Game Design Summer Programs For High School Students San Diego

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

According to Princeton Review, computer science remains the most popular major among college students. This means that high school students ultimately hoping to receive a degree such as a bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science, computer engineering, and more, could have their work cut out for them when it comes to landing a spot in a top program. To ensure their college application is as competitive as possible, many high school students spend their summer taking part in a pre-college technology program.

The 50 programs on this list are the 50 Best Pre-College Summer Technology Programs for High School Students. We searched through hundreds of programs, considering everything from affordability and value, to the resumes of instructors, to the uniqueness of the activities and opportunities. The result is the ultimate list of summer technology programs that are sure to make your summer both exciting and productive — and add a little extra boost to that college application.

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Applications of Nanoscience Summer Institute at UCLA

There are few additions to a college application more valuable than formal research experience, which students can attain by taking part in UCLA's Applications of Nanoscience Summer Institute. Over the course of two weeks, program participants will learn the basics of pursuing a scientific research project. They'll attend lectures, take part in hands-on experiments, and work on a team project having to do with actual scientific research. By the end of the program, students will have a solid understanding of nanoscience, nanotechnology, and research projects.

Where: University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
How Long: Two weeks
Specific Subjects: Nanoscience, Nanotechnology
How Much: $3,666 (includes tuition and room & board; discount offered for students entering the UC system the following fall)
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Artificial Intelligence Laboratory's Outreach Summer Program at Stanford University

In an attempt to increase diversity in the field of Artificial Intelligence, Stanford University hosts this pre-college summer program for girls who are interested in exploring technology, and specifically A.I., as a college major and future career. Over the course of three weeks, the young women in the program are exposed to Artificial Intelligence through faculty lectures, industry field trips, hands-on projects, and even mentoring sessions with faculty, researchers, and graduate students.

Where: Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Artificial Intelligence
How Much: $6,000 (includes tuition, room & board, field trips, and course materials
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Basic Coding & Data Science Institute at Georgetown University

Students new to computer programming, coding, and digital design are sure to find value in Georgetown's Basic Coding & Data Science Institute. This one-week pre-college summer technology program introduces students to such topics as creating a basic web page, data analytics, and the various ways to present data — all tools that can be helpful as citizens in the 21st century. To supplement the class lectures and hands-on activities, students also visit a well-known D.C.-based tech firm.

Where: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
How Long: One week
Specific Subjects: Computer Programming, Coding, Digital Design
How Much: $2,895 (includes tuition and room & board)
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Boeing High School Scholars Program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

We are sure that any tech-minded student would jump at the opportunity to spend part of their summer working with Boeing at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, so it shouldn't be too surprising that the Boeing High School Scholars Program is one of the most selective pre-college summer technology programs around. Students receive a full scholarship to attend the program and can choose between a number of tracks including Aerospace Engineering and Near Space Research.

Where: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Arizona
How Long: Varies
Specific Subjects: Aerospace Engineering
How Much: Varies (accepted students receive scholarships based on a number of factors)
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Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech

The Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University is an intensive seven-week summer research program. Open to high school juniors and seniors, the program allows students an opportunity for hands-on practical research with leading researchers and members of the Texas Tech faculty. This unique opportunity, which also includes weekly seminars and fields trips, pays students a $750 tax-free stipend, and provides room and board.

Where: Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas
How Long: Seven weeks
Specific Subjects: Computer Science, Electronic Media, Energy, Engineering, Mathematics and Statistics, and more.
How Much: Scholars receive a $750 tax-free stipend
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Columbia Engineering
High School Coding Academy

Competitive students looking to pad their college applications while simultaneously exploring an interesting subject should look no further than Columbia University's High School Coding Academy. Students can choose from a variety of subject areas in which to spend their thirteen weeks, while attending instructor-led live classes two days a week — from the comfort of home, or any location. Students leave the program with evaluation letters from their instructors, as well as a statement of completion from Columbia.

Where: Online
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: HTML, CSS, Javascript, jQuery
How Much: $2500
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Computational Science Class for High School Students at Illinois Tech

Illinois Tech offers a number of pre-college summer programs each year, including this one. Aimed at students who love science, math, and computation, the program consists of hands-on activities that direct students towards the answers to questions like "How does Google Maps work?" and "Has Facebook turned six degrees of separation into five?" Note that students taking part in the program should have already completed one year of science, as well as Algebra II.

