10 Summer Computer Science Programs for Middle School Students in California
- Stephen Turban
- 1 hour ago
- 8 min read
Summer programs can help you explore academic interests before high school while building practical skills that extend beyond the classroom. If you are interested in coding, artificial intelligence, robotics, or software development, these programs can introduce you to how technology is designed and applied in real-world settings. You can also gain experience with teamwork, presentations, and project-based problem solving in learning environments that often resemble college-style academics. Many programs are designed to be accessible through online formats, financial aid opportunities, or short-term sessions that reduce overall costs. For middle school students exploring summer computer science programs in California, these experiences can provide early exposure to technical fields while helping you develop analytical and computational thinking skills.
If you are based in California, you also benefit from being close to leading universities, startups, and technology companies that shape the global tech industry. At the same time, online options allow students to work with mentors and peers from different locations while maintaining scheduling flexibility. We’ve narrowed down this list of summer computer science programs for middle school students in California by focusing on programs that are selective or cohort-based, offer strong mentorship and networking opportunities, provide hands-on projects, or are hosted by prestigious organizations. Many of these programs also include opportunities to present work, collaborate with professionals, or explore emerging fields such as AI and cybersecurity. Whether you are interested in coding, robotics, or computational research, these summer computer science programs for middle school students in California offer structured ways to explore those interests early.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly available
Location: Online
Cost: Varies, financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts; ~8 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a mentor-guided academic enrichment program where you can explore computer science topics through project-based learning and individualized support. Students interested in computer science can study areas such as coding, artificial intelligence, data science, and computational problem-solving. You will work closely with a mentor while developing a project that reflects your interests and skill level. The program structure emphasizes independent thinking, collaboration, and communication through guided discussions and presentations. Since the program is fully online, students across California can participate without relocating or commuting.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: June–July
Application Deadline: Typically closes in spring
Eligibility: Low-income middle school students in Northern California
Stanford’s Middle School Scholars Program is an academic enrichment initiative designed for high-achieving students from underserved communities. You will participate in coursework and workshops that introduce subjects such as coding, STEM problem-solving, and analytical reasoning. The program also includes college-readiness activities and mentorship opportunities that expose students to university-level coursework. You can engage in collaborative learning through structured projects and presentations. Because the program is fully funded, it stands out among summer computer science programs for middle school students in California, offering rigorous academics without high tuition costs. You will also gain exposure to Stanford’s campus environment and academic community.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort groups
Location: Online
Cost: Varies, financial aid available
Dates: 2-week or 10-week formats
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Grades 6–8; no prior coding required
In this program, you will explore foundational concepts in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analysis through guided instruction and collaborative activities. While the curriculum is not exclusively focused on economics, it can be particularly useful if you are interested in data-driven fields such as finance, business analytics, or economic modeling. You will work on a group project in which you apply concepts such as regression, classification, and predictive analytics to real-world scenarios. The program combines live lectures with small-group sessions, allowing you to balance structured learning with collaborative discussion. Because no prior coding experience is required, the program is accessible to beginners who want to explore how technology and data intersect with economics and decision-making.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small classes (~16 students)
Location: Online; Stanford University
Cost: $3,200; financial aid available
Dates: June 15–June 26 or July 6–July 17
Application Deadline: Early spring; financial aid deadline March 20
Eligibility: Grades 8–11; must be 13+ years old
This program allows you to study a single subject in an intensive academic format through live online classes hosted by Stanford University. If you are interested in economics, business, or related social science fields, you can choose courses that introduce you to advanced concepts and analytical thinking. You will participate in discussions, complete coursework, and collaborate with a small group of peers in a seminar-style setting. The curriculum is designed to be academically rigorous, making it a good fit if you are looking for a more challenging summer experience. With small class sizes and interactive instruction, the program closely resembles a college-level academic environment. Although you will not receive college credit, you will gain exposure to advanced coursework and structured academic discussions.
