, and software engineering while having access to UC Berkeley’s cutting-edge facilities.

#8 Brown’s Pre-College Programs

• Hosting Institution: Brown University

• Cost: Varies based on format and length

• Format: In-person, hybrid, or online 

• Application Deadline: Mid-May, rolling

Description: Brown University offers many courses in its pre-college summer academy, with some courses offered in computer science including artificial intelligence, coding boot camps, data, and more. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and collaboration, students will have the opportunity to work on real-world problems with like-minded peers to enhance their learning experiences.

#9 California State Summer School for Mathematics and Sciences (COSMOS)

• Hosting Institution: One of four UC campuses 

• Cost: $5,049

• Format: In-person

• Application Deadline: Early February

• Description: COSMOS is a prestigious summer program for high-achieving high schoolers passionate about STEM. COSMOS is held in the four UC universities and offers students a hands-on research and project experience. Whether you’re interested in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or data science, COSMOS offers a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment to explore these fields. 

#10 Harvard Pre-College Program

• Hosting Institution: Harvard University

• Cost: $5,625

• Format: In-person

• Application Deadline: Mid-February

• Description: Harvard’s Pre-College Program is an exceptional opportunity for students interested in computer science and other subjects. This program offers a diverse range of courses, including computer science and coding, taught by Harvard faculty. It provides students with an in-person experience on Harvard’s campus, allowing them to engage in rigorous coursework, collaborate with peers, and explore their academic interests.

#11 UC San Diego Academic Connections

• Hosting Institution: UC San Diego

• Cost: $1,500/$5,700 for online or in-person

• Format: In-person or online

• Application Deadline: Opens in winter

• Description: UC San Diego Academic Connections offers a variety of programs for students, both in-person and online. In-person offerings include Computers and COVID: An Introduction to Programming and Computational Biology, as well as Introduction to Python Programming, which is also offered online. These courses are a unique opportunity for students who want to pursue a niche area within computer science.

#12 Cornell SCE Summer College

• Hosting Institution: Cornell University

• Cost: $1,750 per credit

• Format: In-person or online

• Application Deadline: January/February

• Description: Hosted by Cornell, the Cornell SCE Summer College offers high school students the opportunity to explore computer science and other fields. Students get the chance to learn from accomplished faculty while getting to meet and collaborate with like-minded peers and gain hands-on experience in coding, software development, and other computer science topics.

#13 University of Washington Summer Session

• Hosting Institution: University of Washington

• Cost: ~$4,000

• Format: In-person or online

• Application Deadline: Mid-April

Description: The University of Washington offers summer courses for high school students, undergraduates, and graduates. High school students will get the chance to learn about fundamental computer science topics at one of the top computer science schools in the nation. UW’s state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional computer scientist faculty provide an ideal setting to gain valuable skills and knowledge in the ever-evolving field of technology.

#14 University of Pennsylvania Management and Technology Summer Institute

• Hosting Institution: University of Pennsylvania

• Cost: $9,000

• Format: In-person

• Application Deadline: April 1

• Description: UPenn’s M&TSI is one of the most rigorous programs offered in the nation to high schoolers, and for good reason. Students are tasked with learning about entrepreneurship, learning to code, and building a startup from scratch, all in three weeks. This program is a great option for students who are not only interested in computer science but also the entrepreneurial aspects of it as well.

#15 Georgia Tech CEISMC

• Hosting Institution: Georgia Institute of Technology

• Cost: $450-$650

• Format: In-person

• Application Deadline: February

• Description: Georgia Tech’s CEISMC Summer PEAKS (Programs for Enrichment and Accelerated Knowledge in STEAM) is a one to two-week experience on campus where students will gain exposure in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Students can gain exposure to a wide variety of fields within computer science, including robotics, app and game development, and general coding introductions.

#16 Yale Young Global Scholars

• Hosting Institution: Yale University

• Cost: $6,500

• Format: In-person

• Application Deadline: November/January

• Description: Yale Young Global Scholars offers a variety of programs covering different subject areas, but their Innovations in Science and Technology (IST) program does a great job of introducing students to innovations within computer science. This is a great opportunity for students who may be exploring different careers within STEM, as this program covers a range of other topics including physics, biology, chemistry, and more.

#17 Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth

• Hosting Institution: Johns Hopkins University

• Cost: ~$1,000

• Format: Online

• Application Deadline: Early June

• Description: Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) is a well-renowned program in the world of summer programs for pre-collegiate students. Their programs in computer science are offered online, and they offer a wide range of courses that will meet the needs of any coder, whether you’re just getting started or you have extensive experience already.

#18 UChicago Summer Session

• Hosting Institution: University of Chicago

• Cost: $4,500

• Format: Online

• Application Deadline: Mid-May

• Description: UChicago’s Summer Session allows high school students to enroll in current UChicago undergraduate-level courses, including computer science introduction courses. This program is a great way to get a feel not only for computer science but also for the rigor of a college-level course. Students get to understand what interactions with professors are like and what it’s like to interact with like-minded peers.

#19 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute PREFACE Program

• Hosting Institution: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

• Cost: $4,000

• Format: In-person

• Application Deadline: Mid-April

• Description: The RPI PREFACE Program is a dynamic two-week summer experience for high school students interested in computer science and engineering. Hosted by RPI, this program provides an immersive introduction to various facets of technology, including biomedical, mechanical, electrical and computer systems, and more. The program’s residential format helps to foster a sense of community, fostering connections among participants.

#20 Duke University Summer Session

• Hosting Institution: Duke University

• Cost: $2,840

• Format: In-person or online

• Application Deadline: Mid-June

• Description: Duke University’s Summer Session for high school students offers a range of courses, with many in computer science. Duke’s distinguished computer science faculty and advanced facilities are a great way for students to dive into the world of computer science. This program is designed for all skill levels, accommodating beginners to experts.

These top 20 summer programs in computer science for high school students offer a diverse range of experiences to help you explore your passion for technology and coding. Whether you’re interested in coding, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, or other aspects of computer science, there’s a program that suits your interests and skill level. With computer science being such a blossoming field, it is easy to find the perfect program for you!