14 Free Computer Science Summer Programs for High School Students
For high school students interested in computer science, summer programs are a great opportunity to explore the field and build new skills. These programs provide practical coding experience and exposure to the applications of computer science. By participating in a computer science summer program, you’ll meet professionals and university faculty in the field who can guide your future academic and career choices.
Many universities, tech companies, and nonprofit organizations offer free computer science programs for high school students. These programs are solid options if you want to deepen your understanding of computer science and its subfields, ranging from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity. To help you get started, we have compiled a list of 14 free computer science programs for high school students.
1. MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) Summer
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: Free of cost (transportation not included)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Late June through early August
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are high school juniors
MITES Summer is an intensive six-week residential enrichment program specifically designed for students from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds who aspire to pursue careers in science, engineering, and entrepreneurship. You will experience college-level coursework in high-level mathematics, science, and specialized electives like Machine Learning, Architecture, and Genomics. You will live on the MIT campus and gain hands-on experience of college life while building foundational knowledge for STEM professions. The program includes classes, recitations, workshops, and tours on weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with social events and exploration of the Greater Boston area during evenings and weekends. You will also engage with admissions counselors at college fairs and tour MIT laboratories alongside local companies that employ MITES alumni. This comprehensive experience prepares you for college success while connecting you with a supportive network of like-minded peers and mentors. At the end of the program, you will receive a written evaluation from your instructor that you can choose to submit as supplemental material with college applications.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)
Location: Various locations across the United States (Including Mountain View, CA & Reston, VA)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: June through August
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors planning to study computer science
Google's Computer Science Summer Institute offers a 3-week, project-based intensive introduction to computer science designed specifically for graduating high school seniors from historically underrepresented groups in technology. You will engage in daily development sessions focused on preparing for future job opportunities while working directly with Google engineers who provide industry insights and mentorship. You will gain exposure to Google's internship programs and learn about technical career opportunities within the company. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through interactive exercises and collaborative projects that build foundational programming skills. Beyond technical skills, you will develop professional skills and gain confidence in your ability to succeed in computer science fields. The program's intensive and interactive approach helps to inspire the next generation of tech leaders while providing practical knowledge for college-level computer science coursework.
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
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 who are looking to get started with 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 get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance 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.
5. NYU Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS)
Location: New York University, New York
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July through August
Application Deadline: April
Eligibility: Rising high school students in grades 9-12 who are New York City residents
NYU's CS4CS program provides NYC high school students with an intensive introduction to computer science and cybersecurity. The curriculum covers fundamental cybersecurity concepts, including white-hat hacking, cryptography, steganography, digital forensics, privacy, and data usage. You will learn about technologies used to detect and prevent cyber threats while developing skills to trace threats to their sources. You will gain hands-on experience in coding and explore how ciphers are used in network security applications. The program is specifically designed to empower the next generation of engineers to address cybersecurity challenges facing modern society. No prior experience in computer science or cybersecurity is required, making it accessible to students with diverse backgrounds. Throughout the program, you will engage with real-world cybersecurity scenarios and learn from industry professionals who provide insights into career opportunities in the rapidly growing cybersecurity field.
6. Carnegie Mellon CS Scholars
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded (travel assistance available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June through July
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
CS Scholars offers a 4-week experience that brings students from around the world to explore computer science with Carnegie Mellon faculty and researchers. You will learn core programming and problem-solving skills in Python, including algorithmic components, basic data structures, and computational thinking techniques. The curriculum includes a pre-concepts mathematics course designed to build confidence and eliminate limiting beliefs about mathematical ability. You will work on hands-on group projects applying your newly acquired skills to real-world challenges using computer science for societal benefit. You will engage with CMU faculty and industry leaders while developing meaningful connections with peers and mentors. The program emphasizes building an inclusive and welcoming environment where you will participate in discussions about equity within STEM fields.
7. University of Washington Changemakers in Computing
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
Cost/Stipend: Free program with $1,200 stipend upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July through August
Application Deadline: April
Eligibility: Washington State high school juniors and seniors
Changemakers in Computing introduces high school students from underrepresented backgrounds and potential first-generation college students to fundamental computer science and engineering concepts through a 4-week intensive program. You will engage in hands-on coding projects and problem-solving activities while learning about various computing fields. The curriculum includes coursework on ethics in technology, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the societal impact of computer science. The program is taught by Washington University undergraduate and graduate students who serve as mentors and role models. Beyond technical skills, you will receive college guidance covering topics from college affordability to academic field selection.
8. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July through August
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
MIT's Beaver Works Summer Institute provides a 4-week program designed to enhance STEM skills and knowledge through dedicated courses that combine theoretical learning with practical application. You can choose from specialized tracks, including Serious Game Development with AI, Embedded Security and Hardware Hacking, and Cyber Security in Software Intensive Systems. The Serious Game Development track focuses on using machine learning and game-like modeling to implement socially relevant policy interventions. If you choose the Embedded Security track, you will learn programming in Python and C, assembly language, and cryptography while designing secure systems for internet-connected devices. The Cyber Security track includes topics related to intelligence, network defense, digital forensics, malware analysis, and offensive security. Some courses include both online and in-person options, providing flexibility while maintaining rigorous academic standards. The program exposes you to college-level coursework and research methodologies used at one of the world's leading technology institutions.
