5 Beginner Friendly Computer Science Camps for High School Students
For high school students eager to venture into the world of computer science, there are a variety of resources available all around the internet. But, as a beginner, oftentimes, people are unclear about where to start. Below are 5 beginner friendly computer science camps to make your computer science journey easier. These camps provide an immersive environment to explore coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
Inspirit AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Fee - $1100
Application Deadline: Rolling year-round
Program Dates: 2 Weeks, Rolling year-round
Application Requirements: Driven high school students; no previous experience required
This 2-week program focuses on learning the basics of computer programming in Python. After that, students work together on small projects using artificial intelligence. These projects cover diverse topics such as cancer studies, law enforcement, self-driving cars, fake news, mental health, and emotion detection.
What's unique about this program is that it lets students apply artificial intelligence and computer science to areas they're passionate about. After the brief Python course, students are allowed to choose what area of AI they want to focus on, so they learn more about what fascinates THEM the most.
The instructors leading the program are from top universities like Stanford, Harvard, and MIT. They're there to help and guide students as they work on their projects. By interacting with these instructors and other students who share similar interests, high schoolers better understand how artificial intelligence and machine learning can make a difference in different fields.
Girls Who Code: SIP Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free!!
Application Deadline: Mid-March
Program Dates: 2 Weeks; During the Summer; Timings Vary
Application Requirements: Driven high school students; no previous experience required; Must be between 9th and 11th grade.
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program (SIP) offers a great chance for high school students to explore the world of coding, and the best part? It's completely free! Open for applications until a specified deadline, this program is designed for girls interested in tech, whether they're new to coding or have never tried it before.
Throughout the program, girls learn various programming languages HTML, Python, and JavaScript. This year’s program will also focus on beginner to intermediate CS concepts, and UX design basics. On top of this, they also get the opportunity to connect with professionals already working in the tech industry like MetLife, Bank of America, and Accenture.
The program aims to encourage more young women to join the tech field, giving them a supportive space to learn and grow. It's an inclusive environment where girls can discover their passion for coding and gain confidence in their abilities.
Taught by experienced instructors, the program not only teaches coding skills but also empowers participants to envision how technology can change the world. Through hands-on projects and mentorship, girls get to see firsthand the impact they can make in the tech industry.
Kode for Klossy
Location: Virtual or In-person
Cost: Free!!
Application Deadline: Spring; Exact date is still to be announced.
Program Dates: 2 Weeks; During the Summer; Timings Vary
Application Requirements: Driven high school students; no previous experience required; Must be between 13-18 years old.
At Kode With Klossy camps, scholars delve into one of four exclusive and customized curricula tailored to their interests:
WEB DEV
Students explore the intricacies of website creation, focusing on dynamic website development using three fundamental programming languages: JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. This curriculum emphasizes responsive design, accessibility, and enhancing user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) elements crucial for effective websites.
AI/ML
Understanding the vital role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our modern world, this program equips students with AI fundamentals while addressing bias in tech careers. Scholars gain hands-on experience by designing image classifiers and training machine learning models using the CreateML framework.
MOBILE APP
Throughout the camp, students delve into coding with Swift, Apple's programming language, employing SwiftUI framework to develop fully operational iOS-compatible mobile applications using Xcode.
DATA
Students in this curriculum explore the realm of data, learning to extract meaningful insights through SQL, Python, and data visualization tools. By the end of the program, scholars create visualizations on topics they're passionate about, leveraging data analysis skills.
The Kode With Klossy camps are intensive, two-week programs that are entirely free. They are specifically designed for students traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields. The aim is not solely to teach the fundamentals of coding but also to ignite a lifelong enthusiasm for STEAM subjects. Upon completion of the program, scholars not only acquire a new skill set but also a connection to alumni, fostering ongoing learning and growth opportunities.
iDTech Tech Camps
Location: Virtual or In-person(65 On-Campus locations)
Cost: Fee - Varies by location
Application Deadline: Spring; Exact date is still to be announced.
Program Dates: Summer, but vary by course
Application Requirements: Choose Courses based on Age and location.
The program offers a range of exclusive camps and courses designed to cater to every child's unique interests and learning preferences. From captivating experiences like BattleBots and Fortnite to comprehensive lessons covering Python, Java, Roblox, Minecraft, and more, there's a diverse range of options to captivate and engage young minds.
At UC Berkeley the following courses are available: Game Design with Minecraft, BattleBots Camp with VEX Robotics, VR Game Design with Meta Quest 2, Game Design and Development 101 with Unreal Engine, and much more!
Focused on providing an environment that fosters personalized learning, the program ensures small class sizes, allowing for tailored attention to each camper. These intimate settings not only encourage active participation but also facilitate individualized guidance and support. The state-of-the-art labs and outdoor activities offer a fun and educational experience for the students on the university campus.
The team instructors are carefully selected from esteemed universities. More than just experts in their fields, these instructors are passionate mentors who connect with children on a personal level. They understand their interests and aspirations, serving as genuine role models throughout the learning journey. Their mentorship goes beyond teaching technical skills; it offers valuable insights drawn from their own experiences, enriching the learning process for every camper involved.
Veritas AI Scholars
Location: Virtual
Cost: Lowest Package is $1790
Application Deadline: Feb 24, 2024, Rolling Admission throughout the year
Program Dates: 10-week course; Rolling admission
Application Process: Driven high school students; no previous experience required
The AI Scholars program offers an immersive journey into the realm of artificial intelligence and machine learning, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of these cutting-edge fields. Spanning 10 weeks, the program begins with a focus on building a strong foundation in Python programming and AI essentials, gradually progressing to explore advanced concepts like regression, neural networks, and natural language processing. As the program unfolds, participants engage in real-world group projects, delving into intricate topics such as image classification, deep learning, and the ethical implications of AI.
Some Projects include: Predicting Breast Cancer from Genes, Classifying the origin of blood clots, and Predictive model of Student College Decisions
Conducted entirely online, the program welcomes students with diverse backgrounds, aiming to empower them with practical AI skills that can be applied meaningfully in various real-world contexts. Through a combination of theoretical insights, hands-on sessions, and project work, participants emerge equipped with valuable knowledge and a skill set poised to make a tangible impact in the realm of artificial intelligence.
Conclusion
These entry-level computer science camps serve as an excellent avenue for high school students to dive into the CS field. Whether it involves coding, robotics, or AI, these camps provide a great foundation for young tech enthusiasts to explore and learn. With their interactive programs, knowledgeable mentors, and practical engagement, these camps act as initial steps for students to explore their own passions, acquire essential skills, and embark on a promising path within the ever-evolving realm of computer science and technology.
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