Where: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Computer Science
How Much: $1,000 (includes tuition only)
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Cornell Engineering Experience

Math, science, improving the world. Students with those interests won't be disappointed by the Cornell Engineering Experience, a six-week residential summer program that combines lab work, research, one of the top schools of engineering in the world, and a focus in other math, computer science, biology, or physics. Over the course of the program, students also have the opportunity to meet with representatives from Cornell's College of Engineering admissions office, hear from engineers of varying disciplines, and tour cutting-edge facilities.

Where: Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
How Long: Six weeks
Specific Subjects: Engineering
How Much: $12,825 (includes tuition, room & board, and course materials)
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Cybersecurity: Hack-A-Thon Challenge at Syracuse

Syracuse University's fun summer tech program brings to life popular television shows like Mr. Robot and CSI: Cyber to give high school students a first-hand look at the prevalence of cybersecurity in our everyday lives. Over the course of two weeks, students will participate in hands-on activities designed to teach the skills that will allow them to join a growing community of ethical hackers. The session ends with a mini HACK-A-THON in which students must maintain and defend their systems against a variety of "hackers."

Where: Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
How Long: Two weeks
Specific Subjects: Hacking, Programming
How Much: $3,090 for residential students; $2,191 for commuting students
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Design Media Arts Summer Institute at UCLA

UCLA's Design Media Arts Summer Institute is a rigorous residential program hosted by one of the top design departments in the country. Uniquely, this program is multidisciplinary, giving students the opportunity to gain experience in everything from graphic design to game design. Students will be taught how to use the latest software and technologies by experienced UCLA professors, and by the end of the two-week program, will have an online portfolio that is sure to boost any college application.

Where: University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
How Long: Two weeks
Specific Subjects: Media Arts, Graphic Design, Web Design, Audio/Video/Gaming
How Much: $3,336 (includes tuition, room & board)
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Duke University's TIP Academy for Summer Studies

Designed with gifted students in mind (applicants are expected to be in the top 5% of their classes), Duke University's TIP Academy for Summer Studies gives students the chance to take part in interactive inquiry-based classes that challenges their critical thinking skills. Intense courses are taught by content experts who will both challenge and inspire students to reach their very best potentials.

Where: At various colleges and universities across the countryHow Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Web Design, Game Design, Robotics, Programming, and more
How Much: $4,300 – $4,375 depending on which site you attend (includes tuition, room & board, and supplies)
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EDGE Pre-College Program at University of Delaware

University of Delaware's EDGE Pre-College Program allows high school students to get a feel for college life and academics by spending a month taking undergraduate courses at the university's Newark, Delaware campus. In addition to participating in various workshops and social activities, students choose two classes to earn up to seven transferable college credits. Among the many class options are Business Computing, in which students gain a deep basic knowledge of computers, microcomputers, various software, and the process of systems development.

Where: University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
How Long: One month
Specific Subjects: Computer Science
How Much: $4,600 for Delaware residents; $7,100 for out-of-state students (includes tuition, room & board, lab fees, and group recreational costs)
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Engineering Innovation at Johns Hopkins University

While engineering skills to be an are, of course, extremely important, without the ability to think like an engineer, skills mean little. That's where Johns Hopkins University's Engineering Innovation program comes in. This intensive four-week pre-college program is designed to help students develop crucial critical thinking skills through fun hands-on activities (we're talking about things like constructing spaghetti bridges!). Note that successful applicants to this program will have completed both Algebra II and Trigonometry, as well as a lab science.

Where: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
How Long: Four weeks
Specific Subjects: Engineering
How Much: $6,700 (includes tuition, room & board)
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Engineering Pre-College Summer Program at Syracuse University

Syracuse University offers an Engineering course as part of its popular pre-college summer program. This unique summer program is perfect for the high school student considering a career in engineering, as it combines college-level introductory courses with hands-on activities and field trips. Two two-week courses are offered for the program — Civil & Environmental Engineering and Aerospace Engineering — and students can choose to participate in one or both.

