Top 10 Tech Programs for High School Students
Top 10 Tech Programs for High School Students
Written by
Written by
George Gatsios, Founder of Delta Institute
George Gatsios, Founder of Delta Institute
Published on
Published on
There are plenty of ways to explore your love for technology outside of the classroom, like free online courses, university-led summer academies, or paid internships at major tech companies. These programs vary in structure, cost, and curriculum, but all provide valuable opportunities to build your technical skills and gain exposure to real-world applications of computer science and artificial intelligence.
Here are 10 tech programs for high school students that can help you develop your skills, explore different areas of technology, and gain meaningful experience.
Girls Who Code offers a free online program for girls and non-binary students to learn more about computer science. Over the 6 to 7 weeks, you’ll take five courses at your own pace: data science + AI, game design, web development, cybersecurity, and AI + society. Each course includes hands-on projects and guided learning designed to help students build practical coding skills while exploring real-world applications of technology and problem-solving in modern industries.
You can also take advantage of virtual events with leading tech organizations, career panels, advisor-led workshops, optional student hours for support, and a private chat with your peers to exchange ideas and get to know each other.
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: April (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 29 to August 14
Eligibility: Girls and non-binary students in grades 9 to 12 (including rising 9th grade students and graduating seniors)
Delta Launch by Delta Institute helps high school students build practical experience in artificial intelligence and software development through mentored, project-based learning. The Delta AI pathway introduces students to machine learning concepts, generative AI, and problem-solving frameworks while they design and build AI-driven solutions to real-world challenges. The Delta Code pathway focuses on programming fundamentals and applied development, including web, app, data science, and game development.
Both streams offer intensive and immersive options that vary in length, but you’ll have access to industry mentors from leading technology companies no matter which one you choose. You’ll also participate in technical workshops, collaborate with peers from around the world, and earn a letter of recommendation from your mentor highlighting your skills and achievements.
Cost: $2,200–$4,800
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 31 (summer III deadline). You can apply here
Program Dates: Varies depending on the program
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
Stanford AI4ALL, hosted by the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, introduces current 9th-grade students to the fundamentals and societal impact of artificial intelligence. Students from around the world can come together to explore how AI can be used to address real-world challenges and create positive change. Throughout the 2-week course, you’ll engage in hands-on learning through lectures, live demonstrations, and collaborative research projects.
You’ll be placed into a research project group based on your interests, with the opportunity to rank your preferences from four subjects: computer vision, medical AI, natural language processing, and robotics. You’ll also attend workshops, gain mentorship from industry professionals and Stanford faculty, and go on field trips around the San Francisco Bay area if you choose the residential option.
Cost: $4,120 (virtual) or $9,800 (residential)
Location: Virtual or in Redwood City, California
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 15 to 26 (virtual) or July 19 to 31 (residential)
Eligibility: Current 9th-grade students
The AWS work-experience is a 4-week, virtual program designed for high school students to engage with industry experts, learn future-ready skills, and work on industry relevant projects. As part of the program, you will engage in live learning modules that help you build technical skills in core areas such as the foundations of machine learning algorithms, the mathematical principles that underpin them, and the practical application of building real ML models using Python.
By the end of the progra, you will have a stronger understanding of the work done by AWS, the technical skills required to be successful in the industry, and a tangible project to showcase on college applications. You also receive a certificate of completion and letter of recommendation from AWS.
Cost: $4,900
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 31 (summer III deadline)
Program Dates: June 20 - July 26 | November 28 - January 17
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
You can check out the full list of companies here!
The Microsoft Discovery Program is a 4-week paid internship for graduating high school seniors interested in exploring careers in technology at Microsoft. The internship provides hands-on experience working on real-world projects alongside Microsoft employees and mentors in a collaborative environment. With a small group, you’ll complete a project that addresses real customer issues, with your mentors guiding you through key stages of the product development process.
