Choosing a college major is one of the hardest decisions for freshmen (and sophomores) to make. There is no right or wrong answer, but it is beneficial to stay up-to-date on trends in education and industry. In particular, computer science is exploding in popularity. As we’ll discuss in this article, that’s for good reason.

What is computer science, and what does the major include?

According to our favorite online encyclopedia, Wikipedia, “Computer science is the study of algorithmic processes, computational machines and computation itself.”

So, if you study computer science, you are learning how computing machines and the technologies behind them work. Wikipedia continues, “As a discipline, computer science spans a range of topics from theoretical studies of algorithms, computation and information to the practical issues of implementing computational systems in hardware and software.”

You’ll likely hear this called “CS” for short. Another common abbreviation is “comp-sci.” They all refer to the same thing!

Who makes a good candidate for this field?

First off, you’ll likely need strong math skills. Beyond that, having a keen interest in logic, processes, and solving puzzles will all help you out.

US News describes the typical computer science majors as “strong logical thinkers and problem solvers who use computers and computational processes to build websites, mine data and more.”

Does that sound like you? Keep reading!

Reasons to seriously consider a CS degree

“The Berkeley Boom“

In fall 2015, a record 1,300 students enrolled in UC Berkeley’s introductory computer science course, CS 61A. That was twice as many as 3 years ago. 

John Denero, professor of 61A, says, even “if you talk to a biology professor, they’re more likely to say, ‘Yeah, learn some computer science along the way’ than they were a few years ago.”

But it’s not just biology. UC Berkeley’s annual campus surveys show that undergraduates across all disciplines are beginning to show interest. Many students now see basic computer science as essential for academic and professional growth.

Money does matter

In fact, in a 2014 survey of graduating UC Berkeley CS majors, the average salary reported was over $96,000. In addition, over 80% of students surveyed were either employed or attending elite graduate schools. As a result, job security and lucrative salaries come as no surprise. From data analytics, to artificial intelligence, to numerous other branches of computer science, you have many options. Moreover, these jobs have become ubiquitous in our society.

Computer technologies in our society

Beyond that, not only is the study of computers a financially rewarding path, it is also essential to the future of academia and industry. In fact, promoting computer science is “an investment worth making, both for the well-being of society in general and to cultivate more computationally sophisticated future colleagues across all disciplines,” says R. Michael Shanahan, the CS department chair at Harvey Mudd.

An invaluable asset

Choosing a major will never be easy, but computer science is a compelling choice. Whether you want to contribute to the future of tech or are looking for an intellectual challenge, it may be for you. In fact, even if you’ve found your vocation elsewhere, consider rounding out your education with an introductory “comp-sci” course to broaden your horizons.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for more help choosing a major, Empowerly has the resources you need. Working with a private guidance counselor will help you explore your options. Reach out today. You can book a free consultation below to meet with our team to learn more about the Empowerly approach.

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Career opportunities for computer scientists are continuing to thrive. In fact, it’s predicted that employment will grow by 11% by 2024. Surprisingly, this is faster than the average job growth across all industries. But despite this surge in opportunities, women are still highly underrepresented in the computer science industry. In this article, we’ll investigate this trend and uncover top computer science programs for women.

The context and data

According to a report from Fortune, the number of female computing professionals has fallen by 35% since 1990. In fact, in 2013, women represented only 26% of all computer science professionals. Today, in an effort to turn this male-dominated field into a more gender-balanced industry, many changes are beginning.

To start, there’s been a push from organizations such as Girls Who Code and Girls, Inc. to encourage female students to become interested and involved in technology at an earlier age. Not only that, but at the college level, universities have begun to tailor their computer science programs to be more inclusive.

Is it working?

Already, these efforts seem to be making a difference! Evidence indicates that the percentage of female students completing a computer science degree increased by 76% over the past five years.

StudySoup, a site that helps students succeed in school, took a look at the top-ranked U.S. universities for computer science. However, these colleges are unique in also offering an inclusive environment for female students looking to enter into the industry.

