Most high school students spend a significant amount of time using technology in some capacity. Whether they use a computer to do their homework or a smartphone to keep in touch with their friends, coding is behind almost everything that these devices can do. In fact, it’s becoming increasingly common for high school students to want to learn how to code. Gaining these skills at a young age can have an enormous impact on their future because it is a very marketable skill that translates into lucrative careers across a range of fields.
Read on to learn more about summer programs that teach coding to high school students, including NextGen Bootcamp’s live online summer coding bootcamps and summer coding bootcamps in NYC!
Why Learn Coding During the Summer?
One of the primary reasons to learn to code over the summer is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science class. The corresponding exam has been accredited by the College Board and tests students specifically in coding with Java. Students who score highly on the AP Computer Science exam are eligible to apply for several internships and scholarships. Many of these are offered by major corporations like Facebook, Amazon, and Google in partnership with the AP Program. Several of these scholarships are designed for students who are members of communities that are typically underrepresented in the tech industry, such as minorities, women, and people with disabilities.
Not only does learning how to code build valuable problem-solving skills and keep your brain active, but it also sets students up for many exciting careers. Many young people who learn to code go on to have a career in web development. Here, they get to create the interface for websites while also ensuring the page functions properly and is free of bugs and glitches. Coding can also lead to a career in data science. These professionals are responsible for analyzing large amounts of data to identify patterns. They utilize this information to help businesses improve their processes and grow their customer base. A Data Scientist typically earns around $100,000 per year.
Types of Coding Summer Programs for High School Students
If learning to code over the summer sounds exciting to you, you might be wondering about the different programs available. There are a lot of options that cater to various learning styles and scheduling needs. Some schools offer virtual learning on platforms like Zoom while others have in-person classes available. The schedules also vary depending on the amount of time students can commit. Some courses are one week and others are several weeks. Shorter courses are ideal for students who have jobs and other responsibilities over the summer but still want to learn a new and highly marketable skill.
There are also coding programs that cater to different comfort levels. Some programs are intended for beginners, but some offer more advanced material for those who have already learned the basics elsewhere. Another key difference between all of these programs is who provides them. Private agencies offer a lot of these classes, but some are provided through universities and take place on campus. These programs are especially appealing for students who want to experience the college lifestyle.
#1: NextGen Bootcamp—Computer Science Summer Program
What is Taught in This Program?
NextGen Bootcamp’s Computer Science Summer Program is an intensive program designed for beginners who want to learn fundamental computer science skills. The course is split into two parts, one section for Java and computer science and one that covers Python and data science. By the end of the program, students will be able to understand complex sets of data, write their own computer programs, and use current industry-standard algorithms.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
NextGen’s Computer Science course is geared towards beginner learners. While previous experience is not mandatory, students should have foundational knowledge about basic computer skills before enrolling.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This class is taught at NextGen’s campus in New York City. For students who are not local, they can take the course remotely instead. Students use Zoom to communicate with their instructor and fellow classmates.
How Long Does This Program Last?
The length of this program depends on the format in which you take it. The in-person session lasts for four weeks with classes being held from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm every weekday. The live online program lasts for six weeks and classes take place from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
NextGen’s Summer Course is aimed at high school and college students. High schoolers who take this class will get a head start in the Advanced Placement Computer Science class if they plan to take this class in high school.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
The live online program costs $3,695 and the in-person program costs $3,990. These prices include reference materials that students take with them and use after the course is finished. Students will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program. Students who participate in the class remotely must have their own Mac or PC and may need to purchase additional software.
While no financial aid is available, this program is a combination of multiple NextGen courses meaning that students save up to 25% when they enroll in this course rather than the individual courses.
#2: NextGen Bootcamp– Web Development Summer Certificate
What is Taught in This Program?
