16 Software Engineering Summer Programs for High School Students

If you are a high school student interested in exploring software engineering, a program in the field can be a great way to spend your summer! Software engineering programs designed for high school students typically offer practical experiences like coding challenges, software design and development activities, and collaborative projects. The experience can help you explore the applications of computer science and engineering concepts and build technical skills. You may also walk away with a portfolio of work that can boost your college applications. 

These programs allow you to meet professionals in the industry, explore careers in tech, and connect with a community of peers. Many of these opportunities are free or low-cost, and some are virtual, providing you with accessible and affordable ways to explore software engineering. 

Here we have listed 16 software engineering summer programs for high school students:

1. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)

Location: Virtual or in-person at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free for families earning under $150,000; $2,350 tuition for others
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not published
Dates: July 7 – August 2 or 3
Application deadline: March 31
Eligibility: U.S.-based high school students entering their senior year

The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute is a tech and software engineering-focused program where you will spend four weeks building skills in AI, robotics, and autonomous systems. Through workshop-based modules, like Quantum Software and Autonomous Air Vehicle Racing, you will explore coding, software development, and software systems. You will work under the guidance of mentors, who are MIT faculty and engineers. Each course offers opportunities to work on hands-on projects, collaborate with teammates, and present your results to peers and mentors. For instance, if you choose the Quantum Software course, you will participate in coding challenges, implement a quantum algorithm, and share your results.

2. Veritas AI: AI Scholars & AI Fellowship

Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,290; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Dates: Vary by program and cohort; summer sessions run for 10–15 weeks starting from June/July
Application deadline: Program cohorts run all year. Applications for the summer cohorts are due in May/June.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship program applicants need to have completed the AI Scholars program or have some experience working with Python

Veritas AI offers several learning opportunities focused on artificial intelligence and computer science. These programs have been developed and executed by Harvard graduate students and alumni. The beginner-friendly AI Scholars program covers AI basics, applications, Python fundamentals, and key machine learning and data science concepts. You can also opt for the AI Fellowship program, which offers access to mentorship to help you develop your own unique project. Here, you can work on a software design/proposal to come up with a platform that addresses a real problem. You can check out past projects here.​​

3. Microsoft Discovery Program 

Location: Microsoft’s offices in Atlanta, GA, or Redmond, WA

Acceptance rate: Not specified
Stipend: Paid

Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application deadline: TBA, but applications typically open in early February/March
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who reside and attend school within 50 miles of Redmond, WA, or Atlanta, GA; Redmond office applicants should be members/participants of Microsoft-sponsored organizations listed on the program website; Atlanta applicants should attend schools within the Atlanta Public Schools, Fulton, Cobb, Dekalb, and Gwinnett County School Districts

Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program is designed for high school students interested in exploring careers in software engineering, computer science, and technology. If selected, you will be part of a team working on the design phase of the product development cycle and get to explore the real-world application of software engineering, computer science, and UX design fundamentals. You will also work on a group project, where you will aim to understand customer issues and needs, and assist with product design to meet those requirements. This experience can help you build key professional skills like collaboration and problem-solving, and technical skills. You will also interact with and learn from Microsoft employees and explore various Microsoft technologies.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Cost: Varies depending on program type

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.

Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.

Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.

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 that you can explore as a high schooler. 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.

5. Stanford AI4ALL

Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,000; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies
Dates: June 18 – July 2
Application deadline: January 24
Eligibility: Rising 9th or 10th graders who are over 14 years old

Stanford AI4ALL is a virtual summer program that focuses on AI and machine learning. Over three weeks, you will attend lectures on ethics, data bias, and AI applications in healthcare or addressing social needs. You will also work on team research projects, which may involve training an image classifier or prototyping a chatbot, under the guidance of researchers and AI professionals. You will also explore emerging software engineering topics like natural language processing, robotics, medical AI, and computer vision. The program offers access to daily small-group discussions designed to help you reflect on the technical and societal aspects of AI. The program culminates in presentations through which you will share your work and insights with your cohort.