The report used data points such as acceptance rate, tuition, popularity rank of the computer science program, the percentage of female students within the computer science program, graduation rate, and average starting salary.

Here are the top 20 computer science programs for women:

1. Harvey Mudd College
2. Dartmouth College
3. Harvard University
4. Rice University
5. Pennsylvania State University
6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
7. College of William and Mary
8. University of Southern California
9. Emory University
10. Princeton University
11. Georgetown University
12. Columbia University
13. North Carolina State University
14. University of Notre Dame
15. Carnegie Mellon University
16. Cornell University
17. University of North Carolina – Charlotte
18. Cal (University of California – Berkeley)
19. University of Pennsylvania
20. California Institute of Technology

Are you interested in learning more? If so, you can see the full report here. Then, let us know what you think!

In summary, there are options out there for women in computer science. Furthermore, Empowerly has helped many girls interested in STEM get accepted to top engineering colleges. In fact, some of our favorites include Stanford, UC Berkeley, MIT… just to name a few!  Learn more about Empowerly’s expert college counseling program today.

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For high school students with a passion for technology, coding, and cybersecurity, 2024 offers an array of exciting research opportunities that can set the stage for future academic and career success. From immersive programs led by industry experts to internships at leading tech companies, these opportunities provide invaluable hands-on experience and mentorship, enabling students to delve deeply into the world of computer science.

In this blog post, we will explore a variety of computer science research programs and internships available to high school students in 2024. These opportunities range from building and showcasing personal projects to learning about cutting-edge cybersecurity measures. Whether you are interested in AI, game design, or data science, there is a program that can help you develop your skills and fuel your passion for technology. Let’s dive in.

1. BlueStamp Engineering

https://bluestampengineering.com/

This program is brought to you by AI experts from Stanford University. BlueStamp’s program is an immersive program in which students take the lead by choosing both a starter and a main project to design and build. At the end of the six weeks students will be able to take their projects home and showcase them on college and job interviews. Students will also develop their own personal webpage, complete with videos and documentation detailing their journey.

• Location: Palo Alto, CA, online
• Program Length: 2 or 6 weeks
• Age Eligibility: Current 9-12th graders

Here, you can hear from the founder of the project and why he cares about students:

Video: Learning By Doing, One Engineer at a Time Robin Mansukhani at TEDxPresidio

2. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency

https://www.cisa.gov/careers/work-rolescyber-and-it-interns

Are you curious and passionate about learning how America protects against cybersecurity threats? CISA is hiring current students enrolled in accredited educational institutions from high school to graduate level for paid cyber/IT internships. If you are a student interested in the world of cybersecurity, then CISA is THE place where you want to work. CISA works with industry and government partners to defend against today’s threats and collaborate to build a more secure and resilient infrastructure for the future.

• Location: Oakland, CA
• Program Length: Varies
• Age Eligibility: 9-12th grade

3. Georgetown Pre-College Online Program: Cybersecurity Course

https://georgetown.precollegeprograms.org/cyber

Have you or anyone you know ever experienced a cyberattack? Do you love solving complex issues? Cybersecurity is a fast-paced, exciting field that shows no signs of slowing. This course unveils how cyberspace evolved, how it opened the door for cyberattacks, and how the world of the dark web came to exist. Learn from industry experts from the FBI, CISA, and more about the vulnerabilities that exist on the web, how they’re being exploited, and how cybersecurity experts are unraveling them. See how innovations in AI are affecting cybersecurity and find out what the future entails for this field.

• Location: Online
• Program Length: 1 week, 2 weeks, or 4 weeks
• Age Eligibility: 9-12th grade

4. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Programs

https://girlswhocode.com/programs/summer-immersion-program

Students gain the computer science skills they need to make an impact and prepare for tech careers in our free, virtual summer programs. Summer program participants get exposure to tech jobs, meet leaders in tech careers, and find community in our supportive sisterhood; all while investing in their future self.

