Computer science programs offer students a chance to learn through a project-based approach that may not be available in a traditional classroom setting. It is an excellent option for those who are either STEM or computer science enthusiasts or beginners in high school. 

Additionally, computer science summer camps provide practical experience that can be used to build your portfolio, regardless of whether your interests are in AI, software engineering, coding cybersecurity, and game development. Your portfolio can then boost your college applications and help you gain admission to top computer science colleges after high school. 

Many of these computer programming summer camps are organized by top computer science universities, which allows you to learn how to get into their universities. Below are some excellent computer science summer programs for high school students.

Top Computer Science Programs for High Schoolers

Tech360 CS Summer Coding Camp

Tech360 is a summer AI bootcamp run by America on Tech. The program is open to rising high school juniors and seniors currently attending school in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, or Atlanta. Students explore how generative and predictive AI models work, how to use AI tools effectively and ethically, and what it takes to thrive in an AI-driven workforce. The program wraps up with a group project where teams pitch an AI-powered tool to mock clients — top teams get invited to present at a Future Innovators Night event.

Applications for the summer cycle typically open in early spring and close a few weeks before the program starts. The 2026 summer application is already closed — check americaontech.org/tech360 for the next cycle's dates.

To apply, fill out the online form and select your city. No essay is required, though the program prioritizes students with financial need, limited access to tech education, or first-generation college student backgrounds.

Sessions run Monday through Thursday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, mostly on Zoom with two required in-person meetups per cycle. Each city offers two cycles to choose from:

• New York City: Cycle 1: June 29 – July 16 | Cycle 2: July 27 – August 13
• Los Angeles: Cycle 1: June 15 – July 2 | Cycle 2: July 13 – July 30
• Miami: Cycle 1: June 15 – July 2 | Cycle 2: July 13 – July 30
• Atlanta (added in 2026): Cycle 1: June 15 – July 2 | Cycle 2: July 13 – July 30

To be eligible, you need to be a rising junior or senior at a high school in New York City, Los Angeles County, Miami-Dade/Broward County, or Atlanta (Fulton or DeKalb counties). Note that graduating seniors of the current school year are not eligible. No prior coding or AI experience is needed.

The program is completely free to attend. Students who complete it receive a $500 stipend.

Veritas AI Summer 

Veritas AI is an organization established and led by Harvard graduates that offers various AI-led computer science programs for high school students. These programs feature close-group, collaborative learning, and customized project pathways with 1:1 mentorship. There are two primary paths available for students. The AI Scholars program enables students to work with PhDs from top institutions to learn the fundamentals of Python along with key concepts in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. This program helps build a strong foundation to independently code and create AI models. The AI Fellowship, on the other hand, allows students to create a novel AI project independently with the support of a mentor over 12-15 weeks. 

Application deadline: Veritas AI runs cohorts year-round — spring, summer, fall, and winter. Summer applications typically close in April or May, so it's worth checking veritasai.co early if you're planning ahead.

Eligibility: The applicants must be high school students, and they can be from anywhere in the world. For the AI Scholars program, no previous experience is required - applicants simply need to demonstrate a keen interest in AI.

Application process: The application process involves completing an online application form that includes basic biodata and a 300-word essay on why you are interested in learning AI.

Program dates: Rolling. Applications for the summer are accepted between February and May.

Location: Virtual 

Fee/ stipend: Tuition for the AI Scholars program (10 weeks, or 2 intensive weeks) is $2,490. The AI Fellowship — a 12–15 week one-on-one mentorship — runs $5,900. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars.

Universities with Exceptional Computer Science Offerings for High Schoolers

Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy

The University of Berkeley is known for having one of the best computer science programs in the country. They offer an introductory computer science course from the Berkeley undergraduate curriculum to high school students in the Summer Computer Science Academy. The yearly CS summer academy is a two-week summer camp designed for students between the ages of 16 and 17, and it provides an opportunity to learn the basics of coding and other computer science concepts. It's also an excellent way to experience college-level student life. Each day, you will work on a series of unique coding challenges using Snap!, a visual programming language. Additionally, you will have the chance to pursue a programming project of your own design and interest.

Eligibility: The program is open to both domestic and international students who will be 16-17 years old at the time of the program and are willing to live in residential housing. Students must have completed 10th or 11th grade during the program and maintain an overall B average (3.0, weighted or unweighted) in all of their high school coursework.

Application Process: You must apply online and submit your basic biodata, high school transcript, and proof of age. The application review process will take an average of 5-7 business days.

Application deadline: The deadline for computer science in 2024 has passed, but it is typically open for two months every year, from February to April. To stay informed about the next cycle, register for the online information session. 

