How to spend the summer
Summer programs at universities.
A great summer is one of the most underrated moves in admissions — colleges love a student who went and did the thing. We mapped 800+ university-hosted programs across all 50 states: research internships, STEM, sports camps, arts, music, coding, pre-college academics, and more — each with cost, dates, and the official link.
And cost isn't the wall it looks like — hundreds of these are free, funded, or pay a stipend (state Governor's schools, research programs, fee-waiver tracks). Filter for those with one tap. Free to browse.
Browse by kind
What are they into?
Tap a category to filter the directory.
Research internships
Selective programs where students do real lab/research work with faculty — strong admissions signals.
e.g. Stanford SIMR, UCSB RMP
STEM
Engineering, math, and science camps — hands-on builds, labs, and design challenges.
e.g. engineering & math camps
Pre-college & academic
Live on campus and take real college-style courses; a taste of college life and a major.
e.g. Brown/Stanford pre-college
Health & medicine
Pre-med, nursing, anatomy, and public-health programs for future health professionals.
e.g. med-school summer programs
Coding & tech
Software, AI, game design, and cybersecurity — build something real in a few weeks.
e.g. CS & game-design camps
Business & entrepreneurship
Startup, finance, and leadership programs, often ending in a pitch competition.
e.g. b-school summer institutes
Visual & performing arts
Studio art, film, design, and theater — build a portfolio or audition piece.
e.g. RISD-style pre-college art
Music
Band, orchestra, jazz, vocal, and conservatory-style intensives.
e.g. university music camps
Writing, debate & journalism
Creative writing, speech, debate, and journalism workshops.
e.g. writing & debate institutes
Sports camps & ID showcases
Skills camps and college ID/showcase camps run by university coaches.
e.g. college ID camps
Leadership & civic
Leadership, government, Model UN, and service programs.
e.g. Governor's schools, civics
Language & culture
Immersive language and global-culture programs.
e.g. language immersion
The full directory
Search every program
45 programs match your filters
- Vermont
Champlain College
Champlain Game Academy / Indie Game Studio (Pre-College)
Coding & techresidentialWho: Students entering grades 10-12 and recent high school graduates (ages 15-18).
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: A residential pre-college program modeled on Champlain's top-ranked Game Studio, where students work in teams across art, design, programming, and sound (using Maya, Unity, C#) to build a functional game prototype usable in college applications.
Cost: $4,600 for the two-week residential program. Attendees who later enroll as Champlain undergraduates qualify for a $1,000/year Visit Scholarship ($4,000 total). No need-based aid noted.
Selectivity: Open enrollment but space-limited — registration caps then waitlist; no acceptance-rate gating.
When: Two two-week sessions: July 6-17 or July 20-31, 2026.
Applying: Register online via the program page; 2026 registration closes June 12 (or when full). Contact precollege@champlain.edu or (802) 651-5810.
- South Dakota
Dakota State University
Governor's Cyber Academy
Coding & techonline (dual-credit courses) plus in-person enrichment and residential summer campsFree / fundedWho: High school students across South Dakota (and beyond) who qualify for Board of Regents dual-credit; some middle-school opportunities
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: Lets high schoolers take university-level cybersecurity, AI, and networking courses for dual credit (earning digital badges and up to a first year of a bachelor's), with roadshows, classroom takeovers, and summer camps.
Cost: Free to participate beyond standard tuition and course materials (state-supported dual-credit pathway)
Selectivity: Open to all students who qualify for dual-credit courses through the Board of Regents
When: Year-round enrollment (join any term); residential summer camps run in summer
Applying: Email cyberacademy@dsu.edu to get started; enroll in dual-credit courses any term.
- South Dakota
Dakota State University
DSU Cyber Camp for High Schoolers (GenCyber)
Coding & techresidential (campers stay in DSU residence halls, Madison, SD)Who: High school students entering grades 10-12
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: A residential cybersecurity camp with faculty-led core sessions (digital forensics, cryptography, programming in C and Python) and afternoon electives (web development, protocol analysis, cyber defense).
