If you’re a high school student interested in coding, summer can be the perfect time to move beyond classroom exercises and start building real technical skills. Coding is about problem-solving, creativity, and learning how to think like a developer. Coding summer camps for high school students offer an immersive way to explore programming while gaining hands-on experience.

Imagine spending your days writing code, debugging programs, building apps or games, and collaborating on projects with other motivated students. These camps introduce you to programming languages, algorithms, and development tools in a structured yet supportive environment.

Even if you already have some coding experience, a summer camp setting can push you further. You’ll tackle more complex challenges, learn best practices, and understand how coding is applied in real-world contexts.

How do you choose the right coding summer camps for high school students?

It’s true that some camps focus more on speed than substance or offer limited depth. That’s why careful research matters, so you can pick coding summer camps that emphasize strong instruction, project-based learning, and opportunities to ask questions.

Across universities, tech organizations, and educational platforms, coding summer camps cover topics such as Python, Java, web development, game design, artificial intelligence, and data science. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for advanced study, these programs help you build both technical skills and confidence.

You’ll learn from experienced instructors, take part in coding labs and collaborative projects, and work alongside peers who share your interest in technology. Along the way, you’ll strengthen logical thinking, improve problem-solving abilities, and gain a clearer sense of what studying computer science at the next level might look like.

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 Coding Summer Camps for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their hands-on learning, strong mentorship, and ability to help students grow as programmers.

15 Coding Summer Camps for High School Students

1. Engineering with Artificial Intelligence Camp

Location: Tufts University-Medford Somerville Campus, Medford, MA
Cost/Stipend: Commuter: $4,425; Residential: $5,950; Limited need-based scholarships available
Program Dates: Session 1: Jul 5th – July 17th; Session 2: July 19th – July 31st
Application Deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: Domestic and international students must be entering grades 10-12 or be high school graduates in the program year. Please note: Participants need experience with programming in order to succeed.

Tuft’s Engineering with Artificial Intelligence is a hands-on camp where high schoolers learn artificial intelligence and machine learning. The program offers a better understanding of AI through historical contexts and mathematical foundations. You will see how academic and industry experts implement AI in the real world.

You will learn the ethics and social impact of AI, and build your own AI application to solve problems. By the end of the program, you will have understood how the complex technical mechanics, algorithms, and data processes that power modern AI platforms work.

Why it stands out: You’ll learn from academic and industry experts while building your own AI platform. You will experience how modern AI technology works on the inside.

2. Immerse Education’s Coding Summer School

Location: Cambridge and Online
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Program Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Rolling, with multiple summer cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school

The Academic Insights Coding Programme stands out among advanced coding summer camps for high school students, offering undergraduate-level study guided by expert tutors from leading global universities. The programme pairs you with expert coding tutors from universities such as Oxford and Cambridge in small classes of 4–10 students. You’ll attend university-style lectures and take part in 1:1 weekly sessions with your tutor. The programme includes practical coding experiences such as building software projects, developing algorithms, and solving real-world programming challenges.

You can focus on core coding and computer science topics, including programming languages, computational thinking, and software development foundations. By the programme’s end, you will complete a personal coding project and receive written feedback and a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: You’ll complete an independent research project guided by experienced mentors. You will experience college-level education and life through living in dorms and trips.

3. Computer Engineering for Good Camp

Location:  NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: $4,620; check the website for additional costs
Program Dates: Session 1: June 15th – July 2nd; Session 2: July 6th – July 24th
Application Deadline: May 15th
Eligibility: For U.S. and international students, ages 15 and up (current grades 9-12). Prerequisites: AP Math, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, preference for completion of PreCalc, and enrollment in AP Stats/Calculus.

The Computer Engineering for Good (CE4G) camp for high schoolers is designed to teach how to use computers and engineering to solve real-world problems. The program focuses on how to use developing world technology and computer engineering to address disparity. You will discover and explore problems, then use computer and engineering practical skills to create a solution that is sustainable.