Location: All participants are required to live in assigned residential housing on the university campus located at Oxford Street in Berkeley.

Fee/Stipend: The application fee is $25, and the program fee for 2026 is $5,197.

UCLA Game Lab Summer Institute

If you're a high school student drawn to game design and coding, UCLA has a program worth knowing about. You can join virtually or on campus (residential), and the focus is on game design as an artistic practice — not just the technical side. No prior experience is needed. Over three weeks, you'll work with instructors connected to the UCLA Game Lab, building both analog and digital games across four courses. By the end, you'll have a portfolio of original game art and completed projects — and you'll walk away with four units of UC college credit.

Eligibility: To be eligible, you need to be at least 15 years old by June 22, 2026 (when the virtual session starts) and no older than 18, and you can't be enrolled full-time in college yet. International students are welcome to apply. There's no minimum GPA — you'll just need to submit a high school transcript.

Application Process: Apply at summer.arts.ucla.edu/game-lab. The enrollment process has three steps: pay the program fee and complete the program application; register as a UCLA student and pay the $350 non-refundable registration fee to get your University ID; then create a MyUCLA account, join the course waitlist, and settle any remaining fees through Bruin Bill. Spots fill up on a rolling basis, so applying early makes a real difference.

Application Deadline: Applications open March 6, 2026 and are reviewed on a rolling basis. The deadline for the virtual session is June 15, 2026; for the residential session, it's June 30, 2026.

Program Dates: For summer 2026, there are two sessions to choose from. The virtual session (Session A) runs June 22 – July 9, meeting Monday through Thursday. The residential session (Session B) runs July 12 – July 29, Monday through Friday, with check-out on July 30. Both cover the same curriculum.

Location: The virtual session runs on Zoom (Pacific Daylight Time). The residential session is held on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles — on-campus housing is mandatory and is included in the residential program fee.

Fees/Stipend: Fees depend on which format you choose. The virtual program comes to $3,591 in total (that's a $1,450 program fee, a $350 registration fee, and $1,791 in course and institutional fees). The residential program runs $6,541 total ($4,400 program fee with housing, plus the same registration and institutional fees). International students add $1,025 for health insurance and service fees on top of either option.

How to Choose the Right Computer Science Programs and Prepare Your Application

There are many excellent computer science summer camps and university programs available for high schoolers. Therefore, you must carefully evaluate your interests, goals, and budget to pick your best fit. Consider the following: 

Identify Your Interests and Goals

Start by reflecting on the areas of computer science that fascinate you the most - artificial intelligence, game development, cybersecurity, or software engineering. Then, look for computer science programs that align with those interests and allow you to explore them in-depth through hands-on projects and coursework. Additionally, consider your long-term goals. If you aim to attend a particular computer science university, a summer program affiliated with that institution could give you a significant advantage.

Consider the Program Structure 

Some intensive computer science programs pack learning into just a few weeks, while others are spread over a more extended period. Evaluate your schedule and learning style to determine which structure suits you better. Longer programs may provide more opportunities for immersive learning but could conflict with other commitments, such as sports or part-time jobs.

Weigh the Costs

While many top-tier computer science programs come with hefty price tags, don't let the costs discourage you immediately. Explore need-based financial aid, scholarships, and stipend opportunities that could make these invaluable experiences more accessible. Keep in mind that investing in a prestigious program now could pay dividends later when applying to colleges and securing internships or jobs.

Location and Housing

If you're considering a residential program, research the location's cost of living, housing options, and safety. Determine whether you're comfortable living on campus or commuting from home. Virtual computer science programs eliminate these concerns but may lack the same level of hands-on learning and networking opportunities.

Craft a Strong Application

Once you've narrowed down your choices, it's time to make your application shine. Start by gathering all required materials, such as transcripts, essays, and recommendations, well before the deadlines. In your essays, highlight not just your academic achievements but also any independent coding projects, hackathons, or computer science-related extracurriculars you've participated in.

Prepare Your Application Ahead of Time

The most competitive computer science summer programs have application deadlines several months before they start. Don't procrastinate - begin preparing your materials as early as possible.

If you need recommendation letters, approach teachers or mentors at the beginning of your academic year. Provide them with details about the programs and qualities you'd like highlighted. The more lead time they have, the more personalized their recommendations can be.

One of the most powerful ways to distinguish your application is by publishing independent computer science research ahead of time. Having tangible evidence of your skills and expertise demonstrates you can produce high-quality work aligned with what you'll learn in the program.

Moreover, publishing research has additional benefits beyond impressing admissions committees. It helps build a robust portfolio for applying to top computer programming universities. You can showcase your abilities to potential employers or internship providers, and you establish yourself as a tech thought leader while still in high school.