Cost: $250 (affordable; GenCyber-affiliated); all technology supplied
Selectivity: Open enrollment (capacity ~200); no prior experience required
When: June 7-11, 2026
Applying: Register online through the DSU cyber camps portal (gencyber.camp redirects to the DSU camps page); no firm deadline posted.
- Illinois
Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech)
Elevate College Prep — Summer Programs (coding, robotics, AI, engineering)
Coding & techhybrid (virtual, daytime/commuter, and overnight/residential options)Who: High-school students
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: Students choose hands-on one-week courses in computer programming, robotics, AI, game design, engineering, and architecture, with residential students living on the Mies/Bronzeville campus.
Cost: Tuition-based: roughly $500-$650 for daytime courses and ~$1,395-$1,500 for residential one-week programs, plus a $100 application fee that applies toward the cost.
Selectivity: Open enrollment (register until full)
When: One-week sessions throughout summer (June-July)
Applying: Register via the Elevate College Prep summer-programs site; $100 deposit at registration.
- Indiana
Indiana University Bloomington (Luddy School)
Luddy Precollege Summer STEM Program
Coding & techresidentialWho: Students entering grades 10-12; no prior experience necessary (grouped by skill level)
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: A residential computing/tech camp where high schoolers explore AI, cybersecurity, robot building and competition, sound processing, 3D modeling, and virtual world design using Python and other tools.
Cost: $950 residential tuition
Selectivity: Open enrollment by application; no experience required
When: One week, July 26-August 1, 2026
Applying: Applications open January 2026; apply via the Luddy precollege summer camp page; questions to luddycmp@iu.edu
- New Mexico
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech)
BuzzCamp
Coding & techresidentialFree / fundedWho: Students entering grades 6-12 (split into a grades 6-10 session and a grades 11-12 session) - serves both middle and high school
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: A week-long residential STEM camp at NM Tech focused on computer science, coding, robotics, and hands-on tech projects, with evening activities and dorm living.
Cost: Free (no registration fee); rising 11th-12th graders can earn one college credit hour
Selectivity: Limited capacity (~120 students total); first-come, first-served and currently full with a waitlist for 2026
When: Grades 6-10: July 12-17, 2026; Grades 11-12: July 19-24, 2026
Applying: 2026 sessions full; join the waitlist by contacting Samantha Vigil at samantha.vigil@nmt.edu / 575-835-5352.
- Oregon
Oregon State University
STEM Academy High School Summer Camps (coding, 3D animation/Blender, DNA biology, iINVENT)
Coding & techCommuter day camps (no overnight housing)Who: Entering grades 9-12 (separate middle/elementary camps also offered)
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: A menu of affordable hands-on day camps including 3D modeling/animation in Blender, coding, DNA biology & bioinformatics, and invention, taught on the Corvallis campus.
Cost: Low cost (e.g., Blender 3D animation camp ~$145); need-based scholarships and fee waivers available
Selectivity: Open enrollment via registration system; some camps fill quickly
When: Multiple one-week day sessions across July (e.g., Blender July 24-28)
Applying: Register at stemacademy.oregonstate.edu (general registration opens early March 2026, then a short secondary application window)
- New Hampshire
Saint Anselm College
Saint Anselm Drone Camp
Coding & techResidential (overnight, ~5-6 nights on the Manchester-area campus)Free / fundedWho: Any high school student interested in drone technology; no prior programming experience needed, all skill levels
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: A residential camp introducing programming, aerial drone building and flying, and technology ethics, with students housed two-per-room in residence halls and meals provided.
Cost: Registration approximately $1,000 (includes housing and meals). Not free.
Selectivity: Open enrollment; designed to be accessible to any interested HS student
When: Summer (one ~5-6 night session)
Applying: Register via the Saint Anselm Computer Science / Drone Camp page; contact ethics@anselm.edu or the CS department.
- South Carolina
The Citadel (STEM Center of Excellence)
STEAM Camp / GenCyber Summer Camp
Coding & techcommuterFree / fundedWho: Rising 8th-10th graders (STEAM); GenCyber serves high schoolers in cybersecurity
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: Free day camps run by The Citadel's STEM Center pairing arts and STEM (STEAM) or cybersecurity (GenCyber), taught by Citadel faculty, staff, and students in Charleston.
