Java is a computer programming language that was developed in 1995. Since then, it has become one of the most popular languages worldwide. It runs on tens of billions of devices around the world and hundreds of Fortune 500 companies use it to manage their websites. The language is used in areas like web development, game development, and desktop application development. Java can be complicated to learn at first, but there are plenty of personal and professional benefits. This is especially true for high school students who want to be more prepared for college and the workforce.
There are several programs available for high school students who want to get a head start on their future plans by learning Java over the summer, including Noble Desktop partner school NextGen Bootcamp’s Java summer camp in NYC and live online Java summer program.
Read on to learn more about programs that help high school students learn this versatile language over the summer. Skip directly to a program by clicking its name in the list below:
- NextGen Bootcamp—Java Summer Program
- NextGen Bootcamp—Computer Science Summer Program
- iD Tech—Code Apps with Java
- Digital Media Academy—Object-Oriented Programming with Java
- theCoderSchool—Java Camp
- Columbia University Pre-college—Computer Programming for Beginners: Coding with Java
- Emagination Tech Camps–Summer Coding Camp
- iD Tech–Java Coding and Game Development
Why Learn Java During the Summer?
As a high school student, studying something as complex as Java over the summer is beneficial for several reasons. Most importantly, it will prepare you for the Advanced Placement Computer Science exam if this is something you’re interested in pursuing. Since 2003, this exam has exclusively tested students in Java programming and is unlikely to add additional languages soon. The addition of AP courses on a college application is especially important these days, since more universities are eliminating standardized testing requirements. Students who are successful on the exam are eligible to apply for coveted scholarships with companies like Google and Amazon.
Doing well in the AP Program can also lead to exciting internship opportunities. Facebook University offers an eight-week program to college freshmen and sophomores who come from a community that is generally underrepresented in the computer science industry. In this internship, students are matched with a working Facebook Engineer who mentors them for the entire eight weeks. Google also offers several internships through their partnership with the AP Computer Science program. These include a software engineering internship, an IT internship, and many business internships for those hoping to pursue their MBA degree.
Proficiency in Java can also lead to a number of lucrative career opportunities. Developers who work with Java can earn an average annual salary of around $100,000 depending on your location and level of experience. Careers that require Java skills are also desirable because of the job security they provide. The popularity of the language shows no sign of slowing down, and there are currently over a hundred thousand different Java development jobs available across the country. Learning the language over the summer months has the added benefit of allowing you to dedicate more focus to studying Java since you won’t be distracted by other schoolwork.
Types of Java Summer Programs for High School Students
When it comes to Java summer programs, there are several different options available to meet a variety of learning and scheduling needs. Some programs are available in-person and others provide virtual learning through a platform like Zoom or Skype. The available programs also vary in length and time commitment; some are more intensive, with classes taking place every day for a week while others have one class per week for several weeks.
Some classes cater to different comfort levels with Java. While some are designed for beginners with no prior experience, others offer more advanced instruction for students who have already learned the basics and want to boost their skills. Another major difference between these programs is the agencies that provide them. Some are offered by independent companies while others are provided through universities on a college campus. This option may be particularly exciting for a high school student who wants to learn more about what college life is like.
Below, you’ll find a sampling of available summer programs for high school students interested in learning more about programming with Java.
#1 NextGen Bootcamp - Java Summer Program
What is Taught in This Program?
NextGen Bootcamp’s Java Summer Program in NYC and Java Summer Program Live Online begin with basic programming for beginners, then transitions to more advanced concepts like recursive functions and object-oriented programming. The course culminates in a final project that students can add to a portfolio when they are ready to apply for college or enter the job market.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
NextGen’s Java program is targeted towards beginner students with little or no experience with coding. Previous experience with coding is not required, but students should possess some general knowledge about basic computer skills before enrolling.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This course is taught in-person at NextGen’s Manhattan campus just blocks from the Empire State Building!
How Long Does This Program Last?
