Best Computer Science Summer Programs for High School Students: With Advice from a Former Admissions Officer

As you know, computer science spans various fields and industries. Because of how rapidly technology

April 26, 2023

Academic opportunities , Helpful Resources , News , Summer programs

As you know, computer science spans various fields and industries. Because of how rapidly technology advances, many computer science programs are available for high-performing students.

With so many courses and classes, finding the right learning opportunities can take a lot of time. Then, you must sort through a large list to narrow your options.

Pioneer Academics created this list to save you time and energy before this summer arrives. The following list is a helpful resource for students looking to pack the most education about computer science into their summers.

Brett Fuller 1
Advice from a Former Admissions Officer

Brett Fuller

Academic Development Manager | Pioneer Academics
Former Associate Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Wake Forest University
Former Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions

Important note: The “best” program is always going to be the program that best fits your needs, goals, and interests. Check out my thoughts on things to consider when selecting a summer program here: College Application: Tips on Selecting a Summer Program Meeting Admission Officers’ Standards.

Computer science is among the fastest-changing fields, and the pace of change only seems to be accelerating. In fact, with the recent developments in generative AI, we are in the precarious position of technology outpacing the understanding of those developing it. The best way to prepare for a career in this space is to immerse yourself in it. The programs below will allow you to do just that.

The study of computer science is, in some ways, comparable to the study of a foreign language. The first step is to ensure that you can proficiently speak the language, and the next is to understand the culture or, in this case, the environment. Neither is particularly useful without the other. When considering summer programs and your study of computer science more broadly, ensure that you are making the most of the experience by learning the fundamentals as well as asking questions about the application and implications of the work being done.

💡Bonus tips for choosing the right academic programs:

Click here to read the in-depth investigative report and its summary on the academic programs and publications by the Pulitzer-winning journalist on ProPublica and Chronicle of Higher Ed!

Pioneer Academics

Pioneer Academics is a fully accredited online research program for motivated and academically gifted high school students. This program features a curriculum designed to challenge students with a rigorous approach to learning and conducting world-changing research. Pioneer Academics program allows eager young minds to learn from world-renowned instructors, including those specializing in computer science.

Students completing the application process and gaining acceptance into Pioneer Academics also gain access to an extensive library of data and research information to fuel their passion for learning. Pioneer’s summer program is an immersive experience designed to teach students the essential skills required to perform professional-level research. This program culminates with students completing a research project of their choosing.

Format	Online
Cost	6,650 US dollars
Program Dates	June – August (Some Students May Extend to September)
Application Deadline(s)	Regular Admission Deadline: April 9, 2023

Brown Pre-College Programs – Brown University

With over 300 courses, Brown University’s Pre-College Programs offer plenty of learning opportunities for students interested in coding and computer science. Some of the courses covered in these summer programs include artificial intelligence, machine learning, collaborative programming, biometrics, computational art, neural circuits, game development, quantum computing, and how to write machine learning code.

These programs range from one to six weeks, challenging students with unique experiments and exercises based on real-world situations. Brown University’s summer programs are available both in-person and online. Regardless of where students attend these summer programs, they’ll also learn how to navigate the ins and outs of college life.

Format	In-person and Online
Cost	In-person 1 week – $2,707 – $3,265 2 weeks – $3,871 – $4,987 3 weeks – $5,364 – $7,038 4 weeks – $5,779 – $8,011 Hybrid 5 weeks – $9,459 Online 2 weeks – $3,028 3 weeks – $4,198 4 weeks – $5,003 6 weeks – $5,877
Program Dates	In-person 1 week June 25 to June 30 July 9 to July 14 July 16 to July 21 July 23 to July 28 2 weeks June 25 to July 7 July 9 to July 21 July 16 to July 28 3 weeks June 25 to July 14 July 9 to July 28 4 weeks June 25 to July 21 Hybrid 5 weeks June 26 to July 28 Online 2 week June 26 to July 7 July 10 to July 21 July 17 to July 28 3 weeks June 26 to July 14 July 10 to July 28 4 weeks July 10 to Aug 4 6 weeks June 26 to Aug 4
Application Deadline(s)	Regular Admission Deadline: Friday, May 12, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EST

University of New Hampshire Tech Camp – University of New Hampshire

Each summer, the University of New Hampshire Tech Camp brings together a diverse range of students for its computer science summer camps. Students learn about powerful computer science concepts and those involving mathematics and engineering. These summer camps offer project-based learning experiences about computer science, forensics, cybersecurity, environmental science, virtual reality (VR), and structural engineering.