Cost: Free. STEAM Camp is no-cost; GenCyber camps are typically grant-funded and free.
Selectivity: Open/accessible; registration-based.
When: STEAM Camp 2026: July 20-24, 9am-4pm daily on The Citadel campus.
Applying: Register via The Citadel STEM Center; contact Dr. Jennifer Albert (jalbert@citadel.edu) for registration questions.
- Texas
The University of Texas at Austin (Texas Advanced Computing Center)
Code@TACC GenCyber / Cybersecurity
Coding & techresidential (housed in campus dorm)Free / fundedWho: Current 10th-11th graders (rising 11th-12th); underrepresented STEM students encouraged
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: A free residential week introducing students to cybersecurity careers and online safety, covering networking, cryptography, cyber-crime and ethics.
Cost: Free — no cost; NSA/NSF-funded GenCyber model.
Selectivity: Selective application; limited cohort
When: One week, ~July 12-18, 2026
Applying: Application closes ~April 27, 2026; apply via the TACC K-12 camps site (outreach@tacc.utexas.edu).
- Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
UAB Summer Camps (CampBIZ, Computer Science, Camp CSI, Ada Long Creative Writing, Pre-Law, etc.)
Coding & techhybridFree / fundedWho: Rising 9th-12th graders (several camps; some include grades 6-8)
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: An umbrella of UAB day/residential camps covering Python & AI, robotics, forensic science, business/entrepreneurship, creative writing, pre-law mock trial, philosophy and music.
Cost: Mix of free and paid — CampBIZ, Metal Casting Bootcamp and STARTALK are FREE; coding/forensics/writing camps run $135-$800; some financial assistance available (e.g., Drone Academy).
Selectivity: Open enrollment / registration-based (several capacity-capped, e.g., 15-20 seats)
When: June-July 2026 (varies by camp)
Applying: Register per camp via the UAB 2026 summer-camps hub; deadlines vary (some May 1-June 15).
- Alaska
University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA)
UAA Summer Engineering Academies
Coding & techcommuterWho: Students entering grades 3-12 (separate elementary, middle, and high school sessions)
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: Hands-on, project-based day camps in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley led by UAA College of Engineering faculty, covering robotics, 3-D printing, coding, AI, and structures in small groups.
Cost: $300 per week-long academy; tuition waivers available for economically disadvantaged students (contact sea@alaska.edu).
Selectivity: Open enrollment; registrations accepted until sessions fill. Not competitive.
When: Week-long day-camp sessions throughout the summer
Applying: Application/registration deadline May 31, 2026; register online via the Summer Engineering Academies portal.
- Arkansas
University of Arkansas at Little Rock — Donaghey College of STEM
AI Hackathon & HealthTech Startup Week
Coding & techhybridFree / fundedWho: Ages 16-26 (high schoolers age 16+ eligible)
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: A five-day program where participants earn AI certifications and team up to build AI solutions to real healthcare challenges alongside industry sponsors.
Cost: Free; earn free AI certifications (sponsored by NVIDIA, Google, healthcare partners)
Selectivity: Open application; requires laptop and full 5-day availability
When: June 8-12, 2026
Applying: Sign up via the UA Little Rock CSTEM online form; deadline April 30, 2026. Optional dorm housing available.
- Arkansas
University of Arkansas at Little Rock — Donaghey College of STEM
VEX V5 Robotics Summer Camp
Coding & techcommuterWho: Rising grades 7-12
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: A day camp where students build and program VEX V5 robots with an emphasis on engineering concepts, collaboration, and competition-style challenges.
Cost: $150
Selectivity: Open enrollment
When: June 22-26, 2026 (afternoons, 1-5 p.m.)
Applying: Register via the UA Little Rock CSTEM 2026 Summer Outreach Application form.
- Delaware
University of Delaware
Pre-College Summer Programs: Autonomous Driving Academy
Coding & techcommuterWho: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors (15+)
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: Students assemble and program autonomous robots and learn the algorithms/software behind self-driving vehicles, building skills in Python, C++ and the Robot Operating System (ROS).