Where: Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
How Long: Two weeks
Specific Subjects: Civil & Environmental Engineering, Aerospace Engineering
How Much: $3,090 for residential students; $2,191 for commuting students
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Engineering Tomorrow Summer Camp at Indiana University

Tech-crazy students considering a career in computer science or technology are sure to love Indiana University's Engineering Tomorrow Summer Camp. The week-long pre-college summer program allows students to live on campus to experience firsthand just what it's like. Students then spend each day learning all about the latest trends in technology, acquiring hands-on experience in everything from app and web design to building robots.

Where: Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
How Long: One week
Specific Subjects: Engineering
How Much: $600 (includes tuition, activities, meal, and a camp t-shirt)
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Game Lab Summer Institute at UCLA

In this one-of-a-kind, pre-college summer technology program hosted by UCLA, technology and art are blended in order to show students a unique creative approach to game development and design. Over the course of two weeks, students will foster their creative sides while learning the technology necessary to create and design playable video and mobile games. Topics covered include the fundamentals of game design, building game worlds, creating game characters, and making playable games for mobile platforms.

Where: University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
How Long: Two weeks
Specific Subjects: Game Design
How Much: $2,231 (includes tuition, room & board)
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Generation TECH Program at Texas Tech

There are few technological industries growing as quickly as that of renewable energy, making it the perfect time for tech-minded students to get a taste of what it would be like to pursue a major and then career in this important field. Over the course of this one-week program, students will attend fun classes and workshops at Texas Tech University to learn about everything from energy production to electric generation sources. Activities include building a wind turbine, land sailing at the Reese Technology Center, designing and installing solar panels, and much more.

Where: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
How Long: One week
Specific Subjects: Renewable Energy Technology
How Much: $700 (includes tuition)
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Girls Who Code

This national non-profit organization isn't quite like most other programs on this list regarding selectivity or association with a major college or university, but it's still one of the best programs for girls who have an interest in computer science. The seven-week program is completely free and takes place over seven weeks in cities all across the United States. Girls are guided through the basics of computer science, including potential tech careers, and leave having gained both a solid working knowledge and tons of confidence.

Where: Varies
How Long: Seven weeks
Specific Subjects: Computer Science
How Much: Free
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Google in Education Computer Science Summer Institute

Where better to learn about computer science than Google?! The tech giant's three-week courses take place all over the country, including its home base of Mountain View, California, and offer high-achieving students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn programming fundamentals with Google engineers. The intensive hands-on program includes information on subjects like software engineering, emerging technologies, application development, and so much more.

Where: Varies
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Computer Science
How Much: Free
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Harvard Secondary School Program

Harvard University's Secondary School Program allows students to earn college credit while immersing themselves in college courses and campus life. As Harvard's website states, "This is your test-drive of college." Students can choose from more than 200 courses that they'll take alongside actual Harvard undergrads. When not in the classroom, students can attend various workshops, take part in on-campus social events, visit nearby colleges, or anything else their hearts desire.

Where: Online or Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
How Long: Seven weeks
Specific Subjects: Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Digital Media, Engineering Sciences, and more
How Much: $3,300 (online or commuter for four credits), $6,600 (online or commuter for eight credits), $12,500 (includes tuition for eight credits, room & board, weekend excursions)
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High School Summer College at Stanford

Stanford University, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, invites high school students to choose from more than 140 courses during its summer quarter. This opportunity, called the High School Summer College, is an intensive and selective eight-week program meant to provide high-achieving students with a realistic taste of college at a top university. Not only do participants take the same courses as Stanford undergrads, they are able to learn from Stanford professors, and are even matriculated as Stanford students. What an opportunity!

Where: Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
How Long: Eight weeks
Specific Subjects: Communications, Programming, Computing, Mathematics, Information Technology, and more
How Much: $14,426 to $17,054, depending on program (includes tuition for eight units, room & board, and all fees)
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High School Summer Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis's High School Summer Scholars Program is a prestigious program in which students have the opportunity to study a variety of courses right alongside undergraduate students. During their chosen session (there are three, ranging from five to eight weeks in length), students live on campus in residence halls, participate in specialized seminars and a variety of social events, and are even made part of an academic support group. Course options are extensive, but technology-themed courses include Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, Editing Digital Video, a variety of mathematics courses, and much more.