For high schoolers who want to learn to code and utilize their creative skills, NextGen Bootcamp’s Web Development Summer Certificate is an excellent option. This certificate is a combination of two individual NextGen classes. The first half focuses on building websites with HTML and CSS. In the second half, participants learn to code with JavaScript to add interactivity to their pages. They’ll also learn the basics of jQuery, CSS Flexbox, CSS Grid, and Bootstrap.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This course is suitable for beginners as long as they possess basic computer skills. NextGen instructors will provide assistance with setting up their devices before the class starts.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
Students can attend either in-person or live online. NextGen’s campus is located in New York City. Virtual students will participate via Zoom.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This program takes four weeks to complete on a part-time basis. Students will attend sessions on weekdays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm EST.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
High school and college students are welcome to enroll.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This class is priced at $2,495 per person. Along with 80 hours of expert instruction, this price includes a verified certificate of completion and supplemental workbooks to help students retain the information after the course is over. No discounts are available for this course due to the included discount of the original class prices; students who pay separately for the HTML/CSS and JavaScript courses would pay up to 25% more.
#3: Noble Desktop—Front End Web Development Certificate
What is Taught in This Program?
For students who want to use their coding skills to create beautiful websites, Noble Desktop has a Front-End Web Development Certificate. This course teaches the fundamentals of coding with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and WordPress. With these tools, students will create interactive and visually appealing web pages that they can add to a digital portfolio throughout the program.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
Aside from requiring basic computer skills, this course is geared towards students who are entirely new to web development.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
Students can participate either online or in-person at Noble Desktop’s campus in the heart of New York City. Online students will use Zoom to engage with their peers and receive real-time guidance from their instructor.
How Long Does This Program Last?
Students can take this course for four weeks in the full-time version or four months in the part-time version, which takes place on weeknight evenings.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Students who are already 18 or turning 18 soon can enroll.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This certification is priced at $3,495. Payment plans and 0% interest loans are available if you are unable to pay the full price right away. This price includes supplementary materials that students can take with them after completing the course and career mentoring sessions to improve their resumes and portfolios.
#4: Noble Desktop—Data Science Certificate
What is Taught in This Program?
If coding with Python to analyze data is your passion, check out Noble Desktop’s Data Science Certificate. The program begins by teaching students the fundamentals of programming with Python. From there, they are exposed to more advanced topics like machine learning algorithms and using Structured Query Language (SQL) to work with large data sets. Throughout the program, students add projects to a portfolio that they can continue to develop long after the course is complete.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This certification was designed for beginners who don’t have any prior experience with coding. Students should have basic computer skills to be successful.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
Students can participate either in-person or online. Noble Desktop’s campus is located in New York City, so students who live in nearby cities shouldn’t have any trouble commuting. The virtual version is taught in real-time through Zoom.
How Long Does This Program Last?
Students can enroll on either a part-time or full-time basis. The full-time version is three weeks while the part-time program lasts for three months on either weekday evenings or Saturdays.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Students who are 18 or nearly 18 can sign up for this certification.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This certification is priced at $3,495. In addition to over 80 hours of hands-on instruction, students also receive 1-on-1 mentoring sessions where industry experts will guide them through revamping their resumes, editing their portfolios, and offer tips on finding employment once the course is completed. Students can also speak with a team member about financing options and payment plans.
#5: World Scholars Academy—Coders Academy
What is Taught in This Program?
World Scholars Academy offers a Coders Academy as part of their summer programming. The curriculum covers a range of topics including coding with different programming languages, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and robotics. The program is unique in that it also touches on digital marketing and other career paths that students can take with their new skills. The material is taught primarily through daily individual assignments and group projects.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This course is designed for beginners, but there is an application process that students must complete.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This particular class is exclusively online, but the World Scholars Academy is located in Hawaii. If you’re a local, the school offers other in-person classes if you prefer.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This program is two weeks long. Live online classes are two hours each and last from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Pacific Standard Time.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
World Scholars Academy recommends that students be 15-18 to attend their programs.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This summer course costs $2,795 per student. Outside of the web-based lessons, this price also includes take-home exercises and lifetime access to recordings that students can refer back to whenever they’d like. Students who perform well will also receive a letter of recommendation that can be added to college applications.