Cost: Tuition charged (noncredit; specific figure not posted on overview, in line with other ~$1,995 UD pre-college weeks). Early-bird and need-based scholarship discounts available across UD PCS pre-college programs.
Selectivity: Competitive, application-based per UD; capacity-limited
When: One week, July 6-10, 2026
Applying: Apply/register online via UD Professional & Continuing Studies (pcs.udel.edu). Deadline ~early summer; confirm on program page.
- Minnesota
University of Minnesota Twin Cities (Data Science and AI Hub)
Under the Hood: A Data Science & AI Experience
Coding & techcommuterWho: Rising 11th and 12th graders
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: Students learn Python and predictive modeling in week one, then neural networks, computer vision, and generative AI with tools like PyTorch in week two, using real-world datasets in campus research labs.
Cost: Low cost — Week 1 (beginner) $125; Week 2 (advanced) $175; limited scholarships referenced
Selectivity: Open registration (not a competitive application); space-limited
When: Two one-week sessions July 2026 — Week 1 July 13-17, Week 2 July 20-24, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Applying: Register online at z.umn.edu/UTH2026; no posted deadline (register until full)
- Nebraska
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Jeffrey S. Raikes School Summer Camp ('Innovate: The Raikes School Way')
Coding & techresidentialWho: High school students interested in computing; priority to those entering college fall 2027 (rising seniors), others accepted if they've completed pre-calculus
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: A two-week residential computer science camp where students learn Java/Python and innovation concepts through project-based work taught by Raikes School faculty, with tech-company visits.
Cost: $3,000 (Nebraska students get a $1,000 discount); covers housing, meals, instruction, activities; scholarships available
Selectivity: Competitive; priority-based admissions with essay, transcript, and coding-experience review
When: Two weeks in mid/late summer (e.g., July 19-Aug 1, 2026)
Applying: Apply online at raikes.unl.edu/summer-camp; priority deadline ~April 1, final deadline ~May 1, space-available after
- New Hampshire
University of New Hampshire (College of Engineering & Physical Sciences)
UNH Tech Camp
Coding & techCommuter (day camp); weeklong sessions in Durham and at UNH ManchesterFree / fundedWho: Students entering grades 5-12 (middle and high school); all experience levels
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: Hands-on, project-based STEM day camp with topics like coding and game design (JavaScript, p5.js, Phaser), rocketry, optics, bridge design, and space exploration, taught on campus with university facilities.
Cost: Paid weeklong sessions (per-week fees); UNH Manchester day sessions target enrolled Manchester School District students. Not free.
Selectivity: Open enrollment / first-come registration
When: Multiple one-week sessions across the summer
Applying: Register through UNH Youth Programs / CEPS Tech Camp pages; choose specific weekly topics.
- Utah
University of Utah
EAE Youth Summer Camps (game design & coding)
Coding & techcommuterWho: Youth ages 7-17, including high schoolers (e.g., EAE Game Design Studio ages 14-17)
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: Game-development camps taught by EAE faculty and grad students covering programming, 3D modeling, animation, and game design, with older teens building games in Unreal Engine and Unity.
Cost: Paid tuition per weekly camp (priced through Youth Education); see registration portal for fees and any aid.
Selectivity: Open enrollment; non-selective, first-come registration.
When: Weekly day-camp sessions across summer
Applying: Register through the U's Youth Education site (continue.utah.edu/youth); camps listed by age and topic.
- Washington
University of Washington (Continuum College)
UW Youth & Teen Summer Programs
Coding & techhybridWho: Incoming grades 9-12 (broader program serves grades 4-12)
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: A catalog of week-long enrichment courses for teens spanning coding (Java/Python), engineering, architecture, astronomy, esports, art, and writing.
Cost: Tuition-based; course fees roughly $600-$1,200 per course
Selectivity: Open enrollment (register until full)
When: Week-long courses across the summer (Seattle campus and online)
Applying: Register at youth-teen.uw.edu; Summer 2026 registration open (refund deadline June 1, 2026)
- West Virginia
West Virginia University Tech (Beckley)
Governor's Computer Science Institute (GCSI)
Coding & techresidentialFree / fundedWho: Rising 9th and 10th graders; WV residents
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: Weeklong residential honors program where students live on campus and take hands-on classes in computer programming, application and web development, and artificial intelligence, building real-world coding projects.