Where: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
How Long: Five to eight weeks per session
Specific Subjects: Geographic Information Systems, Mathematics, and more
How Much: $8,085 (five weeks), $10,585 (eight weeks)
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ID Tech Camps

For more than a decade, ID Tech Camps have been gathering like-minded kids together and teaching them the skills they need to know to be the next big thing in the tech world. Students learn from highly skilled industry professionals and graduate students — mentors and teachers who highly skilled in the subjects that they teach. Programs are broken down by age and skill level and include a seemingly endless list of courses from which to choose. We like the Surf and Tech program offered at UC San Diego's ID Tech, in which half the day is spent surfing, while the rest is spent learning about video games or web design. Dozens of locations exist, from Stanford to MIT, making this unique summer program an accessible one for just about any student.

Where: Varies
How Long: One to two weeks
Specific Subjects: Computer Programming, Video Game Design, Engineering, and much, much more
How Much: Varies
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Learn to Code! at Syracuse University

You can spend your summer browsing the internet for cat videos, or you can learn how to build the internet. In Syracuse University's fun Learn to Code! Program students spend two weeks learning how to code in Python, capture and analyze visual data, integrate with Google applications and other services, and even build one's own web service.

Where: Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
How Long: Two weeks
Specific Subjects: Coding, Programming
How Much: $3,090 for residential students; $2,191 for commuting students
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Liberal Arts Intensive at Barnard

Barnard College's one-week Liberal Arts Intensive gives young women in high school the opportunity to spend a week in New York City while also taking an interesting college-level course. Mornings are spent in classes such as "Technology, Society, Computing," while afternoons are spent exploring the city at baseball games, Broadway shows, walking tours, and more.

Where: Barnard College, New York, New York
How Long: One week
Specific Subjects: Computing
How Much: $2,700 (residential), $1,850 (Commuter)
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MiBytes Computer Camps by University of Michigan

Sponsored by University of Michigan's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and run by current faculty and undergraduate students, the MiBytes Computer Camps are a fun and engaging way for students to learn about computer science. The 2018 camp is Tinkering With Mobile Apps, a fun computer science-themed camp open to students in grades 8-12.
Where: Michigan Engineering Zone, Detroit, Michigan
How Long: 5 or 10 days, depending upon camp
Specific Subjects: Computer Science, Game Design
How Much: $25 (tuition only)
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Minority Introduction to Science and Engineering (MITES) at MIT

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) wants to see more minority students enter the STEM fields, so each summer it hosts the prestigious Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES) program for rising high school seniors. The rigorous six-week program is the perfect intro to these fields, offering students fun, fellowship, a taste of college life, and classes on such topics as calculus, biology, biochemistry, physics, architecture, digital design, electronics, engineering design, and genomics, to name but a few.

Where: Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts
How Long: Six weeks
Specific Subjects: Digital design, electronics, engineering design, biochemistry
How Much: The cost of transportation to and from MIT
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National Flight Academy Deployment at the National Flight Academy

Experiencing the National Flight Academy is like spending time at a theme park-meets-military base. The Academy offers many programs, but we like the Deployment, during which tech-minded students spend six days immersed in advanced technology, flight simulators, and virtual reality. Students tackle "missions" that become progressively harder over the course of the week, all the while learning about the different paths one can take with an education in technology-related fields.

Where: National Flight Academy, Pensacola, Florida
How Long: Six days
Specific Subjects: Varies
How Much: $1,250 (though some discounted weeks are available)
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NYU Precollege Program

As NYU's precollege summer program homepage states, this precollege program IS college. Each summer, a carefully selected group of high school students are invited to participate in NYU's summer classes. Students choose from a fun and interesting course list, learn from NYU faculty members, and earn transferrable college credits.

Where: New York University, New York, New York
How Long: Six weeks
Specific Subjects: Engineering, Cyber Security
How Much: Ranges from $4,971 to $12,166 depending on units taken (includes tuition for 8 credits, program fee, and room & board)
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Pioneer Academics Online Research Programs

Thanks to Pioneer Academics, a public benefit corporation, students from all around the world can conduct research and be mentored by professors from some of the world's preeminent institutions. The 12-week program — conducted entirely online — begins with five weeks of foundational lessons given by a top professor to a maximum of four students. The remaining time in the program is spent developing personal research projects and receiving valuable mentorship.
Where: Online, so students can participate from anywhere in the world
How Long: 12 weeks
Specific Subjects: Computer Science; Engineering; Mathematics; Science, Technology & Society
How Much: $6,355
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POWER Camp at Indiana University

Indiana University's POWER Camp (that stands for Preparing Outstanding Women for Engineering Roles) is aimed at high school women interested in engineering. This week-long camp allows students to conduct experiments in order to grasp all that engineering can entail, meet a diverse selection of successful female engineers, and get a taste of what it's like to live on a college campus.