6. Girls Who Code Summer Programs

Location: Virtual
Cost: Free; $300 needs-based grant available for eligible U.S. participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated; cohort size is limited to ensure quality interaction
Dates: Summer Immersion Program: July 28 – August 8 | Pathways: June 30 – August 8
Application deadline: Early acceptance: February 28 | General application: April 16
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 12 (only 9th – 11th graders accepted for Summer Immersion) who are between the ages of 14 and 18 and identify as girls or non-binary individuals

Girls Who Code Programs provide high schoolers a structured introduction to software engineering and computer science concepts in a supportive virtual setting. You can choose from two free virtual summer programs. The Summer Immersion Program is a two-week, instructor-led experience covering game design and foundational coding concepts. It offers insights into beginner to intermediate level computer science, the game design process, and the basics of UX design. Another option in the summer is Girls Who Code’s Pathways Program—a six-week, self-paced opportunity to learn about computer science and engineering topics such as web development, cybersecurity, data science, and AI. Both programs offer you access to industry-led events, opportunities to build real-world projects, and exposure to coding languages like CSS, Python, HTML, and JavaScript. 

7. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program

Location: Virtual and in-person in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Free; some projects come with stipends.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; exact details not specified
Dates: Typically a two- to three-month summer experience (June–August)
Application deadline: Varies; typically early April
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents

The SPARK SMP program connects high school students with STEM-based internships, including in areas like software engineering, computer science, and tech. If selected, you will work individually or in a team alongside industry mentors and university professionals on real-world technical projects, ranging from AI and microfluidics to software analytics. During the program, you may assist with tasks like research, experimentation, surveying, writing, editing, developing educational curriculum, and analysis. You may also get to present your work. Regular check-ins with mentors and networking opportunities are also part of the experience, helping you build collaboration and communication skills

8. Harvard Secondary School Program (SSP): Science and Technology Courses

Location: Harvard University campus, Cambridge, MA; online, commuter, and residential options available
Cost: 7-week online or commuting participants: $4,050 (for 4 credits) or $7,900 (for 8 credits) | 7-week residential: $14,950 (8 credits) | 4-week residential: $8,650 (4 credits); financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 4-week session: July 13 – August 9| 7-week session: June 21 – August 9
Application deadline: 4-week program: February 12 | 7-week program: April 9; applications open December 2
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 by June who will graduate before entering college

Harvard University’s Secondary School Program offers high school students opportunities to attend credit-bearing college courses in various fields, including software engineering and computer science. You can choose courses like Introduction to Web Programming or User Experience Engineering to explore software development. As a participant, you will write algorithms, debug code, explore data structures or software architecture, and learn about the UX design process through lectures, case studies, and projects. You may also get to work in labs and join study groups, social events, team activities, and discussions during the program. The program also offers access to networking events and college prep resources.

9. Kode With Klossy Summer Camp

Location: Virtual and in-person in Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Washington D.C., London; New York City, NY; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; St. Louis, MO
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified

Dates: June 2 – 13 | July 7 – 18 | July 21 – August 1 | August 4 – 15

Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Women and gender expansive teens who are 13 to 18 years old

Kode With Klossy offers various free programs including its Summer Camp, which is a two-week introduction to software development, machine learning, and programming. You will learn about these concepts through one of four tracks. In the camp’s web development track, you will get some experience in using HTML, JavaScript, and CSS to develop an online site. The machine learning track covers AI/ML concepts such as algorithms, natural language processing, and data sets. In the data science track, you will explore concepts like data visualisation. The mobile app track can help you learn how to code in Swift (Apple’s programming language) and develop an iOS mobile application.

10. Arizona State University’s SUCCESS Camp

Location: Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus, Mesa, AZ
Cost: $300; partial and full scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Dates: May 27 – 30
Application deadline: Not specified

Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 12

Arizona State University School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence conducts multiple tech camps for middle and high school students. Its SUCCESS (A Survey of Computing, Coding, and Engineering Software Systems) camp is a four-day summer program for students interested in learning about computing. At camp, you will learn about various computer science and software engineering fields, including mobile/web development, cybersecurity, AI, augmented/virtual reality, game development, and embedded systems. The program also offers various activities to help you get familiar with coding and programming. For instance, you may get to build a game, develop an AI-based app, work with a virtual reality headset, and build an LED message wall at the SUCCESS camp.

