Summer Technology Programs and Bootcamps for High School Students

A ranking of the best summer technology programs. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.

Updated October 12, 2022 ยท 4 Min Read

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Pre-College Summer Technology Programs and Bootcamps for High School Students

Summer technology programs help high school students learn technology skills such as coding, computer science, and web design. Some programs, called summer technology bootcamps, offer intensive courses where students learn new skills in a short time.

Both types of programs let learners take classes in subjects not offered at their high schools. They might offer more advanced courses or more sophisticated facilities than those available at most high schools. Participants gain skills and experience that will benefit them in college and make them more competitive college applicants.

This page covers basic information about summer technology programs and bootcamps. It ends with a list of available programs.

Pre-College Summer Technology Programs and Bootcamps for High School Students

Pre-college programs let high school students take classes on college campuses over the summer. Besides studying their favorite subjects in-depth, participants experience college life and meet peers who share their interests. The independence and academic rigor that pre-college programs provide helps prepare students for college.

Many technology programs for high school students include classes in robotics, engineering, and nanoscience. Participants might go on to pursue college degrees in engineering or computer science. After college, they can pursue computer programming, data science, and software engineering careers.

Questions About Summer Programs and Bootcamps

Q. Are there free bootcamps?

You can find some free bootcamps online. Self-motivated students save money by taking online versions of in-person coding classes from well-known institutions and bootcamps.

Q. Can a high schooler learn coding?

Yes, high schoolers can learn coding. Learning coding in high school prepares students for careers in a world that relies increasingly on computers and technology.

Q. How much does a technology bootcamp cost?

The cost of summer technology bootcamps ranges from free to around $3,800. The cost varies depending on the length and nature of the program.

Q. How long is a summer technology program?

Summer technology programs for high school students typically last 1-6 weeks.

What Is a Bootcamp?

Unlike summer technology programs offered on college campuses, technology bootcamps for high school students occur anywhere, year round. Bootcamps vary in length. According to a 2019 report by RTI International, bootcamps take an average of 16.5 weeks to finish.

Students do summer technology bootcamps in person or online. Some online bootcamps cost nothing, while in-person bootcamps cost up to $3,800.

At summer technology bootcamps, students explore technology fields and get mentored by experts. Students learn coding, data science, and software engineering skills.

Benefits of Attending a Bootcamp

Attending a summer technology program or summer technology bootcamp has many benefits. Technology programs for high school students provide an opportunity to build valuable skills.

More than ever, employers want job candidates with technology skills such as coding, computer science, and engineering. Most high schools, however, still do not offer classes in these growing fields. At technology bootcamps for high school students, teenagers get a head start on learning these in-demand skills.

Summer technology programs give high school students the chance to meet peers and mentors. Joining a network of like-minded students and professionals can benefit students when they apply to colleges and jobs.

Attending a technology bootcamp lets students study subjects that their high schools might not offer. The skills and knowledge they gain helps prepare them to pursue a degree or technology career in the future.

Summer Technology Programs and Bootcamps for High School Students

true Applications of Nanoscience Summer Institute at UCLA

UCLA hosts the Applications of Nanoscience Summer Institute, a two-week program held on campus in Los Angeles. The summer technology program lets students explore applications of nanoscience, design-thinking, and entrepreneurship. UCLA offers optional on-campus housing for the program.

The program prepares students for majors and careers in science. During the first week, students discover what professional scientists do. During the second week, they work in teams to design, conduct, and present their own research experiments.

Applicants need a strong background in chemistry, biology, and physics. UCLA offers some full and partial need- and merit-based scholarships to qualified applicants. Students should bring their own laptops.

true Stanford AI4ALL

Stanford AI4ALL is a three-week, live, online program. It provides students with research experience and mentorship in the artificial intelligence field. Students connect with a diverse group of peers and AI professionals.

Students gain hands-on experience working in the Stanford AI Lab. They apply AI to real-world problems, such as medicine and disaster response.

Only current ninth grade students can apply to the program. The program aims to increase diversity in the AI field. It offers need-based scholarships to qualified applicants. Students need an adequate internet connection to take the online program.

true Introduction to Data Science Academy at Georgetown University

Georgetown University offers a one-week Introduction to Data Science Academy online summer program. The program introduces high schoolers to contemporary data science and statistics. It also features presentations, class discussions, and coding exercises. Guest speakers include Georgetown faculty members.

Students learn about data collection, cleanup, analysis, and visualization. They also learn statistical analysis and coding languages. At the end of the program, participants present their data science projects to the class.

Applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA. Students also need a computer that can run the Chrome browser and access Google Drive.

true Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech

Texas Tech offers the seven-week Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at its Lubbock campus. The program lets high school students gain hands-on research experience under the guidance of university faculty. Participants complete a research project in any academic department of their choice. They also attend weekly seminars and field trips.

The program does not charge tuition or fees and gives students a $500 meal card and free housing. Participants receive a $750 stipend when they finish their research project.

All applicants must be at least 17 years old by the program's start date. The highly selective program accepts 12 students each year.

true Columbia Engineering Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)

The Columbia Engineering Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) lets students take college-level engineering classes at Columbia's New York City campus. Columbia offers the three-week program twice per summer. Students can attend one or both sessions.

Available classes include robotics, computer science, and electrical engineering. Students can also take biomedical engineering and innovation and design classes. Participants get access to Columbia's facilities, including its Makerspace and MechTech Lab.

SHAPE considers rising sophomore, junior, and senior applicants with a demonstrated interest in STEM. The program does not offer housing, so applicants should live within commuting distance of Columbia.

true Explore Engineering at Cornell University

Cornell University offers two in-person Explore Engineering technology programs for high school students at its Ithaca, New York campus. The CURIE Summer Academy accepts female students. The CATALYST Summer Academy accepts students of diverse racial, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds. Both programs last one week.

Participants experience college life on Cornell's campus and learn about engineering. In addition, they attend social activities and gain hands-on research experience. The programs prepare students to pursue engineering careers.

Only rising juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA qualify to apply for the CURIE and CATALYST programs.

true Design Media Arts Summer Institute at UCLA

UCLA offers a two-week Design Media Arts Summer Institute held on its Los Angeles, California campus. The program introduces high school students to design practices in print, net, electronic games, and video. Students create a portfolio for their college applications for design-related majors. Program participants also earn four units of UC college credit.

Applicants must be at least 15 years old by the start of the program. The program does not require prior experience in design. All students in the program must live in on-campus housing.

true EDGE Summer College Program at University of Delaware

Students attend the EDGE Summer College Program in person at the University of Delaware's Newark campus. The program lets high school sophomores and juniors experience college life and take a college-level course. Students receive up to four transferable college credits.

Available classes include organic and sustainable farming and introduction to engineering product design. Students can also take an introduction to entrepreneurship. Participants live in on-campus housing and eat in campus dining halls. They also get access to the university's recreational facilities.

Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA.

true Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation

Johns Hopkins University offers its Explore Engineering Innovation program every summer, both in person and online. The in-person program occurs in locations nationwide, including the JHU campus in Baltimore, Maryland. The different locations let some students commute to the program from home.

Students learn problem-solving skills in engineering, participate in hands-on labs, and earn three college credits.

The program prioritizes rising junior and senior applicants. But it also accepts rising sophomores and graduated seniors. Applicants need As and Bs in high school math and science classes. Prerequisites include algebra II, trigonometry, and physics or chemistry.

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