Top 10 Computer Science Programs for High School Students
As technology continues to shape the world we live in, the demand for skilled computer scientists and programmers is higher than ever. For high school students interested in exploring the dynamic and ever-evolving field of computer science, the summer offers an ideal opportunity to gain hands-on experience, expand their knowledge, and prepare for future educational and career endeavors. In this comprehensive guide, we've curated a list of ten exceptional computer science programs specifically designed for high school students.
These programs are not only tailored to accommodate varying levels of expertise but also provide a supportive and immersive environment for young minds to thrive. Whether you're a budding coder or a tech enthusiast looking to dive deeper into the world of computer science, this list has something for everyone. Join us as we explore these remarkable programs that offer a gateway to a future in technology.
10 Computer Science Programs for High School Students
1. MIT's Women's Technology Program
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)
Fee/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: January 15, 2024
Program Dates: June 29, 2024 - July 26, 2024
Program Selectivity: High
Eligibility: This program is women-focused. Applicants must be juniors or seniors in high school.
The MIT Women's Technology Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for high school junior and senior students with a passion for technology and engineering. Over the course of four intensive weeks, students are immersed in a rich educational experience that combines hands-on classes, laboratory work, and collaborative team projects. What makes this program unique is its focus on empowering young women in the male-dominated field of technology. Female MIT graduate students lead the way as instructors, providing invaluable guidance and mentorship.
2. Inspirit AI Scholars Program
Location: Virtual
Fee/Stipend: Fee - $1100 (all inclusive)
Application Deadline: Rolling (applications for the Winter Cohort close on December 11, 2023)
Program Dates: Rolling; sessions available year-round
Program Selectivity: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Ambitious and driven high school students; no previous experience required
The Inspirit AI Scholars Program is an intensive two-week project-based learning experience in computer science and artificial intelligence. Students will begin by learning the fundamentals of computer programming in Python before applying concepts of artificial intelligence to their topic of choice in small group projects. Previous project subjects have included COVID-19 genomics, criminal justice, autonomous driving, mental health, and algorithmic training. Additionally, many students who have participated in the AI+X Individual Research Mentorship have gone on to win prestigious awards at various science fair competitions!
The AI Scholars Program at InspiritAI is a unique offering that empowers high school students around the world to apply artificial intelligence and computer science to their work across disciplines. The program emphasizes project-based learning and encourages high schoolers to seize on their interests and conduct socially-impactful research in their field of choice. Previous students have covered topics ranging from software and electrical engineering to transportation and civil engineering.
Program instructors hail from premier universities such as Stanford, Harvard, and MIT and are available as mentors to participating students. By interacting with their instructors as well as peers of similar interests, high school students develop an understanding of how to make an impact in their field of choice using powerful tools such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
3. CalTech's Summer Tech Camp
Location: California Institute of Technology (Pasadena, CA)
Fee/Stipend: Fee - $1,379-1,779 per course
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: one-week sessions available June 24, 2024 - August 16, 2024
Program Selectivity: Moderate
Eligibility: Applicants must be between 13-18 years of age. Courses have different experience levels, and those criteria must be met.
The Summer Tech Camp at the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) is an excellent opportunity for high school students between the ages of 13 and 18 to explore the world of computer science and technology. With a diverse range of courses, including Python, C++, and game development, this program allows students to delve into the exciting applications of computer science in both business and core technology sectors. The program encourages creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking, emphasizing the practical use of computer science skills.
Whether you're an aspiring coder or simply curious about the tech industry, the Summer Tech Camp offers courses suitable for all experience levels. Through hands-on learning and guidance from experienced instructors, students will gain a strong foundation in computer science and a deeper understanding of its real-world applications. This program not only equips students with valuable skills but also inspires them to pursue careers in the ever-evolving field of technology.
4. Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy
Location: University of Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)
Fee/Stipend: Fee - $5,060
Application Deadline: March 12, 2024
Program Dates: June 16, 2024 - June 28, 2024
Program Selectivity: Moderate
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school students aged 16-17 by June 16, 2024 and have good academic standing.
The Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy is an intensive two-week program designed for high school students aged 16-17 who have a keen interest in coding and computer science. Whether you're a complete novice or have some prior experience, this program is structured to offer an immersive learning experience. Students will explore coding, powerful computer science concepts, collaborative programming, and problem-solving under the guidance of experienced instructors. This program serves as an excellent introduction to the world of computer science and provides a taste of college-level student life.
What makes this program truly unique is its focus on bridging the gap between high school and higher education. It offers students an invaluable opportunity to gain a deep understanding of coding and computer science while fostering creativity and teamwork. The Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy equips students with essential skills and knowledge to pursue successful careers in technology and provides a head start in the competitive field of computer science.
5. Columbia's Pre-College Summer Program
Location: Columbia University (Columbia, NY)
Fee/Stipend: Fee - $6,300 (commuter), $12,449 (residential)
Application Deadline: Applications open late-November
Program Dates: Session I (June 24, 2024 - July 11, 2024), Session II (July 16, 2024 - August 2, 2024)
Program Selectivity: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in high school as of Spring 2024; no prior experience is required, but applicants should have an aptitude for logical reasoning and systematic thinking.
The Columbia Pre-College Summer Program offers high school students an exciting opportunity to explore various fields, including computer science, in an Ivy League setting. Whether you're a complete beginner or already have some experience, this program provides a diverse range of one- and three-week courses that cover computer science fundamentals, coding in languages like Java, C, and Python, and immersive courses on subjects such as AI and machine learning. Beyond coding, students engage in challenging programming projects that enhance logical reasoning, systematic thinking, and problem-solving skills. This program is a gateway to gaining expertise in the ever-evolving world of computer science.