You will learn how to use engineering skills to solve challenges like public health. During the program, you will learn how to transform design concepts into practical final products. By the end of the program, you’ll have created an application, worked with Arduino and Raspberry Pi, and built your own internet-connected devices.

Why it stands out: You will create internet-connected devices and applications to solve real-world challenges. Through hands-on work with Arduino and Raspberry Pi, you will learn how to use computer engineering for social impact.

4. Steinhardt CREATE – Coding for Game Design Camp

Location:  NYU Downtown Brooklyn Campus, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: $2,845; Scholarship available
Program Dates: Session 1: July 6th – July 17th; Session 2: July 27th – August 7th
Application Deadline: Opens in January
Eligibility: For students who will be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school in the Fall of the program year. Also, you should have an intermediate knowledge of coding, completed at least one formal programming class with a grade of B+ or higher grade; international students are welcome to apply

The Coding for Game Design Camp is designed for high schoolers to study the foundation of creating a game. You will gain insight into how to create games with professional designs, techniques, and development methods.

The camp includes both independent and teamwork with expert developers and game designers on 2D games. You can attend workshops on the responsible and effective use of AI tools. Throughout the program, you are encouraged to use all available resources to improve your knowledge and your skills.

Why it stands out: You will work with expert game designers and developers to learn the professional process while creating your own game. You’ll also explore how to use Generative AI in your work both effectively and ethically.

5. Berkeley Coding Academy: Data Science – The AI Journey Camp

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies on a package, details here
Program Dates: Full AI Package: July 6th – July 31st; Python + Data Science Package: July 6th – July 24th; Data Science + AI Package: July 13th – July 31st
Application Deadline: Not disclosed yet
Eligibility: Prerequisites: No programming knowledge is required unless you choose Package B: Without Python, starting July 13. For students ages 12–18, though advanced 11-year-olds with math and computer skills may join with permission. Computer with an internet connection good enough for Zoom. Students may join from anywhere in the world

Berkeley Coding Academy’s Data Science–The AI Journey Camp prepares high schoolers for careers in AI and Data Science, standing out as one of the most career-oriented coding summer camps for high school students, building advanced technical confidence.

You will learn to create data visuals and models while developing a portfolio through many hands-on projects. During the program, you will create your own coding notebooks and conduct original research through individual guidance. The program offers bonus time where you de-stress and network with other students. By the end, you will gain a coding notebook and earn credit.

Why it stands out: You will receive individual guidance to perform your own research while creating a certificate and a portfolio for future academic and professional pursuits.

6. SPARC Camp

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: $3,300
Program Dates: Not disclosed yet
Application Deadline: Not disclosed yet
Eligibility: For US and international students age 15+ (grades 9-12). Prerequisites: AP Math, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, Preference for completion of PreCalc and enrollment in AP Stats/Calculus

SPARC Camp at New York University offers high schoolers a chance to study the fundamentals of electrical and mechanical engineering. You will learn how to use a robotics kit to build and program your own devices.

The camp covers coding basics, such as variables and binary code, to make your robot function. You will use coding and circuitry to develop your practical programming skills. The program offers competition and challenges where you test your skills.

Why it stands out: You will compete in a tournament-style challenge while gaining hands-on experience and skills. You will build and program your own robot.

7. CMU AI Scholars Camp

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: June 20th – July 18th
Application Deadline: February 1st
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old, be in either their junior or senior year of high school, and must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

The AI Scholar Camp at Carnegie Mellon University offers a fundamental and core study of artificial intelligence. You will experience college-level study in AI taught by CMU faculty, prepare for college through seminars, and explore the ongoing research projects of faculty and graduate students.

The camp includes a virtual pre-program Python course, research projects, writing workshops, and interactive discussions designed to support your personal growth- exploring careers and academic path, college life, and networking. You will gain hands-on experience through working on group research projects, field trips to tech companies, and networking with industry professionals. At the end, you will finally present your research project.

Why it stands out: You will work on research projects with CMU faculty, develop networks with industry professionals, and explore future education and careers.

