Looking for the best tech summer camps for high school students? Are you passionate about computers and technology? Do you want to know more? Want to learn how to build a website or program in a language like Python or Java? Then this is for you.
Although, summer is a time of the year when sports like basketball and baseball get most of the attention, not to mention all the fun, this summer we want to help you get an advantage over all your friends in the digital realm.
Tech summer camps are not as uncommon as you might think, So, let us tell you all about where some tech summer camp takes place yearly.
You’ll also learn how to build websites and apps, create robots and 3D printers, program drones, and much more. And the best part? You’re surrounded by other teens who love tech too.
These camps are designed for high school students who want to learn more about computer science, coding, and engineering, perfect for those who want to be the next Mark Zuckerberg or Steve Jobs.
Best Computer Science Summer Programs for High School Students
Computer science summer programs can include a range of options, for example; coding summer programs for high school students. Are you ready? Let’s get started.
1. PennApps Summer Camp
PennApps is a free, three-week-long program that teaches students how to code, build websites and apps and learn about technology entrepreneurship. There are no prerequisites or application process, just show up and be ready to learn.
Students who participate in PennApps will have the opportunity to work with mentors who have started successful companies like Airbnb, Kickstarter, and Uber.
The program is taught by professors from the University of Pennsylvania and offers both introductory courses as well as advanced topics like machine learning and artificial intelligence.
PennApps also offers workshops during the academic year so that students can continue their development once they return home from camp.
2. Tufts University Engineering Summer Programs (TUES)
The Tufts Engineering Undergraduate Summer Program offers four weeks of research projects for high school girls interested in engineering fields such as robotics, aeronautics, energy systems, and more. It prepares them ahead for University tech study life.
These projects are designed by Tufts professors who work closely with students throughout their time at TUES so they can gain real-world experience working on-campus while earning college credits towards their degree program at Tufts University or another university.
3. The iD Coding & Artificial Intelligence Academy
It offers students an opportunity to explore coding and artificial intelligence through fun and engaging projects. Campers will learn by doing and will have access to resources like 3D printers, virtual reality headsets, drones, robots, and more.
4. The National High School Game Academy
The National High School Game Academy is a summer camp that teaches high school students how to create their games from scratch. Students will learn how to code, design, and publish their games on the web.
The program is two weeks long and will be held at the University of Chicago’s Logan Center for the Arts. The cost is $500 for members of the Chicago Children’s Museum and $750 for non-members.
5. University of Chicago Boot Camps
The University of Chicago offers different Boot Camps for high school students in the summer like the ‘Data Visualization Boot Camp.’
Students will learn how to make graphs and charts with data from a variety of sources, including Excel spreadsheets, Google Analytics, and government data sets.
They’ll also learn how to animate these data visualizations using HTML5. This program is three days long and costs $250 per student.
6. JavaScript Boot Camp
Students will learn JavaScript fundamentals as well as front-end web development skills while completing multiple hands-on projects throughout the week. This boot camp is five days long and costs $250 per student.
7. The NYC Data Science Academy
The NYC Data Science Academy is a free summer camp for high school students interested in data science and programming.
The four-week program runs for a week or two and includes instruction, hands-on learning, and field trips. Students will learn about machine learning, data visualization, web scraping, algorithms, and more.
8. TechGirlz & TechShopz in a Box Workshops
TechGirlz & TechShopz in Box workshops is designed to give girls an opportunity to explore STEM careers through hands-on activities. The workshops are offered by local non-profits that partner with organizations such as the Girl Scouts of America and other youth groups.
They are offered at no cost to participants and cover topics such as robotics, coding, engineering, math and science skills, computer graphics, and more.
Career-building Tech Summer Camps for High School Students
Summer is the best time to learn something new, and the tech industry has hundreds of camps to choose from.
But if you’re looking for a career-building experience in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM), these 10-week-long summer programs are a great place to start.
These are career-building tech summer camps that you won’t regret searching about.
9. NASA Space Apps Challenge.
10. Cyber Security Innovation Bootcamp.
11. Exploring Computer Science (ECS) Program at UC Berkeley.
12. National Center for Women & Information Technology Internship Program.
13. United States Department of Energy Internships & Fellowships Program.
14. National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Programs.
15. National Institutes of Health Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Programs – Biological Sciences.
16. Microsoft YouthSpark Internships and YouthSpark Programs.
17. Global YouthSpark Networking Project Grants.
Coding Summer Camps
Coding is a powerful skill to have in today’s world, and you can start learning some of the basics with these summer coding camps for high school students.
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend your summer vacation, consider attending a coding camp. These camps are great for students who want to learn about computer science or improve their coding skills.
18. HackReactor Summer Camps
HackReactor offers a variety of courses, including a beginner course on JavaScript, an intermediate course on Python, and an advanced course on web development in JavaScript. The company also offers workshops on topics like Python, Ruby, and AWS Lambda functions.
