In high school, summer usually means no deadlines, no exams, and no late nights finishing assignments. And honestly, that’s a relief. But summer can also be a good time to try something new without the usual school pressure. Maybe you’ve been interested in coding but never had the time to explore it. Maybe learning more about AI makes you excited, but you don’t know where to start. A good AI and software development summer school can give you the space to explore those interests in a hands-on and supportive way.

Imagine joining a summer school and working on something real, writing code that works, developing a real app, training a basic machine learning model, or designing a simple game. You’ll receive guidance from mentors and instructors and engage in a supportive learning experience.

Some programs are beginner-friendly and focus on basics like Python, web development, or problem-solving. Others are more advanced and focus on research, robotics, cybersecurity, or machine learning. A few even offer paid internships so you can experience what working in tech feels like.

What kinds of software development & AI summer schools are available for high school students?

With so many options from universities, non-profits, and tech organizations, it’s easy to feel confused about which one to choose. The best ones offer a mix of both hands-on learning and in-depth theoretical knowledge. That’s why careful research is important, so you can identify the programs best for you.

Numerous institutions offer programs that focus on coding, programming, tech research, AI building, etc. You will work with industry professionals and leading faculty to design tools, engage in computer science research, and work with like-minded peers.

We’ve curated a list of 15 Software Development & AI Summer Schools for high school students. These programs are selected for their expert mentorship, hands-on learning, and real-world exposure to how software and AI are used, so your summer can be productive and genuinely exciting.

If you’re looking for more options, you can also have a look at online coding summer programs for high school students.

15 Software Development & AI Summer Schools for High School Students

1. Immerse’s Software Development & AI Summer School

Location: Boston, Toronto, Singapore, Sydney, and San Francisco
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts; Rolling admissions.
Eligibility: 15-18 year olds; Open to students worldwide 

Joining Immerse’s Software Development & AI Summer School will give you the chance to explore and immerse yourself in a hands-on learning experience. You’ll participate in practical coding exercises, work on AI projects, and collaborate on challenges. You’ll gain knowledge about a range of topics, including machine learning, neural networks, and software engineering.

You’ll get to improve your problem-solving, analytical thinking, and creativity skills. You’ll learn through expert instructions, receive one-on-one mentorship, and deeply understand the real-world impact of software engineering and AI. The program will include group workshops, expert seminars, and day excursions where you’ll get to explore famous landmarks and institutions and learn through real-world exposure.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain hands-on experience building real AI and software projects while learning directly from expert mentors in an immersive, real-world environment.

2. Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free ($25 Application fee); a $750 stipend is paid
Dates: July 21st – August 6th
Application Deadline: February 16th
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; Minimum age: 17 years; Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents 

Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program offers a seven-week intensive research experience to high school students. You’ll participate in weekly seminars, attend discussions, and go on field trips. You’ll engage in hands-on experiences in research.

The program offers a range of research areas to choose from based on your interests, including computer science, computer and electrical engineering, physics, chemistry, economics, biology, and more. The program is highly competitive and will give you a chance to develop critical thinking skills, connect with like-minded peers, and learn from expert faculty at Texas Tech.

Why it stands out: It lets you conduct competitive, faculty-mentored research across diverse fields, including computer science, while building advanced critical thinking skills at Texas Tech University.

3. MIT’s Beaver Works Summer Institute

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, and Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $2,400 for students with family income $200,001 or above; Free otherwise
Dates: July to August
Application Deadline: March 31st
Eligibility: 9th – 11th grades; Permanent U.S. residents or residing there for the duration of the program 

MIT’s Beaver Works Summer Institute offers a four-week immersive learning experience to high school students. You’ll take project-based hands-on learning courses and engage in real-world problem solving in a range of areas, including artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, and more. You’ll develop and sharpen skills in critical thinking, teamwork, and curiosity.

The program will give you the chance to explore the latest technologies in STEM, gain real-world skills, and gain exposure to future careers in the field. If you’re looking for a program that offers a hands-on learning opportunity in artificial intelligence and other areas of STEM, then this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: It will immerse you in MIT-level, project-based STEM challenges where you solve real-world problems in AI, robotics, and cybersecurity alongside passionate innovators.

4. Kode With Klossy Summer Camps

Location: Virtual and In-person  (Locations vary by year)
Cost: Free
Dates: Multiple two-week sessions between June and August
Application Deadline: To Be Announced
Eligibility: Girls and gender-expansive teens ages  13-18; Open to students worldwide 

Kode with Klossy Summer Camps offer a two-week free coding experience to students belonging to underrepresented genders in the STEM fields. students. You’ll be placed in one of the four curricula offered by the programs based on availability and prior experience. The curricula include machine learning, mobile app development, web development, and data science.

You’ll engage in building dynamic websites, learn the importance of responsive design, learn the fundamental concepts in artificial intelligence and machine learning, including algorithms, chatbot training using Python, data sets, and natural language processing. You’ll learn from licensed educators, gain practical coding skills, and also participate in a speaker series apart from direct learning experiences. 

