In today's digital age, coding has become an essential skill, offering students a pathway to innovation, problem-solving, and career opportunities. If you’re a high schooler, participating in a free coding program can teach you valuable skills without the financial burden. Fully funded programs also tend to be more selective than their paid counterparts, making them a useful addition to your college application profile. 

In addition to giving you early exposure to coding, many of these programs allow you to complete an independent project. These coding projects can be highlighted in your college essays, portfolio, or scholarship applications, showcasing your experience and interest in computer science. 

In this article, we’ve listed 7 free coding programs for high school students, along with key details like their eligibility, dates, and deadlines.  

1. Kode with Klossy

Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive teens aged 13-18

Cost: Free

Location: Virtual and in-person in London and several cities across the U.S. 

Program Dates: TBA. Multiple 2-week camps were offered through June – August  

Deadline: March 31

Kode With Klossy offers a series of free two-week coding camps aimed at students from traditionally underrepresented genders in STEM. The camps feature curricula designed to teach the fundamentals of coding while fostering a lasting interest in STEM. You will choose one of the camp’s four tracks: web development, mobile app, machine learning, and data science. In the web development track, you will learn how to build websites in CSS, JavaScript, and HTML. The mobile app track will teach you how to create iOS apps using Swift, Apple’s programming language. 

2. CS50x by Harvard University

Application Deadline: Open enrollment

Duration: Self-paced

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Eligibility: Open to all high school students

CS50x is Harvard University’s introduction to computer science, now available for free online. This course covers fundamental topics like algorithms, data structures, web development, and computer science theory using languages like C, Python, and SQL. You will tackle a series of hands-on problem sets designed to challenge your coding and analytical skills. You can take advantage of this college-level course to deepen your understanding of computer science, enhance your critical thinking, and add a credential to your academic portfolio.

3. Girls Who Code: Summer Immersion Program

Program dates: TBA. Three two-week sessions were offered:

• June 14 – 28

• July 8 – 19

• July 29 – August 9 

Eligibility: 9th-11th graders

Cost: Free, $300 needs-based grant for eligible students in the United States

Location: Virtual

Application deadline: March 22

The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is a two-week virtual course for high school students focusing on game design and coding skills. Sponsored by companies like MetLife and Bank of America, this program introduces you to beginner to intermediate computer science concepts, UX design, and the design process more broadly. Topics include cybersecurity, data science + AI, and web development. You will design and create your own computer games using JavaScript. 

4. Google’s Code Next

Cost: Free

Eligibility: Students in 9th through 12th grade who are at least 13 years old

Application Deadline: Applications typically open in July

Program dates: Varies based on program

Location: Google Code Next Labs in Oakland, CA; Inglewood, CA; Chelsea, NY; Detroit, MI

Google’s Code Next offers high school students an intensive computer science curriculum. You have to apply to be a member of one of the four Code Next labs. Accepted students will have access to coaching from Google employees and the chance to complete projects like programming robots and 3D printing chess sets. You can choose from the lab’s programming options, which include summer programs like Launch and year-round programs like Team Edge. Team Edge teaches you computer science basics while providing leadership training and college counseling. Each semester, labs offer clubs that focus on a specific topic, such as robotics and game design. If you live near a Code Next lab, this is a great opportunity to learn how to code for free while meeting people from one of the world’s largest tech companies. 

5. FreeCodeCamp

Application Deadline: Open enrolment

Duration: Self-paced

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Eligibility: Open to all high school students

FreeCodeCamp is a comprehensive online platform that offers a robust curriculum designed to teach web development skills. It covers essential topics such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, along with backend development using Node.js. You will engage in hands-on coding challenges and projects that can help you build a portfolio of work. The platform's self-paced structure allows you to progress at your own speed, making it an ideal resource for high school students looking to develop practical coding skills in their free time. With a strong community support system and real-world projects, FreeCodeCamp can help you gain confidence and experience in web development.

 6. The Odin Project

Application Deadline: Open enrollment

Duration: Self-paced

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Eligibility: Open to all high school students

The Odin Project provides a free, open-source coding curriculum that emphasizes full-stack web development. The program covers a variety of topics, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Ruby on Rails. With an emphasis on hands-on projects, the program encourages you to build your own websites and applications as you progress through the course. The curriculum is designed to guide learners step by step and fosters a collaborative online community of aspiring developers. High school students benefit from the practical approach as they gain valuable skills and experience that can enhance their resumes and college applications.

7. MIT OpenCourseWare

Application Deadline: Open enrollment

Duration: Self-paced

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Eligibility: Open to all high school students

MIT OpenCourseWare offers free access to its "Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Python" course, ideal for high school students interested in foundational programming skills. The course covers basic programming concepts, problem-solving techniques, and algorithm development using Python. You will have access to comprehensive lecture notes, assignments, and exams, allowing you to learn at your own pace while receiving high-quality instruction. This college-level course gives you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of computer science and prepares you for advanced studies or careers in technology.

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.