Top 25 computer science summer programs for high school students in 2025

Considering taking a computer science program in the summer or perhaps after school? It’s an awesome way to sharpen your tech skills while meeting others who share your interests. These programs introduce you to many aspects of computer science, like programming languages, app development, and more. In some cases, they also give you a chance to explore new places, whether a different city or the campus of a prestigious university hosting the program. Plus, some programs offer a sneak preview of college life.

Even better, participating in a computer science summer program can help your college applications stand out. Admissions officers love to see that you’ve taken the initiative to pursue your interests outside of school. In each of these summer programs, you work on exciting projects, learn from industry experts, and perhaps even discover new areas of computer science you hadn’t previously known about or considered!

Keep reading for more information about:

• The top 25 computer science summer programs your high schooler should consider in 2025
• The value of computer science programs for your high school resume and college admissions
• Other ways to weave computer science into the school year, summer, and beyond

The top 25 computer science summer programs your high schooler should consider in 2025

These program providers offer great computer science options for your high school student. 

1. World Scholars Academy

Dates: January, June, July, August, December
Location: Online
Application deadline: Rolling deadline
Cost: $1,500-$2,999
World Scholars Academy offers 14 two-week summer classes online, including World Coders Academy (ages 15-18) and Discover Computer Science Academy (ages 12-14). Max class size is six students. Students receive individual feedback and guidance, a letter of recommendation from their instructor, and access to video recordings of all 10 live classes for future review.

2. National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) Summer Programs

Dates:
-- Session 1: June 23 - July 1 (Game Design)
-- Session 2: July 5 - July 13 (Game Design)
-- Session 1: June 15 - June 23 (Cybersecurity)
-- Session 2: June 27 - July 5 (Cybersecurity)
-- Session 3: July 10 - July 18 (Cybersecurity)
Location: University of California (Game Design) and Johns Hopkins University (Cybersecurity)
Application deadline: Applications accepted as long as space is available in a program
Cost: $4,095
Designed for rising 7th - 12th grade students, NSLC computer science programs include cybersecurity, hosted at Johns Hopkins University, where you’ll learn to think like a hacker and experience simulations of cyberattacks against the country’s networks, data systems, and critical infrastructure. Learn about game design at the University of California by exploring visual art and coding needed to build video games and interactive experiences.

3. UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies Pre-College Programs

Dates: Depends on the program
Location: Online
Application deadline: Rolling - check the website
Cost: <$500
High school students can try one of the following pre-college programs and earn a certificate in Android Programming, AutoCAD, Digital Circuit Design, Front End Web Development, iOS Programming, Machine Learning, Revit, or Robotics with JavaScript.

4. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes

Dates: 
-- Session 1: June 16 - June 27
-- Session 2: July 7 - July 18
Location: Stanford
Application deadline: Check the website
Cost: $3,080
Students entering grades 8 - 11 can take a two-week class in artificial intelligence, CAD, art/design & technology, discrete mathematics, game design, C++, data science, human-computer interaction (HCI), Java, machine learning, product design, and more. Or choose from over 70 courses providing an in-depth and interactive exploration of various topics. Courses are non-credit.

5. Camp Integem: AI Robotics, Holographic AR Coding, AI Space Drones, 3D Game Design & Animation

Dates: Weekly - check website for available dates
Location: Online, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & Orange County, Vancouver area
Application deadline: Check the website
Cost: $599-$1,499
No experience or knowledge about computers, art or design is needed to have fun in these two-week hands-on classes. Students in grades K-12 can take classes online or at 16 different locations in California, learning about AI, robotics, AR coding, AI space drones, 3D game design, animation, and more.

6. US Naval Academy: Summer STEM Program

Dates
-- Rising 9th graders: June 2-7
-- Rising 10th graders: June 9-14
-- Rising 11th graders: June 16-20
Location: U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD
Application deadline: Check the website
Cost: $750
The U.S. Naval Academy’s Summer STEM program invites rising 9th- 11th graders to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. It’s an excellent first step into engineering for those who love math, science, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Aspiring coders, game designers, or robotics engineers can start their journey here.

