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    Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy
    In-person Program

    Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy

    by UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars

    Explore introductory computer science and artificial intelligence through daily coding challenges, collaborative problem-solving and a project presented to UC Berkeley faculty.

    Last verified: 5 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Completed 10th or 11th grade; B average

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 16-17

    Location / Region

    UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States

    Cost

    $5,197

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Computer ScienceArtificial Intelligence
    Accommodation: Bowles Hall; shared doubles and triples
    Meals: 3 daily weekdays; 2 weekends and holidays
    Campus experience: College workshops, activities and excursion
    Tutors / faculty: UC Berkeley BJC veteran teachers
    Main output: Individual or group coding project
    Academic credit: Non-credit

    Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy summary

    The academy introduces computer science and AI through Berkeley's Beauty and Joy of Computing curriculum, using Snap! to make programming concepts practical.

    Students tackle daily coding challenges and develop an individual or group project, then explain their work to UC Berkeley faculty and instructors at the Code Celebration.

    Its strongest fit is a curious beginner who wants structured teaching and a taste of college life; experienced coders may find the introductory focus limiting.

    What is Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy?

    The Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy is UC Berkeley's introductory, non-credit computer science academy within Pre-College Scholars. Its teaching draws on CS10, the Beauty and Joy of Computing course taken by Berkeley undergraduates, with curriculum developed by Teaching Professor Dan Garcia.

    Students use the visual programming language Snap! to explore algorithms, functions, logic and recursion, alongside artificial intelligence fundamentals. Daily coding challenges lead toward a project of their own design, while residential activities and college exploration workshops introduce the wider student experience.

    Why Succeed highlights Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy

    • The curriculum connects beginners with the same introductory computing content used in Berkeley's CS10 course.

    • Students explore AI methods and ethics alongside foundational programming concepts.

    • A self-designed coding project gives students something concrete to explain and reflect on.

    • The Code Celebration includes project feedback and questions from UC Berkeley faculty and instructors.

    • College exploration workshops and residential activities broaden the experience beyond coding lessons.

    Who is Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy for?

    Best for

    Beginners who want to test their interest in computer science and AI through structured coding, collaboration and a project.

    Not ideal if

    You already have advanced coding experience, need transferable academic credit or want a day-only experience.

    Is Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy worth it?

    The academy can be worthwhile if you want a supported introduction to computing and a chance to test how much you enjoy building something. Its clearest educational value comes from the coding challenges, self-designed project and opportunity to discuss your work with faculty and instructors.

    The fee also covers a residential college experience, so families should weigh how much they value that alongside the teaching. The introductory curriculum and lack of academic credit limit its appeal for advanced coders or students whose main goal is earning transferable units.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $5,197; includes Tuition and fees., Residential housing., Three meals per weekday; two daily on weekends and holidays., Orientation, excursions and activities., Basic emergency-use health insurance., On-site support..

    Accommodation

    Bowles Hall; shared doubles and triples

    Meals

    3 daily weekdays; 2 weekends and holidays

    Provider details

    Review the UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy need?

    Effort level

    High during the residential academy.

    Best started

    Begin four to six weeks before the next published application deadline to prepare responses, transcripts and family paperwork.

    Main challenge

    Learning unfamiliar computing concepts while developing a project you can explain.

    Typical preparation

    • Draft the two personal insight responses using concrete examples of academic curiosity and community contribution.

    • Request a PDF transcript with your full name and cumulative GPA, arranging an official translation if needed.

    • Review housing, insurance, payment and consent requirements with a parent or guardian.

    • If applicable, arrange English proficiency documentation and resolve international travel requirements well ahead of departure.

    Useful if

    You want to test your interest in computer science before further study.

    What do students do on Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy?

    You work through coding challenges in Snap!, explore foundational computer science and AI concepts, and develop a project based on your interests. The experience ends with an opportunity to present your work and discuss it with Berkeley faculty and instructors.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Complete the recorded, live pre-arrival and in-person orientation stages.

    2. 2

      Move into program housing and meet staff and fellow participants.

    3. 3

      Explore computing concepts through daily coding challenges and collaborative problem-solving.

    4. 4

      Study AI fundamentals, including machine learning, generative AI and ethics.

    5. 5

      Develop an individual or group coding project.

    6. 6

      Join college exploration workshops, activities and a program-related excursion.

    7. 7

      Present your project at the Code Celebration and respond to faculty questions.

    Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    17 March 2026

    11:59 p.m. Pacific Time; 2026 reference cycle.

    Reference date

    Programme dates

    21 June-3 July 2026

    Reference date

    Applications open

    2 February 2026

    9 a.m. Pacific Time.

    Reference date

    Refund cancellation cutoff

    9 April 2026

    Formal portal withdrawal required for a refund minus the application fee.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Domestic and international high school students.

    • Complete 10th or 11th grade before the program starts.

    • Continue high school studies in the following fall.

    • Overall B average, equivalent to a 3.0 GPA.

    • Ages 16-17; turn 16 by 21 June 2026.

    • Maintain valid personal health insurance throughout the program.

    • Live in program housing for the entire session.

    • Meet applicable English language proficiency requirements.

    • Student and parent or guardian sign all required forms.

    How much does Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy cost?

    Program fee

    $5,197 — 2026 fee including tuition, housing and meals.

    Funding or discounts

    • Application fee: $25 — Nonrefundable.
    • NSHSS scholarship: Tuition, room and board — Partner scholarship for the 2026 academy.

