15 Computer Science Pre-College Programs for High School Students
Computer science pre-college programs can help you build practical coding skills while exploring areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, game development, and cybersecurity. You can find opportunities that range from foundational programming coursework to specialized tracks in robotics, data science, or interdisciplinary technology applications. Hosted by universities, these programs give you the chance to learn from faculty, graduate students, and researchers working in these fields.
What are the benefits of attending a computer science pre-college program?
Attending a dedicated computer science program allows you to transition from a consumer of technology to a creator. You’ll get to explore activities like programming autonomous vehicles to navigate physical obstacles, configuring machine learning models to analyze complex datasets, or scripting gameplay mechanics for your own video game prototype. Some programs emphasize collaborative engineering challenges, while others focus on theoretical computing concepts, interdisciplinary technology applications, or research-oriented problem solving.
If you’re ready to dive into advanced tech, here are 15 computer science pre-college programs for high school students.
If you’re looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span AI, machine learning, game development, cybersecurity, robotics, data science, software engineering, and computational theory, so students with a wide range of computer science interests can find a relevant option in person or online.
Several programs are free or fully funded, including CMU CS Scholars, MITES Summer, and MIT Beaver Works (free for families earning under $200,000), while others, such as Summer@Brown, UC Berkeley Summer CS Academy, and Columbia Summer Programs, offer scholarships for eligible students.
Many programs emphasize hands-on project work over lecture-only instruction, including MIT BWSI (autonomous vehicles and cyber defense), CMU Game Academy (original video game development), and Tufts Engineering with AI (machine learning models and dataset analysis).
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from self-paced six to eight-week online courses, such as University of Michigan's Joy of Coding, to intensive six-week residential programs, such as MITES Summer and CMU NHSGA, so students can choose based on their availability and experience level.
Application deadlines for the most selective programs fall early, including Stanford Summer Session (January 20), CMU CS Scholars and MITES Summer (February 1 and February 2), and CMU Game Academy (March 1), so students should begin preparing materials in the fall.
1. Discovery Partners Institute Digital Scholars Program
Location: Harold Washington College, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 students/course
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Rising 11th to 12th graders and first-year students at City Colleges of Chicago and Illinois institutions
The Digital Scholars Program introduces students to computer science concepts through applied technology projects, technical workshops, and collaborative learning experiences. Coursework focuses on programming, web development, data analysis, and digital problem-solving while also exploring how computing can address community and social challenges. You work on structured projects that require coding, research, and presentation skills rather than completing isolated technical exercises. Through mentorship and project-based instruction, you gain experience using computational thinking to approach real-world scenarios and design solutions.
2. CMU’s CS Scholars
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 students
Dates: June 20 – July 18
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: 10th graders (16+) who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents with demonstrated financial need
CS Scholars is a computer science pre-college program for high school students that introduces you to foundational programming and computational thinking through college-level coursework. The curriculum emphasizes core topics such as algorithms, data structures, programming logic, and problem-solving strategies using languages commonly taught in introductory university CS courses. Alongside coding instruction, you participate in collaborative projects that require debugging, testing, and presenting technical work in team settings. The program also incorporates discussions about ethics in technology, artificial intelligence, and the broader social impact of computing. Through workshops and mentorship opportunities, you gain exposure to how computer science connects to research and interdisciplinary fields.
3. MITES Summer
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 70-80 students
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents
MITES Summer is an intensive STEM enrichment program where high school students engage with advanced coursework across mathematics, science, engineering, and technology-related disciplines. Within the program's computer science components, you explore programming concepts, computational problem-solving, and analytical reasoning through hands-on assignments and technical labs. Coursework often emphasizes logical thinking, algorithmic design, and collaborative project development rather than isolated coding exercises. You may also work with software tools and datasets that mirror the kinds of technologies used in university-level STEM research. In addition to technical instruction, the program includes seminars and academic workshops focused on scientific communication and interdisciplinary applications of computing.
4. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)
Location: Virtual/Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $2,400 (free for families earning <$200,000)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – August 1 or 2
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: U.S. 9th to 11th graders
BWSI offers specialized courses in areas ranging from autonomous systems to data science and cybersecurity. The computer science-related tracks place a strong emphasis on applied programming, machine learning concepts, software development, and systems engineering through collaborative technical projects. Depending on the course, you may work with Python, embedded systems, AI models, or simulation tools while completing assignments modeled after real engineering workflows. Many tracks involve building and testing functional systems, including autonomous vehicles, robotic platforms, and cyber defense exercises. The curriculum also introduces you to version control, debugging practices, and iterative design processes commonly used in technical research and industry settings.