Why it stands out: You’ll gain hands-on experience in AI, web development, mobile app development, and data science while learning in an inclusive space built to empower future women and gender-expansive leaders in tech

5. America On Tech’s TECH360

Location: America On Tech sites in New York, NY, Los Angeles, CA, Miami, FL, and Atlanta, GA (virtual + in-person sessions)
Cost/Stipend: Free; $500 stipend paid on completion
Dates: Vary by locations
Application Deadline: Typically, May
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, ages 15-19, attending high school in New York City (all boroughs), Atlanta, Los Angeles County, or Miami-Dade/Broward County

America On Tech’s TECH360 offers you an in-depth exploration of the world of AI. You’ll gain knowledge about generative and predictive tools and learn how they are developed. You’ll explore a range of interesting questions through the program, including where AI comes from and why it is trending now, how to use AI effectively and ethically, and what concepts from data science and machine learning explain how AI works. and many more.

You’ll also get to work on a final group project, apply your knowledge of the program, and pitch an AI-powered tool to clients. The best and top-rated projects will be presented in front of a panel at Demo Day. 

Why it stands out: It lets you dive deep into how AI works, build and pitch your own AI-powered solution, and showcase your innovation at a competitive Demo Day.

6. Boston Tech Apprentice

Location: Various companies across Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $15/hour stipend is paid
Dates: Six to Seven weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Boston Public School students

Boston Tech Apprentice is one of the most industry-immersive software development & AI summer school because it places you inside local companies for six to seven weeks of paid work. You gain real-world tech experience while exploring future career options, and you may work across different industries depending on your interests and the company’s needs.

Some of the projects that will be assigned to you include website designing, software programming, coding, quality assurance, help desk or troubleshooting support, video production, and social media. If you’re a high school student passionate and curious about technology, then this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: It will give you paid, hands-on experience in software development and IT by placing you inside real tech companies to work on live projects.

7. Johns Hopkins’ ASPIRE

Location: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD, and Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: June 23rd – August 21st
Application Deadline: February 15th
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors; Minimum age: 15; Must be U.S. citizens with a minimum 2.8 GPA. More information here 

Johns Hopkins’ ASPIRE offers you an opportunity to explore STEM careers. You’ll be paired with APL staff mentors, work on projects, engage in problem-solving, and learn the hands-on application of technical and interpersonal skills. Some of the projects included in specific areas of interest are artificial intelligence and machine learning, programming and computer science, information technology and cybersecurity, and more.

You’ll have the opportunity to choose up to three projects. The types of projects include coding and software, technology, electronics and hardware, research and development, design, defence, and more. If you’re interested in an intensive internship experience in STEM, this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll work alongside APL mentors on real AI, software, and cybersecurity projects while gaining hands-on experience in solving complex STEM challenges.

8. NYU’s Summer Program for Automation, Robotics, and Coding (SPARC)

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn/New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $3,300
Dates: To Be Announced
Application Deadline: To Be Announced
Eligibility: Current 9th-12th grade students;  ages 15+;  Open to students worldwide; Prerequisites: AP Math, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, Preference for completion of PreCalc and enrollment in AP Stats/Calculus

NYU’s Summer Programs for Automation, Robotics, and Coding (SPARC) introduces you to hands-on experience in robotics and engineering. You’ll learn the foundations of mechatronics, programming, and robotics. You’ll have the opportunity to develop core programming skills, including binary code, conditionals, variables, and loops, and participate in robot competitions and challenges.

The program will give you an interesting opportunity to test your robot in tournament-style competitions in real-world robotics scenarios. You’ll also engage in hands-on manipulation of components present in your robotics kit and learn the applications of actuators, interface sensors, and microcontrollers.

Why it stands out: It lets you build and program your own robots while mastering core coding concepts and competing in real-world, tournament-style robotics challenges.

9. Stanford AI4ALL

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA, or Virtual
Cost: Residential: $9,800; Online: $4,120
Dates: Virtual: June 15-21; Residential: July 19-31
Application Deadline: February 6th
Eligibility: 9th-grade students; Open to students worldwide

Stanford AI4ALL allows you to explore the real-world positive impact of artificial intelligence. You’ll attend lectures, live demonstrations with AI companies, work on group research projects, and participate in career workshops. You’ll explore a range of AI-related concepts, including medical AI, natural language processing, robotics, and computer vision. You’ll learn through mentorship from AI practitioners and get to solve meaningful, real-world problems.

Some of the past research projects include the development of AI-powered robotic systems that recognize and categorize objects by their visual traits by using computer vision techniques, the development of an NLP-based classification system to analyze communications during disaster scenarios, and more.

Why it stands out: It will immerse you in meaningful AI research while working with mentors to build solutions that create real-world social impact.

10. NYU’s Machine Learning Program

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn/New York, NY
Cost: $3,180
Dates: Vary by sessions
Application Deadline: Session 1 – April 17th; Session 2 & 3 – May 1st
Eligibility: 9th-12th grade high school students worldwide; Ages 15+; Prerequisites: Precalculus and some programming experience

NYU’s Machine Learning Program offers a two-week summer learning experience to high school students. You’ll participate in hands-on ML programming, gain knowledge about data analysis techniques, engage in real-world applications of machine learning, and develop problem-solving skills. You’ll be introduced to mathematical techniques, computer science, and logic that is the driving force behind the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

You’ll attend lessons focused on a range of topics that are important in our everyday lives, including image and video recognition technologies, autonomous vehicles, real-time monitoring and traffic control, latest diagnostic medical technologies, and voice controls for homes.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore hands-on machine learning programming while also learning how AI powers real-world technologies like image recognition, autonomous vehicles, and smart systems.

