Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world; even if you don’t know the first thing about computer programming, you’ve likely heard the name before. Major companies like NASA, IBM, and Google use Python to complete an array of their essential daily activities. This versatile language is also a vital skill if you’re interested in a career like artificial intelligence, video game development, or data science. Python is also relatively simple to learn, even if you’re a complete beginner.
Read on to learn more about different programs available to college students who want to learn this versatile skill, including Python courses at Noble Desktop and NextGen Bootcamp’s Python summer camps.
You can skip directly to a program by clicking its name in the list below:
- Noble Desktop—Python for Data Science Bootcamp
- Noble Desktop—Data Science Certificate
- Noble Desktop—Python Developer Certificate
- NextGen Bootcamp—Python Data Science Program
- NYC Data Science Academy—Introductory Python
- BrainStation—Python Programming Certificate
- WeCloudData—Data Science with Python
- ONLC Training Centers—Python Programming Level I
Why Learn Python During the Summer?
The younger you are when you learn a new language, the quicker you’ll absorb all of the new information; learning a programming language is no different. Python ranks among the more accessible languages to learn since the syntax is primarily made up of simple English words. However, learning Python over the summer is a great way to make sure you can devote enough attention to the process.
A background in Python will also prepare you for plenty of lucrative careers when you’re ready to search for a job. According to the US Department of Labor, over 600,000 new jobs in computer science will be created in the next decade. Already having a portfolio of some Python-related projects is likely to help you stand out from other applicants.
Types of Python Summer Programs for College Students
There are plenty of different courses available that cater to various learning styles and scheduling needs. Most of the programs listed below offer virtual learning, but some also have in-person classes available if you find that learning from home is too distracting for you. The programs also vary in length; full-time programs are available for students who want to expedite their learning, and there are part-time programs for those who have jobs or other commitments they need to manage over the summer. Finally, several programs are for beginners who have no prior experience with Python. However, if you already know the basics, there are a few programs for more advanced students looking to boost their current skills.
#1: Noble Desktop– Python for Data Science Bootcamp
What is Taught in This Program?
The Python for Data Science Bootcamp at Noble Desktop introduces students to basic Python programming skills. Additionally, the curriculum includes core data science concepts like conditional statements, arrays, and data science libraries like NumPy and Pandas.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
Students are not required to have any experience with Python or other data science concepts; they just need basic computer skills to enroll.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
All courses at Noble Desktop are available in person and live online. Noble’s campus is located in New York City and is near public transportation so that students can commute from nearby cities and states.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This program offers a full-time and a part-time option. The full-time program is for one week, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The part-time class lasts for roughly one month and can be completed on Saturdays for a full day or two weeknights for three hours each.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Students must be 18 or over to participate in Noble Desktop’s courses.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This course is $1,495 per student. Noble Desktop allows students to retake this class for free within one year of the original class. There is no financial aid available for this particular program. However, students interested in a more comprehensive education in Python can enroll in the Data Science Certificate program for significant savings.
#2: Noble Desktop– Data Science Certificate
What is Taught in This Program?
Noble Desktop also offers a comprehensive Data Science Certificate that is available over the summer. Students will learn critical skills that can lead to entry-level data science positions, including programming with Python and developing machine learning models.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This program is beginner-friendly and only requires students to have basic computer skills before enrolling.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This course is available in person at Noble Desktop’s New York City campus. Students can also participate remotely from anywhere in the world.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This data science program lasts for three weeks if you take the full-time version or three months if you enroll part-time.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Noble Desktop’s classes are for students 18 and up.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This certification is $3,495 per student, and there are payment plans and financing options available. This price also includes Noble Desktop’s offer for students to retake the course for free within one year.
#3: Noble Desktop– Python Developer Certificate
What is Taught in This Program?
The Python Developer Certificate at Noble Desktop is ideal for students who want to learn Python specifically for software or web development. This course teaches students to use industry-standard development tools like Django, Git, and SQL. Participants will add multiple projects to their portfolios as they work through the course and receive one-on-one career guidance from their instructor.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This class is for more advanced students who already have experience coding with HTML and CSS. Previous experience with Python is not required.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This class can be taken online via Zoom or in-person at Noble’s Manhattan campus.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This is a full-time program that lasts for three weeks in the summer. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm EST.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Students 18 or over are welcome to apply.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This program is $3,995. Students can pay in installments, apply for 12-month financing, or discuss tuition reimbursement with their current employer. This certification also includes the opportunity to retake the class for free within one year.
#4: NextGen Bootcamp—Python Data Science Summer Program
What is Taught in This Program?
NextGen Bootcamp, a partner program of Noble Desktop, offers a NYC Python Data Science Summer Camp and a Python Data Science Summer Program Live Online as part of its summer programming. This course teaches foundational Python programming skills with a focus on using the language for data science. Students will learn how to clean and organize data, create attractive and understandable visualizations of complex datasets, and incorporate machine learning algorithms to better understand their data. Students will also receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This class is suitable for beginner students with little or no prior experience with Python. The only requirement is that students have an understanding of basic computer skills. Remote students are required to have their own Mac or PC as well.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This summer Python course is available in-person and live online. NextGen’s campus is located in New York City. Students who enroll in the virtual program will use Zoom to communicate with their instructor and classmates.