7. Summer Discovery: Transformative Summer Pre-College Academic Experiences

Dates: Varies from 2-6 weeks, depending on the program
Location:  University of Cambridge, University of Michigan, University of Texas at Austin, UCLA
Application deadline: Check the website
Cost: Varies by campus and program length; see website for details
Middle and high school students can explore various computer science and technology courses, such as Python, applied data science, and artificial intelligence, as residential or commuter students. The programs are designed to be flexible, allowing each student to create a customized experience.

8. World Scholars Academy | STEM Summer Courses

Dates: Varies; see website for details
Location: Online
Application deadline: See website for details
Cost: $1,500-$2,999
Students can enroll in a two-week course, such as the World Coders Academy (for ages 15-18) or the Discover Computer Science Academy (for ages 12-14). Classes are delivered synchronously in 10 live and interactive online classes, plus two one-on-one personalized academic tutorials. Each class has a maximum of six students, offers a letter of recommendation upon completion, access to video recordings of all classes, and a course completion certificate.

9. Syracuse University Pre-College Programs

Dates: Varies by course; see website
Location: Syracuse University
Application deadline: Varies by course; see website
Cost: Varies by credit and non-credit course; see website
Syracuse University offers over 20 2-week, on-campus, non-credit computer science and technology classes each summer. The average instructor-to-student ratio is 1:9, ensuring that everyone receives plenty of individualized attention and a personalized experience. 

10. Engineering Summer Academy at Penn (ESAP)

Dates: July 6 - July 25
Location: University of Pennsylvania
Application deadline: March 1
Cost: $9,000
ESAP offers a unique opportunity for high school students to experience challenging, college-level STEM studies at an Ivy League institution in Philadelphia. ESAP features six specalized course: Artificial intelligence (focusing on generative AI and neural networks), biotechnology (with hands-on genetic engineering), computer graphics (introducing video game and animation character pipelines), computer science (covering programming fundamentals), nanotechnology (exploring nanomaterials and their applications), and robotics (integrating design, manufacturing, automation, and programming).

11. Sally Ride Science Academy at UC San Diego

Dates
-- Session 1: July 7-11
-- Session 2: July 14-18
-- Session 3: July 21-25
Location: UC San Diego
Application deadline: June 16
Cost: <$500
The Sally Ride Science Academy offers STEAM workshops for students entering grades 3-12. Honoring the legacy of Sally Ride, the first American woman in space and a champion for diversity in STEM, the academy provides an immersive, hands-on experience while learning about coding, engineering, space science, and other topics. New this year is the opportunity for students to earn 1.5 pre-college credits for each workshop they complete.

12. Pathways to Stem Cell Science

Dates: Programs run throughout the year from January to December, after school, during breaks, and by special request for groups of 5 or more students.
Location: Torrance, CA
Application deadline: Check the website
Cost: $495-$2,300
Pathways to Stem Cell Science offers students the opportunity to gain authentic, hands-on wet lab experience in bioscience. Middle school students can take Intro to Cell Biology, Stem Cells and Biotechnology, and a Stem Cell Research Program. High schoolers can take Methods in Stem Cell Engineering, Intro to Stem Cell Systems, Molecular Stem Cell Biology, and Regenerative Medicine and Disease Modeling.

13. University of Maryland: Terp Young Scholars (TYS)

Dates: July 14 - August 1
Location: University of Maryland
Application deadline: June 1
Cost: $1,364.72 (online); $1,729.72 (commuter)
TYS offers rising 10th through 12th graders a pre-college academic experience at the University of  Maryland. Participants choose a three-credit course offered by one of the university’s 13 colleges. The program is designed to give a glimpse into university life. One course, “Geocomputing,” is ideal for those interested in computer science or programming careers. It serves as an introduction to Python, a language for data analysis and visualization in geography and environmental sciences. Students will develop foundational programming techniques applicable across various languages and gain proficiency in manipulating spatial data within geographic information systems (GIS), a growing field. No prior programming experience is required.

