15 Computer Science Programs for High School Students in Virginia
As a high school student, computer science programs offer you structured opportunities to build technical and analytical skills through coding, research, and project-based learning. You will explore areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, software development, and computational research while gaining experience with the tools and programming languages used in academic and professional settings. Many programs also introduce you to collaborative problem-solving, research methods, and the practical applications of computer science across industries like healthcare, aerospace, and environmental science.
Why should you attend a program in Virginia?
Virginia offers access to a wide range of computer science programs connected to universities, government agencies, and research organizations. You can find opportunities that combine computer science with fields such as aerospace engineering, environmental science, quantum technology, and data analytics. Programs affiliated with organizations like NASA and research universities expose you to applied research methods, scientific datasets, and emerging technologies through projects and mentorship. The state is also home to programs that emphasize interdisciplinary learning, allowing you to explore how computer science is used in fields ranging from climate research to machine learning and advanced engineering.
To help you compare your options, here are 15 computer science programs for high school students in Virginia.
If you’re looking for research programs in Virginia, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span AI, cybersecurity, quantum science, aerospace engineering, earth and climate science, robotics, data analysis, and computational research, so students with a wide range of computer science interests can find a relevant option in Virginia or online.
Several programs are free, including Summer Residential Governor's Schools, VASTS, VESSS, BLAST, VALHEN STEM Academy, and Pathways for Future Engineers, while the Pathways to Quantum program also provides a $500 stipend, and ASSIP offers fee waivers for eligible students.
Many programs prioritize Virginia residents, including Governor's Schools, VASTS, VESSS, BLAST, VALHEN, and Pathways for Future Engineers, while Pathways for Future Engineers specifically targets first-generation college students, so local and underrepresented students should take note of these opportunities.
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from three-day enrichment sessions, such as BLAST and VALHEN STEM Academy, to multi-year support programs, such as Pathways for Future Engineers, so students can choose based on their availability and depth of interest.
Application deadlines for the most competitive programs fall early, including Summer Residential Governor's School (December 12), VASTS and VESSS (October 26), and ASSIP (February 15), so students should begin preparing materials in the fall.
1. Summer Residential Governor’s School: Mathematics, Science, and Technology
Location: University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg, VA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 5 – 25
Application Deadline: December 12
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Summer Residential Governor’s School is an academic program for high school students that offers advanced coursework in mathematics, science, and computer science-related subjects. You’ll engage in accelerated classes that emphasize analytical reasoning, computational problem-solving, and scientific inquiry. The curriculum may include programming, mathematical modeling, and research projects designed to strengthen quantitative and technical skills. You’ll also collaborate with peers and instructors in laboratory and classroom settings, focused on complex problem-solving. The program will expose you to interdisciplinary applications of computer science within science and engineering contexts.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; The AI Fellowship requires completion of the AI Scholars program or prior experience with Python
Veritas AI offers online computer science programs for high school students focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analysis through project-based learning. In the AI Scholars program, you’ll learn foundational concepts such as supervised learning, neural networks, and Python programming while completing guided projects. The AI Fellowship offers a more advanced research-oriented experience in which you will work on independent AI projects with mentorship from researchers and industry professionals. Across both programs, you’ll develop experience with data preprocessing, model evaluation, and communicating technical findings. The curriculum emphasizes practical applications of computer science concepts through coding exercises and collaborative work.
3. Summer Residential Governor’s School: Engineering
Location: College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 5 – 25
Application Deadline: Coordinated through local high schools
Eligibility: Rising 11th-12th graders (16+)
This intensive program provides you with hands-on experience in engineering and computational modeling. As a participant, you’ll work in advanced labs to solve real-world problems using software engineering and systems design principles. The curriculum focuses on the application of mathematics and computer science to various engineering disciplines. You'll engage in research projects guided by university faculty and industry professionals. The program also includes field trips to technical facilities, such as NASA Langley, to observe professional computer scientists in action.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar program connects you with mentors to complete individualized projects in fields such as computer science, artificial intelligence, and data science. You’ll conduct literature reviews, develop research questions, and apply computational methods to investigate specific topics. You might also gain experience with coding, algorithmic thinking, or data interpretation, depending on your selected area of study. The program focuses on academic writing and presenting research findings in a structured format. Through one-on-one mentorship, you’ll develop independent research and analytical skills that will prepare you for advanced computer science study.
