14 Best Computer Science Summer Programs for High School Students

If you are a high school student interested in computer science, you can consider exploring summer programs. Some of the best computer science summer programs for high school students typically provide a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Offered by top colleges and organizations, you can network with professionals and gain industry exposure.

Furthermore, the best computer science summer programs for high school students help you develop field-specific skills to get a head start on your career pathway. Held during the summer, such programs do not interfere with your academics. 

We have compiled a list of 14 best computer science summer programs for high school students based on their rigorous nature, the prestige of the organization, and learning outcomes.

14 Best Computer Science Summer Programs for High School Students 

1. NYU’s Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS)

Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10-22% / 45-50 students
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 or 11 based out of New York City and Nassau County

NYU’s CS4CS program introduces you to the application of computer science principles for cybersecurity. In this program, you will learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity and ethical hacking, cryptography, steganography, data usage, and other issues. You will also develop skills in digital forensics. If you have no programming background, this course provides hands-on training and coding practice. The program also includes an improv-based communication and public speaking workshop taught by theater artists.  You will apply your learnings to complete a real-world security analysis. No prior coding experience is required to participate in the program.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 10% / 70-100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter; Upcoming Fall cohort: September 14
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohortFall cohort deadline: August 24; you can apply here
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10 – 20 hours/week for 8 – 12 weeks

Ladder Internships, founded by Harvard alumni, offer high school students a structured, professional experience in real-world sectors, including biomedical research, healthtech, technology, and more. You will intern with a high-growth startup on real-world projects. These startups, which raise over a million dollars on average and are backed by Y Combinator, whose founders have experience at companies such as Google, McKinsey, and Microsoft. They operate across a range of industries, including tech/deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You will work with a startup manager and a Ladder Coach on various projects and present your work to the company.

3. UT Computer Science Summer Academies

Location: UT Austin, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: None / $500 scholarships are available for transportation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified / 10:1 student-to-mentor ratio
Dates: July 6 – 12 (Standard Academy Edition) or July 27 – August 2 (Machine Learning Edition)
Application Deadline: Typically late March
Eligibility: U.S.-based students entering grades 11 or 12

The Science Summer Academies are an opportunity for you to explore computer science and coding. The week-long session covers coding, project management, teamwork dynamics, and tech careers. Two tracks are available: Standard Edition with Arduino microcontrollers or the Machine Learning Edition with Python. The Standard Edition uses C++ and requires you to put on an LED display light show. The Machine Learning Edition uses Python and requires you to write code to train your own machine learning model. In addition, you will discover internship and employment opportunities, receive guidance on college admissions, and tour the UT Austin campus.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 10-25% / Approximately 500 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts during the year; options range from 12 weeks to 1 year; upcoming Fall cohort: September 14
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort; Fall cohort deadline: August 24
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school. Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program enables high school students to pursue independent research projects with one-on-one mentorship from a PhD-level expert. As part of the program, you will participate in research methods workshops and receive dedicated support from a writing coach to help develop and refine their research topic. Available fields of study include Mathematics, Astrophysics, Data Science, Biology, Computer Science, Medicine, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Physics, Engineering, and Architecture. Students interested in areas not listed can collaborate with their mentor to craft a custom research subject. While the program is not affiliated with any university, successful completion may qualify participants for UC San Diego credit. Details about how to apply can be found here.

5. University of Washington’s Changemakers In Computing

Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free / $1,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / 20-25 students
Dates: July 7 – 31
Application Deadline: April 3
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors who are currently enrolled in a school in Washington State in the 10th or 11th grade | U.S. citizens or permanent residents

Changemakers in Computing is a free course where students are grouped as mentees led by a mentor, who is an undergraduate student. This program, designed for underrepresented students from low-income families, allows you to learn about technology, society, and justice. The course aims to introduce you to how computer science can make a lasting impact and bring change. You can expect to develop coding and problem-solving skills. You will also receive guidance on college prep, financial aid, and figuring out your future path, and become part of a community of changemakers that encourages intercultural communication. 

6. MITES Summer

Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 1.5 - 3% / 60-80 students
Dates: 6 weeks from late June to early August
Application Deadline: February 1 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school juniors | U.S. citizens or permanent residents

MITES, offered by MIT, is a STEM program where you will take five intensive classes in math, science, and humanities. You can also choose an elective that delves into real-world applications of STEM subjects, which includes a machine learning component. Through these challenging courses, you will enhance your knowledge, discover career pathways, and prepare for college. You will also get the opportunity to tour MIT labs and local companies employing MITES alumni and engage in seminars with STEM professionals. The typical schedule includes classes, recitations, workshops, and tours. You also get a detailed report with feedback on your strengths and areas to improve from your instructors at the end.

7. Anson L. Clark Scholar Program

Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee / $750 tax-free stipend upon completion of a successful research project
Acceptance rate/cohort size: <2% / 12 students
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 17 years old by the start of the program |  Recent high school graduates are allowed to apply | U.S. citizens or permanent residents

The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program is a competitive research program where you will complete hands-on research under the guidance of experienced faculty. You can conduct research in areas are Biology/Cellular & Microbiology, Cancer Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, History, Mechanical Engineering: Cancer Bioimaging, and Physics. In addition to research, you will participate in social activities, discussions, field trips, and weekly seminars.  Past student projects have analyzed policy impact, historical inequalities, and media representation. You will develop your critical thinking and research skills and learn about career pathways from the faculty.

8. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: None / $1,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25-35% / About 80 students
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who reside and attend school in NYC

ARISE is a 10-week program where high school students can conduct practical research. Opportunities are available with faculty in about 50 labs, including labs related to computer science, such as Cybersecurity for Democracy and the ECE Machine Learning Laboratory. You’ll start the program with remote workshops focused on writing and research skills and then move on to hands-on lab work under the mentorship of NYU faculty. The program also provides college admissions support and opportunities for continued research collaboration and mentorship. At the end of the program, you will present your research at Colloquium and showcase it at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) Poster Symposium.

9. UCLA’s Computer Science Introductory Track

Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Estimated fees $3,291; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / 25-30 students
Dates: June 23 – July 11
Application Deadline: June 13
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 12 who are at least 15 years old by the start of the program | GPA 3.5 or higher

This Computer Science Introductory Track offers a blend of a coding bootcamp, lab tours, and UCLA coursework for you to begin learning about computer science. You will learn topics such as data types, including integers, strings, and lists; control structures, including conditionals and loops; and functional decomposition. You will also learn to design and implement computer programs to solve problems creatively. During the program, you will attend lectures in the morning and participate in discussion sessions, lab tours, and seminars in the afternoon. Upon completing the course, you will receive a letter grade. You do not need any prior knowledge in computer science for the program. 

10. UCSB’s Research Mentorship Program

Location: UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $5,175 (commuter) or $12,474 (residential); limited need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 4-6% / 100-120 students
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 or 11 who have a minimum 3.80 academic weighted GPA

UCSB’s Research Mentorship Program invites high school students to undertake interdisciplinary, university-level research. You will be paired with a mentor, who is a graduate student, postdoc, or faculty member, and perform research in a subject of your choice, such as computer science. Over six weeks, you will utilize library resources, participate in fieldwork, and engage in data collection. You will learn to write about your findings in a technical paper that you will present at the final symposium. This program offers college credit. The GRIT talks lecture series will introduce you to the UCSB research community and their work. You can also partake in mixers, development workshops, and social events.

11. Harvard University’s Secondary School Program

Location: Online | On campus at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $4,050–$14,950 depending on type, duration and number of credits + $75 application fee; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective / 20-100 students
Dates: July 13 – August 8 (4-week residential only program) or June 20 – August 8 (7-week residential, online, or commuting program)
Application Deadline: February 11
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 – 12 who are 16 – 19 years old by the start of the program

Harvard University’s Secondary School Program gives ambitious high school students the chance to experience real college courses and earn credit at one of the world’s top universities. It offers 4 and 7-week courses across 200 classes in subjects like humanities, STEM, and social sciences, delving into topics ranging from computer science to creative writing and psychology. You will get in-depth knowledge about a particular subject and explore how it could become a career. In addition to academics, you will also take campus tours, college readiness workshops, student socials, and networking events with peers from 70+ countries. Alongside academic knowledge, you will develop time management and career planning skills.

12. Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy

Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Cost: $5,160 + $25 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective / About 30 students
Dates: June 23 – July 4
Application Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: High school students who have completed 10th or 11th grade by the start of the program and plan to continue their high school studies in the subsequent fall | Have an overall B average (3.0, weighted or unweighted) in all of their high school coursework | At least 16 years old | Eligibility for international applicants can be found here

Berkeley’s Computer Science Academy is a 2-week introductory course for high school students with no prior knowledge of programming. You will explore coding, powerful computer science concepts, collaborative programming, and problem-solving. You will complete daily programming challenges using Snap!, a visual programming language. The core concepts of computer science covered in the program are Abstraction, Functions, Number Representation, Boolean Logic and Conditionals, Algorithms, Social Implications of Computing, Lists and Higher Order Functions, Recursion, and Tree Recursion. You will go on to pursue a programming project of your own design, which you will present at the final Code Celebration.

13. Columbia University’s Introduction to Programming with Java

Location: Online
Cost: $2,815 + $80 application fee; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / Typically 25-30 students
Dates: July 7 – 18
Application Deadline: Typically late spring
Eligibility: All high school students

Columbia University’s Introduction to Programming with Java online program is a one-week course designed for high school students eager to dive into computer programming, with no prior experience required. You will explore the basics of Java, including object-oriented programming principles, algorithms, and essential coding techniques. You will work on coding challenges that strengthen logical reasoning and systematic thinking, while developing practical skills to build your own simple Java applications. You will also participate in labs in the cross-platform Java environment. The course involves hands-on individual and group-based projects, and all these components are undertaken using Java. 

14. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging’s (AIMI) Summer Research Internship

Location: Online
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 7% / 25 students
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 14 years old by the start of the program | U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or provide documentation of valid visa status

In this program, you will attend introductory and technical lectures on AI in healthcare fundamentals andalso complete group work for research projects. The internship is fast-paced, project-oriented, and collaborative, where you will work in a team to advance AI research in improving patient care and building better healthcare systems. You will receive mentorship from Stanford Student Leads and researchers. Besides academics, you can participate in social events and Virtual Career Lunch and Learns with guest speakers representing academia, industry, non-profit, government, etc. You will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the program and an extended independent research internship may be available for students.

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