Our Top Picks for Computer Science Programs in 2021

We have top computer science programs for 2021, rounded up for you! So if you're a high school student looking to brush up on your computer science skills, or build on the skills you already have, tune in. Because here is a list of our top picks for the summer of 2021!

Today technology touches almost every aspect of our lives. So it comes as no surprise that some technical knowledge is almost a necessity in the job market. Similarly students who have studied computer science have a distinct advantage over students who don't. As you will see, reasons include:

• It's easier to find a job
• You can apply your skills to a broader variety of work
• More options to work remotely
• You can earn more...

The benefits are many. So why not take a short course over the summer?  

If you're a high school student looking to brush up on your skills or build on the skills you already have, then here is a list of our top picks. Now is the time to start applying as applications for summer programs in 2021 begin to open. Many will be offered online as the pandemic continues to play out and for many, no prior knowledge is required.

Next, let's look at some of the top computer science programs for 2021.

Offered online in 2021

During this three-week residential program, students are immersed in AI through a combination of lectures, hands-on research projects, and mentoring activities.

Next, let's look at colleges where AI4ALL is offered -  

• Stanford
• Arizona State University
• Boston University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Columbia University
• Georgia Tech University
• Princeton University
• Seattle University
• Simon Fraser University (Canada)
• UC Berkeley
• UC San Francisco
• University of Maryland
• University of Michigan
• UPenn

and last, but not least:

• University of Texas at El Paso

Deadline: TBA, last year ´s deadline was 2/12/2020

Eligibility: Varies. For example Stanford program is offered to 9th graders only, BU program is for current 11th grade girls. 

Acceptance rate: Varies, Stanford program is selective

Duration: 2 weeks

Cost: Less than $2,000

Offered online and in-person in New York, NY 

This introductory-level course enables participants to navigate the new reality of the "data economy." In order to do that, participants are introduced to a variety of popular technologies for data analytics. And, students gain a familiarity with programming in R, a software environment for statistical computing and graphics.  

Deadline: 4/1/2021

Eligibility: Rising 11-12th graders

Acceptance rate: Somewhat selective

Duration: 3 weeks

Cost: $$$

Offered online and in-person in Austin, TX 

The academies here are designed to dispel myths about computer science. In addition, they intrigue young women with the potential of computing and the excitement of problem solving.

Deadline: TBA, however, last year's deadline was mid-March 2020

Eligibility: Rising 10-12th graders from Texas

Acceptance rate: Somewhat selective

Duration: 1 week

Cost: Free

Offered online in 2021

The program enables students to take a deep dive into the field of Computer Science. For instance, students see a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on experience with research projects, seminars, and field trips to computer science related companies.

Deadline: March 10, 2021

Eligibility: Current 10-11th graders; also, applicants underrepresented in computer science are strongly encouraged to apply.

Acceptance rate: Selective

Duration: 6 weeks

Cost: Free

Offered online in 2021

Teaches young women to build real-life apps. Plus, this one works whether you've never written a line of code or you're a full-fledged hacker!

Deadline: TBA, however, last year's deadline was 4/5/2020

Eligibility: Between ages of 13-18; GIRLS ONLY

Acceptance rate: Somewhat selective

Duration: 2 weeks

Cost: Free

May be offered online in 2021

This hands-on camp introduces students to the programming skills and software/computer technologies that drive advances. Specifically, advances in science, industry, business and society.

Deadline: 3/17/2021

Eligibility: Minimum age of 15

Acceptance rate: Somewhat selective, plus, must have a GPA of 85 or higher to enroll.

Duration: 2 weeks

Cost: $

Offered online in 2021

Using real-world tools such as Mathematica, students will learn how to take an idea or question and find ways to formulate it for a computer. Essentially, the course consists of hands-on activities, but minimal lecturing. At the end of the program, students will acquire better computational thinking, a skill that is critical in an increasingly technological world.

Deadline: Opens January 2021, rolling admissions

Eligibility: Rising 10-12th graders

Acceptance rate: Selective, because you must have one year of science and completion of Algebra II plus strong math and science grades. However, no coding experience is required.

Duration: 2 weeks

Cost: $

Offered online in 2021

A program designed for high school students with a background in chemistry and a desire to learn the basics of pursuing a viable, scientifically-sound technology and bringing it to market.

Deadline: Rolling admissions

Eligibility: Current 9-12th graders

Acceptance rate: Somewhat competitive, since it's targeted at advanced students

Duration: 2 weeks

Cost: $$

Offered online in 2021

A project-oriented camp for high-school students, introducing them to cutting-edge programming, computational thinking and innovative technology. The camp is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurial and technical high-school students to explore science and technology.

Deadline: 6/4/2021

Eligibility: Current 9-12th graders

Acceptance rate: Not very competitive

Duration: 2 weeks

Cost: $$

May be offered online in 2021

Google's Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI) is a three-week introduction to computer science (CS) for graduating high school seniors with a passion for technology —” especially students from historically underrepresented groups in the field.

Deadline:TBA, last year ´s deadline was 2/28/2020

Eligibility: Current 12th graders

Acceptance rate: Selective

Duration: 3 weeks

Cost: Free

Learn to code online in a supportive, all-girl environment! Explore how women across the spectrum of race, class, and sexuality exercised power and effected change. Share under-told stories of women throughout history and code digital projects that make a difference in the world and help fight the gender gap. 

Deadline: TBA

Eligibility: High school GIRLS only

Duration: 1 week

Cost: Voluntary payment

Now, you have a strong list of top computer science programs for 2021 to start with. If you need help selecting and applying to summer programs, then sign up for a free 30-minute consultation. In the consult, we will review you or your child's profile, and discuss how Empowerly might be able to offer the best help possible.