5. Pathways to Quantum Summer Immersion Program
Location: Virtual/George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Stipend: $500
Cohort Size: ~25 students
Dates: Virtual: June 23 – July 9; In-person: July 13 – 18
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from across the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and Virginia
This program introduces high school students in Virginia to quantum science, STEM careers, and emerging technologies through both virtual and in-person experiences. As a participant, you’ll complete an introductory virtual course covering foundational quantum concepts before taking part in a week-long immersion program that includes site visits and job-shadowing experiences with research institutions, technology organizations, and policy groups. You’ll engage in hands-on learning activities that demonstrate practical applications of quantum science and related technologies. The program also exposes participants to career pathways connected to research, communications, engineering, and technology policy within the quantum field.
6. Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) Program
Location: Virtual/NASA’s Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA (for selected students)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective for the summer academy
Dates: Online course: School year; Seven-day residential summer academy for high performers
Application Deadline: October 26
Eligibility: Virginia high school juniors and seniors (16+) with a minimum 2.7 GPA who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents
Supported by NASA and administered in Virginia, this program introduces you to aerospace engineering, computer science applications, and space-related problem-solving. You’ll complete online coursework covering topics such as systems engineering, robotics, and data analysis, with selected participants attending a residential summer academy. Activities include collaborative engineering design challenges and simulations that apply computational thinking to aerospace scenarios. The program develops technical communication, teamwork, and analytical reasoning skills through hands-on projects. You’ll also explore how computer science and technology are used in aerospace research and mission planning.
7. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: $25 application fee + $1,299 (can be waived)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: December 8 – February 15
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 15 years old (16+ for wet lab)
ASSIP places you in faculty-led research labs across fields that may include computer science, computational biology, cybersecurity, and data science. You’ll contribute to active research projects and gain experience with programming, data analysis, and scientific problem-solving methods. Depending on the lab placement, you may work with tools such as Python, machine learning frameworks, or large datasets. The program emphasizes research methodology, technical communication, and collaboration within academic research environments.
8. Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST)
Location: Old Dominion University, Radford University, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, or William & Mary, VA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: 3-day sessions across June and July
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Rising 9th-10th graders in Virginia with a minimum C+ average who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents
BLAST is a STEM-focused enrichment program in Virginia that exposes you to scientific research methods, engineering concepts, and technology applications. You’ll engage in workshops and collaborative projects that may include coding, computational problem-solving, and technical design activities. The program emphasizes analytical thinking, experimentation, and interdisciplinary applications of science and computer science concepts. You’ll also develop communication and teamwork skills through group-based technical projects. Activities are designed to strengthen foundational STEM knowledge while introducing practical applications of technology and research.
9. VALHEN STEM Academy
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 29 – 31
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors in the Commonwealth of Virginia with a 2.5+ GPA
This Virginia STEM program provides high school students with hands-on learning experiences across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. You’ll attend faculty-led workshops and collaborative sessions focused on problem-solving, research, and science communication. You’ll work on group projects addressing real-world STEM and sustainability challenges, developing analytical and teamwork skills throughout the program. The academy also introduces participants to STEM academic pathways and interdisciplinary careers through university-based activities and research-focused exercises.
10. Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS)
Location: Virtual/NASA’s Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA (for selected students)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective for the summer academy
Dates: Online course: School year; Seven-day residential summer academy for high performers
Application Deadline: October 26
Eligibility: Virginia high school juniors and seniors (16+) with a minimum 2.7 GPA who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents
This Virginia program combines earth science research with computational analysis for high school students interested in STEM and environmental data. As a participant, you’ll study climate systems, atmospheric science, and environmental processes while working with scientific datasets and modeling tools. The program introduces you to data interpretation methods used in earth system science research, including visualization and computational analysis techniques. You’ll also collaborate on research-focused projects that apply scientific reasoning to environmental challenges. The curriculum demonstrates how computer science tools support large-scale scientific data analysis.
11. Pathways for Future Engineers
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders in Virginia who will be first-generation college students
This multi-year program provides high school students in Virginia with a pathway into the College of Engineering. Alongside virtual activities and campus visits, you’ll take part in a two-week summer residential camp which includes hands-on labs in computer science, robotics, and mechanical design. You’ll work on long-term projects that teach you the engineering design process and collaborative coding. The program includes year-round support, including college application assistance and mentoring.