• Location: Online
• Program Length: 2 weeks for virtual immersion; 6 weeks for self-paced
• Age Eligibility: Current 9-11th for virtual immersion, Current 9-12th for self-paced

5. iD Tech Student Camps

https://www.idtech.com/

Welcome to the original tech camp, built around your child. Students can code mobile apps. Design their own video games. Produce viral videos. Discover the secrets of cryptography. Our flagship program features 50+ innovative courses, blending world-class instruction with fun camp activities. In each week-long session, your child will explore an inspiring campus, make new friends, and build skills that last long after summer.

• Location: Various locations, online
• Program Length: 1 week
• Age Eligibility: Current 8-12th graders

Video: iD Tech Camps | Summer Courses for Kids & Teens | Coding, Robotics, Game Dev | 75+ Destinations

6. Juni Learning Coding Courses

https://junilearning.com/coding-for-kids/

Juni offers online STEAM courses in topics we all wish we could have learned in school like Coding, Storytelling, Investing, and more. Our personalized approach and student-paced curriculum isn’t your one-size-fits-all class. Instead, our instructors learn your child’s passions, work on hands-on projects, and move at a pace that keeps them engaged. Our curriculum was designed in-house by educators to cover the most important topics while engaging learners through exciting projects.

• Location: San Francisco, CA or online
• Program Length: Rolling
• Age Eligibility: All ages

7. Meta Summer Academy

https://metasummeracademy.com/

Meta (formerly Facebook) Summer Academy Externs will have the opportunity to learn about the day-to-day operations of one of the world’s leading social media networks by being part of a dynamic workforce. Externs will work closely with Facebook Mentors in their respective capacities to gain real-world work experience and on-the-job skills that will help propel them into successful careers. 

• Location: Bay Area, CA
• Program Length: 6 weeks
• Age Eligibility: Current 10th graders; must be full-year residents of the CA Bay Area.

8. Microsoft Student Internships

https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/discoveryprogram

In Microsoft’s high school internship program, students will learn a lot about the world of computer science and programming. Microsoft internships are geared toward STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) students, so if you were thinking of pursuing a degree in one of those fields, Microsoft is the place for you!

• Location: Redmond, WA
• Program Length: 4 weeks
• Age Eligibility: Current 9-12th graders; must reside in the Pudget Sound Area, WA.

Video: Microsoft Intern Experience 2023

9. Mitre Nationwide High School Student Program

https://careers.mitre.org/us/en/the-mitre-high-school-student-program

Are you a high school student who wants to expand your knowledge in the STEM fields? Our expert staff members are looking for skilled, open-minded innovators to learn from and collaborate in cutting edge research, development, engineering, and analysis projects to help make the world a safer place. As a student researcher, you will join and collaborate with our team of expert mentors who are motivated to help you realize your maximum potential.

• Location: Varies
• Program Length: 8 weeks
• Age Eligibility: Current high school students

10. National Institute of Standards and Technology Summer High School Internship Program

https://www.nist.gov/iaao/academic-affairs-office/high-school-students-ship

The Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) is a NIST-wide summer intern program for students who will have finished their junior or senior year of high school by the start of the program and are interested in scientific research only. Students selected for this competitive volunteer program will participate in cutting-edge research at NIST, and will work closely with NIST staff scientists and engineers on a specific research problem.

• Location: Colorado or Maryland campuses
• Program Length: 8 weeks, contiguous
• Age Eligibility: 11th-12th graders

11. Polygence Pods

https://www.polygence.org/projects?tags=computer-science

Polygence is an online research academy founded by Harvard, MIT and Stanford researchers dedicated to democratizing access to research opportunities for high school students. Connect with an expert mentor online. Develop a research project. Showcase your work and passion through a publication, conference presentation or creative piece. Polygence Pods are a focused, organized exploration on popular career and research topics. You will build a foundation in your research and career goals through a structured research experience with thoughtfully designed lessons and customizable projects. You will be guided by our world-class mentors and meet like-minded peers who share your passion.