Cost: Free for accepted students (state-funded honors program).
Selectivity: Competitive statewide application; no prior coding experience or skills required.
When: One week, July 6-12, 2026, at WVU Tech in Beckley
Applying: Deadline April 3, 2026. Apply through the WV Department of Education Governor's Schools portal / school guidance counselor.
- Kansas
Wichita State University
College of Engineering Summer Camps
Coding & techcommuterWho: Grades 4-12 (multiple high-school-level camps)
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: Short, skills-focused camps across engineering and computer science (robotics, AI, cybersecurity, circuits, biomedical, design challenges) supported by local industry partners.
Cost: Paid registration per camp; scholarships available via application (Google Form)
Selectivity: Open enrollment; capacity-limited
When: More than 10 weeklong camps across June-July (2026 first session June 8)
Applying: Registration opens mid-March (2026: March 19); register online; apply for scholarship via form; contact Joe Jabara
- Idaho
Boise State University
GenCyber / e-Girls Cybersecurity & Engineering Camps
Coding & techcommuter (GenCyber) and residential (e-Girls overnight)Free / fundedConfirm detailsWho: High school students (GenCyber); grades 9-10 (e-Girls)
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: Faculty introduce cybersecurity first principles and computer-science career paths through hands-on labs; e-Girls adds SWE-led workshops in forensics, physics and engineering career exploration.
Cost: Free (federally/grant funded).
Selectivity: Competitive - limited enrollment (about 32 GenCyber; ~55 e-Girls)
When: Late June / early July (multi-day camps; dates set annually)
Applying: Apply online via the Boise State Computer Science community/summer-workshops page when registration opens (grant funding varies year to year - confirm current offering).
- Idaho
Boise State University
Boise State Esports Summer Camp Series
Coding & techcommuter (on-campus day camp series)Who: High school and middle school students
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: Structured, team-oriented camps in titles like Valorant, Rocket League and Super Smash Bros., plus exposure to the esports ecosystem - shoutcasting, streaming and game analysis.
Cost: Fee-based; pricing posted via Bronco Sports / Esports registration.
Selectivity: Open enrollment (registration-based)
When: Summer 2026 (multiple sessions)
Applying: Register through Boise State Esports / Bronco Sports; see the 2026 announcement for session dates and pricing.
- Pennsylvania
Carnegie Mellon University (Entertainment Technology Center / Pre-College)
National High School Game Academy (NHSGA)
Coding & techresidentialWho: Rising 11th-12th graders, ages 16-18
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: Six-week intensive in video game development covering programming, storytelling, sound, art, and production; teams build an original game prototype from pitch to playable demo using grad-level (ETC) methods.
Cost: Paid (CMU pre-college tuition, roughly $13k residential); need-based pre-college scholarships available.
Selectivity: Highly selective (~30% accepted of 200+ applicants).
When: 6 weeks in summer (aligned with CMU pre-college, ~June-Aug)
Applying: Apply through CMU Pre-College (deadlines align with pre-college: early Feb 1, final Mar 1, 2026).
- Vermont
Champlain College
Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy (Pre-College)
Coding & techresidentialWho: High school students (ninth grade through recent grads / early college, per program eligibility).
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: A residential pre-college academy introducing students to investigating digital crimes and building/defending computer networks, taught in Champlain's cybersecurity facilities.
Cost: Pre-college program fee (comparable to other Champlain academies; confirm current figure on registration). Visit Scholarship of $1,000/year ($4,000 total) for attendees who later enroll at Champlain. No need-based aid noted.
Selectivity: Open enrollment, space-limited.
When: Summer 2026 (one to two-week session; see program page for dates).
Applying: Register online; 2026 registration closes June 12 (or when full). Contact precollege@champlain.edu.
- South Dakota
Dakota State University
CybHER / GenCyber Girls Camp
Coding & techresidential (Madison, SD campus)Who: Middle and high school girls (high-school session for those entering grades 10-12)
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: A hands-on cybersecurity camp designed to encourage girls into cyber and computing fields through DSU faculty- and student-led sessions in a residential college setting.