Where: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana
How Long: One week
Specific Subjects: Engineering
How Much: $250 (tuition only)
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Pre-College Program at Harvard

Imagine getting a taste of both college life and a subject you love at one of the best schools in the world: Harvard University. With Harvard's Pre-College [summer] Program, you can do just that. This two-week residential program offers students the chance to live on the Harvard campus, take daily classes on a wide variety of fascinating topics, and explore Boston with other bright and ambitious students from around the world. Examples of courses include Introduction to Computer Programming, Introduction to Web Programming, Data Science with Python, and dozens more.

Where: Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
How Long: Two weeks
Specific Subjects: Computer Science, Digital Media, Engineering Sciences
How Much: $4,500 (includes tuition and room & board)
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Pre-Engineering Institute at Washington University in St. Louis

At Washington University in St. Louis's Pre-Engineering Institute is a great pre-college summer technology program for students interested in the diverse fields of engineering. Through dedicated classroom time, fun field trips, guest lectures, and hands-on activities, students in this program will learn how to apply scientific, economic, and social knowledge to solve problems, design structures, and create new systems.

Where: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Engineering
How Much: $5,585 (includes tuition, room & board)
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Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) with the U.S. Navy

The Department of Navy provides students with the opportunity to participate in research with them during the summer months. Approximately 300 students are chosen each year, making this a competitive program. Participants spend eight weeks conducting science and engineering research, while simultaneously making valuable networking connections, and learning about potential careers in the field of engineering research.

Where: Varies (there are 24 Department of Navy laboratories nationwide)
How Long: Eight weeks
Specific Subjects: Engineering Research
How Much: Students receive a $3,300 stipend for their work
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ASU SummerUP High School Coding Camp

Hosted by Arizona State University, SEE@asu is a five-day program that immerses students into the world of engineering on a college campus. In addition to learning about the various careers one can pursue with a degree in engineering, students will visit research labs, participate in fun hands-on projects, and take part in discussions with faculty members, working engineers, and current ASU students.

Where: Online
How Long: 3 Weeks
Specific Subjects: Engineering
How Much: $2500
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STEM II Program at Brown

Tech-minded students are invited to "define, investigate, excel" in this rigorous two-week program designed as an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a challenging and structured college environment. Students participate in a variety of hands-on activities, includes structured STEM experiences, and take on a project that they'll present to their instructors, peers, and family. Specific tech-themed courses include Artificial Intelligence and Society, Engineering Design Studio: Learning by Making in the Brown Design Workshop, Biomedical Engineering and Device Design, and Mechanical Engineering: An Experimental Approach to Fluid Mechanics, among others.

Where: Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
How Long: Two weeks
Specific Subjects: Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science
How Much: $4,391 (includes tuition, room & board, and course materials)
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Summer@Brown

The Summer@Brown pre-college summer program is a unique opportunity for students to experience life on an Ivy League campus while immersing themselves in subjects they love — all without the stress of grades and credits. Students participating in the program will live on campus, take part in a full calendar of campus events and activities, and choose from more than 200 non-credit courses. Examples of tech-themed courses available include Computer Modeling of the Brain, Introduction to Systems Thinking: Game Design and Learning, Visualizing Your Data: Graphical Programming in R, Econometrics: Statistical Tools to Understand Economic Data, among many others.

Where: Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
How Long: One to four weeks
Specific Subjects: Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics
How Much: $2,125 to $6,764 per course, depending upon length of course and housing needs
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Summer@Farragut

While most pre-college summer programs on our list are held at colleges and universities, students participating in Summer@Farragut spend part of their summer at the Admiral Farragut Academy, a boarding prep school located in Florida. Over the course of the program, students attend college-prep classes on topics such as aviation and engineering, take part in fun activities like scuba diving, and even earn a high school credit.