5. Stanford Summer Session
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Commuter: starts at $8,226 (minimum 5 units); Residential: starts at $18,771 (minimum 8 credit-bearing units). Limited tuition grants are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 20 – August 16
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (16+)
Stanford Summer Session allows high school students to enroll in university-level courses across a wide range of academic subjects, including computer science and related technical fields. You can study topics such as programming methodology, artificial intelligence, data science, human-computer interaction, or computational theory. Classes are taught in a seminar or lecture format similar to undergraduate coursework, with an emphasis on independent learning, assignments, and analytical problem-solving. Some courses incorporate coding projects, software development exercises, or research-oriented discussions that expose you to both practical and theoretical dimensions of computing. Since the program operates within a broader academic summer term, you also interact with students pursuing subjects outside of computer science, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
6. UPenn’s Management & Technology Summer Institute (M&TSI)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 75 students
Dates: July 5 – 25
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
The Management & Technology Summer Institute combines business education with technology-focused coursework to examine how computing and innovation interact in modern industries. Rather than functioning as a traditional coding bootcamp, the program introduces you to topics such as data analysis, entrepreneurship, product development, and the role of emerging technologies in business decision-making. Technical components may include programming fundamentals, quantitative analysis, and exposure to computational tools used in management and technology fields. Much of the coursework centers on collaborative projects in which you evaluate real-world problems and develop technology-driven solutions in teams. You also engage with case studies that explore how software, data systems, and digital platforms shape industries ranging from healthcare to finance.
7. CMU’s National High School Game Academy (NHSGA)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: $13,281 (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30%
Dates: June 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (16+) with a B or better
The National High School Game Academy focuses on the collaborative process behind video game development, combining computer science, design, storytelling, and interactive media production. In this pre-college computer science program, you work in teams to develop original games while learning how programming, gameplay systems, art direction, and user experience function together. Technical instruction often includes game engines, scripting, prototyping, and iterative development workflows used in professional game production environments. You also explore level design, narrative structure, and playtesting methods to understand how creative and technical decisions shape player interaction. Team-based projects require you to manage development timelines, troubleshoot software issues, and present completed work to peers and instructors. The program offers a practical introduction to both the programming and production sides of interactive digital media.
8. University of Michigan’s Joy of Coding
Location: Virtual
Cost: $149 (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 6-8 week self-paced courses from June 17 to August 28
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students (13+) who have taken algebra
Joy of Coding is a computer science summer program designed to introduce high school students to programming through hands-on coding projects and collaborative problem-solving activities. The curriculum covers foundational topics such as algorithms, computational thinking, debugging, and software development practices using beginner-accessible programming languages and tools. The program emphasizes project-based learning where you apply coding concepts to build games, applications, or interactive programs. You also explore how computer science intersects with areas such as artificial intelligence, data analysis, and user-centered design through workshops and technical demonstrations. Mentorship from university students and instructors provides additional guidance on coding techniques and academic pathways within computing fields.
9. UT Computer Science Summer Academies
Location: The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: $1,400 – $2,100
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Weeklong sessions across June and July
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders
The UT Computer Science Summer Academies include several specialized tracks that introduce high school students to different areas of computing through structured coursework and applied projects. Depending on the academy, you may study programming fundamentals, cybersecurity, machine learning, mobile app development, game design, or data science using industry-relevant tools and coding languages. The academies emphasize hands-on technical work, requiring you to write code, debug programs, analyze datasets, or design software-based solutions to project prompts. Some tracks also incorporate team collaboration and project presentations to mirror university and workplace computing environments. Beyond technical instruction, you gain exposure to computational problem-solving methods and the broader role of computer science across industries and research areas.
10. Summer@Brown
Location: Virtual/Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: $3,364 – $10,858 (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – July 25 (1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-week programs)
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Rising high school students who are 14-18 years old
Summer@Brown offers high school students access to university-style courses across a wide range of academic disciplines, including computer science, engineering, and data-focused subjects. Their courses cover programming, artificial intelligence, web development, cybersecurity, computational problem-solving, and more. Classes are typically discussion- and project-based, combining lectures with coding assignments, collaborative activities, and analytical exercises. Some courses emphasize practical software development skills, while others focus more heavily on theoretical computing concepts and emerging technologies. The experience can range from a highly technical programming study to an interdisciplinary exploration that connects computing with fields such as ethics, media, or mathematics.
11. UC Berkeley’s Summer Computer Science Academy
Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA
Cost: $5,197 (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 21 – July 3
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders (16-17 years old) with a minimum B average
UC Berkeley’s Summer Computer Science Academy introduces high school students to foundational and intermediate computing concepts through intensive coursework and applied programming assignments. The curriculum typically focuses on areas such as Python programming, algorithms, data structures, computational problem-solving, and software development practices commonly taught in introductory university CS courses. You complete coding exercises and collaborative projects that emphasize logical reasoning, debugging, and iterative program design. It also explores emerging fields within computing, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analysis. In addition to technical instruction, the program incorporates discussions around the societal impact of technology and ethical questions surrounding modern computing systems.