8. Tufts University Coding for Gaming Camp

Location: Tufts University-Medford Somerville Campus, Medford, MA
Cost/Stipend: $2,750; Financial aid available
Program Dates: June 22nd – June 26th
Application Deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: Domestic and international students must be entering grades 10-12 or be high school graduates in the program year. Please note: Additional eligibility requirements may be added

Tufts University’s Coding for Gaming Camp is where you design code and get to launch your own video game. The program is designed in an unconventional manner, as you will learn storytelling and character development in technical programming. You will learn how designers, developers, and storytellers work together to develop games.

Throughout the program, you will develop coding and problem-solving skills, collaborate with gaming industry professionals, and learn how to transform creative ideas into real, playable games. By the end, you will have a completely developed game to share and earn pre-matriculation credit.

Why it stands out: You will create your own game and gain professional experience in the gaming industry through hands-on projects.

9. Genomics and Bioinformatics Online Camp

Location: Virtual
Fee/Stipend: $2,950
Program Dates: July 13th – July 24th
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Exact date not disclosed yet.
Eligibility: Students currently in 9th-11th grade, international students can also apply.

Genomics and Bioinformatics Online Camp explores biology, computer science, and statistics, focusing mostly on biology. The camp prepares you for new DNA sequencing technology while developing skills. You will conduct research using bioinformatics tools and gain practical training.

You will learn how to label genes by their structure and function and compare different genes to understand how they have changed over time. During the program, direct experience is gained by managing real biological information and conducting and contributing to real research. 

Why it stands out: You will work on real bioinformatic data and a research project. You will learn how to use major databases like NCBI and JGI, and build your skills in Python programming for gene analysis.

10. Electronics & Robotics Camp

Location: Olin College of Engineering, Needham, MA, or Gann Academy/Bentley University, Waltham, MA, or The Newman School, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Tuition: $2,500, Residential Fee: $2,097
Program Dates: June 22nd – July 10th
Application Deadline: One-week programs do not require an application. They are open to students who perform at grade level or above.
Eligibility: Three-week programs are for current and rising Juniors and Seniors, but many rising 8th through 10th graders are represented as well. International students are welcome to apply

In Boston Leadership Institute’s Electronic & Robotics Camp, high schoolers get a chance to build robots while learning engineering and coding. Through hands-on activities, you will build and program custom robots that can complete tasks and pass challenges. You will use Arduino coding and professional techniques to assemble vehicles and to control the sensors.

The program allows you to learn through experimenting and solving problems independently. You will be under constant guidance and receive feedback, working in a team, and form a bond with other students. By the end, you will have acquired the required real-world knowledge and hands-on skills for future education and jobs in technology and engineering.

Why it stands out: You will work in a professional lab using professional tools and techniques while creating your own robot. You can visit engineering labs at MIT and WPI.

11. University of Texas Engineering & Computer Science Camp

Location: University of Texas: Department of Computer Science, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: $2,700
Program Dates: June 15th – July 23rd
Application Deadline: Not disclosed yet
Eligibility: For students worldwide finishing 9th or 10th grade in the program year. You need at least an 85 in Math, Science, and English (80 for advanced classes) and at least a 70 in all other subjects. Audience Reach- Austin

In the Engineering & Computer Science Camp, high schoolers explore real-world engineering and computer science. You will explore concepts, problem-solving, and how to program using professional tools.

You will study to build new technology,  visit research facilities, and network with professional engineers and career advisors to explore future college and job options. Throughout the program, university mentors and faculty will guide you with your projects and in exploring potential careers.

Why it stands out: You will be guided by UT student interns, faculty, and staff while gaining hands-on learning experience, and by career advisors to explore future college and career paths. 

12. Cryptography & Cybersecurity Camp

Location: Olin College of Engineering, Needham, MA, or Gann Academy/Bentley University, Waltham, MA, or The Newman School, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Tuition: $699, Residential Fee: $699
Program Dates: July 13th – July 17th
Application Deadline: One-week programs do not require an application. They are open to students who perform at grade level or above.
Eligibility: One-week programs are for students all around the world entering 8th grade through entering college

The Cryptography and Cybersecurity Camp teaches you how to protect data and defend against hackers. You will explore how to safeguard personal data and financial data. You will experience how experts safeguard national secrets and keep the digital world safe. During the program, through hands-on practice, you will learn how to keep the digital world functioning.

