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Extracurriculars for a Career in Software Engineer

118 high school activities and programs that build real experience toward a career in software engineer.

Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)
Boston University · Boston, MA · In-Person

Computational neurobiology track involves programming and technical problem-solving in research environments.

MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology · Cambridge, MA · Hybrid

Students engage in challenging computer science coursework and hands-on learning in technical fields.

Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Stanford University · Stanford, CA · Hybrid

Abstract algebra and mathematical foundations underpin algorithm design and computational problem-solving.

Congressional App Challenge
United States House of Representatives · Multiple · In-Person

Students develop original software applications, the core work of software engineers.

Summer Program in Automation, Robotics, and Coding (SPARC)
NYU Tandon School of Engineering · Brooklyn, NY · In-Person

Programming instruction using variables, loops, and conditionals builds foundational software development skills.

Naval Academy Summer STEM Program
United States Navy · Annapolis, Maryland · In-Person

Students learn programming through hands-on modules exploring reverse engineering and coding applications.

Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Girls Who Code · Virtual · Virtual

Students learn coding skills in web development and data science while working on real-world projects.

UPenn Management & Technology Summer Institute
University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, PA · In-Person

Hands-on projects explore technological development and innovation with engineering and business integration.

FIRST Robotics Competition
FIRST · Multiple · In-Person

Programming the robot's autonomous and teleoperated functions requires software development skills.

Beaver Works Summer Institute
Massachusetts Institute of Technology · Cambridge, MA · In-Person

Heavy emphasis on programming and AI development in cutting-edge technology projects.

Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)
PROMYS Foundation · Boston, MA · In-Person

Mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills from this program directly underpin algorithm design and coding.

Stanford Math Tournament
Stanford University · Palo Alto, CA · In-Person

Deep mathematical reasoning and algorithmic problem-solving from competitions directly support software development and algorithm design.

The Conrad Challenge
The Conrad Foundation · Houston, TX · In-Person

Students tackle cyber technology and security problems, requiring computational thinking and software-based solution development.

BlueStamp Engineering Summer Program
BlueStamp Engineering · Silicon Valley, CA · Hybrid

Coding and software systems are selectable project paths with individualized instruction throughout development.

picoCTF Competition
Carnegie Mellon University · Virtual · Virtual

Develops problem-solving and programming skills through solving interactive cybersecurity challenges.

Carnegie Mellon CS Scholars
Carnegie Mellon University · Pittsburgh, PA · In-Person

Program teaches foundational programming and computational thinking through hands-on projects.

Stanford AI4ALL
Stanford University · Stanford, CA · Hybrid

Program development is core to the AI curriculum, with students building and implementing AI systems throughout the summer.

AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp
Stanford University · Stanford, CA · Virtual

Bootcamp teaches coding fundamentals and programming skills accessible to beginners with no prior experience.

Georgia Tech Research Institute High School Summer Internship
Georgia Institute of Technology · Atlanta, GA · In-Person

Students gain technical programming skills through real-world applied research projects.

Georgia Tech Summer Institute
Georgia Institute of Technology · Atlanta, GA · In-Person

Hands-on STEM learning and exposure to technical career pathways directly introduce computer science concepts and development.

Cornell Tech Summer Innovation Intensives
Cornell University · Ithaca, NY · In-Person

Programming and engineering operations tracks build foundational software development skills.

Cornell Precollege Studies Online Program
Cornell University · Ithaca, NY · Virtual

Computer Science courses provide foundational programming and technical skills relevant to software engineering careers.

The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF)
RECF · Multiple · In-Person

Programming is a primary component of robot control and autonomous flight in competitions.

Major League Hacking (MLH) Hackathon Series
Major League Hacking (MLH) · Multiple · In-Person

Core activity involves rapid prototyping and software development in team-based coding competitions.

StandOut Connect Internship Program
StandOut Connect · Multiple · In-Person

Students intern at tech companies and develop real-world software projects during their placement.

Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory · Batavia, IL · In-Person

Students explore artificial intelligence and gain computational skills through cutting-edge STEM research projects.

DSI Summer Lab
Data Science Institute (DSI) at the University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · In-Person

Programming skills are developed through rigorous research methodologies and computational work in data science.

EngineerGirl Writing Contest
National Academy of Engineering

Writing contest encourages students to explore and articulate engineering possibilities and career pathways.

The iGEM Competition
iGEM Foundation · Multiple · In-Person

Many iGEM projects require computational modeling, data analysis, and custom software development.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow
Samsung · Multiple

Competition encourages using cutting-edge technology and AI to build innovative solutions for communities.

Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision
Toshiba and National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) · Multiple

Students develop technology solutions for real-world problems, mirroring software engineering design and innovation practices.

Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Davidson Institute for Talent Development · Reno, NV · Hybrid

Students submit significant technical work in computer science and technology categories.

Technovation
Technovation · Multiple

Students develop technology-based prototypes to solve real-world community problems.

Technovation Girls
Technovation · Multiple · Hybrid

Students build technology solutions and learn to code, core skills for software development.

Technology Student Association National Conference
Technology Student Association · National Harbor, MD · In-Person

TSA competitions and events directly involve computer science and programming challenges aligned with software development work.

USA Computing Olympiad (USACO)
USA Computing Olympiad · Virtual · Virtual

USACO trains competitive programming skills directly applicable to software engineering roles.

USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO)
Mathematical Association of America

Mathematical problem-solving skills and strategic reasoning transfer directly to algorithm design and complex software architecture.

GENIUS Olympiad
Terra Science and Education · Rochester, NY · In-Person

GENIUS Coding category directly develops coding skills to create innovative environmental solutions.

BEST Robotics Competition
BEST Robotics, Inc. · The Colony, TX · In-Person

Programming and coding the robot's autonomous and control systems mirrors software engineering roles.

CyberPatriot
Air & Space Forces Association · Multiple · In-Person

Program develops STEM skills and cyber education critical to software engineering and tech careers.

American Regions Mathematics League
American Regions Mathematics League · Multiple · In-Person

Advanced mathematical reasoning and algorithmic problem-solving in ARML competitions support software engineering fundamentals.

Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
George Mason University · Fairfax, VA · Hybrid

Program focuses on computer science internships including computer modeling, machine learning, and software engineering research projects.

SEES High School Summer Intern Program
University of Texas Center for Space Research · Austin, TX · Hybrid

Python distance learning modules and data analysis work build programming and technical skills.

SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers and Community College Students
Stanford Compression Forum · Stanford, CA · In-Person

Students conduct cutting-edge research projects involving computer science and information technology under faculty mentorship.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) – Frontiers Program
Worcester Polytechnic Institute · Worcester, MA

STEM focus and project-based education build technical and computational competencies.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) – Launch Program
Worcester Polytechnic Institute · Worcester, MA

WPI Launch emphasizes computer science and project-based engineering aligned with software development practice.

Tufts Summer Study for High School Students
Tufts University · Medford, MA · In-Person

Engineering & Computer Science courses teach programming and computational problem-solving skills.

Immerse Education Programs
Immerse Education · Multiple · Hybrid

Computer Science, Coding, and Software Development courses provide technical foundation for software engineering roles.

National Youth Science Camp
National Youth Science Academy · Davis, WV · In-Person

STEM-focused program with 50%+ alumni earning doctorates and 85%+ working in STEM careers.

UConn Pre-College Summer
University of Connecticut · Storrs, CT · In-Person

Computer Science instruction provides foundational programming and software development experience.

U.S. Advanced Cyber Academy
U.S. Space & Rocket Center · Huntsville, AL · In-Person

Coding in Python and Linux environments provides foundational programming skills essential to software development.

Canada/USA Mathcamp
Canada/USA Mathcamp · Burlington, VT · In-Person

Mathematical problem-solving and strategic thinking skills are essential for algorithmic and computational work in software development.

RoboRave
RoboRAVE International · Multiple · In-Person

Programming robots to perform tasks requires software development and logic implementation skills.

American Computer Science League
American Computer Science League · Virtual · Virtual

Students write programs in Python, C++, or Java to solve computer science problems in contests.

Imagine Cup
Microsoft · Multiple · Hybrid

Students build AI-powered startup solutions using Microsoft cloud technologies and programming.

Canadian Computing Competition
Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing, University of Waterloo · Ontario, Canada · In-Person

Students design and implement algorithms to solve competitive programming problems using multiple languages.

MIT PRIMES (Program for Research in Mathematics, Engineering and Science for High School Students)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology · Cambridge, MA · Hybrid

Theoretical computer science projects develop computational problem-solving and algorithmic thinking skills.

BetterMind Labs SPARK HACK
BetterMind Labs

Hackathon format directly mirrors software development workflows and coding challenges engineers solve daily.

National High School Game Academy
Carnegie Mellon University · Pittsburgh, PA · In-Person

Program in Unity and learn software development fundamentals as core curriculum components.

Genes in Space
Genes in Space · Virtual · Virtual

Platform and digital tools used in competition align with software development and computational problem-solving.