14. Reach Cambridge International Summer Programs

Dates
-- Session 1: July 20 - August 2 (2-week program)
-- Session 2: August 3 - August 16 (2-week program)
-- Session 3: July 6 - August 2 (4-week program)
-- Session 4: July 20 - August 16 (4-week program)
-- Session 5: July 6 - August 16 (6-week program)
Location: Cambridge University
Application deadline: Check the website
Cost: £6,295 - £18,495
Reach Cambridge offers a variety of courses for students between ages 14 and 18. Students receive 20 hours of coursework taught by leaders in their fields; the program features a daily schedule of inclusive activities and weekend excursions to famous cultural sites across the UK. The computer science course helps develop programming, coding, and mathematical skills. It covers algorithms, computational system design, information and coding theory, and programming language theory and is a great starting point for aspiring app developers or software engineers.

15. Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)

Dates: Check the website
Location: Online
Application deadline: Check the website
Cost: Free
CSSI is a free, four-week online program designed to introduce high school students to the fundamentals of computer science. It particularly welcomes students from groups that have been historically marginalized in the tech field. Participants learn core CS concepts and attend workshops focused on self-care, identity, career, and skill development while building community with peers and industry professionals. The curriculum emphasizes basic programming concepts to foster future tech leaders and innovators by encouraging further study in computer science, software engineering, and related fields.

16. Imperial Global Summer School

Dates: Vary by program; check the website
Location: Imperial College London
Application deadline: Space-based on a first-come basis
Cost: £7,260
The Imperial Global Summer School offers a two-week residential STEM program in central London for students aged 16 or 17 years old. Participants stay on the South Kensington Campus and enjoy a complete social program with evening activities and weekend excursions. The intensive academic program allows students to choose from data science and artificial intelligence, engineering, medicine and life sciences, or physics. The first week focuses on knowledge building, with faculty leading lectures and practical sessions to provide insights into university-level study. The second week culminates in an innovation challenge, where students collaborate on a real-world problem, focusing on entrepreneurship with guidance from the Imperial Enterprise Lab.

17. Illinois Tech: Elevate College Prep Summer Programs

Dates:
-- Session 1: July 21-25 (residential)
-- Session 2: July 28 - August 1 (residential/day)
-- Session 1: June 16-20 (day/online)
-- Session 2: June 23-27 (day/online)
Location: Online, Illinois Tech
Application deadline: Check the website
Cost: $300-$3,000
Illinois Tech’s Elevate College Prep offers a variety of STEM-focused summer programs for middle and high school students, exposing them to topics like coding, robotics, sustainability, and human sciences. Students can choose from residential, commuter, or virtual sessions. Popular programs include Game Design from the Ground Up, Build Your Own Robot, Cybersecurity Bootcamp, Coding Bootcamp, App Building, Programming Bootcamp, Data Science Basics, AI Explorers, and CyberDefenders.

18. Oxford Summer Courses

Dates: Check the website
Location: Oxford and Cambridge, UK
Application deadline: Check the website
Cost:  £5,995 -  £8,595
Oxford’s computer science course is available for two age groups: 13-15-year-olds and 16-17-year-olds. Younger students learn computer fundamentals, coding concepts, and the ethical implications of AI, from algorithms to programming basics. Older students go deeper into programming languages that shape the digital world. Their course encourages a critical analysis of how code influences thought and interaction with technology. Instructors customize the curriculum to align with group interests at both levels, fostering an interactive and collaborative environment through group projects, independent learning, and study sessions.

19. Immerse Education Summer Programme Computer Science

Dates: June, July, August
Location: Online, Various in-person locations including Cambridge University, Oxford University, UCL in London, and leading colleges in New York, San Francisco, Toronto, and Sydney
Application deadline: Check the website
Cost: £2,695-£5,995
Immerse Education offers summer programs for students aged 13-18 with a strong interest in computer science careers. Ranging from two to eight weeks, these programs are available online or in person, depending on the course. Offerings include Computer Science Academic Insights, where students explore programming languages, robotics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Other options include Computer Science Ivy League 1:1 Research Programme and Computer Science Oxbridge 1:1 Research Programme. These research programs enable students to explore their chosen topics in depth, enhance their essay writing, develop critical thinking abilities, and prepare for higher education at university and college.