Where: Admiral Farragut Academy, St. Petersburg, Florida
How Long: Two, four, or six weeks
Specific Subjects: Aviation, STEM, Engineering, Robotics
How Much: $2,700 (two weeks), $5,000 (four weeks), $7,250 (six weeks) (Includes tuition, room & board, class-related activities)
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Summer Academy for Mathematics & Science at Carnegie Mellon

Carnegie Mellon offers a top-ranked Summer Academy for Mathematics & Science. The six-week program is specifically designed for those students who are come from backgrounds underrepresented in the fields of natural science (ethnic minority students, students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, first-generation college students, etc.). Classes on mathematics, computer science, engineering, and SAT preparation are all offered, and are taught by Carnegie Mellon instructors.

Where: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
How Long: Six weeks
How Much: Tuition and housing are free, though students spend an average of $200 on personal and recreational activities
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Summer College Engineering Exposure Program (SCEEP) at University of Michigan

11th graders considering engineering as a college major and future career will greatly benefit from the Summer College Engineering Exposure Program at the University of Michigan. Over the course of 11 days, students will take a variety of classes aimed at helping them to understand fully engineering and its disciplines. Students work in teams to develop a project, plus take various tours of U of M's engineering departments and take part in informal discussions with engineering professors and students.

Where: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
How Long: 11 days
Specific Subjects: Engineering
How Much: $100
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Summer Computer Science Institute at Carleton College

Under the guidance of Carleton College Computer Science professors, students taking part in the Summer Computer Science Institute will learn how to approach problems and challenges the same way a career computer scientist does. The rigorous three-week program, which takes place on Carleton's campus in Minnesota, includes classroom learning, hands-on lab activities, and collaborative research done under the guidance of college faculty members. Participants will even receive six Carleton credit hours for completing the program!

Where: Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Computer Science
How Much: $3,895 (includes tuition, room & board, all materials, and excursions)
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Summer in the City

Barnard College, a women's liberal arts school, gives female high school students the unique opportunity to spend four weeks taking college-level courses while experiencing what it's like to live in as vibrant and active a place as New York City. Students choose two four-day-a-week classes from a long list of options that include Media, Technology, and Society; The Religion of Technology; and The Exploration of Space, among many others.

Where: Barnard College, New York, New York
How Long: Four weeks
Specific Subjects: STEM, Technology
How Much: $7,900 (residential), $4,700 (Commuter)
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Summer Scholars Program at Miami University of Ohio

The Summer Scholars Program at Miami University of Ohio is an intensive two-week program that gives highly motivated students an early college experience. Students participating in the program are expected to immerse themselves into life on a college campus. They'll live in the dorms, take part in practical workshops that deal with various aspects of the college admissions process, and take college-level courses taught by Miami's top faculty and experts.

Where: Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
How Long: Two weeks
Specific Subjects: Genetic Engineering, Engineering Design, Biotechnology, and more
How Much: $1,450 (includes tuition, room & board, fees, materials, and scheduled activities)
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Summer Scholars Program at Notre Dame

Those looking to experience life at a prestigious university like Notre Dame can look no further than the Summer Scholars program. Scholars choose from a lengthy list of interesting programs of study, then enjoy two intense weeks of coursework — though plenty of free time is also included so as to experience life on a college campus. Some examples of programs from which participants can choose include Research Computing: Computers Accelerating Discovery, Astronomy: Investigating Our Universe, and so much more.

Where: University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana
How Long: Two weeks
Specific Subjects: Computing
How Much: $3,600 (includes tuition, room & board, lab fee)
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Tufts College Experience

Tufts University's pre-college summer program attracts high-achieving students wishing to get a head start on their college careers. Indeed, students participating in the program have the opportunity to acquire college credits via affordable tuition and even financial assistance. Students choose from a variety of course programs, including the popular tech-themed Bioinformatics: Inquiry through Sequencing program.

Where: Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
How Long: Six weeks
Specific Subjects: Bioinformatics
How Much: $10,000 (tuition, room & board, excursions and daily activities)
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UChicago Immersion

The University of Chicago has been called one of the top ten universities in the world, so you can be sure their pre-college summer programs are some of the best available. In UChicago Immersion, students dive into life on the Chicago campus. They take an undergraduate-level course, receive personalized attention from faculty members, and participate in labs and other hands-on activities. Tech-themed courses include Biotechnology for the 21st Century and Mathematical and Computational Research in the Biological Sciences.