12. UW Youth & Teen Programs
Location: Virtual/University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: Varies by course (limited financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer + winter, and spring sessions
Application Deadline: Two weeks before the start of the course
Eligibility: High school students
The University of Washington’s Youth & Teen Programs include several summer courses and workshops for high school students across STEM, humanities, and creative disciplines. You can study subjects such as coding, game development, artificial intelligence, robotics, web design, and data science through project-based instruction. Many of the courses emphasize practical application, requiring you to build programs, test software, or work through computational challenges using industry-standard tools and programming languages. Depending on the course, you may also explore interdisciplinary topics that connect computer science with engineering, digital media, or scientific research. The programs often incorporate collaborative assignments and presentations that mirror team-oriented technical environments.
13. Tufts Pre-College’s Engineering with Artificial Intelligence
Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Cost: Commuter: $4,425 | Residential: $5,950 (limited scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: July 5 – 17 | Session 2: July 19 – 31
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders (including graduating seniors)
The Engineering with Artificial Intelligence program explores how AI systems are developed and applied within engineering contexts through a combination of technical instruction and hands-on experimentation. In this pre-college computer science program, you examine topics such as machine learning, neural networks, data processing, and algorithmic decision-making while working with coding tools commonly used in introductory AI development. The curriculum connects computational concepts with engineering applications, showing how AI can be integrated into robotics, automation, and problem-solving systems. You also complete collaborative projects that involve analyzing datasets, testing models, and evaluating the performance of AI-driven solutions. Alongside technical work, the program introduces discussions about ethics, bias in machine learning systems, and the broader societal implications of artificial intelligence technologies.
14. UCLA’s Summer Courses
Location: Virtual/University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Varies by course (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 3 – 10 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students (15+; must be 17+ for residential sessions)
UCLA Summer Courses give high school students access to university-level academics across a range of disciplines, including computer science, engineering, and technology-focused subjects. Through CS courses, you may study programming, data science, software development, cybersecurity, or computational theory in classes modeled after undergraduate instruction. Coursework often combines lectures with coding assignments, technical labs, and analytical problem-solving exercises that require independent learning and time management. Some classes focus on practical programming skills and application development, while others emphasize theoretical computing concepts and mathematical foundations.
15. Columbia University’s Summer Programs
Location: Virtual/Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $2,868 – $12,838
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Several sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: Varies by session and format
Eligibility: Rising high school students (15+ for the residential program)
Columbia University’s Summer Programs offer a variety of academic courses and enrichment opportunities that enable high school students to study at the university level. The computer science offerings cover programming, artificial intelligence, data structures, machine learning, and computational problem-solving through lecture-based and project-oriented coursework. You engage with coding assignments, technical discussions, and collaborative exercises that introduce both practical software development skills and theoretical computing concepts. Some courses also examine how computer science intersects with fields such as mathematics, economics, digital media, and engineering. In addition to technical instruction, the programs often emphasize analytical reasoning, research skills, and academic communication through presentations and written work.
Frequently asked questions
1. What computer science pre-college programs are available for high school students?
Options include foundational programming programs, such as CMU CS Scholars and University of Michigan Joy of Coding, AI and machine learning programs, such as MIT BWSI and Tufts Engineering with AI, game development programs, such as CMU National High School Game Academy, data science and cybersecurity programs, such as UT Computer Science Summer Academies, and university-level courses, such as Stanford Summer Session, UCLA Summer Courses, and Columbia University Summer Programs.
2. Are there free computer science pre-college programs for high school students?
Yes, CMU CS Scholars is fully funded, MITES Summer is free, and MIT Beaver Works is free for families earning under $200,000. Programs, such as Summer@Brown, UC Berkeley Summer CS Academy, University of Michigan Joy of Coding, and UW Youth and Teen Programs, offer financial aid or scholarships for eligible students.
3. Which computer science programs are best for students with no prior coding experience?
CMU CS Scholars and University of Michigan Joy of Coding both build programming fundamentals from the ground up and are designed for students earlier in their coding journey. Digital Scholars Program at Discovery Partners Institute also emphasizes applied learning over prior technical experience, making it accessible to students new to computer science.
4. Do any computer science pre-college programs lead to publications or college credit?
Stanford Summer Session, UCLA Summer Courses, and Columbia University Summer Programs all offer the opportunity to earn college credit. CMU National High School Game Academy awards a certificate of completion alongside a completed game portfolio, and Veritas AI supports students in publishing independent AI research projects in high school research journals.
5. Which programs are open to students regardless of location?
Several programs are fully virtual and open to students anywhere, including Veritas AI, University of Michigan Joy of Coding, UW Youth and Teen Programs, MIT Beaver Works (virtual option), Columbia University Summer Programs, UCLA Summer Courses, and Summer@Brown.
6. When should I apply to computer science pre-college programs for high school students?
The earliest deadlines include Stanford Summer Session (January 20), CMU CS Scholars (February 1), MITES Summer (February 2), and MIT BWSI (March 30). Programs, such as Tufts Engineering with AI (May 1), Summer@Brown (May 15), and Columbia Summer Programs, fall later in the spring. Students should begin researching options in the fall, as some programs, such as University of Michigan Joy of Coding and UW Youth and Teen Programs, accept rolling applications throughout the summer.
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