20. Case Western Reserve Pre-College Online Program

Dates: Year-round; check the website
Location: Online
Application deadline: Check the website
Cost: Up to $1,495, depending on the program
Case Western Reserve University offers year-round, online pre-college courses for high school students aged 13+. Each course features video lessons and access to mentors so that students can study anywhere, anytime, and at their own pace. This flexible, asynchronous format, requiring about 30 hours of engagement over two to four weeks, lets students take multiple courses and earn a Certificate of Completion. One featured course is Engineering: From 2D Sketch to 3D Model, an introduction to engineering and design skills. Perfect for aspiring robotics and animation experts, video game designers, or electrical/mechanical engineers, this course guides students from 2D sketching to professional 3D modeling using computer-aided design (CAD). 

21. SCAD Pre-College Summer Programs

Dates:
-- Session 1: June 22-27 (Atlanta)
-- Session 2: July 6-11
-- Session 3: July 13-18
-- Session 4: July 20-25 (Savannah only)
Location: Atlanta and Savannah, GA
Application deadline: Check the website
Cost: $1,550 - $1,850
SCAD (The University for Creative Careers) offers pre-college programs year-round and in summer for high school students to explore art and design. The SCAD Summer Seminar is for rising freshmen, sophomores, and juniors and offers workshops led by SCAD professors, alumni, or graduate students. SCAD Rising Star is a challenging four-week program that awards college credit to rising seniors ready for a more intensive university experience. Students take two college-level classes and have the option to commute or stay on campus.  

22. Stony Brook University: Pre-College Summer

Dates:
-- Session 1: July 6-11
-- Session 2: July 13-18
-- Session 3: July 20-25
-- Session 4: July 27 - August 1
Location: Stony Brook University
Application deadline: May 30
Cost: $1,250 - $2,250
Stony Brook University’s Pre-college summer program offers high school students an immersive weeklong residential experience. They can choose from a variety of non-credit courses in fields such as creative writing, engineering, filmmaking, healthcare, science, sustainability, and computer science. The program includes hands-on learning opportunities in specialized computer engineering and technology classes. Students can take Aerial Robotics, CAD and Additive Manufacturing, Machine Learning and Self-Driving, and Robotics Engineering.

23. Syracuse University Summer College: Healthcare and STEM

Dates:
In-person sessions
-- Session 1: July 6-11 (1 week)
-- Session 2: July 20-25 (1 week)
-- Session 3: July 6-18 (2 weeks)
-- Session 4: July 20 - August 1 (2 weeks)
-- Session 5: July 6-25 (3 weeks)
-- Session 6: July 6 - August 1 (4 weeks)
Online sessions
-- Session 1: July 7-25 (3 weeks)
-- Session 2: July 21 - August 8 (3 weeks)
-- Session 3: July 7 - August 8 (6 weeks)
Location: Online, Syracuse University
Application deadline: Check the website
Cost: $1,908 - $7,695
For over 60 years, Syracuse University’s Summer College has provided pre-college experiences to high school students, including more than 40 STEM classes online and on campus. Summer College offers an opportunity for students to explore potential college majors and interests. Participants benefit from high-level instruction, access to campus resources, and become part of an engaging and supportive community while getting a sneak peek at the life of a college student. Credit and non-credit STEM courses include AI Application Development, Coding: Learning to Code, Computer Animation and Game Development, CSI: The Detective’s Science, Cybersecurity: The Hackathon Experience, Data Science Fundamentals, Intro to Virtual Reality, It Girls: Empowering Women in Technology, and more.

24. iD Tech Camps for Kids and Teens

Dates: Varies based on the program but typically runs from May 26 to August 15
Location: Online; one of 75 universities around the country; check the website
Application deadline: Check the website
Cost: $895+ for online; $1,028+ for in-person; check the website for program specifics
iD Tech Camps offer tweens and teens a chance to explore various STEM disciplines at one of 75+ university campuses in the country. In next-gen labs, students collaborate in small groups to bring creative projects to life. Students aged 7 to 17 can take a one-week iD Tech Camp (day and overnight); students aged 13-18 can participate in a two-week iD Academy (day or residential). Courses include Python: Intro to Coding & AI, Game Design and Development with Unreal Engine, BattleBots Camp: Robotics Engineering with VEX, Animation and Art Studio with Adobe, VR Game Design with Unity and Meta Quest, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, or 3D Printing: Character Modeling and Sculpting.