Throughout the internship, you’ll gain exposure to product management, software engineering, and UX design, while learning how these disciplines work together to build and improve tech products. In addition to project work, you can attend technical sessions and discussions to learn about different Microsoft technologies, gain technical skills, and learn from active employees.
Cost: Paid internship
Location: Redmond, Washington or Atlanta Georgia
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates:
Atlanta: July 6 to July 31
Redmond: July 13 to August 7
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors attending a bachelor’s degree program who live around Redmond, Washington or Atlanta Georgia
Harvard University offers a yearly Pre-College Summer School Program to introduce high school students to college-level academics in a low-pressure environment. There are 3, 2-week sessions, where you can choose 1 course from 30 options, including computer science subjects like introduction to Python or computational biophysics. Courses mimic a real undergraduate class with lectures, problem sets, and collaborative exercises, though classes are limited to an average of 15 students.
When you’re not in class, you can participate in creative and social activities with peers from around the world. You won’t receive credit, but you will receive a Harvard transcript and written evaluation that can enhance your college application.
Cost: $6,100 + $75 application fee
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Application Deadline: April (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates:
June 21 to July 2
July 5 to July 17
July 19 to July 31
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 16 and 19 during the program
Check out other pre-college programs here!
Berkeley Coding Academy’s Data Science - The AI Journey is an online summer program designed to introduce middle and high school students to programming, data science, and artificial intelligence through live, interactive instruction. You’ll learn about Python fundamentals as you build, tune, and evaluate machine learning models. You’ll be able to select your own datasets to analyze meaningful trends and make real-world predictions.
The curriculum also introduces students to new AI models and emerging applications across industries so you have the most up-to-date knowledge. Berkeley Coding Academy offers shorter summer programs as well, like AI First Steps - Python Programming and The Code Behind AI - Machine Learning.
Cost: From $2,999
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: July 6 to 31
Eligibility: Students aged 12 to 18
Meta Summer Academy is a six-week paid summer internship designed to introduce high school students to careers in technology, coding, and professional development within one of the world’s largest tech companies. Hosted at Meta’s headquarters in California, the program gives high school sophomores hands-on exposure to real workplace environments through projects, workshops, and mentorship from Meta employees.
You’ll work 30 hours per week on projects related to software engineering, artificial intelligence, social technologies, and digital innovation while also developing leadership, networking, and communication skills. The program includes technical workshops, career seminars, coding instruction, and opportunities to learn directly from industry professionals and executives.
Cost: Free, stipend provided
Location: Menlo Park, California
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 15 to July 24
Eligibility: High school sophomores who are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City with a minimum 2.0 GPA
Cisco Networking Academy is a global education program created by Cisco Systems to help students build foundational knowledge and advanced skills in IT, networking, cybersecurity, and programming. The program offers free online courses that combine theory with hands-on labs, allowing students to practice real-world technical skills using tools like network simulation software.
There are a range of free courses to choose from, like AI Fundamentals, Sustainability in IT, and introduction to Python. At the end of the course, you’ll receive a digital badge of completion, then you can take a certification exam to earn an industry-recognized certification for your college applications or resume.
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: Year-round
Eligibility: Open to learners of any age globally
UCLA’s Summer Sessions give high school students the chance to take rigorous, university-level courses for credit. There are more than 100 courses to choose from in over 30 subject areas, including computer science. You can explore foundational and advanced topics such as Principles and Practices of Computing, Logic Design of Digital Systems, Theory of Computing, and Data Management Systems.
Courses are taught by UCLA faculty and PhD instructors and include hands-on coding assignments, lectures, and collaborative projects designed to mirror a real university classroom experience. There are also in-person courses available if you want the full university experience.
Cost: $420, $350 registration fee
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Program Dates: June 22 to August 21
Eligibility: High school students globally over the age of 15
There are plenty of ways to explore your love for technology outside of the classroom, like free online courses, university-led summer academies, or paid internships at major tech companies. These programs vary in structure, cost, and curriculum, but all provide valuable opportunities to build your technical skills and gain exposure to real-world applications of computer science and artificial intelligence.