19. PyCon Summer of Code
The PyCon Summer of Code program is designed for students who want to learn more about computer science. During the three-week program, participants work alongside mentors who help them develop their skills while they create new software programs using Python programming language.
20. Google Code-in
Google Code-in is an annual contest that lets teens from around the world help non-profit organizations by writing code for their websites or mobile apps. Students get paid when they complete tasks.
21. Coder Camps
Coder Camps offers a weeklong immersive camp where students will learn HTML/CSS, JavaScript, SQL, and more.
The camp also includes a daily session with an industry professional who will give students insight into the real world of coding and programming. Students can choose from two locations in New York City and Los Angeles.
22. CodePath Academy
CodePath Academy offers five-day intensive coding camps that focus on teaching students how to code websites like Airbnb and Amazon using HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery.
The camp also teaches students about issues such as design patterns, user experience, security, and privacy concerns. Students must be at least 13 years old for this program.
Free Computer Science Summer Programs for High School Students
Summer is the perfect time to get your kids involved in technology. These free computer science summer programs for high school students will help them learn about technology, coding, and other aspects of programming.
Some could be free and some might not be. It would not hurt to check them out and the value they give while comparing their fees.
23. Google Summer of Code
Google’s Summer of Code is a global program that offers stipends to students who want to spend their summers writing code for open-source projects while being mentored by developers from around the world.
Students must apply early to have their application reviewed by Google.
Students must also have an active account on GitHub with at least two public repositories before applying for GSoC 2016.
Google’s Summer of Code (GSoC) program gives students opportunities to work on open-source projects with mentorship from Google engineers throughout the summer.
Students can also receive stipends if they meet certain requirements at the end of their participation.
24. The Linux Foundation’s Internships Program
The Linux Foundation offers paid internships at over 30 member companies each year through its Internships Program which provides opportunities across all areas of Linux development including kernel development.
25. Mozilla Open Source Support (MOSS)
MOSS is an annual program that provides funding for a variety of open-source projects (such as Firefox Sync). Mozilla will provide up to $5,000 per successful applicant in return for completing work on their chosen project during the summer months.
26. CodeNow at Code Corps
CodeNow at Code Corps is an intensive four-week program that teaches high school students how to build websites using HTML5 and CSS3. There are three different tracks: Front End Development, Back End Development, or Mobile Development, depending on what interests the student most.
The curriculum includes lectures on fundamental concepts like data structures and algorithms; hands-on projects using JavaScript libraries like ReactJS; guest speakers from industry leaders such as Google and Facebook; and social events that provide networking opportunities with local tech companies.
Online Computer Science Programs for High School Students
Looking for a program that will help your child get ahead in the field of computer science? Here are some online computer science programs for high school students to consider.
27. Khan Academy
A free, self-paced course that teaches JavaScript programming basics.
28. Code School
Paid monthly subscription fee gives access to hundreds of video lessons on web development topics like Ruby on Rails and ReactJS.
29. Launch Academy
Free introductory course on web development using HTML & CSS, no coding background needed.
30. University of California Berkeley’s Intro to Computer Science
A free online course covers basic computer science concepts, like algorithms and data structures, through practical applications such as building mobile apps or writing code for a website.
FAQ
How do I learn to code in high school?
The best way to learn how to code is to dive right in and start working on projects that interest you. There are lots of free resources online that make it easy for anyone to get started with learning to code.
Does MIT have programs for high school students?
Yes. They offer a wide range of programs for high school students, including:
1. After School Program (ASP)
A six-week program where students explore topics such as computer science, engineering, music technology, and others through hands-on projects and activities. ASP runs from October through March each year.
2. MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP)
An eight-week summer research internship program with MIT faculty members or researchers from other institutions.
It includes an introduction to research methods and techniques through hands-on projects related to the student’s interests and career goals.
Can I take computer science during the summer?
You can take computer science during the summer, but it’s not something everyone does. Most people don’t have the time or interest in learning about coding over their summer vacation.
If you do want to learn about coding, there are many options for you. You can either go to a camp or stay at home and work on your project.
What is summer coding camp?
A summer coding camp is a program where students (usually around middle school age) learn how to code through hands-on activities during camp in the summer.
Many camps focus on different programming languages like Python or JavaScript.
Coding camps are usually two weeks long and cost around $1,000-$2,000 per week depending on where you live and other factors such as travel costs or room & board fees.
Can I take a computer science course online?
Yes. The majority of courses are offered online and they’re all taught by industry experts who know what it takes to get you where you want to be.
Courses are designed to help you learn the skills you need while giving you opportunities to build on your projects and gain real-world experience.
Final Thought
In the end, technology can bring people from all walks of life closer together. It can aid in learning the basics and getting a better handle on complex subjects.
The best part about technology is that it provides almost anyone with the information they want or need, when they want or need it.
So why not take some time to learn about it over the summer? You will see new possibilities for yourself as a result.