The Pre-College Summer Program at Columbia is not just about acquiring knowledge; it's also about experiencing life on a prestigious campus and immersing yourself in a vibrant academic community. High school students from around the world come together to learn, collaborate, and grow. With the guidance of experienced faculty and access to state-of-the-art resources, participants gain a competitive edge in their pursuit of higher education and future careers.
6. Harvard's College Programs for High School Students
Location: Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) and online option for the Secondary School Program.
Fee/Stipend: Fee - $5,550 (pre-college program), $3,900–$14,250 (secondary school program, depending on the number of courses selected)
Application Deadline: February 14, 2024
Program Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August 2024
Program Selectivity: Moderate (pre-college program), High (secondary school program)
Eligibility: Students expected to graduate from high school in 2025 or 2026
Harvard University offers an array of exciting programs for high school students, ranging from two-week, non-credit courses in the Pre-College Program to seven-week, college-credit courses in the Secondary School Program. With a diverse selection of courses, including "Introduction to Data Science with a Focus on Visualization" and "Introduction to Scientific Programming in Python," students have the opportunity to explore computer science, data analysis, and programming in a prestigious academic setting.
Whether you opt for the Pre-College or Secondary School Program, you'll be exposed to cutting-edge coursework, research opportunities, and a dynamic learning environment. Harvard's commitment to academic excellence ensures that students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of higher education. These programs open doors to diverse fields, giving students the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the competitive world of computer science and beyond.
7. Stanford Summer Sessions
Location: Stanford University (Stanford, CA)
Fee/Stipend: Varies based on the number of units and housing
Application Deadline: Registration for 2024 starts in November 2023
Program Dates: June 22, 2024 - August 18, 2024
Program Selectivity: Moderate
Eligibility: Current sophomores, juniors, or seniors aged 16 or older
Stanford University's Summer Sessions provide high school students with a unique opportunity to explore computer science and a wide range of subjects. This eight-week program offers research opportunities across different subject areas and within computer science, allowing students to delve into topics like programming essentials, programming abstractions, and various internet technologies. All courses at Stanford Summer Sessions carry Stanford University credit, providing students with a head start in their academic journey.
High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors aged 16 or older can take advantage of this program. It not only enhances their knowledge but also exposes them to the challenging world of computer science. Stanford's reputation for academic excellence ensures that students receive a top-tier education that equips them with the skills and insights needed to excel in this ever-evolving field. Stanford Summer Sessions is a springboard for those who aspire to pursue careers in computer science and technology.
8. Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Program
Location: Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
Fee/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Program Dates: June 22, 2024 - July 20, 2024
Program Selectivity: High
Eligibility: Applicants must be rising high school juniors.
Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Program is a prestigious four-week summer immersion experience designed for ambitious high school sophomores. This program provides students with an in-depth exploration of computer science, engineering, and related fields. The curriculum encompasses classroom instruction, hands-on research projects, faculty lectures, and engagement with leading tech companies. By participating in college-level courses in computer programming and mathematics, students are prepared for the academic rigor of higher education and empowered to tackle real-world challenges.
One exceptional aspect of this program is that students who complete it and demonstrate a strong interest in continuing their studies in computer science may be invited to return as rising seniors for Carnegie Mellon's AI Scholars Program the following summer. This unique opportunity enables students to dive even deeper into the world of computer science and artificial intelligence. Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Program is a springboard for young minds, setting them on the path to academic excellence and success in the dynamic field of computer science.
9. UCLA's Computer Science Summer Institute
Location: University of California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)
Fee/Stipend: Fee - $3,000; scholarships available for California students
Application Deadline: June 2024
Program Dates: June 26, 2024 - July 14, 2024 (based on the previous year's schedule)
Program Selectivity: Open enrolment
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in Spring 2024
The Computer Science Summer Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a three-week program that offers high school students an introductory track in computer science. Students learn to use computers as tools for problem-solving, creativity, and exploration through the design and implementation of computer programs. The curriculum covers essential topics, including data types such as integers, strings, and lists, control structures, and functional decomposition.
This program provides a solid foundation in computer science and programming, making it an ideal choice for students looking to explore the world of technology and gain practical coding skills. The skills acquired during this program can serve as a valuable asset for future academic pursuits and career opportunities in various fields, including computer science, engineering, and data analysis.
10. UPenn's Coding Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
Fee/Stipend: $9,700
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 open December 1
Program Dates: July 6, 2024 - July 27, 2024
Program Selectivity: Moderate
Eligibility: Current 9th-11th grade students
UPenn's Summer Coding Academy offers an excellent opportunity for high school students to explore their interests in computer science. Students learn Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and JavaScript (JS) and discover how to put these tools together to produce useful and attractive web pages that run on any web-enabled desktop or mobile device. Students also learn how to use GitHub to build code collaboratively. The Coding Academy provides a strong foundation for students wishing to pursue a career in a technical field and empowers those in other fields (arts, history, literature, language, etc.) to bring new tools and thinking to their chosen discipline.
Conclusion
In this ever-evolving world driven by technology, computer science is a field that holds the key to endless possibilities. For high school students passionate about coding, programming, and all things tech, the programs we've highlighted in this guide serve as a crucial stepping stone in their educational and career journeys. From renowned institutions like MIT and Harvard to immersive experiences at Carnegie Mellon and Stanford, these programs are a testament to the importance of hands-on learning and mentorship.
By participating in these programs, high school students are not only gaining vital skills but also positioning themselves as future leaders in technology. The knowledge and experiences they acquire today will undoubtedly shape the innovations and breakthroughs of tomorrow. So, if you're a high school student looking to dive into the world of computer science or expand your expertise, seize the opportunity that these programs offer. Your journey into the fascinating world of computer science starts here, and the future is boundless.
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