Here are 10 tech programs for high school students that can help you develop your skills, explore different areas of technology, and gain meaningful experience.
Girls Who Code offers a free online program for girls and non-binary students to learn more about computer science. Over the 6 to 7 weeks, you’ll take five courses at your own pace: data science + AI, game design, web development, cybersecurity, and AI + society. Each course includes hands-on projects and guided learning designed to help students build practical coding skills while exploring real-world applications of technology and problem-solving in modern industries.
You can also take advantage of virtual events with leading tech organizations, career panels, advisor-led workshops, optional student hours for support, and a private chat with your peers to exchange ideas and get to know each other.
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: April (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 29 to August 14
Eligibility: Girls and non-binary students in grades 9 to 12 (including rising 9th grade students and graduating seniors)
Delta Launch by Delta Institute helps high school students build practical experience in artificial intelligence and software development through mentored, project-based learning. The Delta AI pathway introduces students to machine learning concepts, generative AI, and problem-solving frameworks while they design and build AI-driven solutions to real-world challenges. The Delta Code pathway focuses on programming fundamentals and applied development, including web, app, data science, and game development.
Both streams offer intensive and immersive options that vary in length, but you’ll have access to industry mentors from leading technology companies no matter which one you choose. You’ll also participate in technical workshops, collaborate with peers from around the world, and earn a letter of recommendation from your mentor highlighting your skills and achievements.
Cost: $2,200–$4,800
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 31 (summer III deadline). You can apply here
Program Dates: Varies depending on the program
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
Stanford AI4ALL, hosted by the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, introduces current 9th-grade students to the fundamentals and societal impact of artificial intelligence. Students from around the world can come together to explore how AI can be used to address real-world challenges and create positive change. Throughout the 2-week course, you’ll engage in hands-on learning through lectures, live demonstrations, and collaborative research projects.
You’ll be placed into a research project group based on your interests, with the opportunity to rank your preferences from four subjects: computer vision, medical AI, natural language processing, and robotics. You’ll also attend workshops, gain mentorship from industry professionals and Stanford faculty, and go on field trips around the San Francisco Bay area if you choose the residential option.
Cost: $4,120 (virtual) or $9,800 (residential)
Location: Virtual or in Redwood City, California
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 15 to 26 (virtual) or July 19 to 31 (residential)
Eligibility: Current 9th-grade students
The AWS work-experience is a 4-week, virtual program designed for high school students to engage with industry experts, learn future-ready skills, and work on industry relevant projects. As part of the program, you will engage in live learning modules that help you build technical skills in core areas such as the foundations of machine learning algorithms, the mathematical principles that underpin them, and the practical application of building real ML models using Python.
By the end of the progra, you will have a stronger understanding of the work done by AWS, the technical skills required to be successful in the industry, and a tangible project to showcase on college applications. You also receive a certificate of completion and letter of recommendation from AWS.
Cost: $4,900
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 31 (summer III deadline)
Program Dates: June 20 - July 26 | November 28 - January 17
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
You can check out the full list of companies here!
The Microsoft Discovery Program is a 4-week paid internship for graduating high school seniors interested in exploring careers in technology at Microsoft. The internship provides hands-on experience working on real-world projects alongside Microsoft employees and mentors in a collaborative environment. With a small group, you’ll complete a project that addresses real customer issues, with your mentors guiding you through key stages of the product development process.
Throughout the internship, you’ll gain exposure to product management, software engineering, and UX design, while learning how these disciplines work together to build and improve tech products. In addition to project work, you can attend technical sessions and discussions to learn about different Microsoft technologies, gain technical skills, and learn from active employees.