Cost: ~$250 (GenCyber-affiliated, affordable); supports girls/underrepresented students in cyber
Selectivity: Open enrollment, capacity-limited
When: June 15-18, 2026 (girls session)
Applying: Register online via the DSU/CybHER GenCyber camp portal.
- Iowa
Iowa State University (College of Engineering Outreach)
Game Development Camp
Coding & techresidentialWho: High school students, grades 9-12
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: Students build interactive games using Unity and C#, exploring narrative design, concept sketching, programming, and user-interaction theory over one week.
Cost: Fee-based (specific 2026 cost not posted at time of research); registration opens February 2026.
Selectivity: Open enrollment / registration-based.
When: Week-long, summer 2026
Applying: Register through ISU Engineering Outreach and Talent Development; summer camp registration opens February 2026.
- Tennessee
Middle Tennessee State University
MTSU Summer Experiences (Journalism, STEM, Aerospace, All Access Music & Recording camps)
Coding & techhybridWho: High school students (varies by camp; rising 9th-12th, some open to middle school)
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: MTSU's centralized camps hub lists dozens of discipline-specific high school summer camps including journalism/digital media, STEM, aerospace/flight operations, and recording/music production.
Cost: Tuition varies by individual camp (commuter and residential options); see mtsu.edu/camps for each camp's cost
Selectivity: Mostly open enrollment by registration
When: Various weeks across June-July 2026
Applying: Browse and register per camp at mtsu.edu/camps (each lists organizer, dates, cost, and deadline)
- New Mexico
New Mexico State University
Young Women in Computing (YWiC) Summer Camps
Coding & techcommuterFree / fundedWho: Middle and high school girls (serves both, with a focus on encouraging young women in CS)
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: An NMSU Computer Science outreach program where students learn computational thinking through Python, web pages, AI, and tools like Alice and LilyPad Arduino.
Cost: Historically NSF-grant funded with low or no cost; confirm current fees and aid with the program
Selectivity: Open/application-based outreach program; not academically competitive
When: Summer 2026 sessions (week-long camps on the NMSU campus)
Applying: Apply via the NMSU Computer Science / YWiC program; see the YWiC site or contact the CS department for sessions and registration.
- North Carolina
North Carolina A&T State University (College of Science & Technology)
CoST STEM Camp (coding, robotics, drones, game design)
Coding & techcommuterWho: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: An interdisciplinary STEM day camp covering coding, programming, networking, drones, robotics, and game design through hands-on projects.
Cost: Day program; cost not published on the camp page (apply to confirm). Several A&T STEM camps are grant-funded.
Selectivity: Application-based via Qualtrics form; not described as highly competitive.
When: Two 10-day sessions in 2026: July 13-17 and July 20-24.
Applying: Apply through the Qualtrics application linked on the N.C. A&T summer camps page.
- North Dakota
North Dakota State University (NDSU)
Bison Cyber Camp
Coding & techcommuterFree / fundedWho: High school students
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: A week-long camp run by NDSU's Computer Science department where ~35 high schoolers take core sessions in programming, robotics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, mentored by college students.
Cost: Free or low-cost in recent years (partially funded by the ND Department of Public Instruction); confirm current pricing with the Computer Science department.
Selectivity: Limited capacity (~35 students per year); confirm application process with the department.
When: One week in summer (specific 2026 dates not yet posted)
Applying: No standalone registration page found; contact the NDSU Computer Science department for current dates and registration.
- Vermont
Norwich University
Cyber Immersion Camp (plus AI, OSINT, and Architecture+Art Design academies)
Coding & techresidentialWho: High school students (Cyber Immersion accepts students as young as 7th grade); other academies serve high schoolers.
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: A family of week-long Norwich academies — hands-on cybersecurity/coding/digital forensics, plus AI, open-source intelligence (OSINT), and architecture+art design — blending lab work with outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing.
Cost: Fee per camp (see individual registration pages); no broad need-based aid noted.
Selectivity: Open enrollment, space-limited.
When: Week-long summer 2026 sessions (dates per camp).