• Location: Online
• Program Length: Varies
• Age Eligibility: 9-12th graders

12. Student Science Training Program at University of Florida

https://www.cpet.ufl.edu/students/uf-cpet-summer-programs/student-science-training-program/

This is a blended (online and residential) research program for selected students entering senior year and at least 16 years old by the program start date who are considering science, medicine, math, computer science, or engineering careers. The program emphasis is research participation with a UF faculty research scientist and his or her research team. Students interested in attending the UF SSTP must possess a high level of maturity, an ability to live and learn independently, a desire to work collaboratively, and a sincere interest in research.

• Location: Gainsville, FL
• Program Length: 6 weeks
• Age Eligibility: Open to rising seniors (apply junior year)

13. UCLA Game Lab Summer Institute

https://summer.ucla.edu/program/game-lab-summer-institute/

The UCLA Game Lab Summer Institute introduces high school students to game-making as a form of artistic practice, teaching them the techniques and tools that will help them develop analog and digital games that reflect their own creative voice and vision. We now offer two versions of our institute–an in-person, residential experience, as well as a virtual/online program. Students in the program develop a solid aesthetic and technical foundation in various aspects of game design–but just as importantly, they begin learning how to express their own, personal ideas through game-making and game art.

• Location: Los Angeles, CA, Online
• Program Length: 2 weeks
• Age Eligibility: Current 9-12th graders

14. University of Chicago Data & Computing Summer Lab

https://datascience.uchicago.edu/education/summerlab/

In the program, undergraduate students (and Chicago-area high school students) are paired with a data science mentor in various domains, including: computer science, data science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, materials science, and biomedical research. Through this pairing the research assistant will engage with and hone their skills in research methodologies, practices, and teamwork. We encourage participation from a broad range of students, and require no prior research experience to apply.

• Location: Chicago, IL
• Program Length: 10 weeks
• Age Eligibility: Current 9-12th graders and undergraduate students

Video: UChicago Summer Undergraduate Programs

15. University of Rochester Pre-College Program: Video Game Design

https://rochesteronline.precollegeprograms.org/game-design

Ever wondered what it takes to customize your own video game? In this course, you’ll do just that. Discover how digital games are built and the skills game designers and developers use. Learn the art of storytelling and the techniques used to embed puzzles, action-adventure, and drama. See interviews with top game designers and explore careers in the field. If you are a committed gamer, a tech wiz, or someone who is intrigued with design, this course is a must.

• Location: Online
• Program Length: Multiple 2- and 4-week sessions
• Age Eligibility: For students ages 13+

16. Empowerly AI Scholars Program

https://empowerly.com/ai-scholars-program

AI is already present everywhere: in our voice-activated devices, smartphone face recognition systems, and autonomous vehicles. The potential to apply this technology for good is limitless. Our program, developed and taught by a team of alumni and graduate students from Stanford and MIT, provides guidance on initiating AI projects, pursuing AI ventures and preparing for college.You can even read a student’s firsthand experience on our blog, here!

• Location: Online
• Program Length: 25 hours, 10 sessions
• Age Eligibility: 7-12th grade

17. Empowerly Passion Project Tutoring

https://empowerly.com/passion-project-program

The Empowerly Passion Project Program helps students discover and build out their passions through a meaningful project while gaining a competitive edge in their college applications. Our student-centered curriculum approach empowers participants to identify their passions and develop a project or initiative to showcase them, such as an app, podcast, blog, Youtube channel, business, or non-profit.

• Location: Online
• Program Length: Rolling
• Age Eligibility: All ages

18. Empowerly Research Scholars Program

https://go.empowerly.com/research-internship-program

We offer a diverse range of research programs, designed to suit a range of ages and experience levels. Each Program has a Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter session. Create an independent research paper in a pre-designed area of a mentor’s expertise. 