The NYC program lasts for a total of two weeks. Classes are taught on weekdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The live online program lasts for a total of three weeks. Classes are taught on weekdays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
This NextGen summer course is targeted at high school and college students. High school students who take this class will also be better prepared for the Advanced Placement Computer Science class if they choose to take it in high school.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
The NYC summer program costs $2,495 with the full amount being due before the class begins. The live online program costs $1,999. These prices include supplemental materials that students take with them and can refer back to after the course is complete.
NextGen provides fully equipped workstations for in-person students to use during class. For the online class, students need to have their own PC or Mac computer. Java is a free open-source languages, so the need to install more programs on your computer will be minimal.
This class does not offer any financial aid or payment plans. However, students who are also interested in learning to code with Python can look into the Computer Science Summer Certificate Program in NYC or Live Online Computer Science Summer Certificate Program, which combines the Java course with a Python course for a reduced cost.
#2 NextGen Bootcamp - Computer Science Summer Program
What is Taught in This Program?
The Computer Science Summer Program Live Online and Computer Science Summer Program in NYC kick off with basic coding lessons to get students comfortable with Java. From there, students will learn about functions, arrays, strings, recursions, and other higher-level content. After the Java unit, students learn the fundamentals of Python for data science. The lessons include working with Python’s major data science libraries: Pandas, Matplotlib, and Scikit-learn.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This Java and Python program is designed for first-time programmers with no prior experience using Java. The only requirement to take the course is a set of basic computer skills such as typing, navigating a computer menu, clicking with a mouse.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
Students can also take the course remotely at the same time the class is taught (Eastern Standard Time). Remote students will use Zoom to interact with their instructor and classmates.
How Long Does This Program Last?
The NYC program lasts for a total of four weeks. Classes are taught on weekdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The live online program lasts for a total of six weeks. Classes are taught on weekdays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
This NextGen summer course is targeted at high school and college students. High school students who take this class will also be better prepared for the Advanced Placement Computer Science class if they choose to take it in high school.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
The NYC summer program costs $3,990 with the full amount being due before the class begins. The live online summer camp costs $3,695. This price includes supplemental materials that students can refer back to after the course is complete. Students also receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program.
NextGen provides fully equipped workstations for in-person students to use during class. For the online class, students need to have their own PC or Mac computer. Java and Python are both free open-source languages, so the need to install more programs on your computer will be minimal.
#3: iD Tech - Code Apps with Java
What is Taught in This Program?
iD Tech offers its Coding Apps with Java course as part of its summer programming. Here, students will learn how to code with Java using loops and arrays. They will also participate in numerous coding challenges to strengthen their abilities and build confidence in their problem-solving skills. By the end of the week, students will be able to code a simple game with Java and add graphics with Processing.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
One unique aspect of this course is that it is suitable for both beginner and advanced students. The instructors at iD Tech are adept at creating individualized learning experiences for each student.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
iD Tech has locations in over 20 states across the country. If any of these locations are not convenient for you, they also have the option to take courses remotely. iD Tech uses Zoom to teach virtual classes so you’ll want to be sure you have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a camera and microphone.
How Long Does This Program Last?
The program is one week long. Classes last for four hours and are broken down into two two-hour sections. The first is live instruction and the second is self-paced learning so students can work on their final project.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
This program accepts students who are ages 13-17; students who are 12 years of age must turn 13 by the end of the calendar year to enroll.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This summer camp starts at $1,049. The price includes the camp curriculum plus a take-home project, an iD Tech t-shirt, and a diploma and course transcript to add to your college application packets. The school offers a handful of scholarships that students can apply for before enrolling. iD Tech also offers some promotional discounts on their website, though these are subject to change at any time.
#4: Digital Media Academy - Object-Oriented Programming with Java
What is Taught in This Program?
