In your high school years, summer often feels like a pause between demanding academic terms. Yet this time can become more meaningful if you choose to explore interests that regular classes rarely cover. You could experiment with programming, understand how software shapes everyday life, or build digital tools of your own. A tech & coding summer school can turn free weeks into a period of discovery and confidence-building.

Imagine designing a simple app, training a basic machine learning model, or collaborating with students from different parts of the world to solve real-world challenges through code. The result is not just technical knowledge, but a clearer sense of what you may want to study in the future. You might spend your days learning new programming languages, exploring cybersecurity, game design, robotics, or data science, and then applying those ideas in practical projects.

What kinds of tech & coding summer schools for high school students are there?

Choosing the right program can feel overwhelming because opportunities vary widely in depth, teaching style, and outcomes. Some focus heavily on theory, while others prioritize hands-on building. Understanding the different types available helps you match your goals with the right experience.

You’ll find various summer schools centered on areas such as computer programming, artificial intelligence, web development, cybersecurity, robotics, and game design. Some programs emphasize collaborative projects and hackathon-style challenges, while others simulate academic research or introduce you to emerging technologies. You may attend lectures, work in labs, present your ideas, and connect with mentors who study or work in technology fields.

No matter which path you choose, you will be stepping into an environment that rewards curiosity and persistence. To make your search easier, we’ve crafted the following list, highlighting 15 Tech and Coding Summer Schools for high school students. We’ve selected them for their learning quality, practical exposure, and strong educational reputation.

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

15 Tech & Coding Summer Schools for High School Students 

1. Immerse Education’s Coding Summer School

Location: Cambridge, UK, and Online
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Average class size of 7 participants per class
Dates: 2 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged roughly 13-18; international students can apply for both in-person and online programs

Immerse Education’s Coding Summer School gives you a chance to deepen your understanding of software development and computational thinking with guided instruction and hands-on practice. At in-person programs, you learn through seminars, group challenges, and real coding projects that reflect how programmers work in industry and research. Instructors with experience in programming support you as you explore algorithms, software design, and languages like Python while building projects that push your skills forward.

Online options provide flexibility if you prefer learning from home but still want live discussions and expert feedback. Throughout the program, you work collaboratively with peers who share your curiosity and ambition for technology, gaining insights beyond a typical classroom. Completing the program earns you feedback and a certificate that can strengthen university applications and signal your commitment to coding. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: It offers flexible in-person and online pathways to explore coding with mentorship from experienced tutors in an academically focused setting. 

2. Research Science Institute (RSI)

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: Six weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Typically around December
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (students who have completed the equivalent of three years of high school); the program is open to U.S. and international students

The Research Science Institute gives you an opportunity to spend six weeks on the MIT campus fully immersed in advanced scientific research and STEM learning, and it’s one of the most academically rigorous tech & coding summer school experiences for students drawn to serious research. You begin with intensive classes on current topics in science and technology, then spend most of your time in independent research under the mentorship of experienced scientists and engineers.

Over the course of the program, you work with academic literature, develop your own project plan, and execute original experiments or simulations. At the end of the summer, you write a professional research paper and present your findings in both written and oral formats to your peers and mentors. This immersive blend of theory, practice, and communication gives you a near-college-level research experience well before university.

Why it stands out: You get a rare chance to conduct authentic original research at one of the world’s leading technology universities with mentorship from real scientists. 

3. Computer Science Scholars (CS Scholars)

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive and selective with a small cohort
Dates: June 20th – July 18th
Application Deadline: February 1st
Eligibility: You must be in high school between 10th and 11th grade or between 11th and 12th grade during the summer of the program year; open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents 

Carnegie Mellon’s Computer Science Scholars program invites you to spend four immersive weeks exploring foundational and advanced ideas in computing on a top research university campus, making it one of the most academically intensive tech & coding summer school experiences. You’ll engage in college-level classes that cover Python programming, algorithms, mathematical reasoning, and problem solving while working closely with faculty, graduate students, and peers who share your passion for technology. The curriculum also includes seminars on personal growth, college readiness, and reflective writing, helping you prepare for both academic and professional pathways.

Beyond classroom time, you’ll participate in group projects where you apply your learning to real challenges and present your work at a symposium at the end of the program. Social activities and mentorship foster a supportive community while giving you a taste of residential STEM life. Designed to broaden access to computing education, the experience balances technical learning with personal development and exposure to industry trends.