How Long Does This Program Last?
NextGen’s in-person Python program is two weeks long, with classes taking place Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The virtual program lasts for three weeks. Here, sessions are from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm EST.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
NextGen courses are geared toward students in high school or college.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
The price of this course varies depending on whether you take the class virtually or in person. The in-person class costs $2,495, while the online version is $1,999. Tuition is due in full before the course begins. Financial aid is not available for this class. However, these materials are taught in the Computer Science Summer Certificate Program. This certification also teaches the fundamentals of coding with Java but at a reduced cost.
#5: NYC Data Science Academy– Introductory Python
What is Taught in This Program?
The Introductory Python class at NYC Data Science Academy is ideal for those interested in learning fundamental Python programming skills. This class emphasizes data wrangling and analysis. Students will learn to work with a variety of data structures and algorithms.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This class is designed for beginners; no prerequisites are required. Students are expected to provide their own laptops if they attend in person.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This course can be taken online or in-person at NYC Data Science Academy’s campus near Bryant Park in New York City.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This class is a little over five weeks long. It is a part-time schedule, so classes take place two nights a week from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm EST.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Students must be 18 or over to enroll.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This course is $1,590 per person. Students can finance their class through Ascent or Climb.
#6: BrainStation– Python Programming Certificate
What is Taught in This Program?
BrainStation’s Python Programming Certificate begins with teaching students how to orient themselves in Jupyter Notebooks so they can develop code throughout the course. From there, students learn more about advanced data structures and Python libraries that are used for data science tasks.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This program is appropriate for beginners.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This course is currently offered exclusively online. In-person classes may resume in the future.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This class is five weeks long. Sessions are held for three hours on Thursdays.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
BrainStation accepts students who are 18 or older.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This program costs $2,450 per student. You can find additional information about financing and scholarship opportunities on the course website.
#7: WeCloudData– Data Science with Python
What is Taught in This Program?
WeCloudData offers its Data Science with Python course to students over the summer. This heavily project-based course covers Python programming and a host of different Python libraries and frameworks to accomplish a variety of data science projects. The course ends with a capstone project where students create their own data analysis strategy and prepare their data for analysis and visualization.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
The course website describes the program as “Intermediate,” but no specific prerequisites are listed. Interested students are encouraged to contact a program advisor to learn more about which program is the best fit for their current skill level.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This class is available online only.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This program lasts for a total of five weeks. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings for three hours, and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
The course is recommended for students who are 18 or older.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This class is $2,000 USD per student and $2,500 CAD. There is some financial aid available, but non-Canadian residents should inquire before registering to see whether this is available to students in the US.
#8: ONLC Training Centers– Python Programming Level 1
What is Taught in This Program?
There is a Python Programming Level 1: Introduction for Non-Programmers course available through ONLC Training Centers. This course explores Python through the hands-on creation of simple apps. File consumption, data types, and module design are also discussed.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This class is designed for those who do not have a background in programming. Basic computer navigation skills are the only requirement for enrollment.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
There are over 300 ONLC locations across the country. All of the classes are taught via remote instructor, but students who attend in the computer labs can use computers provided by the school and learn with other students in the same classroom. The class can also be taken remotely from your home or office.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This program is four days long. Classes take place Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:45 pm EST, or 7:00 am to 1:45 pm PST.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Students must be 18 or over to attend classes at ONLC.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This beginner Python course is $1,595 per student; this price does increase to $1,755 if you wait to register until a few days before the class starts. Be sure to keep an eye on the website to ensure you aren’t incurring any unnecessary costs or missing registration deadlines. Financial aid is not available, but students can retake the course for free within one year, provided they still have their original course materials.
Which Python Summer Program is Right for Me?
The sheer number of different programs to learn Python over the summer might leave you confused about where to start. While the ultimate decision is up to you, there are a few factors to consider that may help you prioritize your needs so you can make the most informed decision possible.
Investing over a thousand dollars in a Python summer program can understandably lead to stress, especially if you’re already paying for your college tuition. When looking at the cost of a program, it’s crucial to identify the cost per hour of instruction rather than just looking at the overall price. For instance, the Python Certification with BrainStation is about $1,000 less than the Data Science Certificate with Noble Desktop. However, Noble Desktop’s class provides almost 70 more hours of instruction, meaning you get a lot more education for this increased price. If saving money is a high priority for you, you can narrow your search to courses that offer payment plans or financing options.
Reflecting on your current comfort level with Python and related concepts is also essential when selecting a summer program. Most of the programs listed above are suitable for beginners with no previous experience. If you already have some familiarity with Python programming, you might consider either the Python Developer Certificate with Noble Desktop or the Data Science with Python course at WeCloudData.
There are many options available for college students who want to learn Python over the summer. Eliminating options that will be too expensive or too challenging to balance with your other commitments will reduce stress and allow you to focus on your education. While researching programs to find the one that best suits your needs can be time-consuming, going through this process will ensure that you get the most out of your experience.