High school students also participate in the TechLeaders program, which teaches them skills to become exceptional leaders and entrepreneurs in STEM-based fields. This summer computer science program also recently began offering unique in-person projects for students interested in biofabrication and regenerative medicine.

Format	In-person
Cost	Some programs are sponsored. Tuition for non-sponsored programs is $700 per week for day students and $1,350 per week for residential student
Program Dates	July 10 – 28
Application Deadline(s)	Regular Admission Deadline: May 1, 2023

Women’s Technology Program – Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Women’s Technology Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a popular summer program for females only. In this program, students work and learn in classrooms and MIT’s cutting-edge labs for four weeks. This female-focused program accepts 20 to 40 academically talented high school juniors each year. Designed and taught by MIT’s college students, this program also lets attendees speak with like-minded peers.

MIT’s exact program offerings vary by year, typically rotating between a mechanical engineering or an electrical engineering program focusing on coding and computer science. These summer programs don’t require their applicants to have prior coding experience, which is a plus for those new to computer science looking for a great head start.

Format	In-person
Cost	Free
Program Dates	June 24 – July 21, 2023
Application Deadline(s)	Regular Admission Deadline: Jan 15, 2023

Center for Talented Youth (CTY) – John Hopkins University

High school students with a few weeks to spare might also enjoy a three-week program offered at John Hopkins University. This residential computer science summer program brings to light the fundamentals of this subject while delving into more complicated topics, such as data analysis, game theory, and algorithms. Students also find out how to write various computer coding languages, including Python, Java, C, and C++.

This program’s summer sessions include a mixture of classroom courses and hands-on learning in labs led by a diverse range of knowledgeable industry professionals. Attending this program also lets participants learn about college-level student life at the prestigious John Hopkins University while participating in supervised group activities.

Format	In-person
Cost	Dependent on course $50 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
Program Dates	Baltimore, Maryland – Gilman School Session 1: June 25 – July 14 Session 2: July 16 – August 4 New York, New York – Speyer Legacy School Session 2 only: July 16 – August 4 Baltimore, Maryland – Johns Hopkins University Session 1: June 25 – July 14 Session 2: July 16 – August 4 Bristol, Rhode Island – Roger Williams Session 1: June 25 – July 14 Session 2: July 16 – August 4 Collegeville, Pennsylvania – Ursinus College Session 1: June 25 – July 14 Session 2: July 16 – August 4 Lancaster, Pennsylvania – Franklin and Marshall College Session 1: June 25 – July 14 Session 2: July 16 – August 4 Los Angeles, California – Loyola Marymount University Session 1: June 25 – July 14 Session 2: July 16 – August 4 Santa Cruz, California – University of California Santa Cruz Session 1: July 2 – July 21 Session 2: July 23 – August 11
Application Deadline(s)	Regular Admission Deadline: May 1, 2023

Elite Tech Camp – Rice University

Elite Tech Camp is a group of virtual, commuter, and residential computer science camps happening each summer throughout the United States, one of which occurs at Rice University. This one-week computer science program explores Python, C++, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotic engineering.

High school students discover how to use computer science’s powerful technical and analytical concepts to solve real-world problems while working alone or in groups. Camp participants also attend lectures from leading professors, professionals, and researchers working or teaching in computer science-related fields. Whether students commute daily, stay on campus, or learn virtually, they also learn how to communicate, manage projects, and become leaders.