25. Summit STEM Fellowship (SSF)

Dates:  
-- Session 1: June 23 - July 11
-- Session 2: July 14 - August 1
Location: Online
Application deadline: May 25
Cost: $875
SSF is a three-week summer program for students entering grades 9-12 who want to learn more about STEM. Participants receive mentoring from accomplished young professionals. The flexible commitment allows students to attend other programs, as all fellowship events occur on weekends or in the evenings and require 10-15 hours per week. During SSF, students engage in live programming, including Fireside Chats, STEM Shorts, Skill Builders, and Career Panels. These series introduce diverse academic disciplines, teach life skills, and provide practical tools for success in high school and beyond. 

The value of computer science programs for your high school resume and college admissions

Participating in a computer science summer program during high school clearly signals your interest in the field and willingness to pursue learning opportunities outside of the classroom. Admissions officers often look for applicants who show a sustained passion for their intended (or possible) major. Attending a reputable computer science program in the summer or as an extracurricular activity shows initiative and commitment.

Standing out in a competitive field

Computer science has become one of the most popular and competitive majors at top universities, with some schools seeing computer science majors double since 2014. As a result, simply having good grades on your transcript may not suffice to gain admission if you want to declare computer science as your major. Some colleges look for students who’ve explored the field outside of standard coursework—through coding competitions, summer programs, research internships, or open-source code contributions—which can help distinguish an application from thousands of others.  

Building technical and transferable skills

Computer science programs expose students to programming, problem-solving, and computational thinking—all foundational skills needed to succeed in college-level computer science programs and related disciplines. According to a University of Maryland study, students taking high school computer science courses are 5% more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science. These programs also foster teamwork, leadership, and communication, which colleges and future employers value.

Enhancing career and earning potential 

Early engagement with computer science can enhance college admissions and provide long-term career benefits. High schools offering computer science courses increase students’ chances of employment by 2.6% and boost annual earnings by 8% by age 24. These benefits are even more pronounced for students from underrepresented backgrounds, who see larger gains in earning degrees and commanding competitive salaries.

Other ways to weave computer science into the school year, summer, and beyond

While summer computer science programs are a fantastic way to boost your skills and college applications, there are plenty of other creative and impactful ways to deepen your engagement with computer science throughout the year.

Internships and real-world experience

Landing a computer science internship as a high school student is a standout achievement. Internships offer hands-on experience, exposure to real-world challenges, and the chance to work alongside professionals in the field. This kind of experience strengthens your resume and shows colleges that you can apply your knowledge outside the classroom and thrive in demanding environments.

Volunteering with a tech twist

Volunteering offers another meaningful avenue for applying your computer science skills. Many organizations, like nonprofits and research institutions, seek tech-savvy volunteers for projects like data analysis, website management, or app development. Check within your community—or even abroad—to see where you can contribute.

Self-guided extracurricular projects

Self-driven projects are often more flexible and affordable than structured summer programs, and they let you explore your interests at your own pace. Consider:

• Participating in online hackathons or coding competitions that challenge you to solve real-world problems while collaborating with peers from around the world.
• Building your own website or app or even assembling a computer from scratch.
• Learning a new programming language or technology through an online course or tutorial.

Teaching and community outreach

Sharing your knowledge is a powerful way to deepen your own understanding and make a positive impact. You could lead a coding club or camp for younger students in your community—or teach seniors at a retirement home how to use computers, smartphones, tablets, or the internet.

School-year clubs and competitions

Joining or starting a coding club at your school is a great way to collaborate on projects, participate in coding challenges, and prepare for competitions like hackathons or robotics comps. These clubs foster teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation in a supportive environment to grow your skills and reinforce your knowledge.

Cross-curricular and project-based learning

Look for ways to integrate computer science into your regular coursework. Many schools offer opportunities to apply coding and computational thinking in subjects such as math, science, and even English. Project-based learning, where you use technology to tackle real-world problems, can make your computer science education more relevant and engaging.

Why these activities matter for college admissions

Colleges and universities look for applicants who push themselves beyond the basics, showing initiative, creativity, and drive. By weaving computer science into your school year, summer, and community life, you show:

• A depth and breadth in your extracurricular profile, which is important if you’re seeking admission into a competitive computer science program
• Real-world application of your skills
• Leadership, teamwork, and curiosity

Exploring a mix of these opportunities can strengthen your college resume and help you discover what excites you most about computer science—a win for your future!