Cost: Paid internship
Location: Redmond, Washington or Atlanta Georgia
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates:
Atlanta: July 6 to July 31
Redmond: July 13 to August 7
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors attending a bachelor’s degree program who live around Redmond, Washington or Atlanta Georgia
Harvard University offers a yearly Pre-College Summer School Program to introduce high school students to college-level academics in a low-pressure environment. There are 3, 2-week sessions, where you can choose 1 course from 30 options, including computer science subjects like introduction to Python or computational biophysics. Courses mimic a real undergraduate class with lectures, problem sets, and collaborative exercises, though classes are limited to an average of 15 students.
When you’re not in class, you can participate in creative and social activities with peers from around the world. You won’t receive credit, but you will receive a Harvard transcript and written evaluation that can enhance your college application.
Cost: $6,100 + $75 application fee
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Application Deadline: April (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates:
June 21 to July 2
July 5 to July 17
July 19 to July 31
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 16 and 19 during the program
Check out other pre-college programs here!
Berkeley Coding Academy’s Data Science - The AI Journey is an online summer program designed to introduce middle and high school students to programming, data science, and artificial intelligence through live, interactive instruction. You’ll learn about Python fundamentals as you build, tune, and evaluate machine learning models. You’ll be able to select your own datasets to analyze meaningful trends and make real-world predictions.
The curriculum also introduces students to new AI models and emerging applications across industries so you have the most up-to-date knowledge. Berkeley Coding Academy offers shorter summer programs as well, like AI First Steps - Python Programming and The Code Behind AI - Machine Learning.
Cost: From $2,999
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: July 6 to 31
Eligibility: Students aged 12 to 18
Meta Summer Academy is a six-week paid summer internship designed to introduce high school students to careers in technology, coding, and professional development within one of the world’s largest tech companies. Hosted at Meta’s headquarters in California, the program gives high school sophomores hands-on exposure to real workplace environments through projects, workshops, and mentorship from Meta employees.
You’ll work 30 hours per week on projects related to software engineering, artificial intelligence, social technologies, and digital innovation while also developing leadership, networking, and communication skills. The program includes technical workshops, career seminars, coding instruction, and opportunities to learn directly from industry professionals and executives.
Cost: Free, stipend provided
Location: Menlo Park, California
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 15 to July 24
Eligibility: High school sophomores who are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City with a minimum 2.0 GPA
Cisco Networking Academy is a global education program created by Cisco Systems to help students build foundational knowledge and advanced skills in IT, networking, cybersecurity, and programming. The program offers free online courses that combine theory with hands-on labs, allowing students to practice real-world technical skills using tools like network simulation software.
There are a range of free courses to choose from, like AI Fundamentals, Sustainability in IT, and introduction to Python. At the end of the course, you’ll receive a digital badge of completion, then you can take a certification exam to earn an industry-recognized certification for your college applications or resume.
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: Year-round
Eligibility: Open to learners of any age globally
UCLA’s Summer Sessions give high school students the chance to take rigorous, university-level courses for credit. There are more than 100 courses to choose from in over 30 subject areas, including computer science. You can explore foundational and advanced topics such as Principles and Practices of Computing, Logic Design of Digital Systems, Theory of Computing, and Data Management Systems.
Courses are taught by UCLA faculty and PhD instructors and include hands-on coding assignments, lectures, and collaborative projects designed to mirror a real university classroom experience. There are also in-person courses available if you want the full university experience.
Cost: $420, $350 registration fee
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Program Dates: June 22 to August 21
Eligibility: High school students globally over the age of 15
About the Author
George Gatsios holds a BA and MA in Economics from the University of Cambridge and is the founder of Delta Institute. He leads the organisation’s global strategy, overseeing programme design, partnerships, operations, and product innovation across education, career development, and technology. His work centers on building scalable, hands-on learning experiences that connect students with real-world industry exposure and future-ready skills. Alongside his leadership at Delta Institute, George serves as a Research Assistant in Economics at the University of Cambridge and London Business School, contributing to research at the intersection of economic theory, empirical analysis, and policy. He is an active member of the International Baccalaureate Educator Network (IBEN) and a strong advocate for lifelong learning and internationally minded education.
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Jun 11, 2026
May 15, 2026
May 15, 2026