    What's included

    Tuition and fees., Residential housing., Three meals per weekday; two daily on weekends and holidays., Orientation, excursions and activities., Basic emergency-use health insurance., On-site support.

    How to apply to Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy

    1. 1

      Read the Non-Credit Track application instructions and program agreements with a parent or guardian.

    2. 2

      Create or access your account at the official Berkeley application portal using your student email address.

    3. 3

      Select the appropriate Non-Credit Track application and submit only one application.

    4. 4

      Enter your biographical, contact and emergency contact information, using separate student and parent email addresses.

    5. 5

      Answer the two personal insight questions about academic interests and your contribution to the community.

    6. 6

      Upload the required PDF transcript and any applicable English translation or proficiency documentation.

    7. 7

      Complete all required electronic signatures with your parent or legal guardian and pay the $25 application fee.

    8. 8

      If admitted, accept within 48 hours, set up CalNet, complete CalCentral tasks and pay fees within seven calendar days.

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    What does Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Programming foundations

    Explore abstraction, functions, number representation, Boolean logic and conditionals using Snap!.

    Algorithms and recursion

    Study algorithms, lists, higher order functions, recursion and tree recursion.

    Artificial intelligence

    Build an introduction to Supervised Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning and Generative AI.

    Computing and society

    Consider the social implications of computing and the Ethics of AI.

    Project development

    Create an individual or group coding project and present it at the Code Celebration.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy?

    A typical day during the program.

    Coding challenges

    Students tackle coding challenges using Snap! and develop their programming ideas.

    Residential curfew

    Curfew runs from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

    Who teaches on Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy?

    UC Berkeley Teaching Professor Dan Garcia developed the curriculum, with day-to-day instruction provided by experienced Berkeley Beauty and Joy of Computing teachers. UC Berkeley computer science faculty and instructors attend the Code Celebration to discuss and provide feedback on final projects.

    Where do students stay on Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy?

    Residential plan

    • Bowles Hall housing: All students live in shared double or triple rooms within walking distance of the main campus.
    • Included meal plan: Three meals per weekday and two meals daily on weekends and holidays are provided.
    • Residential supervision: Residential staff provide full-time supervision, with a daily 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.
    • Shared campus facilities: Bowles Hall includes study rooms, a library, Wi-Fi, a game room, laundry facilities and a lounge.

    Room and roommate assignments are random and nonnegotiable; no separate housing application is required.

    What happens after Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Build foundations for further computer science study.

    Develop an individual or group coding project.

    Practice explaining technical work to faculty and instructors.

    Explore AI methods and their ethical implications.

    Use college exploration workshops to reflect on future university study.

    The academy does not award transferable academic units or credits.

    Where does Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy take place?

    The academy takes place at UC Berkeley in Berkeley, California, with participants living in Bowles Hall within walking distance of the main campus. The experience includes campus connections, extracurricular activities and a program-related excursion.

    Flights and airport transfers are not included in the program fee.

    Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy FAQs

    The academy is designed for introductory students with little or no coding experience. Students with advanced computer science experience are directed toward Berkeley's other residential or commuter tracks.

    The curriculum includes functions, Boolean logic, algorithms, lists, recursion and the social implications of computing. AI topics include Supervised Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Generative AI and the Ethics of AI.

    No. This is a non-credit track and does not award units or credits that can be transferred to a high school or university.

    Students develop an individual or group coding project and present it at the Code Celebration. UC Berkeley computer science faculty and instructors view the projects, provide feedback and ask questions.

    All participants live in Bowles Hall in shared double or triple rooms. Roommate assignments are random and cannot be negotiated, and students follow a daily 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.

    The meal plan provides three meals per weekday and two meals per day on weekends and holidays.

    No. The academy does not issue a school-sponsored student visa because of its short duration and non-credit status. Students attending under an existing visa are responsible for complying with that visa and do not receive immigration support or advising.

    Students must maintain their own valid health insurance throughout the program. The program also provides basic emergency-use coverage, which may require students to pay upfront and submit a reimbursement claim.

    Alternatives to Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy

    Compare these options if you want software-focused study or a broader engineering and design experience.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Will I be able to Earn Any Units in the Non-Credit Track to Transfer the Coursework to my High School or Future University? – Berkeley Summer Sessions Pre-College Scholars Program
    • English Proficiency Requirement (EPR) | Summer Sessions
    • Post-Admission, Enrollment, Tuition and Fee Payment: What to Expect for the Non-Credit Track? – Berkeley Summer Sessions Pre-College Scholars Program
    • What Important Considerations Should I Keep in Mind when Completing the Non-Credit Track Application? – Berkeley Summer Sessions Pre-College Scholars Program
    • Application Portal Login Instructions – Berkeley Summer Sessions Pre-College Scholars Program
    • Application Management
    • What does the Residential and Non-Credit Track Program Fee Cover/not Cover? – Berkeley Summer Sessions Pre-College Scholars Program
    • What are the Dates of the Non-Credit Program? – Berkeley Summer Sessions Pre-College Scholars Program
    • 2026 Student Code of Conduct and Agreement
    • 2026 UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars Non-Credit Program Terms and Conditions Form
    • Non-Credit Track | Pre-College

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 5 Oct 2026)

    • Official program page checked

    • Application deadline checked

    • Session dates verified

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Fees and inclusions checked

    • Housing and meals reviewed

    • Credit status verified

    • Visa guidance reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.