Top 10 Summer Coding Camps for High School Students

If you are a high school student interested in participating in a summer coding program, then you came to the right place. It is never too early to start preparing for your future, and at Scholarships360, we did the research for you with this list of the best summer coding camps for high school students. Let’s dive in!

What is a coding camp?

Summer programs give high schoolers the opportunity to hone in on their craft or maybe even decide what their craft is. These programs sometimes help students decide if a certain career path is right or wrong for them as they consider college majors. More than these things, programs like these help high school students develop skills that they can take into college and beyond. 

Coding programs are extremely helpful to many high school students because it is something that is often not offered in the general curriculum at most high schools. So, programs like these help students interested in STEM to see if coding is for them!

Why we chose these programs

The coding summer camps for high school students on our Scholarships360 list are just a few of the amazing programs offered for high school students. Obviously, we cannot list all of the great programs out there. We chose those on our list because they are beneficial to students and offer a range of options, including programs that offer financial aid for students who need it. 

Note about application deadlines and camp open and close dates

If available, we included the deadlines for applying and the opening and closing dates for the following summer coding camps for high school students. If the application deadlines and camp dates are not available right now, make sure to check the website for updates. 

Also see: Are coding bootcamps worth it?

Summer coding camps

1. NextGen Bootcamp

The NextGen Bootcamp is a series of online summer computer classes that are also offered in-person in New York City. They offer a variety of programs, from JavaScript training to online graphic design. Students can also take part in a general Computer Science certificate program. Each of these programs varies in length and are open to students from a variety of backgrounds in science. Many of the programs are offered at the beginner level. These programs do not offer financial aid, but there are a variety of scholarships available from outside sources that would be able to help you fund your studies if need be. 

• Eligibility: No prior knowledge is necessary
• Cost: Between $1,200 – $2,000 depending on the program you choose; early bird discounts are available with some programs
• Application deadline: TBD depending on the program of your choice
• Camp dates: End of June through early July, depending on the program you choose
• Location: New York City, New York or online

2. Girls Who Code

This just-for-girls summer program, Girls Who Code, gives high school ladies the opportunity to learn more about coding in a male dominated industry. Students can choose between the two-week or six-week programs, all of which are opportunities for students to develop their coding skills with no prior knowledge necessary. They also offer need-based financial assistance.

• Eligibility: 9th – 12th graders and eligible summer alumni
• Cost: Free of cost, and a $300 grant is available for students who might otherwise earned income from a summer job
• Application deadline: The early deadline is February 17, 2023 and the general deadline is March 24, 2023
• Camp dates: This is a self-paced summer program, so students are able to start and finish on their own time
• Location: 100% Virtual

3. Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists

The Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists, or PROMYS, is a six-week intensive mathematics program designed for students across the globe. The program is held on Boston University’s campus. There are daily “Number Theory” lectures as well as a great deal of independence for students to choose their own schedules. In addition to the extensive learning opportunities, there is also “mandatory fun time” built into the weekly schedule so that students are able to have non-math related activities. They also offer two different two-week camps that are free of charge. 

• Eligibility: Students must have completed the 9th grade but not yet be enrolled in college
• Cost: $5,500 ($300 need-based grants available)
• Application deadline: TBD depending on which of the programs you choose to participate in
• Camp dates: 
  • Session One: June 14th – June 28th, 2024
  • Session Two: July 8th – July 19th, 2024
  • Session Three: July 29th – August 9th, 2024
• Location: Boston, Massachusetts

4. Science Camps of America Overnight Summer Camp

Science Camps of America is an organization that offers various science camp programs to students ages 13-17. The most popular option is the Overnight Summer Science Camp. There are two options for campers– Land and Sea, or Air and Space. In these hands-on summer camps, students explore all the beauty that Hawaii has to offer while learning more about the field that they want to go into. 

For students who are too young for some of our other options for STEM summer camps, this is a great possibility!