Where: University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
How Long: Three weeks per session
Specific Subjects: Biotechnology, Computational Research
How Much: $6,500 (includes tuition for one course, room & board, Student Life Fee)
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USC Summer Programs

Every summer, the top-ranked University of Southern California hosts high school students on its campus as part of its summer college immersion program. Students can choose to experience life as a college student in either the four-week credit-earning or the two-week non-credit program. Technology-themed courses include3D Design and Prototyping, Discover Engineering, Introduction to Video Game Design, and more.

Where: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
How Long: Two weeks or four weeks
Specific Subjects: Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Programming, and more
How Much: Ranges from $3,270 to $8,534, depending upon program length and housing need
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Vanderbilt Summer Academy

Gifted and high-achieving students (generally those who typically score at the 95th percentile and above) are invited to participate in Vanderbilt University's prestigious Summer Academy. This unique experience allows students to get a taste of real college life by living on campus, taking accelerated courses with Vandy professors, attending social activities, and of course, completing college-level homework assignments. Technology-themed courses include Programming in Python, Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Adaptive Engineering, and more.

Where: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
How Long: One to three weeks, depending upon student's grade level
Specific Subjects: Varies
How Much: Ranges from $1,375 to $3,625, depending upon student's grade level (includes tuition, room & board, activities, and materials)
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Yale Young Global Scholars

Yale University is repeatedly ranked as the best university in the United States, so it should come as no surprise that it is also home to one of the most respected (and therefore selective) pre-college summer programs. Yale's Young Global Scholars program offers a number of session options for those interested in science, including Frontiers of Math & Science, Applied Science & Engineering, and Biological & Biomedical Science. Each session is 1-2 weeks long, and includes courses and lectures with top-notch faculty members, plus plenty of opportunity for hands-on activity.
Where: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
How Long: 1-2 weeks
Specific Subjects: Engineering
How Much: $6,000 (includes tuition, housing, and three meals per day)
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Young Scholars Program at Florida State University

The Young Scholars Program at Florida State University is for high school students interested in careers in the fields of engineering, mathematics, and science. Students choose three courses to complete over the course of six weeks, while simultaneously experiencing what life is like on a college campus. Tech-themed courses include Computer Science with Python, Scientific Computing with C++, and much more.

Where: Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
How Long: Six weeks
Specific Subjects: Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Programming
How Much: None, thanks to a $3,000 scholarship that covers tuition and housing
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Rice University High School Coding Camp

Rice University's high school coding bootcamp is the perfect place for your student to gauge their interest in a technology career. The bootcamp is thirteen weeks long and takes place online two days a week after school for two hours, with 30 minutes dedicated to in-class office hours and tutoring support (program dates linked below). During the immersion, your student will learn more than just coding. They'll put into practice problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, teamwork and communication strategies one day needed for the workplace. By the end of the program, students will leave with a portfolio of work to showcase on college applications.

Where: Online
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: HTML, CSS, Javascript, jQuery
How Much: $2,500
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Penn LPS High School Coding Program

If your student shows interest in technology or coding, UPENN's immersive coding bootcamp might be for them. For thirteen weeks, students will be taught in-demand coding applications such as, HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript, in a hands-on learning environment. More than that, they will be taught to apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to team projects that mimic real-world work experiences. By the end of the program, students will leave with sample work that can be added to a portfolio for college application.

Where: Online
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: HTML, CSS, Javascript, jQuery
How Much: $2,500
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Penn LPS High School Data Analytics Program

Give your student a taste of our data-driven world with UPENN's Immersive Data Analytics bootcamp. For thirteen weeks, students will learn how to read, visualize and analyze data in a hands-on, collaborative environment. From building charts and dashboards to gleaning meaningful insights, your student will get a taste of essential skill sets needed for the business workforce. Students will leave the program with a certificate of completion and portfolio of work to showcase on college applications.

Where: Online
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Excel, Python programming, Tableau, Pandas, Plotly
How Much: $2,500
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