9. UT Austin Academy for All
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July (two separate week-long sessions)
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: Students entering 11th-12th grade
The Academy for All offers 2 distinct week-long residential programs exploring different aspects of computer science education. The Standard Edition focuses on C++ programming and Arduino microcontroller projects, while the Machine Learning Edition emphasizes Python programming and machine learning concepts. In the Standard Edition, you will learn project management, teamwork dynamics, and career exploration while coding Arduino microcontrollers to create LED display light shows. The Machine Learning Edition covers Python programming, machine learning implementation, and the social impact of artificial intelligence. You will live on campus, experiencing authentic university life while learning in the Gates Dell Complex. The programs include faculty-led workshops, presentations from industry representatives, and opportunities to explore internship and career possibilities in the field of technology.
10. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Location: Various locations like New York City College of CUNY & Pike High School, Indianapolis, IN (some virtual options available)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Summer sessions (duration varies depending on the location)
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the program location
Eligibility: High school students who are identified as female or non-binary
Girls Who Code Summer Programs, designed specifically for female students, provide a comprehensive introduction to computer science through hands-on learning experiences. The programs combine technical instruction with community building, allowing you to develop coding skills while building meaningful connections with like-minded peers. You will learn various programming languages and development tools while working on real-world projects that address social issues. You will receive mentorship from industry professionals and gain exposure to diverse career paths within the technology sector. These programs accept applications from students around the world, reflecting their commitment to building a global community of women and non-binary technologists.
11. CodePath Courses
Location: Virtual and various university campuses like Georgia State University, Florida International University, among others.
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies depending on the program
Dates: Multiple semester-long sessions throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the program and semester
Eligibility: Computer science students (specific requirements vary depending on the course)
CodePath offers semester-long courses designed by software engineers and refined by industry experts, focusing on practical skills that companies actively look for. These are impactful free computer science programs for high school students looking to build a robust portfolio. You will learn through a custom learning platform that leverages GitHub, developing portfolios with fully functional mobile apps, Capture the Flag assignments, and Security Shepherd projects. You will gain access to regular industry panels and workshops featuring companies like SpaceX, Salesforce, and Walmart. You will work with accomplished software engineer instructors from companies including Meta, Google, Instagram, and TikTok. The program provides a supportive online community of over 30,000 software engineers, computer science students, and alumni. Courses cover various specialized areas, including iOS development, Android development, and cybersecurity, with hands-on projects that prepare you for real-world software engineering roles.
12. Amazon Future Engineer
Location: Virtual and various locations
Cost/Stipend: Scholarship opportunities up to $40,000 plus paid internships
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive for scholarship recipients
Dates: Year-round program with summer internship opportunities
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Students from underserved and underrepresented communities
Amazon Future Engineer provides a comprehensive childhood-to-career program to improve computer science education access for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Scholarship recipients also receive an invitation to complete paid summer internships at Amazon, working on embedded software or hardware engineering teams. You will collaborate with co-interns, managers, and mentors on projects that directly impact Amazon customers. You will work on new technologies, including Alexa voice technology, Amazon Web Services, and retail platform systems. The program includes virtual career tours exploring Amazon's technologies and the careers that make it possible. You will gain exposure to computer science applications across diverse fields while building technical skills and professional connections within one of the world's leading technology companies.
13. The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 16 - August 1
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Must be 17 years or older by the start of the program
The Clark Scholars Program is a highly selective 7-week summer residential program at Texas Tech University. You will work with a faculty mentor on a research project in a field ranging from the sciences, engineering, to the humanities. If your application is successful, you may choose a research area of interest and will benefit from 1-on-1 mentorship by Texas Tech faculty. You will be part of field trips and discussions. You will have the option to choose either the Computer Science or the Computer Engineering tracks. You will finish the program presenting what you achieved, often as a poster or talk that demonstrates your ability to frame a problem, interpret findings, and answer expert questions without overstating outcomes.
14. Meta Summer Academy
Location: Menlo Park, California
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June through July
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores who are residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, and Redwood City, California
Meta Summer Academy provides participants with hands-on experience at one of the world's leading social media companies. You will learn coding fundamentals while building valuable soft skills and exploring topics like digital and media literacy. The program offers insights into social media technology development and the career paths available within major technology companies. You will learn about potential career opportunities while developing technical competencies relevant to modern software development. The program is specifically designed for local community members, reflecting Meta's commitment to supporting students in neighboring areas. You will interact with Meta employees and learn about the company's technologies, products, and engineering culture. The intensive program combines technical instruction with professional development, preparing you for future opportunities in technology and related fields through hands-on learning experiences.
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