Digital Media Academy offers its Object-Oriented Programming with Java course to high school students with no prior coding experience. The class covers basic Java syntax to prepare students for creating functions and conditionals. The curriculum also includes User Interface (UI) design principles to prepare students for mobile app development with Java.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
Digital Media Academy describes this class as Level 1, meaning it is perfect for beginners with no previous experience. There are no prerequisites required to enroll in this course.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
All classes at Digital Media Academy are offered virtually. Students will use a conferencing program like Zoom to communicate with their instructors and classmates in real-time.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This program has two scheduling options depending on your preferences. The first is a one-week program that lasts Monday through Friday from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm PST/4:00 pm to 6:30 pm EST. The second option lasts for ten weeks and classes are offered in 90-minute sessions one afternoon per week from 4:00 pm-5:30 pm PST/7:00 pm-8:30 pm EST.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
This course is intended for students aged 13-18.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
The one-week program costs $699 and the ten-week program costs $1,125. Digital Media Academy offers a limited number of full scholarships for students. The scholarships are not needs-based and anyone is eligible to apply.
#5: theCoderSchool - Java Camp
What is Taught in This Program?
TheCoderSchool’s Java Coding Camp for Kids covers advanced programming topics like variables, iteration, and conditionals. It will also introduce students to concepts that are taught in the Advanced Placement Computer Science class so they can get a head start when taking the class in high school.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This course is meant for advanced learners who already have a foundational knowledge of Java programming or have taken a prerequisite course with theCoderSchool like Computer Science Principles.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
TheCoderSchool has locations in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, and Ohio. For students who don’t live in any of these areas, their courses are also available in a live online format.
How Long Does This Program Last?
The Java Camp at theCoderSchool lasts for one week, Monday through Friday.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
theCoderSchool recommends that students be in high school, though middle schoolers with significant coding experience can speak with a staff member about enrolling.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
The Java Camp at theCoderSchool costs $599. This price includes expert instruction and a student-to-teacher ratio of 2:1, ensuring students maximize their experience by getting as much attention as possible.
#6: Columbia University Pre-college - Computer Programming for Beginners: Coding with Java
What is Taught in This Program?
Columbia University offers a pre-college program called Computer Programming for Beginners: Coding in Java. This course immerses students in learning Java through individual projects, collaborative exercises with other students, and hands-on labs. The program is designed to enhance critical thinking skills through logical reasoning and mathematical games.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
Columbia’s Java program is aimed at beginners with no previous experience in programming. The school does recommend that students who enroll have the capacity to succeed at logic puzzles and mathematical challenges.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This course is taught on the Columbia University campus. Virtual options are not available at this time.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This program is three weeks long. Courses are scheduled Monday through Friday each week. Sessions are from 11:10am to 1:00pm. Students then have a couple of hours for a break and independent study before class resumes from 3:10 pm to 5:00 pm.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Summer programs at Columbia are designed for high school students who are preparing for the rigors of college.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
The three-week program costs $6,300 per person. In addition to this course fee, students enrolled in the Columbia program pay a non-refundable application fee of $80. A $1,000 deposit is required to secure a spot in the program, but this amount goes towards the final bill and is not an additional fee.
Columbia offers need-based scholarships for a small number of students. This scholarship will cover half of the tuition. Students are also encouraged to speak with their high school counselor to identify other scholarships from other organizations outside of Columbia.
#7: Emagination Tech Camps - Summer Coding Camp
What is Taught in This Program?
There is a Summer Coding Camp available through Emagination Tech Camps. In this program, students learn fundamental Java programming skills through completing a series of projects. Students will develop XML web services, servers, and their own Windows applications. Outside of their coding lessons, students will play summer games like capture the flag and dodgeball with their peers.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This program is geared towards beginners. The camp has a progressive curriculum, meaning students will begin with basic skills before taking on more challenging assignments.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
Camps through Emagination are exclusively in-person. The school has locations in five states: Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This camp is two weeks long. There are overnight and day camp options if students who live nearby prefer to commute.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Students are required to be ages 13 through 17 to enroll in this program.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
The cost of this program ranges depending on which state you’re in, but the overnight camp is roughly $3,249 and the day camp is approximately $1,695. Emagination can provide up to $850 in financial aid to students based on their unique needs.