Applying: Register online via each camp's page under Norwich's camps hub; contact nuleadership@norwich.edu.
- Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania State University (School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science)
APOGEE (Anything is Possible for Girls in Electrical Engineering) and EECS coding camps
Coding & techcommuter (day camp, University Park)Who: Grades 7-12 (serves middle and high school); aimed at girls but open to all identities
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: Hands-on day camps in electronics/signals (APOGEE) and computer science (e.g., virtual worlds in Minecraft) led by Penn State engineers, introducing students to EE and CS.
Cost: Low-cost day camp (confirm current fee at registration page).
Selectivity: Open enrollment / registration-based; no prior experience required.
When: Week-long day camps in summer (late July)
Applying: Register via eecs.psu.edu/community (EE-Camp / CSE-Camp pages).
- Arizona
University of Arizona
Quantum Quest (free quantum computing camp, U of A / The Coding School / Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona)
Coding & techresidentialFree / fundedWho: High school girls, ages 14-17
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: A free, all-girls overnight camp teaching foundational quantum concepts (qubits, entanglement) and hands-on coding on real quantum computers. Note: U of A co-leads but the 2026 camp is physically hosted at Central Arizona College, not a U of A campus.
Cost: Free overnight camp; no prior quantum knowledge required. Sponsored partnership keeps it cost-free.
Selectivity: Accessible; registration-based until full (girls-only, STEM-access focus).
When: June 8-12, 2026 (overnight); hosted at Central Arizona College in Coolidge, AZ, with U of A as a lead organizer
Applying: Register by May 25, 2026; registration via Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona events page. Info: impact@arizona.edu.
- Arkansas
University of Central Arkansas
AI Innovators Lab
Coding & techcommuterWho: Grades 7-12
Details, cost & how to apply ▾Hide details ▴
What it is: A coding/AI camp where students explore artificial-intelligence concepts and build hands-on projects.
Cost: Paid tuition (fee not listed on camp index; contact program)
Selectivity: Open enrollment
When: July 6-9, 2026
Applying: Register through UCA's summer camps portal (uca.edu/camps/high-school-camps).
- Florida
University of Central Florida
Summer Institutes (SI@UCF) / iSTEM Summer Camps
Coding & techcommuterFree / fundedWho: Rising middle and high school students (grades 6-12)
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What it is: UCF's computer-science department and STEM outreach run summer institutes and camps in AI, robotics, entrepreneurship, computer science, and mathematics with hands-on, instructor-led projects.
Cost: Paid per-camp tuition (set on the SI@UCF / UCF STEM registration pages). No broad free option advertised.
Selectivity: Open enrollment for iSTEM camps; the computer-science/math Summer Institute is more selective and intensive.
When: Week-long to multi-week sessions in summer
Applying: Register/apply on the SI@UCF and UCF STEM K-12 outreach sites; spring deadlines.
- Delaware
University of Delaware
Future Aviation Academy: Drone Pilot Ground School
Coding & techcommuterWho: High school students (15+, rising sophomore-senior)
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What it is: Classroom course preparing students for the FAA Part 107 exam required to operate commercial drones, covering airspace, regulations and flight planning.
Cost: Tuition charged (noncredit); UD PCS early-bird and need-based discounts apply. Confirm figure on program page.
Selectivity: Open enrollment / registration-based
When: Summer week (classroom-based); confirm 2026 dates on program page
Applying: Register online via UD Professional & Continuing Studies (pcs.udel.edu/high-school-pre-college).
- Maine
University of Maine (Orono)
Girls Who Code Overnight Camp
Coding & techresidentialFree / fundedWho: Middle and high school girls, non-binary students, and students of color (ages 11-18); male allies welcome
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What it is: A free residential overnight camp where students learn computer science, build real-world tech skills, and join a supportive coding community whether beginners or experienced.
Cost: FREE
Selectivity: Open/inclusive enrollment (registration-based)
When: Summer 2026 dates to be announced (typically July)
Applying: Register via the MCEC camps page / Educate Maine; contact Shelby Bryant, shelby@educatemaine.org.