Why it stands out: You get an immersive introduction to computer science that combines hands-on coding with mentorship, research exposure, and college readiness in a world-class tech environment.

4. Stony Brook Pre-College Summer: Machine Learning and Self-Driving

Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: Residential $2,250; Commuter $1,250
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective cohort
Dates: July 20-25
Application Deadline: May 15th
Eligibility: Designed for rising high school juniors and seniors; open to U.S. residents and international students

In this one-week course, you dive into machine learning and the fundamentals of self-driving systems through guided lectures and hands-on activities, making it one of the most focused, application-first tech & coding summer school experiences for students curious about AI in motion. You’ll explore key ideas like machine learning algorithms, neural network structures, and data analysis techniques using platforms like PyTorch while gaining practical exposure through exercises involving remote-control vehicles.

The programme guides you from understanding basic concepts to applying them in tests where you train models that help vehicles drive autonomously. Alongside technical learning, you get a sense of college life and connect with students who share your interests in artificial intelligence and robotics. You’ll leave with insights into how AI shapes autonomous systems and what future paths you can pursue in computing or engineering. Here’s the application link.

Why it stands out: You gain a project-based introduction to machine learning and self-driving technology in a concentrated, hands-on collegiate environment.

5. Tufts Engineering with Artificial Intelligence

Location: Tufts University, Medford/Somerville, MA
Cost/Stipend: Commuter $4,425; Residential $5,950
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: July 5th – July 17th; Session 2: July 19th – July 31st
Application Deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 10-12 or recent high school graduates; both domestic and international students may apply

In this Tufts Pre-College Engineering with Artificial Intelligence program, you explore the foundations and real-world impact of AI and machine learning through hands-on learning and guided discussions. You begin by building a strong base in algorithmic thinking, mathematical concepts, and Python coding with support from instructors and teaching assistants. The program balances technical development with critical conversations about ethics, societal impacts, and responsibilities of engineers working with advanced technologies.

Throughout the two-week session, you work on a collaborative project where you apply machine learning tools to design solutions and demonstrate your work in a capstone showcase. By the end, you not only gain deeper confidence in coding and AI concepts but also see how these tools intersect with broader social and technical challenges.

Why it stands out: You build and implement real AI-powered solutions while exploring ethical and societal questions with expert insight.

6. MITES Summer

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: Six-week summer session
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in early February
Eligibility: To apply, you must be a high school junior who is a U.S. citizen or a U.S. permanent resident

MITES Summer is a six-week residential enrichment program that gives you a deep dive into life in science, engineering, mathematics, and related fields on MIT’s campus. You will take intensive courses in subjects such as advanced math, physics, and electives like machine learning or genomics, gaining exposure to real scientific thinking and problem-solving.

Beyond classroom time, you explore labs, participate in seminars, and attend college and career preparation sessions that help clarify pathways in STEM. Social activities and academic resources help you refine both your academic skills and your understanding of what college STEM study involves. This program is particularly valuable if you want a structured experience that mirrors the challenge and culture of top tech and engineering universities.

Why it stands out: You will immerse yourself in rigorous STEM learning at MIT that’ll help you gear up for future college studies.

7. Coding for Game Design High School Summer Program

Location: NYU Downtown Brooklyn Campus, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Tuition $2,845
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: July 6-17; Session 2: July 27th – August 7th
Application Deadline: Rolling; deadline to apply for Scholarships is April 30th
Eligibility: students who will be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school in the fall of the program year; international students may apply

This NYU Steinhardt summer program immerses you in the fundamentals of game design and coding over two intensive weeks. You learn how game developers think about mechanics, dynamics, scripting, and testing using tools like Unity and the language C#. Through daily lessons and structured project time, you build your own 2D game while working alongside peers and guidance from experienced designers.

The curriculum also introduces you to using generative AI responsibly for creative and technical tasks, expanding how you engage with modern development tools. Collaborative sessions and individual coding time balance creativity with problem-solving, and you finish by showcasing your project to the group. This environment blends practical coding skills with creative design thinking in a way that mirrors real industry workflows. Here’s the application link.

Why it stands out: You get hands-on game creation experience using professional tools while learning from industry-aligned instructors. 

