About

The Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy is a rigorous two-week experience designed for motivated students between ages 16 and 17 who are interested in computer science (CS) and wish to gain an excellent understanding of college-level student life. This summer academy is designed for introductory CS students who have little to no previous coding experience. If you have advanced computer science experience we recommend you apply for either the residential or commuter program. Students will experience immersion in coding, powerful computer science concepts, collaborative programming, and problem-solving. The Academy is based on the world-renowned Beauty and Joy of Computing (BJC) curriculum—the introductory computer science course that Berkeley undergraduates take—and is developed by UC Berkeley Computer Science Teaching Professor Dan Garcia, with day-to-day instruction provided by UC Berkeley BJC veteran teachers. Academy participants will take part in an intense, rewarding series of unique coding challenges every day using Snap!, a visual programming language. Participants will explore the core “big ideas” of computer science, going from an introduction to computing and coding languages to pursuing a programming project of their own design and interest. Your summer residential experience begins with a pre-arrival webinar, move-in day, orientation sessions, and opportunities to meet with program staff and other participants. Activities and excursions are planned by UC Berkeley undergraduate resident assistants and mentors (RAMs) to help you meet other students in your program, make the most out of your time at Berkeley, and prepare for your future college experience. The Pre-College Scholars program and the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) are excited to offer a scholarship to cover tuition and room and board for the Computer Science Academy. Students will benefit from extracurricular activities, opportunities to connect them with the UC Berkeley campus, college preparatory workshops, and a program-related excursion. We will offer academic enrichment and college exploration workshops designed to help students prepare for the college admission process and beyond. Past workshops have included: "College in Perspective," "The Best College for You," and "What Admissions Officers Look For.