11. Harvard Pre‑College Program

Location: Harvard University campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $5,800 tuition + $75 application fee; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; average class size of 15 students
Dates: June 22 – July 3 | July 6 – 18 | July 20 – August 1
Application deadline: Early deadline: January 8 | Regular deadline: February 12 | Late deadline: April 9
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are 16 – 19 years old

Harvard’s Pre‑College Program is an opportunity to explore a field of interest through college-level academics without the pressure of grades or credits. You can choose from various courses, including computer science and data science courses. Here, you will engage in lectures, case study analysis, discussions, and lab work, as well as undertake project work in areas such as web development, algorithm implementation, or software prototyping. Beyond academics, the program offers access to on-campus activities, advisor meetings, and social events, helping you experience college life. You will also get to interact with university students and peers from other schools. 

12. University of Minnesota Summer Computing Academy

Location: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Dates: Two-week program: June 9 – 20 | One-week program: June 23 – 27

Application deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 12; grade and computer science experience vary for each camp

Cost: Two-week program: $125 | One-week camp: $75; scholarships available

University of Minnesota’s Summer Computing Academy is a residential camp for students interested in learning programming using Python. You can choose a one-week session (for beginners) or a two-week session (for those with prior coding experience). At camp, you will attend lectures covering the basics of Python and programming and practice coding in a lab. Career planning sessions are also part of the experience. Additionally, you will explore software engineering through projects like creating apps, developing small robots, and processing images. Toward the end of the program, you will present your projects.

13. Yale Summer Session: Tech/Computer Science courses

Location: Yale University campus, New Haven, CT; online courses available
Cost: Starting at $2,635; financial aid available. You can check the complete cost breakdown here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small class sizes
Dates: Session A: May 26 – June 27 | Session B: June 30 – August 1
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are 16 or older

Yale Summer Session allows college students and high schoolers to engage in Yale University’s academics across subject areas, including computer science and engineering. You can choose courses such as YData (Introduction to Data Science with Python) and Programming Musical Applications that cover programming, coding, app development, and data analytics through project-based learning. You will get to work in labs, collaborate with peers, and engage in university coursework while earning credit. Additionally, you will experience campus life and engage in social activities and networking events. The program can help you build technical software engineering skills and be better prepared for college academics.

14. Carnegie Mellon’s National High School Game Academy

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: $12,529 + $50 application fee; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 21 – August 2
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who are at least 16 years old and have an academic average of at least a B or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

National High School Game Academy is a six-week program for high school students interested in software development, game design, and visual arts. The program begins with a look at best practices and core skills required in game development and an introduction to concepts like software development, 2D and 3D art, audio effects, animation, music composition, and game design through live instruction. Then, you will be assigned to a group and given a role of either a programmer, artist, sound designer, or generalist, who contributes to the development of a game. You will create an original game prototype, starting with the pitching of an idea and ending with the submission and presentation of a final playable demo. 

15. Engineering Summer Camp @ University of Illinois, Chicago 

Location: University of Illinois, Chicago campus, IL
Cost: $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 30 students/age group
Dates: July 21 – 25
Application deadline: Typically early spring (check official site for current dates)
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders

The University of Illinois at Chicago offers students opportunities to explore various engineering subfields and topics, including software engineering, through its Engineering Summer Camp. Here, you will spend five days learning about the vast field of engineering through projects, challenges, college prep sessions, and lab tours. The Software Engineering Track will help you explore the behind-the-scenes of app development through hands-on activities like experimenting with simple applications, designing wireframes, and building games. You will also explore biomedical, chemical, and mechanical engineering, as well as environmental sustainability planning, during the program.

16. Johns Hopkins’ ASPIRE

Location: Virtual or in-person at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD
Acceptance rate: ~10–20%
Dates: June 24 – August 21
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are 15 or older, have a minimum 2.8 GPA, and reside in select regions of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia
Cost/Stipend: None (unpaid internship)

The ASPIRE program at Johns Hopkins’ Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a STEM-based summer research program for high school students. Here, you will be paired with an APL mentor to work on research projects in fields like engineering, programming, computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. In the process, you will develop both technical and communication skills. Over six to nine weeks, you will spend a minimum of 190 hours on research and completing and presenting a digital poster. You can choose to continue your work during the academic year if your mentor is available.

Image source - Harvard University