15 Coding Camps for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- a few seconds ago
- 9 min read
If you’re a high school student interested in learning programming or exploring computer science, joining a coding camp can be a practical way to start.Â
What are coding camps? Why should I participate as a high school student?
Coding camps are different from longer academic programs because they’re shorter, more flexible, and centered around doing rather than studying. You might spend one to three weeks building apps, solving challenges, or designing games while getting guidance from instructors or industry mentors.Â
These camps are designed to help you understand how coding works through short, focused sessions that combine learning with hands-on experience.Â
What will I do as a participant?
You’ll work on projects, learn to think like a developer, and explore how coding connects to areas like app design, robotics, or AI. They also give you a clear sense of how programming is used in work settings and help you decide what kind of tech-related fields interest you most.
To help you find one that suits your interests, we’ve put together a list of 15 coding camps for high school students!
Location: Virtual/several locations nationwide
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 2 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Typically early spring
Eligibility: Women and gender expansive teens aged 13–18
At Kode With Klossy, you can explore one of four specialized coding tracks that introduce you to real-world applications of computer science. In two weeks, you’ll learn to build responsive websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, train an AI chatbot with Python, design iOS apps in Swift, or visualize data with SQL and Python. Each path focuses on practical, hands-on projects that develop your problem-solving and collaboration skills. The program encourages you to think critically about technology’s social impact, particularly in areas like bias and accessibility.Â
2. Veritas AIÂ
Location:Â Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.Â
Application deadline:Â On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Program dates:Â Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility:Â High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.Â
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.Â
Location: Varies
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Weeklong sessions in June – August
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: All high school students can apply
GenCyber offers a series of cybersecurity-focused coding camps for high school students that immerse you in the foundations of digital security and responsible online behavior. You’ll study topics such as cyber hygiene, password protection, phishing, and ethical hacking through labs, simulations, and group activities. Many sessions also incorporate networking basics, Linux commands, and even hands-on exercises using devices like Raspberry Pi or Arduino. The program emphasizes both technical understanding and digital citizenship, including how to protect data, identify vulnerabilities, and navigate technology safely.
Location: St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX
Cost: Free (includes lunch)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 18 students per camp
Dates: 1-week camps in the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 14 years old by June 1
At St. Mary’s University, you can join one-week technology camps for high schoolers that introduce you to different areas of computer science and engineering. Each session focuses on a specific topic, such as Python for data analytics, machine learning for online safety, robotics, or game development, and ends with a hands-on project you can present. You’ll get to explore university labs, meet faculty, and see how coding connects with real engineering and problem-solving work. Some camps emphasize creative applications like building 3D models or programming drones, while others teach cybersecurity or mobile app development.Â
Location: The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
Cost: $395
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 23–27
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
Hosted by the Jindal School of Management at UT Dallas, the Information Technology and Systems Exploration Camp introduces you to how businesses and organizations use technology to solve problems. You’ll get to build computers, program Arduino boards, and explore cybersecurity and data visualization through guided activities. The camp also includes a corporate site visit, where you’ll see how companies apply IT systems in real-world environments. By combining technical learning with exposure to industry operations, the camp helps you understand how information systems connect hardware, software, and people.
6. Camp Integem
Location: Several locations in California
Cost: Varies by location and program; Approximately $550-$800 per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Enrollment-based
Dates: 1 – 3 week sessions over the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students aged 5.5–18 (high school students enroll in advanced tracks)
Camp Integem combines coding with creativity, offering interactive courses in AI, robotics, augmented reality, drones, and 3D game design. You’ll design immersive AR environments, develop intelligent robots, and create interactive games inspired by real-world platforms like Minecraft and Roblox. The camp’s holographic AR approach lets you step inside your own digital worlds, experimenting with physics, design, and interactivity. You can also gain hands-on experience with tools like Python and NVIDIA AI technology, earning certifications that showcase your applied skills.
Location: Bowie State University, Maryland (in-person); virtual options available
Cost: $295 (early bird if paid by March 31); $350 after that. Before/after care available for $15 and $55 weekly
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small groups with personalized attention
Dates: Five-day sessions in July (Session 1: July 14–18; Session 2: July 21–25; Session 3: July 28–August 1)
Application Deadline: Rolling; $50 deposit to hold your spot
Eligibility: Ages 7–17 (high school students in advanced tracks)
Code Super Powers offers a hands-on, affordable summer experience at Bowie State University, where you can choose from Roblox game development, Minecraft modding, Python coding, AI art and music creation, and animation. The camp runs 9 am–3 pm Monday through Friday, with optional extended care if you need it. Instructors are experienced software engineers who make learning feel fun rather than stressful. You work in small groups, so everyone gets help when they need it. The camp also offers full and partial scholarships, which means cost won't hold you back if your family qualifies for financial assistance.