12. ODU Summer CyberAI Camp
Location: Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Cohort Size: 25 students
Dates: July 13 – 17
Application Deadline: July 1
Eligibility: Rising 8th-12th graders
Hosted by the ODU School of Cybersecurity, this computer science camp provides a deep dive into network security and ethical hacking. You’ll gain hands-on experience with cyber tools and learn to identify current threats and defense strategies. This computer science program includes interactive sessions on cryptography, digital forensics, and secure coding practices. You’ll also work through simulated cyber-attack scenarios to develop critical problem-solving and defensive skills. The camp is led by ODU faculty and graduate students, offering a direct link to academic cybersecurity paths.
13. UVA Advance
Location: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Cost: $7,097 (Virginia residents), $14,975 (non-Virginia residents); Financial aid available
Cohort Size: 60-65 students
Dates: July 11 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (ages 15-18) with a minimum GPA of 3.5 in a college prep curriculum
UVA Advance offers pre-college academic courses that allow you to explore university-level subjects, including computer science and data-focused coursework. You can select from classes across disciplines, including Statistics: Introduction to Data Science with Python, which introduces programming and statistical analysis through hands-on work with datasets. You’ll develop skills in coding, computational thinking, data visualization, or quantitative analysis. The program emphasizes academic coursework, problem-solving, and applied learning within a college-style environment. You’ll also participate in college-readiness workshops and earn six transferable undergraduate credits.
14. C-Tech²
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Cost: $2,500 (scholarships available)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 28 – July 11
Application Deadline: March 8
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
C-Tech² introduces you to various facets of engineering, with a heavy emphasis on computer science and engineering. As a participant, you’ll engage in hands-on laboratories that cover circuit design, programming, and robotics. You’ll primarily work on a biomedical engineering design project with exposure to several engineering disciplines through hands-on activities. The program aims to explore how computer science applications can solve societal problems. You’ll also attend seminars on university admissions and career planning in the tech sector.
15. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer Intern Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: May 15 – July 21
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: 10th-11th graders
Organized in collaboration with NASA, SEES allows you to work with authentic scientific datasets related to climate science, remote sensing, and environmental monitoring. You’ll learn how to analyze satellite and geospatial data using computational tools and data analysis techniques. The program introduces coding and data visualization methods that support scientific research and interpretation. You’ll also collaborate remotely on research projects while learning how large datasets are processed in earth science investigations. Overall, the curriculum and projects focus on scientific computing, data literacy, and the interdisciplinary applications of computer science in environmental research.
Frequently asked questions
1. What computer science programs are available for high school students in Virginia?
Options include advanced academic programs, such as Summer Residential Governor's Schools, research internships, such as ASSIP and NASA SEES, AI and data science programs, such as Veritas AI and Lumiere, aerospace and earth science programs, such as VASTS and VESSS, cybersecurity programs, such as ODU CyberAI Camp, quantum science programs, such as Pathways to Quantum, and university pre-college courses, such as UVA Advance and C-Tech².
2. Are there free computer science programs for high school students in Virginia?
Yes, several programs are free, including Summer Residential Governor's Schools, VASTS, VESSS, BLAST, VALHEN STEM Academy, and Pathways for Future Engineers. Pathways to Quantum also provides a $500 stipend, and ASSIP offers fee waivers for qualifying students.
3. Which Virginia programs are best for students interested in cybersecurity or AI?
Students interested in cybersecurity might consider ODU CyberAI Camp for hands-on network security and ethical hacking, and ASSIP for lab-based research in cybersecurity or computational fields. For AI specifically, Veritas AI offers structured machine learning projects, and Lumiere pairs students with PhD mentors for independent AI research.
4. Which programs are open to students outside Virginia?
Veritas AI, Lumiere Research Scholar Program, NASA SEES, and ASSIP (remote options available) are all open to students regardless of location. UVA Advance also accepts non-Virginia residents, though at a higher tuition rate.
5. When should I apply to computer science programs for high school students in Virginia?
VASTS and VESSS have the earliest deadlines, both closing October 26. Summer Residential Governor's School closes December 12, and ASSIP opens applications in December. Programs, such as C-Tech² (March 8), UVA Advance (March 1), and VALHEN STEM Academy (April 11), fall later in the spring. Students should begin researching options in the fall to avoid missing the earliest deadlines.