• Location: Online
• Program Length: All year
• Age Eligibility: 8-12th graders

19. Empowerly Startup Internship Program

https://empowerly.com/startup-internship-program

Designed to give high school & college students the opportunity to explore careers, develop professional skills, work with globally-minded companies and strengthen their resume. Choose the session that fits with your schedule; we offer fall, spring and summer startup internships. From tech startup internships to non-technical roles, there are over 40 startups to apply to.

• Location: Online
• Program Length: 3 months
• Age Eligibility: 9th grade+

Computer Science Research: Paving the Way for Future Innovators

If you’re a high school student curious about the future of technology, there’s no reason not to get involved in some capacity. After all, as we’ve seen here—there are plenty of options! 

What’s more, participating in computer science research opportunities during high school not only strengthens students' technical skills, but also fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Regardless of whether you ultimately pursue a career in computer science, the skills will serve you well. The programs highlighted in this article offer diverse experiences, from hands-on project development and internships at top tech companies to specialized courses in cybersecurity and game design. These opportunities empower students to explore their interests, gain practical experience, and build a solid foundation for their future academic and professional endeavors.

As you consider the various programs available in 2024, remember that each experience is a stepping stone toward a promising career in technology. Embrace the chance to learn from experts, collaborate with like-minded peers, and contribute to groundbreaking projects—and most of all, don’t be afraid to ask for help. By seizing these opportunities, high school students can become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow's tech-driven world. With the right support, you can accomplish your dreams! Empowerly is here to help you thrive.

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How did this student get started? 

As an Empowerly student, partnered with a top counselor and a team of experts to develop a meaningful strategy to make the most of the high school years. 

In addition to selecting classes and providing academic support, our team encourages all students to develop their extracurricular narrative. For some students, this means expanding their range of experiences and skills. Empowerly offers a range of extracurricular programs, like the AI Scholar Program (AISP), to launch students into independent projects.

The Beginning Steps

B shared: “My dad had actually sent me the [info about AISP], and I looked it over and I was pretty interested right off the bat. I did not know a lot about AI and I thought that it would be a good program to advance in the current [computer science] class that I’m taking at my school.

The main thing I wanted to focus on was how to apply AI to the real world and how it impacts our daily lives. One of the big things I know is that when I become an adult and I have a job, it’s most likely that AI is going to be involved with whatever I’m doing. 

I [also] wanted a basic understanding of coding and how it works, but what I was most interested in was how AI is going to affect me later in life and how much of a general understanding of AI can I get now so I could be prepared.”

The Learning Curve

This program is geared toward beginning students, in addition to those with prior computer experience. “I was not advanced whatsoever. Before [AISP], on a scale of one to ten, I was maybe at a solid two. 

I will say that it was a little intimidating at first and I did feel a little bit behind, but my teachers were so open and always reaching out to see if we had any questions. They really wanted us to understand and because the class was so small and so intimate, I was never scared to speak up when I didn’t understand what was going on. “

“In my final session after completing the course, I really got to express what my favorite [parts of the program] were and we talked about how I can relate my experience to my college major and future careers. [My counselor and I] did a short writing exercise where I jotted down the main points of what I learned and then we went over a couple of examples of how to implement that in a good short essay that could be used for college applications or summer program applications.”

Lifelong Lessons — and Memories

“It’s definitely easy to know which [class session] was my favorite. [Mid-way through the program] we had a class that focused on AI and what our world looks like right now. I specifically remember our teacher giving us a list of topics that AI is involved in and asking us to pick whichever one we wanted to explore for five minutes and come back with a summary for the class. [The topic] that caught my attention was AI and Siri. I read a really, really great article about how Siri has specific responses that are pretty questionable. These were actual responses, and I got so interested that I tried it on my phone too. […] 

That was definitely my favorite class [because it] showed how AI is applied in the real world and what it looks like for us right now. At least two to three weeks later, I was still keeping up with [the topic] so I thought it was just a great outcome that actually still resonates with me today.”