Location: UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley, CA
Cost: $1,550 tuition | Optional residential add-on: $1,350
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited spots available
Program Dates: Multiple sessions between June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: Rolling registration until spots are filled
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7–9
Coding and Engineering Nano-Satellites for Space Exploration is a STEM-focused summer program where you will explore computer programming and aerospace engineering through hands-on satellite design projects at UC Berkeley. During the program, you will learn block-based coding in Scratch and apply programming concepts to engineering challenges connected to deep-space exploration. You will design and program model nanosatellites while participating in collaborative engineering and problem-solving activities. If you already have coding experience, you may also complete advanced challenges using Python or JavaScript. The program includes access to UC Berkeley’s Space Sciences Laboratory, planetarium sessions, and interactions with scientists, university students, and STEM professionals. By the end of the program, you will present a final satellite project while developing computational thinking, coding, and engineering design skills in a university setting.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited enrollment; classes capped at ~20 students
Location: Mountain View, Santa Clara, Saratoga, and Campbell, CA
Cost: Typically $549–$599 depending on the camp
Dates: Multiple summer sessions available
Application Deadline: Rolling registration until camps fill
Eligibility: Varies by camp; generally ages 7–15
Club SciKidz offers a range of hands-on summer camps in coding, robotics, app development, and AI, designed for middle school students with varying experience levels. Depending on the camp you choose, you can explore topics such as Scratch programming, Java coding, Minecraft modding, robotics engineering, chatbot development, mobile app design, and 3D printing. Programs are structured around interactive projects and collaborative activities that help you apply coding concepts to real-world challenges and creative problem-solving tasks. If you are interested in artificial intelligence, camps such as AI and Code or Junior AI and Chat Bot introduce you to foundational machine learning and chatbot concepts through beginner-friendly activities. By the end of the program, you will typically complete project-based assignments while building programming, engineering, and computational thinking skills in a collaborative environment.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly available
Location: University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
Cost: Free or low-cost program opportunities available
Dates: Summer session: June 21 – July 26 | Additional fall and winter sessions available
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8 interested in computer science, robotics, and engineering
UCSD’s ForMIDABLE PREP program introduces you to computer science, robotics, and engineering through a combination of virtual programming instruction and hands-on STEM activities. During the program, you will learn Python programming, explore engineering concepts, and participate in robotics-building workshops alongside other middle school students. The curriculum also includes tutorials, career-focused workshops, invited speakers, and demonstrations that expose you to different STEM pathways and professions. You will have opportunities to interact with mentors, university affiliates, and STEM professionals while building practical technical skills in a collaborative environment. A distinctive aspect of the program is its combination of coding instruction with in-person robotics challenges and engineering activities hosted through the UC San Diego Supercomputer Center. By the end of the program, you will strengthen your computational thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while gaining exposure to university-level STEM learning.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited enrollment; ~20 students per group
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $550
Dates: Five-day summer camp sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling registration until spots fill
Eligibility: Students ages 11–15
AI and Code is a hands-on summer camp where you will explore artificial intelligence, coding, and data science through project-based learning activities. During the program, you will learn foundational concepts related to natural language processing, data analysis, data visualization, and face or voice recognition technologies. Instead of only using AI tools, you will build and train your own beginner-level AI models while learning how coding and machine learning are applied in real-world contexts. The camp also includes guided instruction from counselors and collaborative activities that help you strengthen programming and analytical thinking skills. One of the program’s central features is the independent research project, where you choose a topic of interest and present your final work at the end of the week. By the end of the camp, you will have gained exposure to core AI concepts and developed technical, presentation, and problem-solving skills in a collaborative environment.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Cohort size of approximately 20–25 students
Location: California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA
Cost: $1,450 without lodging | $2,900 with lodging | $2,050 with extended hours
Dates: July 6 – July 17
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spots fill
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12
The Summer Academy – Science & Technology Exploration Program at Cal Poly Pomona allows you to explore fields such as artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, finance, and biology through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on activities. During the program, you will participate in seminars, workshops, team-based projects, and lab experiences designed to introduce you to real-world applications of STEM concepts. You will also engage with faculty members, university staff, and current students while gaining exposure to campus life and college-level learning environments. The curriculum emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving through practical exercises and group projects. At the end of the program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Professional and Global Education.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly available
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program
Dates: Typically held during July; multiple sessions available
Application Deadline: Varies by program cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12
The Coding School’s Emerging Tech Camp introduces you to advanced technology fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, healthcare technology, web development, quantum computing, and data science through virtual, project-based learning experiences. During the program, you will develop foundational Python programming skills while exploring how emerging technologies are applied in real-world industries and research settings. The curriculum combines coding instruction with collaborative projects that allow you to experiment with AI models, cybersecurity concepts, and interdisciplinary technology applications. You will also learn from educators, researchers, and industry professionals affiliated with organizations such as Google Quantum AI, IBM Quantum, and Stanford collaborations. By the end of the program, you will complete technical projects while strengthening your coding, computational thinking, and problem-solving skills in a collaborative online environment.
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.