• Eligibility: Students entering 8th – 12th grades
• Cost: $2,795 with a $375 deposit required at the time of registration (Scholarships available)
• Application deadline: TBD, but 2024 applications are open
• Camp dates: Land and Sea camp runs from July 1-10, 2024, and Air and Space camp runs from July 11-20, 2024
• Location: Pahala Plantation Cottages located on the Big Island of Hawaii in Ka’u 

5. U.S Naval Academy Summer STEM Program

The Summer STEM Program at the U.S Naval Academy is a great opportunity for students who not only want to go into a STEM field, but also have an interest in pursuing a career in the Navy. This one-week program focuses on enhancing skills such as problem solving, creativity, and collaboration. The price is all inclusive, including tuition, learning materials, lodging, food, USNA apparel, transportation, and extra treats.

• Eligibility: Rising 9th, 10th, and 11th graders
• Cost: $700
• Application deadline: April 15, 2024
• Camp dates: 
  • Rising 9th graders: June 3-8, 2024
  • Rising 10th graders: June 10-15, 2024
  • Rising 11th graders: June 17 – 21, 2024
• Location: Annapolis, Maryland

Related: Computer science major overview

6. The Coding School – Emerging Technologies Camp

The Coding School – Emerging Technologies Camp is a two-week camp in which high school students are introduced to some of the most cutting-edge technologies in today’s world. Students will learn the fundamentals of coding, and develop knowledge and skills in emerging technology fields rarely taught to K-12 students, such as AI and Healthcare+Tech. Students will be divided into small groups based on grade and skill level.

• Eligibility: Incoming 6th – 12th
• Cost: $695
• Application deadline: 
• Camp dates: July 8 – 19, 2024
• Location: Online

7. Syracuse University Pre-College Programs

Syracuse University Pre-College Programs consist of a variety of college level courses for high schoolers to gain college credits and insight into what they want to do in college. Students can choose from a multitude of classes and course topics. The summer programs are offered in multiple formats– in-person, hybrid, and online. These can be between two to six weeks long, depending on the program. 

• Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, and recent graduates over the age of 15
• Cost: Prices vary depending on the length and format of the program
• Application deadline: TBD, Open Now!
• Camp dates:
  • 3-Week Session I: Monday, July 8 – Thursday, July 25, 2024
  • 3-Week Session II: Monday, July 28 – Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024
  • 6-Week Session: Monday, July 8 – Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024
• Location: Online

8. MSOE’s Women in Technology Program

MSOE’s 2024 High School Summer Program, Women in Technology,  is a great way for students to find out what field in technology sparks their interest. In this program, students are able to dabble in multiple disciplines of STEM, participate in college level academic opportunities, and have fun while exploring the city of Milwaukee.

• Eligibility: 10th – 12th grade students
• Cost: $950
• Application deadline: Rolling admission but limited spots are available, so apply ASAP!
• Camp dates: June 23-June 28, 2024
• Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

9. Brown Pre-College Programs

The Pre-College Programs at Brown University offer high school students the opportunity to get involved in their field of choice before they head to college. There are a variety of classes that students can take, such as Materials Engineering, Taking Art to the Skies, Alternative Energy Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence, just to name a few. These are college level courses preparing students for what they can expect in a lecture hall or lab. They offer a specific STEM program for 9th and 10th graders, as well.

• Eligibility: Ages 14-18
• Cost: The programs range in price depending on the format of the program and which program is selected. You can see specific prices on their website. Fee waivers and financial aid are also available.
• Application deadline: Rolling admission until Friday, May 10, 2024, 11:59 p.m. ET
• Camp dates: The camp dates also vary depending on the length of the program a student wants to participate in, and there are a variety of options to choose from throughout the summer.
• Location: Providence, Rhode Island

Don’t miss: Top computer science scholarships

10. World Coders Academy

The World Coders Academy is a two-week program that offers high school students the opportunity to learn about technological concepts at a higher level. This course is perfect for those interested in pursuing a college degree in engineering, computer science, or technology. 

• Eligibility: 15 to 18 years of age
• Cost: $2,795
• Application deadline: TBD, now open!
• Camp dates: Monday June 10th – Friday June 21st 2024
• Location: Online

Next Steps

• Coding summer camps for high school students can be a great way to get a leg-up in computer science, but you have to apply early
• Start reaching out to teachers and mentors for recommendation letters
• Look through each application essay and start to formulate a list of ideas
• Begin looking at financial aid options, if necessary
• Submit your applications to each of the coding summer camps that interest you and have a great summer!
• Check back with us for more resources to help you continue your education, including our high school checklist, our guide on when to start applying to colleges, and how to improve your SAT score