#6: Tufts Pre-College Program—Coding 101
What is Taught in This Program?
Tufts University offers a Coding 101 course as part of their pre-college curriculum. In this class, students will learn how to code with Python to develop mobile apps and web pages. The course also teaches students basic data science concepts and cybersecurity fundamentals. Outside of daily lectures, the material is presented through guest speakers, small group projects, and individual assignments. The program also includes a lot of cross-program activities in the form of networking events and financial literacy workshops.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This program is for students who have any level of coding experience; lack of experience does not hinder the chances of admission. However, acceptance is dependent on your academic transcript, a letter of recommendation, and a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
Students who attend this program will stay on the Tufts University campus in Medford, Massachusetts.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This course is two weeks long. Classes are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with intermittent breaks for meals and relaxation.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
To be considered eligible to apply for this program, students must be entering grades 10-12 or graduating from high school in the spring of 2022.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This program costs $4000 for local students who plan to commute. If students take advantage of the residential program where they stay in the dorms, the cost is $5,500 for residential. Tufts has a limited number of scholarships available. Additionally, students can earn college credit for this class but participation does not guarantee admission to Tufts University.
#7: iD Tech—Code Apps with Java
What is Taught in This Program?
iD Tech offers a Coding Apps with Java course during the summer. In this class, students are taught how to code with Java using arrays and loops. They will also participate in numerous coding challenges to strengthen their problem-solving abilities and build confidence in their skills. By the end of the week, students will demonstrate their knowledge by coding a simple game with Java.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
A unique aspect of this course is that both beginner and advanced students can register! The instructors at iD Tech are skilled at creating individualized learning plans for each student so that everyone is challenged but not overwhelmed.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
iD Tech has locations in 24 states across the country. For students who live elsewhere, they also provide the option to take courses virtually. iD Tech uses Zoom to teach remote classes so students are required to have a laptop or desktop computer with a microphone and a camera.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This course lasts for one week. Classes are four hours long and are broken down into two two-hour sections. One section contains live instruction and the second is self-paced learning so students have ample time to complete their final project.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Students who are ages 13-17 are eligible to enroll; students who are 12 years of age must turn 13 by the end of the calendar year to attend classes.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This camp starts at $1,049 per student. In addition to the camp curriculum, this price includes a take-home project, an iD Tech t-shirt, and a course transcript that you can add to college application packets. If finances are a concern, students can apply for a scholarship before enrolling. iD Tech also offers some promotional discounts on their website, but be aware that these may change at any time.
#8: theCoderSchool—Java Camp
What is Taught in This Program?
TheCoderSchool has a Java Coding Camp for Kids available during the summer. This course covers more advanced topics related to computer science like conditionals, iteration, and variables. This course is designed to give students a head start if they are interested in taking the Advanced Placement Computer Science class during the school year.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
Since the program teaches more advanced topics, students should have a solid foundation in Java programming before enrolling.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
TheCoderSchool has locations in six states: California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, and Ohio. For students who don’t live in these states, the Java Coding Camp is also available in a live online format.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This camp is one week long, from Monday to Friday.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
While this camp does accept students as young as 13, it is ideal for students who plan to take AP computer science the following year. Middle school students should speak with a staff member before registering.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This program costs $599 per person. This price includes expert instruction and a student-to-teacher ratio of only 2:1! This approach ensures that students receive as much individualized attention as possible.
#9: UMass Summer Pre-College—Foundations of Data Science
What is Taught in This Program?
The University of Massachusetts (UMass) pre-college program offers a Foundations of Data Science course during the summer. The course emphasizes real-world applications of data science, exploring topics like racial bias, public health, and the financial crisis of 2008. Students will primarily work in groups to learn Python to visualize and organize large datasets.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This program is suitable for beginner learners with no prior knowledge of data science.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
UMass offers its summer program exclusively online.
