12 Computer Science Summer Camps for High School Students
Computer science summer camps can be a useful way for you to explore coding and technology in a focused setting during high school. These camps often cover topics like programming, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and game design through structured activities and technical projects. You can also build problem-solving and collaboration skills while learning alongside peers with similar interests.
How are camps different from other programs in high school?
Computer science camps are usually shorter and more focused than research programs or internships, allowing you to concentrate on specific technical skills over a few days or weeks. Depending on the camp, activities can include coding applications, working on robotics projects, or exploring machine learning concepts through guided exercises. These experiences can help you explore computer science in a structured format without the commitment of a longer program.
To help you get started, we’ve narrowed down a list of 12 computer science summer camps for high school students.
If you’re looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
1. St. Mary’s University Summer Tech Camps
Location: St. Mary’s University campus, San Antonio, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 18 students per camp
Dates: Multiple one-week sessions
Application Deadline: Not specified; Registration opens when the camps are announced
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 who are at least 14 years old by June 1
St. Mary’s University Summer Tech Camps are free one-week programs where high school students explore different areas of computer science and engineering through hands-on projects. Each camp focuses on a specific technology topic such as Java programming, cybersecurity and mobile apps, game development, robotics, Python for data analytics, drone programming, or 3D printing. During the day-long sessions, you’ll learn programming concepts, experiment with tools used in industry, and work on projects that you present to family and friends at the end of the week. The program also includes campus tours and visits to technology labs, such as robotics labs, cybersecurity labs, and manufacturing spaces, so you can see how these fields are studied at the university level.
2. Veritas AI - AI Scholars
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Offered across multiple cohorts during the year (spring, summer, fall, and winter)
Application Deadline: Rolling. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS) – NYU Tandon
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 13–August 7
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students currently in 10th or 11th grade who live in eligible areas of New York City, Long Island (Babylon, Ronkonkoma, Huntington LIRR lines), or select counties in New Jersey
Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS) is a four-week summer program where you’ll learn key concepts such as cryptography, digital forensics, and security-focused scripting while tackling real-world security scenarios. A major component of the experience involves participating in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, where you apply cybersecurity techniques to solve practical problems. The program also includes mentorship from cybersecurity researchers and industry professionals who guide you through projects and career exploration in the field. In addition to technical training, students participate in communication workshops and collaborative activities to strengthen teamwork and presentation skills.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (summer, fall, winter, and spring). Program length typically ranges from 12 weeks to 1 year, depending on the track
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic achievement and an interest in research
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. AI Scholars (Carnegie Mellon University)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University campus, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 20–July 18
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Must be in 11th grade at the time of application and at least 16 years old by June 20
During the program, you’ll take college-level classes exploring AI and computing concepts while participating in project-based learning with other students. Working in teams, you’ll build solutions to practical challenges and present your work during a final symposium. Along the way, you’ll attend guest lectures, connect with industry professionals, and participate in college-preparation seminars covering topics such as admissions and financial aid. The program also emphasizes collaboration and community-building, encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to learn together while experiencing life on a college campus.
6. Introduction to C++ (Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies)
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $3,200; need based finacial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 15 – June 26; July 06 – July 17
Application Deadline: There is no information available
Eligibility: Grades 8–11; completion of an algebra course
If you’re looking to build a strong foundation in programming from scratch, this course offers a structured introduction to C++ and core computational thinking. Over two weeks, you’ll work through essential topics like syntax, data types, control flow, functions, and arrays before progressing to more advanced ideas such as recursion, file I/O, and abstract data types. A significant portion of your time is spent solving programming problems, with an emphasis on designing efficient algorithms rather than just writing code that works. The course also introduces how code interacts with compilers and hardware, helping you understand what happens behind the scenes.
7. Engineering with Artificial Intelligence
Location: Tufts University campus, Medford/Somerville, MA
Cost/Stipend: $5,950 residential or $4,425 commuter; limited need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Session 1: July 5–July 17; Session 2: July 19–July 31
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12 or a recent high school graduate; applicants should have prior programming experience and be comfortable coding in Python or another language with similar concepts
Through classroom lessons and lab work, Engineering with Artificial Intelligence helps you learn the fundamentals behind artificial intelligence systems, including the mathematical and algorithmic ideas that power modern tools. The program also introduces you to how AI is being used in both research and industry through guest talks and discussions with experts working in the field. Alongside the technical content, you’ll explore the ethical and societal questions surrounding AI development and deployment. Throughout the program, you’ll work hands-on with AI platforms and write code, primarily in Python, to build your own solutions to real problems. By the end of the program, you’ll have designed and implemented an AI-based application, giving you practical experience with both the technical and ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence.
8. Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy
Location: University of California, Berkeley campus, Berkeley, CA
Cost/Stipend: $5,197 program fee + $25 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 21 – July 3
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Students who have completed 10th or 11th grade and will return to high school in the fall; must be 16–17 years old by June 21 and have at least a 3.0 GPA
The Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy introduces high school students to foundational computer science and artificial intelligence concepts using UC Berkeley’s well-known “Beauty and Joy of Computing” curriculum. During the program, you’ll learn core CS ideas such as algorithms, abstraction, Boolean logic, recursion, and data structures while building programs using Snap!, a visual programming language designed for beginners. The curriculum also includes introductory AI topics like supervised machine learning, reinforcement learning, generative AI, and the ethics of AI. Throughout the academy, you’ll work on daily coding challenges and collaborate with peers on a final programming project that you present during a “Code Celebration” attended by instructors and Berkeley CS faculty. Outside of class, you’ll live on campus, participate in organized activities led by UC Berkeley student mentors, and get a preview of college life.
9. APSU Coding Camps (Austin Peay State University)
Location: Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN
Cost/Stipend: $149–$169, depending on the camp
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 4 and 5-day sessions from May 26 to July 24, depending on the camp
Application Deadline: Varies by camp
Eligibility: Students from 3rd grade through 12th grade and first-year college students, depending on the specific camp
APSU Coding Camps are short, hands-on programs in university computer labs where students explore programming, game design, and technology. Each camp lasts four or five days and runs as a half-day session, giving you an introduction to coding concepts through guided activities and projects. Depending on the camp you choose, you might learn to build games in Roblox, design 3D video games with the Godot engine, program with Scratch, or explore programming through Minecraft-based projects. Some sessions also include collaborative challenge activities that focus on teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. The camps are taught by Austin Peay computer science students and use tools and materials similar to those used in the university’s computer science courses.
10. Introduction to Python for Scientists (Harvard Pre-College Program)
Location: Harvard University campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $6,100 program fee + $75 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 20–July 31
Application Deadline: February 11
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; must be at least 16 years old by June 20 and under 19 by July 31
In this course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of Python programming while applying them to real scientific problems drawn from fields such as physics, chemistry, and biology. Through hands-on exercises and projects, you’ll practice writing functions, working with variables and data structures, and using programming tools to analyze and visualize data. The course emphasizes how coding supports scientific discovery, from modeling natural systems to interpreting complex datasets. Classes meet daily and are taught by a Harvard doctoral researcher, giving you exposure to the style and pace of college-level STEM coursework.
11. UCLA Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: $3,150 for Certificate of Completion track; $3,821+ for Course Credit track
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Session A3: June 16–July 10; Session B3: July 13–July 31
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 with a minimum 3.5 GPA; must be at least 15 years old by June 22
The UCLA Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI) is a three-week intensive program where you explore key areas of computer science through specialized tracks, including introductory programming, artificial intelligence, generative AI, and the Internet of Things. Courses are taught by UCLA faculty, PhD students, and trained tutors, and emphasize hands-on coding and collaborative problem solving. Depending on the track you choose, you’ll learn topics such as Python programming, machine learning fundamentals, human–computer interaction, or connected systems and sensors. Throughout the program, you’ll complete assignments, participate in discussions, and work toward a tutor-supervised capstone project where you apply the techniques learned during the course. You’ll also interact closely with a cohort of students from diverse backgrounds, building teamwork and technical communication skills.
12. Computer Engineering for Good (CE4G) – NYU Tandon
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: $4,620 total program cost; optional housing $981 + meal plan $229/week; $50 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Session 1: June 15–July 2; Session 2: July 6–July 24
Application Deadline: Session 1: April 17; Session 2: May 1
Eligibility: High school students ages 15+ in grades 9–12; open to U.S. and international students; recommended background includes Algebra II, Trigonometry, and ideally Precalculus or higher
Computer Engineering for Good (CE4G) is a three-week summer program at NYU Tandon where you explore how computer and electrical engineering can address real-world social challenges. During the program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of embedded systems development and work with hardware platforms such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi to build internet-connected devices. The curriculum focuses on applying engineering design principles to problems related to sustainability, public health, and access to technology in developing communities. Through guided lessons and hands-on projects, you’ll move from concept development to implementation while learning programming, electronics, and systems design.
Tyler Moulton is Head of Academics and Veritas AI Partnerships with 6 years of experience in education consulting, teaching, and astronomy research at Harvard and the University of Cambridge, where they developed a passion for machine learning and artificial intelligence. Tyler is passionate about connecting high-achieving students to advanced AI techniques and helping them build independent, real-world projects in the field of AI.