8. AI Scholars

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 20th – July 18th
Application Deadline: February 1st
Eligibility: You must be in your 11th or 12th grade year in high school during the summer of the program year and aged 16+ by the program start date; open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents 

AI Scholars at Carnegie Mellon invites you to spend a transformative four weeks on campus exploring foundational and advanced ideas in artificial intelligence. You join students with shared enthusiasm for technology and work directly with faculty and researchers on real-world challenges through classroom instruction, hands-on research projects, and industry-focused experiences.

The program also includes sessions on college preparation, writing workshops, career development, and seminars that help broaden your perspective on computing and its applications. Throughout the experience, you contribute to team projects and present your work at a final symposium that showcases what you have learned. Living and learning in a university environment gives you a clearer sense of what STEM study looks like at the college level.

Why it stands out: You get an immersive, deep dive experience in artificial intelligence with mentorship from world-class faculty. 

9. Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy

Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA
Cost/Stipend: $5,197
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 21st – July 3rd
Application Deadline: March 9th
Eligibility: You must have completed 10th or 11th grade by the start of the program and plan to continue your high school studies in the subsequent fall; have an overall B average (3.0, weighted or unweighted) in all of your high school coursework; must be 16+ by the program start date; both domestic and international students may apply

The Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy gives you a two-week immersive experience on the UC Berkeley campus where you explore foundational ideas in computer science through an engaging mix of collaborative projects, coding exercises, and conceptual challenges, making it one of the most fast-paced tech & coding summer school experiences. The academy builds from basic computing principles to practical projects that allow you to apply what you learn, and you’ll finish by showcasing your work at the Code Celebration event.

Beyond academics, residential life introduces you to campus culture and connects you with peers who share your interest in technology. Activities and optional college preparation workshops broaden your summer experience and help you think about future academic choices. Here’s the application link.

Why it stands out: You’ll follow a Berkeley-designed curriculum that blends coding fundamentals with peer collaboration and a collegiate residential experience.

10. DEEP Summer Academy

Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Cost/Stipend: Fee varies; domestic students: $732/week; international students: $1111/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6th – July 31st
Application Deadline: Round 1 begins March 3rd; Round 2 ends April 1st
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9 through 12; international applicants are eligible

The DEEP Summer Academy gives you a multi-week chance to explore engineering, technology, and science topics at the University of Toronto’s engineering faculty while being guided by graduate and undergraduate instructors. You pick from a range of week-long courses that tackle subjects usually seen in advanced undergraduate or graduate study, from robotics and electronics to design thinking and computational projects.

Instruction combines lecture time, project work, and collaborative problem solving so that you not only absorb new concepts but also apply them to real challenges. Being on campus helps you get a feel for university life and what engineering study at a research-intensive school looks like. Courses are small and interactive, encouraging you to engage with peers who are similarly passionate about STEM. Beyond technical topics, you develop teamwork, analytical thinking, and creative confidence in a supportive environment.

Why it stands out: You can tailor your summer by combining up to four week-long engineering courses that dive deeper into university-level concepts.

11. Engineering & Computer Science Camp

Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: $2,700
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15th – July 23rd
Application Deadline: Rolling; seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: Open to students who will have graduated from 9th or 10th grade by the summer of the program year; both U.S. and international students can participate

At this five-week Engineering & Computer Science Camp, you’ll get a balanced introduction to real-world engineering ideas, computational thinking, and coding. The curriculum covers basics like Scratch programming along with more advanced object-oriented languages such as Python, giving you space to practise and grow your skills through hands-on projects. Faculty, university staff, and UT student interns support you as you explore technology development, tackle engineering challenges, and make sense of how computing interacts with modern systems.

Alongside classroom activities, you’ll also visit labs on campus, hear from career speakers, and take part in college and career exploration sessions that help frame your summer learning in a broader context. Although this camp doesn’t offer high school course credit, it does give you a structured space to learn, experiment, and build confidence before future academic or tech pursuits. You’ll also earn a certificate of completion that showcases your commitment to engineering and computing.

Why it stands out: You get an extended, in-person summer camp that blends coding, engineering concepts, and real tech exposure at a major research university. 