The camp is designed for students in computer science and coding. By the end, you will have learnt how to outsmart hackers and safeguard credit card data, bank information, and personal information.

Why it stands out: You will experience the practical roles of cryptography and cybersecurity experts in safeguarding government secrets and financial data from hackers.

13. UBC Geering Up High School Summer Camp

Location: UBC Vancouver campus, Vancouver, BC; UBC Kelowna campus, Kelowna, BC
Cost/Stipend: $440 – $500, varies by program theme and location
Program Dates: Weekly from July through August
Application Deadline: On the Sunday of the week before the camp begins
Eligibility: Students around the globe entering grades 8-12 (Varies by program theme and location)

UBC’s Geering Up High School Summer Camp is a weekly multi-program camp designed to be fun, challenge you, and provide hands-on experiments. In the Robotics Sr program, high schoolers in grades 10-12 will explore innovation and creativity in the field of robotics through hands-on projects. You will explore concepts and learn how to use advanced tools to create real-world solutions by addressing challenges.

You will gain practical experience by building circuits, programming a robot, or exploring AI. The program offers a distinctive opportunity to develop both technical and creative problem-solving skills. You’ll get a chance to reach your full potential and turn your biggest ideas into reality.

Why it stands out: You will get hands-on experience building circuits, programming robots, and using AI to solve real-life problems.

14. Girls Who Code Summer Pathways Camp

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts; Each cohort 6-7 weeks at your own pace; all details here
Application Deadline: Not disclosed yet
Eligibility: Girls and non-binary students in grades 9-12, including new 9th graders, summer program alumni, and graduating seniors. International students are eligible to apply

Girls Who Code Summer Pathways is one of the most accessible and community-driven coding summer camps for high school students, designed to build computer science skills through real-world projects and mentorship. During the program, you will learn how to transform your interests and passions into future careers in technology.

You’ll work on practical, real-world projects while connecting with an online community. You can attend workshops and career-advising events organized by tech companies and network with industry professionals. You will prepare for future endeavours by exploring various tech careers through connecting with engineers and entrepreneurs and participating in skill-building workshops.

Why it stands out: You’ll experience and join sisterhood and an alumni network. You will also explore future career paths with industry experts and entrepreneurs.

15. University of Waterloo CEMC Online Summer Problem-Solving Course Camp

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: registration fee: $250
Program Dates: June 29th – August 14th
Application Deadline: May 29th
Eligibility: For high school students worldwide who have finished at least Grade 11 university-track mathematics. Students planning to pursue university degrees in mathematics, computer science, engineering, or the physical sciences.

The CEMC Online Summer Problem Solving Course Camp is a flexible, at your own pace program where you explore several techniques to solve math problems. You will develop mathematical problem-solving skills and use these techniques during the program in many areas. The camp includes self-guided videos, discussion boards, and weekly assessments.

Through these online discussions, you can bond with other students and ask your mentor for help. The camp offers guidance and experience to prepare for university-level studies in mathematics, computer science, and engineering. 

Why it stands out: You will learn at your own pace through self-guided videos while building problem-solving skills. You can connect with mentors and peers through discussion boards and prepare for university-level STEM programs.

Turning Coding Practice Into Purpose

Summer coding experiences give you the space to move beyond theory and start applying skills with intention. Writing real code helps you build confidence, discipline, and strong problem-solving habits.

Through hands-on projects and mentorship, you learn how technical knowledge connects to real challenges. These environments encourage curiosity, resilience, and collaborative thinking.

Well-designed coding summer camps for high school students help bridge the gap between interest and direction, showing how coding fits into academic pathways and future careers.

To understand how experiences like these support applications, subject choices, and university readiness, explore our University Preparation blogs for practical guidance and next steps.