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Stanford University · Redwood City, CA · Virtual

Artificial intelligence course provides foundational exposure to programming concepts and AI fundamentals.

Tapia STEM Camps
Rice University · Houston, TX · In-Person

Students design algorithms for college admissions and learn AI detection using math and physics principles.

Rice ELITE Tech Camp
Rice University · Houston, TX · In-Person

Students learn Python and C++ programming to solve real engineering problems and deploy AI applications.

Research Program for HS Students – Summer 2026
University of Texas at Dallas, Computer Science K-12 Outreach · Dallas, TX · Hybrid

Students develop applications, conduct simulations, and write code as part of lab internships and workshops.

Camp SOAR (Summer Opportunities in Aerospace Research)
Texas A&M University Department of Aerospace Engineering · College Station, TX · In-Person

Space mission design track involves autonomy and control systems relevant to software engineering applications.

Academy for All
University of Texas at Austin Department of Computer Science · Austin, TX · In-Person

Students write code in C++ and Python to build real projects like Arduino microcontroller programs.

Academy for Machine Learning
University of Texas at Austin · Austin, TX · In-Person

Hands-on Python programming and coding projects form the core of the week-long curriculum.

Access ASU Summer Programs
Arizona State University · Arizona State University · In-Person

Math and engineering-focused programs develop computational and technical problem-solving skills.

Summer Mines Engineering and Training (SUMMET) Program
Colorado School of Mines · Golden, CO · In-Person

Program includes mini-workshops with computer science department, directly introducing software engineering concepts.

University of Alabama K-12 Summer Programs
University of Alabama · Tuscaloosa, AL · In-Person

Code-N-Sensor and Future Lab offer coding and computational thinking instruction for aspiring programmers.

Stanford Summer College
Stanford University · Stanford, CA · In-Person

Computer Science and Engineering interest area covers programming abstractions, designing algorithms, and core CS concepts.

Science and Engineering Apprentice Program
Office of Naval Research · Multiple · In-Person

STEM-focused apprenticeship at DoD laboratories builds foundational research and problem-solving skills relevant to engineering careers.

Santa Clara University Summer Engineering Seminar (SES)
Santa Clara University School of Engineering · Santa Clara, CA · In-Person

Computer science and engineering workshops provide introductory exploration of this engineering field.

Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC)
NYU Tandon School of Engineering · Brooklyn, NY · In-Person

Students master coding fundamentals and develop software skills for ideating and prototyping products.

NYU Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS)
NYU Tandon School of Engineering · Brooklyn, NY · In-Person

Learn security-focused scripting and automation techniques applicable to secure software development.

All Star Code Summer Intensive
All Star Code · Multiple · Hybrid

Students build full-stack web development skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript with real-world project deployment.

Meta Summer Academy
Meta

Meta Summer Academy provides hands-on software development experience directly aligned with software engineering roles.

California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)
University of California · Multiple · In-Person

COSMOS explores computer science topics with hands-on, lab-intensive curricula in state-of-the-art facilities.

SAGE Camp at SLAC
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory · Palo Alto, CA · In-Person

Camp explores wide-ranging STEM career possibilities including computer science roles at a leading research institution.

UC San Diego FUTURES Programs
UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies · San Diego, CA

Android and iOS programming courses teach app design, coding, and testing with industry tools.

Appalachian STEM Academy - High School
Oak Ridge Associated Universities · Oak Ridge, TN · In-Person

Program includes computer science projects guided by award-winning scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Intel Corporation · Multiple · In-Person

Computer science and engineering categories at ISEF showcase software development and computational problem-solving projects.

Google Science Fair
Google · Multiple · Virtual

Winners have built cloud-based applications and software solutions to address scientific and medical challenges.

SHAD Canada
SHAD Canada · Multiple · In-Person

STEAM-based learning with focus on artificial intelligence and real-world technological challenges prepares students for tech careers.

Summer Discovery
Musiker Discovery Programs, Inc. · Multiple · In-Person

Students explore Computer Science & Technology courses at top universities with hands-on learning.

Oxford Summer Courses
Oxford Summer Courses · Oxford, England · In-Person

Tech and Engineering courses develop logical reasoning and problem-solving applicable to software development.

Hk Maker Lab
HYPOTHEKIDS, INC. · New York, NY · In-Person

Students design and create digital media including apps and websites during the Hackathon for Health Equity phase.

USC Summer Programs
University of Southern California · Los Angeles, CA · In-Person

Engineering and technology courses introduce programming and problem-solving in digital systems.

SDSU Training Astronomy Research Scholars (STARS)
San Diego State University · San Diego, CA · In-Person

Interactive Python programming instruction and use of Marvin software to process large datasets mirrors software engineering problem-solving.