Location: Stanford University, Palo Alto, California (online option available)
Cost: Free or $1,750 (online); scholarships and financial aid available; residential program includes housing and meals
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; focused on diversity in AI
Dates: Two weeks (June 18 – July 2)
Application Deadline: January 24
Eligibility: Rising 10th graders (must be entering 10th grade in fall); emphasis on underrepresented students in tech
Stanford AI4ALL is a two-week program created by Stanford's Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence lab to get more diverse voices into artificial intelligence. You'll work directly on real Stanford research projects in areas like medical AI, computer vision, robotics, and natural language processing. You'll collaborate with Stanford graduate students and researchers, attend career panels from AI professionals, go on field trips to tech companies, and build something real that could actually help solve real-world problems. The program is designed for beginners, so you don't need prior experience.
Location: University of California, Berkeley (residential only)
Cost: $5,060 (includes tuition, housing, meals, activities, and on-site support)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts with personalized support
Dates: Two weeks (June or July )
Application Deadline: Typically Mid MarchÂ
Eligibility: Ages 16–17; no prior coding experience required (students placed in appropriate level group)
Berkeley's Summer Computer Science Academy is short but intense. You'll spend two weeks on one of the world's top computer science campuses doing the same intro course that Berkeley undergrads take—it's called "The Beauty and Joy of Computing" and it's known for teaching real CS concepts in a way that actually makes sense. You'll work through visual coding challenges every day using a programming language called Snap!, learning everything from algorithms to the social impact of technology. There's no lecture-hall feeling here; instructors are experienced and supportive. The program ends with a Code Celebration where you present the coding project you designed yourself to Berkeley faculty and get real feedback.
Location: Virtual/USC campus, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $200 (virtual), $600 (in-person). Limited scholarships availableÂ
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Virtual: 5–8 students; In-person: 6–8 students
Dates: 2 weeks (virtual), 1 week (in-person)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
The CS@SC Summer Coding Camps at the University of Southern California let you explore computer science beyond what’s taught in school. You can take beginner to advanced tracks in areas like Java, Python, web development, game design, cybersecurity, mobile app development, and even drone programming. Each course builds on hands-on projects, such as coding apps with MIT App Inventor or developing 3D games in Unity, that reinforce both creativity and logic. You’ll work with real programming tools while learning about algorithms, data structures, and software design.Â
Location: Virtual/Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost: $350
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 3 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders
The Duke Summer Coding Camp introduces you to computational thinking and Python programming through a three-week online experience led by Duke University faculty. You’ll engage in both live and self-paced lessons, applying your new skills to guided projects that reinforce logic, problem-solving, and data handling. The program ends with a capstone event hosted on the Duke campus (in-person attendance is optional), giving you a chance to share what you’ve built. Throughout the camp, you’ll focus on the foundations of coding: understanding algorithms, control structures, and how to write efficient, readable code.Â
Location: Virtual
Cost: $499 (one week); $199 (2 days)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Enrollment-based
Dates: Camps run throughout the summer (June-August)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
CodeWizardsHQ hosts short, project-driven coding camps for high school students, blending popular games with programming fundamentals. In the Fortnite development camp, you’ll use Unreal Engine for Fortnite to build playable worlds, complete with characters, vehicles, and interactive features. If you prefer data-driven work, the AI and Machine Learning camp walks you through building image-recognition models and integrating them into web applications. Both options balance creativity with core computational thinking, showing how coding applies to entertainment and innovation alike. Each session is guided by instructors who help you build functional, portfolio-ready projects using professional-grade tools.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $89/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 3–5 students/camp
Dates: 4–5 days in the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
Create & Learn offers a wide range of online coding camps for high school students that focus on coding, AI, robotics, and game development. You can choose from over forty topics, including Python for AI, Unity game design, modern web development, and machine learning with ChatGPT. Classes are kept small (usually just a few students per instructor) so you get personalized feedback and time to ask questions. Each camp emphasizes practical application, guiding you through coding your own games, building websites, or training AI models.
13. NextGen Bootcamp
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,699 – $3,095
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 4–6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
At NextGen Bootcamp, you can learn programming languages like Python and Java or explore computer science fundamentals through live, instructor-led classes. These online and in-person sessions are structured around real-world projects, giving you hands-on practice from the start. The Computer Science Summer Certificate program introduces both Python and Java while connecting those skills to data science and machine learning concepts. You’ll also find shorter courses that focus on one language or area, such as AI and Java. Each course is designed to help you strengthen your problem-solving abilities and build confidence using professional tools that are central to today’s technology fields.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD 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.
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