- Montana
University of Montana
CyberMontana / GenCyber Summer Institutes
Coding & techHybrid (in-person and virtual offerings)Free / fundedWho: Middle and high school students (state programs across grade bands; GenCyber commonly serves ~ages 11-14, high school via related dual-enrollment/camps)
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What it is: University of Montana-hosted, state-funded cybersecurity education providing hands-on training in topics like cryptography, password cracking, and geotagging, plus networking with industry professionals.
Cost: State-funded (Montana Legislature appropriations); many offerings, including cyber safety clinics, are FREE
Selectivity: Generally open/accessible; capacity-limited per camp
When: Summer (camps run June-August 2026)
Applying: Apply/register via cybermontana.org; specifics and deadlines vary by camp.
- Nevada
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Early Outreach / Young Rebels)
UNLV AI Explorers Camp
Coding & techcommuterFree / fundedWho: High school students (Southern Nevada)
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What it is: A free one-week day camp introducing high schoolers to artificial intelligence and computing concepts through hands-on activities on the UNLV campus.
Cost: Free.
Selectivity: Open enrollment via registration form; capacity-limited.
When: One week in mid-July (July 13-17, 2026).
Applying: Register via the Young Rebels Google form; contact OITSWD@unlv.edu. Register early.
- Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma (Norman) — OU Esports
OU Esports Summer Camps
Coding & techcommuterConfirm detailsWho: Competitive esports players (high school age)
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What it is: Camps led by OU's official esports coaches and team captains covering gameplay mechanics, teamwork, strategy, and leadership.
Cost: Tuition-based (specifics TBA)
Selectivity: Open enrollment
When: Summer 2026 (dates TBA)
Applying: Details/registration via OU Esports events page; contact esports@ou.edu
- Rhode Island
University of Rhode Island
AI Camp / Computer Camp (College of Engineering)
Coding & techCommuter (day camp)Who: Elementary through high school (sessions by age/ability level)
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What it is: Hands-on weeklong sessions in AI/robotics, circuits, 3D modeling/printing, and Python and game/web design, with tracks scaled to different ages and skill levels.
Cost: Per-week fee (e.g., comparable URI day camps ~$550/week); see registration page. No published scholarship info.
Selectivity: Open enrollment, first-come registration.
When: One-week sessions across summer 2026
Applying: Register via URI Camps & Programs (web.uri.edu/camps); first-come.
- South Carolina
University of South Carolina (Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing)
PMECS (Partners for Mentoring in Engineering and Computer Science)
Coding & techresidentialWho: Rising 9th-12th graders; targets gifted minority students in engineering and computer science
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What it is: Residential mentorship camp pairing minority high schoolers with engineering and computer science role models through technical workshops and cultural/academic activities on the Columbia campus.
Cost: Cost not published on summary page; mentorship/access-oriented program. Confirm with K-12 Outreach office.
Selectivity: Targeted program for underrepresented students in engineering/CS; application required.
When: Summer; 4 days/3 nights for rising 9th graders, 6 days/5 nights for sophomores-seniors.
Applying: Apply via USC Molinaroli College K-12 Outreach summer camps page; dates and cost confirmed there.
- Washington
University of Washington (Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering)
Changemakers in Computing (CiC)
Coding & techcommuterFree / fundedWho: Rising juniors and seniors at Washington state high schools; underrepresented/economically disadvantaged students
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What it is: A free program where students explore computing and coding through culturally relevant, project-based learning centered on social impact.
Cost: Free
Selectivity: Selective; targets underrepresented WA students
When: Summer (multi-week, ran early-to-late July)
Applying: Apply via the UW College of Engineering K-12 site / Allen School CiC page; spring deadline (around April 1)
Before you apply
Three things worth knowing
- Free and funded ones fill up early. The most competitive research programs and Governor's schools have winter/early-spring deadlines — check the official page and apply well ahead.
- “Pay-to-play” isn't a golden ticket. An expensive pre-college program is a great experience, but it's not a meaningful admissions edge on its own. A free research internship or a real summer job both read just as well.
- Programs change. A few here are flagged "changed" or "discontinued" — always confirm dates and cost on the school's own page (we link it) before you plan around one.