Data Science Academy
Wharton Global Youth Program · Philadelphia, PA · In-Person

Machine learning and data science programming foundational to many software engineering roles.

Voice of Calling
Voice of Calling · Bend, OR · Hybrid

Students learn coding through free online classes and coding tutorials, core software engineering skills.

Engineering Summer Academy Program (ESAP)
University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science · Philadelphia, PA · In-Person

Courses in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science directly build programming and software development skills.

Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program
Olive Children Foundation · Fremont, CA · In-Person

Computer science department offers hands-on research in programming and computational methods.

Robotics Camp
Arizona State University · Tempe, AZ · In-Person

Camp teaches multiple programming languages including Alice, Python, and robotics-specific visual programming.

Barrett Summer Scholars
Arizona State University Educational Outreach and Student Services · Tempe, AZ · In-Person

Students learn Python programming and AI algorithms, core skills for software development.

Joaquin Bustoz Math-Science Honors Program (JBMSHP) Summer Program
Arizona State University · Arizona State University, Arizona · In-Person

Students learn Java programming fundamentals through CSE 110: Principles of Programming with Java.

Native American Science and Engineering Program (NASEP)
University of Arizona · Tucson, AZ · Hybrid

Students build computers from scratch and learn programming through hands-on engineering projects.

RoboBoat
RoboNation · Multiple · In-Person

Students program autonomous navigation and decision-making systems for the robotic vessels.

Global Innovation Challenge 2026
InventFuture · Virtual · Virtual

Innovation challenge encourages coding-based solutions, apps, and technical implementations.

Carnegie Mellon Informatics and Mathematics Competition (CMIMC)
Carnegie Mellon University · Pittsburgh, PA · In-Person

Programming competition directly develops coding skills essential to software engineering roles.

HackMIT
Massachusetts Institute of Technology · Cambridge, MA · In-Person

HackMIT is a hackathon where students write code to build software projects under time constraints.

Blueprint (HackMIT)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology · Cambridge, MA

Blueprint is a hackathon where students write code to build solutions, directly mirroring software engineering work.

SeaPerch
RoboNation · Multiple · Hybrid

Students program ROV control systems and navigation logic for competition tasks.

North American Computational Linguistics Open Competition
NACLO · Multiple · In-Person

Competition introduces students to computational linguistics and language technologies through hands-on problem-solving.

Presidential AI Challenge
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education · Multiple

Challenge requires building software solutions to real-world problems, core to software engineering practice.

Kaggle Data Science Competitions
Kaggle · Virtual · Virtual

Students develop and optimize code to implement algorithms and process data at scale within competition constraints.

HMMT (Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament)
Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology · Multiple · In-Person

Mathematical reasoning and algorithmic problem-solving are fundamental to software development.

International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
International Mathematical Olympiad · Multiple · In-Person

Advanced mathematical problem-solving and algorithmic thinking from IMO training translate directly to computer science and algorithm design.

Experiences in Research
Berkeley Lab · Berkeley, CA · Hybrid

Internship includes coding-dependent projects where students develop professional programming skills alongside experts.

Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Grainger College of Engineering · Urbana, IL · In-Person

Computer science research groups offer practical experience in programming and AI development.

Rex Academy Online Summer STEM Camps
Rex K-12 · Virtual · Virtual

Core focus on coding courses like Python, Java, and game development with real-time code checking.

iD Tech: Virtual Tech Camps
iD Tech · Virtual · Virtual

Students learn Python, Java, and C# coding fundamentals directly applicable to software development roles.

K12 Online Summer School Programs & Courses
K12 · Virtual · Virtual

Computer science courses develop programming and computational thinking skills essential for software development.

Husson University Early College Access Program (ECAP)
Husson University · Bangor, Maine · In-Person

ECAP offers software development courses allowing students to explore coding before committing to a major.

Octavia Project: Summer Institute in Brooklyn
Octavia Project · Brooklyn, NY · In-Person

Students learn new coding skills within a tech-focused creative workshop environment.

Camp Integem: AI Robot, Holographic AR Coding, Game Design
Integem · Multiple · In-Person

Students code AI algorithms, design interactive AR experiences, and build intelligent systems throughout the camp.

InspiritAI AI Scholars Program
InspiritAI · Virtual · Virtual

Program-based instruction from Stanford and MIT alumni on implementing AI projects and solutions.

US TechGirls Summer Exchange Program
U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs · Multiple · In-Person

Participants engage in hands-on tech training and cutting-edge technology exploration aligned with software development careers.