How Long Does This Program Last?
The summer session at UMass lasts for two weeks. The sessions meet for two hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and one hour on Tuesday and Thursday. Students will have additional assignments outside of the sessions as well.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Students must be entering 10th-12th grade to register for the program.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
The data science program at UMass costs $1,848. The school does offer partial need-based scholarships for some students but these are not guaranteed.
#10: Emagination Tech Camps—Summer Coding Camp
What is Taught in This Program?
In the Summer Coding Camp offered by Emagination Tech Camps, students learn foundational Java programming skills that will help them build a variety of programs. Some of these include servers, Windows applications, and XML web services. Outside of class time, students will engage in outdoor games like dodgeball and capture the flag.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This program is designed for beginners. The curriculum is progressive so students will start with basic skills before moving onto more advanced assignments.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
Emagination camps are in-person only. The program has locations in five states: Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This camp lasts for two weeks. Emagination offers both overnight and day camp options for students who live nearby.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Students must be between ages 13 and 17 to attend this program.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
The prices for Emagination camps vary slightly depending on which location you attend, but the overnight camp is around $3,249 and the day camp is around $1,695. The school also offers up to $850 in assistance to students based on financial need.
#11: DigiPen Academy– Teen Programming Fundamentals
What is Taught in This Program?
DigiPen Academy’s Teen Programming Fundamentals course covers foundational computation skills for beginners. Participants will learn about conditions, loops, and data types like structures and arrays. The course also covers some basic techniques for software development.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This course is designed for beginners and does not require any prerequisites. Students need to have a PC or Mac with a minimum resolution of 1024 x 768. A dual monitor is recommended but not required.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This program is offered in a virtual format only. Students will use Zoom to complete their lessons, receive feedback from their instructors, and work on projects with peers.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This is a full-time program that lasts for two weeks. Sessions are held Monday-Friday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm PST.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
In order to sign up, students must be at least 13 and cannot be older than 18 years and 11 months.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This program is $1,499 per person. Tuition assistance is available based on financial need. Students can also arrange payment plans after registering even if they don’t meet the income requirements for financial aid.
Which Coding Summer Program is Right for Me?
The amount of different summer coding programs available might have left you feeling overwhelmed by all of your options. There are a few things that you should consider while narrowing your search. Considering the below factors will help ensure that you’re enrolling in a program that will suit you best.
Finances are one of the most important considerations for many families. Although learning computer programming skills can lead to a high-paying job later in life, the idea of spending thousands of dollars on a summer camp might be too stressful for some families to take on. You can alleviate some of the stress by looking at programs that offer financial aid or scholarships to their students. You can also look at the cost of the program compared to the length of the program to ensure you get the most bang for your buck. For instance, the NextGen camps cost more than some of the other programs, but this is also the longest program listed.
Taking some time to think about your learning style is another crucial factor when it comes to summer coding programs. Virtual learning may be more convenient, but some students might become easily distracted if they are learning in their home environment. If you know this is the case for yourself, focus on programs near you that offer in-person learning. iD Tech has locations in several states. If you live in a state where a pre-college program is available, this might be doubly advantageous as you’ll get to experience life in an actual college setting.
You’ll also want to find a course that matches your level of experience with coding. Most of the programs listed above are designed for beginners, but you can look into courses at theCoderSchool if you’re more advanced. This will ensure that you’re challenged without becoming overwhelmed.
Equally important is to enroll in a program that fits your interests. Since coding applies to a variety of fields, it’s essential that you consider what you’d like to do with coding before selecting a class. For example, if you’re a more creative person you might enjoy the Web Development Summer Certificate through NextGen. Alternatively, a more analytical student would likely find NextGen’s Computer Science program a better fit.
Enrolling in a summer program for coding can be stressful at times, but there is a wide range of programs to meet nearly every skill level and financial need. Taking the time to compare programs will help you feel confident that you’ve selected the right program for you.