12. Summer Program for Automation, Robotics, and Coding (SPARC)

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Downtown Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Tuition $2,800
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple two-week sessions throughout the summer
Application Deadline: Typically around mid-May
Eligibility: Rising 9th through 12th graders aged about 15 and above; U.S. and international students can apply

The SPARC program gives you a concentrated two-week introduction to key concepts in robotics, automation, and coding at NYU Tandon’s engineering campus, making it one of the most hands-on tech & coding summer school experiences. You’ll learn how to design, build, and program robots using microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators while developing a solid foundation in mechanical and electrical systems alongside coding basics. Daily sessions mix hands-on labs with guided instruction so that you are continually applying what you learn and refining your technical fluency..

You will work with peers on team challenges that mirror real engineering problems and learn how to troubleshoot systems in real time. This blend of theory and practice helps build confidence as you work through engineering concepts through active creation. Along the way, you’ll also get a feel for life in a university STEM environment and how collaborative tech projects unfold.

Why it stands out: You’ll get practical experience building and programming robots in a collaborative, tech-focused environment.

13. International Science School (ISS)

Location: University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 110 students
Dates: July 6-19
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school students in Years 11 or 12; Australian students apply directly by merit criteria through the University, while international students are selected through ISS partner organisations in countries including India, the USA, China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom

The International Science School invites you to spend two unforgettable weeks on the Sydney campus exploring science at a high level alongside peers from around the world. You’ll attend lectures delivered by world-class researchers, take part in hands-on experimental activities, and go behind the scenes on tours of cutting-edge labs in fields like computing, engineering, and biology. Workshops and seminars challenge you to think critically and creatively about ethical and leadership issues connected to science and technology.

Beyond the core academic experiences, there is a packed social program where you build friendships across cultures through group dinners, talent nights, trivia challenges, and excursions such as a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise. Because the program is fully funded for selected students, including travel support for many international scholars, you can focus on learning and community without financial barriers.

Why it stands out: You’ll join a diverse global cohort that connects you directly with leading scientists and STEM peers in an inspiring university environment. 

14. Electronics & Robotics (Boston Leadership Institute)

Location: Gann/Bentley University, Waltham, MA
Cost/Stipend: Approximately $2,500 for the three-week tuition
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22nd – July 10th
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility:  Open to students entering grades 8-12; both U.S. residents and international students may apply

In this three-week summer experience, you explore the fundamentals of electronics, engineering, and coding while building your own robotic vehicles and machines that respond to code and sensors. You begin by learning essential concepts from mechanical and electrical engineering, and then apply your skills to real challenges like programming robots to react to sound or complete retrieval tasks. You handle tools like Arduino boards and practice soldering, giving you hands-on experience with the hardware that engineers use every day.

Small group work and creative problem solving are central parts of the program, helping you think like an engineer as you refine your designs and debug your systems with support from instructors. Field trips to nearby labs, such as those at MIT and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, give you a glimpse of professional engineering environments and how these disciplines play out in real research settings. You also build teamwork and communication skills as you share ideas, solve problems together, and present projects to peers.

Why it stands out: You get a practical, project-based introduction to robotics and electronics with opportunities to visit real engineering labs and work with advanced tools. 

15. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive and very small cohort
Dates: June 21st – August 6th
Application Deadline: February 16th
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or recent high school graduates (must be at least 17 years old by program start); U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible

The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program invites you to join a seven-week immersive summer research experience where you work directly with experienced faculty on real academic projects across disciplines, including computer science, engineering, and data analysis. You begin by refining your research question and methods alongside your faculty mentor, then conduct hands-on investigation in labs or academic environments that mirror genuine university research.

Weekly seminars, field trips, and social activities support your technical growth while helping you build community with other talented peers. By the end of the program, you compile and defend a detailed research report that showcases your findings and research skills. Alongside the intellectual challenge, living on campus introduces you to life within a major research institution and helps you develop independence. This program is ideal if you want to test your academic potential in a research setting before college.

Why it stands out: You get an in-depth, fully funded research experience with one-on-one mentorship in a selective cohort at a major research university. 

AI, Cybersecurity, Or Game Design Next

A good summer experience can turn casual interest into real capability, because you build, test, and improve projects with expert guidance.

In a tech & coding summer school, you might train a simple model, secure a mini system, or ship a playable prototype, then explain how it works.

You’ll leave with stronger problem-solving habits, better teamwork skills, and a clearer sense of which tech lane genuinely excites you.

If you’re choosing between AI, cybersecurity, or software engineering, don’t guess. Explore our Career Exploration blogs for practical guidance that helps you pick with confidence.