#8: iD Tech - Java Coding and Game Development
What is Taught in This Program?
iD Tech also offers a Java Coding and Game Development course over the summer. This program might be an ideal match for students who are interested in Java as well as graphic design. Students in this program will learn to program interactive, arcade-style games and teach them how to start designing a digital portfolio.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
iD Tech instructors can design individualized learning plans for their students, meaning beginners and advanced learners can get what they need.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
iD Tech has campuses in 24 states in the US. For those who live elsewhere, the school uses Zoom to teach their programs virtually. Remote students must have access to a computer with a microphone and a camera.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This program is one week long. Each session is four hours long, broken down into two two-hour sections. The first part is reserved for live instruction and the second half is self-paced so students have ample time to complete their final project.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
iD Tech accepts students between the ages of 13 and 17. If students are 12 years old, they need to turn 13 by the end of the calendar year to attend.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This camp starts at $1,049 per student. For this price, students also receive a take-home project, an iD Tech t-shirt, and a transcript to demonstrate their knowledge to college admissions teams. Students can apply for a scholarship before registering if finances are a barrier to attendance. There are usually promotional discounts on iD Tech’s website, but these are always subject to change.
Which Java Summer Program is Right for Me?
When considering which Java summer program is best for you, there are many factors to take into account. For many families, finances are a major consideration. While learning to code with Java can be seen as an investment in your future and can lead to high-paying jobs down the road, it can still seem daunting to pay over a thousand dollars for a summer camp. If finances are a worry, focus your search on schools that offer some sort of financial aid or scholarships.
When considering the cost of a summer program, it’s important to pay attention to the length of the program so you get the most for your money. For example, iD Tech’s program is $1,049 and one week long while the NextGen program is $1,999 and lasts for three weeks; NextGen is more expensive overall but the price per week is less since the course is longer.
Considering your learning style is also crucial when enrolling in a summer program. Virtual learning is certainly convenient since you can learn from home and avoid commuting, but some people find that they become easily distracted when their home and professional environments mix. Most of the programs mentioned above offer some form of virtual learning, but if you prefer in-person learning you can consider iD Tech, Emagination Tech Camps, or theCoderSchool since these agencies have multiple locations around the country.
Finally, it’s important to think about your current comfort level with Java and related topics. Finding a program that caters to your current skills ensures that you won’t be bored or too overwhelmed. Most of the programs listed above are for beginners, but if you already have some experience with Java you can look into the programs offered by iD Tech or theCoderSchool.
As you can see, summer Java programs can meet a variety of academic and financial needs. Enrolling in a Java course for high school students is a rigorous undertaking, but taking the time to consider which program will be the best fit for you ensures that you’ll get the most out of your learning experience.
Can high school students learn Java?
While not as easy to learn as Python or HTML, Java isn’t too challenging for teens to know: think of it as an “intermediate” coding language. So it’s not as hard to master as something like C++ but also pretty accessible for the average student. That’s nice and all but is Java worth learning in a world where Python is the most popular language? Absolutely, because Java is the second-most-popular language and is used to create essential apps, web programs, and more.
Should high school students attend a Java summer program?
Yes! Attending a Java summer program is an excellent idea that will take your tech career to the next level. During your summer class, you’ll work with skilled professors who fully understand this coding language and its unique scope. Even better, you’ll create fascinating and unforgettable projects (such as apps and games) that show off your skills. When you’re done, you’ll have significant work to show off to potential colleges or employers when applying.
Which Java summer program is best for high school students?
While you can find many worthwhile Java summer courses, NextGen Bootcamp provides some of the most effective learning opportunities on the market today. Its Java Summer Program NYC or Java Programming Summer Program Live Online courses cover in-depth Java techniques and help you prepare for the AP Computer Science exam. With a project-based curriculum, these programs ensure you have a solid knowledge base to begin your education.
Is it worth attending a Java summer program as a high school student?
Java summer programs give high school students like you the solid backing to get into a coding college program or even start a career. While focused mainly on the basics in your earlier courses, these classes help you master Java enough to move on to more advanced studies. For example, they’re an excellent primer for college programs and should help you feel more comfortable skipping those boring (early morning) beginner classes.