Format	In-person and Online
Cost	Residential – $3,495 Commuters – $1,495 Online – $595
Program Dates	Rice ELITE Tech – Houston Residential June 11 – 17 June 25 – Jul July 9 – 15 July 23 – 29 Commuter June 12 – 16 June 19 – 23 June 26 – 30 July 10 – 14 July 17 – 21 July 24 – 28 Rice ELITE Tech – Atlanta Residential June 11 – 17 June 25 – July 1 Commuter June 12 – 16 June 19 – 23 June 26 – 30 Rice ELITE Tech – Chicago Residential July 9 – 15 July 23 – 29 Commuter July 10 – 14 July 17 – 21 July 24 – 28 Virtual June 12 – 16 June 19 – 23 June 26 – 30 July 10 – 14 July 17 – 21 July 24 – 28
Application Deadline(s)	Regular Admission Deadline: Ongoing

Computer Science Scholars – Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University’s Computer Science Scholars is a four-week residential program for excelling high school juniors. This summer program combines hands-on activities, engaging lectures, classroom lessons, and the chance to speak with leading companies in the computer science industry. Students learn about algorithmic components, data structures, problem-solving strategies, and mathematics for computer science.

While not attending courses or working in labs with cutting-edge technology, students will complete team-based projects that have them competing against their peers. Also, students attending this summer program learn about topics related to college life, including the admissions process, maintaining positive mental health, and living independently. Upon completing this program, students receive a comprehensive evaluation detailing their overall performance.

Format	In-person
Cost	Merit-based program for participants and can be dependent
Program Dates	July 1, 2023, to July 28, 2023
Application Deadline(s)	Regular Admission Deadline: March 15, 2023

Naval Academy Summer STEM Program – United States Naval Academy

The United States Naval Academy offers a week-long residential summer program for students interested in computer science. Available to high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, the Naval Academy Summer STEM Program lets students learn and work in this academy’s state-of-the-art labs. Students also learn how to improve their problem-solving skills using computer science and STEM concepts.

This computer science camp also lets students build and discover whether their created structures can withstand winds up to 150 MPH. Students also learn and demonstrate how to fully assemble and disassemble lawn mower engines. This program can also prepare students for future opportunities with its self-hosted technology and majors fairs.

Format	In-person
Cost	$800
Program Dates	June 19 – 23
Application Deadline(s)	Regular Admission Deadline: April 15, 2023

Summer Immersion Program (SIP) – Girls Who Can Code

Girls Who Code is an organization founded to help solve the problem of the gender gap in the tech industry. This organization’s Summer Immersion Program (SIP) gives female students computer science-related skills they need to prepare for future roles in the tech field. These virtual summer programs let interested students learn about tech-related work opportunities, chat with like-minded peers, and meet with leaders in the tech world.

These summer programs have students participate in various real-world projects about subjects, including apps, video games, art, websites, UX design, the iterative design process, and robotics. Students can join SIP’s two-week group program or a six-week self-paced virtual course. Completing a Girls Who Code program also places students in an elite alumni network.

Format	Online
Cost	Free
Program Dates	July 3rd, 2023 – August 11th, 2023
Application Deadline(s)	Regular Admission Deadline: March 24, 2023

RC Online – University of Washington

In recent years, many computer science summer programs moved to online courses like the accelerated learning opportunity called RC Online. This computer science summer course is for students who don’t feel challenged in their current academic roles in high school. Instructors teach students by having them participate in peer reviews and complete reading or homework assignments.

The RC Online course expects students to work at a college level for at least 10 to 15 hours per week for 10 weeks. While this program gives high schoolers the necessary skills to help them succeed in college, RC Online expects students to work and write at a college level. These courses also move at a fast pace, making them best for students ready to challenge their learning and critical thinking skills.

Format	Online
Cost	$1,500 plus a non-refundable registration fee of $25
Program Dates	Dependent on course
Application Deadline(s)	Regular Admission Deadline: Ongoing basis Registration is first-come, first-served; wait lists are created for classes that fill Classes that are under-enrolled may be canceled

💡Bonus tips for choosing the right academic programs:

Click here to read the in-depth investigative report and its summary on the academic programs and publications by the Pulitzer-winning journalist on ProPublica and Chronicle of Higher Ed!