11. Princeton AI4ALL

Location: Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Dates: July 9-30
Application Deadline: April 9th
Eligibility: Rising 11th graders from the US/Puerto Rico.

Princeton AI4ALL offers low-income high school students an inspiring learning opportunity. You’ll attend lectures, work on hands-on research projects, receive mentorship and guidance, and also get to go on field trips. You’ll explore the real-world societal impact of AI, gain knowledge about important concepts, and build a strong community of people sharing a similar passion for AI.

You’ll learn from AI professors at Princeton, engage in personal growth and career development through expert-led lectures and mentoring sessions. At the conclusion of the program, you’ll get to share a group presentation of your work.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore AI through hands-on research, mentorship from Princeton professors, and meaningful projects that examine its real-world social impact.

12. UT Austin Computer Science Summer Academies

Location: Gates Dell Complex & UT Austin campus, Austin, TX
Cost: Free
Dates: Academy for All: June 7-13; Academy for Machine Learning: June 14-19
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in Early winter
Eligibility: Rising 11th-12th grade students; Open to students worldwide

UT Austin Computer Science Summer Academies is one of the most hands-on software development & AI summer school, delivered as a week-long residential experience with two focused tracks. In the Standard edition, you explore project management, C++, teamwork, and careers in tech through structured, practical learning.

You’ll get to code an Arduino microcontroller, explore new technologies with industry experts and professors, and connect with UT students and explore the campus. In the machine learning edition of the academy, you’ll explore topics such as Python programming, implementation of machine learning concepts, and explore careers in tech, and work on project management.

Why it stands out: It lets you build real projects in C++, Python, and machine learning, while coding Arduino devices and learning directly from UT Austin professors.

13. George Mason’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, or Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $1299 + $25 application fee; Fee is waived based on financial need
Dates: June 18th – August 12th
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: 15-18 year old students; Open to students worldwide 

George Mason’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) will offer you a transformative research learning experience. You’ll work one-on-one with faculty researchers, gain hands-on experience working with the latest technologies and equipment, and explore careers in STEM fields.

You’ll get to focus on a range of scientific areas, including software engineering, machine learning, computer modeling, robotics, computer simulations, data science for social good, cybersecurity, and many more. You’ll develop and practice creative skills essential for innovative research, including scientific writing and communication, and also have the chance to earn three college credits from the University.

Why it stands out: You’ll work directly with university researchers on real projects in machine learning, software engineering, robotics, and cybersecurity while earning college credit.

14. Microsoft Discovery Program

Location: Microsoft’s offices in Atlanta, GA, or Redmond, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free; A stipend is paid
Dates: Atlanta: July 6th – July 31st; Redmond: July 13th – August 7th
Application Deadline: Applications open in early February
Eligibility: High school graduating seniors living and attending high school within 50 miles of Redmond, Washington OR live and attend high school around Atlanta, Georgia. 

The Microsoft Discovery Program offers you a four-week hands-on internship experience. You’ll form a professional network, receive mentorship from Microsoft employees, and work on engaging projects. You’ll have the opportunity to develop technical and foundational skills. The program will help you understand your passion and potential for a tech career.

You’ll also gain access to resources helpful for your interview journey. If you’re interested in learning tech through hands-on experience in an inclusive, growth-focused culture, this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: It will place you on a real Microsoft team to build software, receive direct mentorship from engineers, and gain practical skills used in professional tech careers.

15. Arizona State University’s SUCCESS Camp

Location: Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus, Mesa, AZ
Cost: $300
Dates: May 27-30 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Grade 6th-12th students 

Arizona State University’s SUCCESS Camp introduces you to the field of computing. You’ll participate in a hands-on, experiential, and fun learning experience. Each day will be focused on a specific computing field, including AI, game development, cybersecurity, web and app development, augmented/virtual reality, and embedded systems.

The program does not require prior experience in programming. You’ll have the chance to participate in a range of hands-on activities, including the creation of games, experimenting with a virtual reality headset, sharpening cybersecurity skills, developing an AI-based web application, and building an LED message wall. 

Why it stands out: You’ll explore AI, game development, cybersecurity, and app design through daily hands-on projects, building AI web apps, and experimenting with VR and embedded systems.

See How AI Shapes Real Industries

AI is already shaping how we shop, learn, travel, and get healthcare. When you build even a simple model, it stops feeling like hype.

A software development & AI summer school helps you go from curiosity to capability, with coding practice, guided projects, and mentor feedback.

You’ll leave with a portfolio, clearer interests, and a better sense of where you fit, from apps to research to robotics.

Want to keep learning what’s next in education and tech? Explore our Educational Innovation blogs for edtech trends, practical insights, and career guidance you can use right away.