Final Project

“[My AI project] was focused on pneumonia detection. My dad’s a doctor so [I already knew about] pneumonia itself as a relative concept, but not nearly to the extent that we researched. 

The final project itself was super fun. I think that was probably one of my favorite sessions that we had because we all worked together and everybody got to use their strengths to put together our presentation. It was a very good summary of everything we learned…and it was a super productive way to close out the whole experience itself.”

Insight and Reflections

“AISP definitely got me ahead in my current computer science class, which was something that I was really hoping to get out of it. [The program] also definitely influenced how I research different careers and what my major might lead me to. This definitely shifted my focus and now I always make sure to look deeper into how aspects of AI will be tied into future job opportunities, how I could make a positive change using AI, or bring awareness to AI as well.

It gave me so much. It gave me a true understanding of what AI actually is because everybody always tells you in a couple of years a job’s not going to be there or is going to look completely different because of AI. There may be robots all around me by the time I’m 40, but how does that really affect me, and I never took it seriously. I didn’t think it was something that valuable to become knowledgeable about or focus on before, but after the AI Scholar Program, I clearly knew I was wrong. “

“You can’t always predict what’s going to happen in the future, but I do feel more prepared for what to look out for and the issues with AI currently. The bulk of what we learned was studying the many pros of AI and the many cons that not a lot of people talk about.

I think the biggest lesson that I probably got out of it was just being prepared for the future. I don’t think I’m ever going to be some sort of programmer, but I do think that AISP is such a good program to get yourself a basic understanding of how your future might be affected by AI because It will affect everybody.”

Final Thoughts: Get Involved Today!

To learn more about Empowerly’s AI Scholar Program and to sign up, visit our website at https://empowerly.com/ai-scholars-program. Curious about the other extracurricular programs we have to offer? Empowerly is here to help you reach for your potential and become your best self.

The post Empowerly AI Scholar Reaches for New Heights appeared first on Empowerly.

Here’s how one Bay Area Empowerly student cracked the code to top computer science programs.

The Humble Beginnings of Our Student Story

During the summer before his sophomore year, his mother asked him to help bring heavy groceries from the garage. Naturally, Miko wondered how he could move them more quickly and efficiently. 

However, what he did next set him apart from other high-achieving peers. He researched, designed, and assembled an autonomous robot from scratch using materials around his house—including a hoverboard and commercial off-the-shelf electronic products. Today, that very robot has become a helpful addition to mundane household tasks. 

As a matter of fact, this would be only the first of many robots Miko would build himself.

The Sky’s the Limit…

Noticing this uniquely impressive aptitude for constructing and coding machines, Miko and his mentors began to unravel his talents. With the help of his counselor, Miko delved deeper into the nexus of autonomous vehicles and software development. 

A Few Ways Empowerly Helps:

• Academic Course Selection: On campus, Miko brought his best to high school with confidence in his choices. Miko took nine different Advanced Placement courses while remaining in the top 10 percent of his class, graduating with a 4.0 unweighted GPA.
• Passion Project Guidance: Continuing to develop and refine his robotics work, Miko even began applying his skills to his concerns about food supplies with the world’s growing population.
• Support with Internship Search: Miko’s counselor supported him in reaching out to high-quality mentors and internship opportunities that would further his resume and firsthand experiences, ultimately landing him in collegiate labs and alongside a team of NASA engineers.

The Ultimate Computer Science Admissions Profile

On his own, he excelled in student leadership by delving into engineering, robotics, and ethics organizations with his fellow peers. With guidance from his counselors, Miko’s work led him to shine. 

Reaching for the Stars — in Computer Science and Beyond

The summer before his senior year, Miko applied and was accepted as an intern with the research software team at NASA. As a result, he spent the semester working with engineers on various challenges. The project focused on developing new simulations that could help astronauts use autonomous landers on a planet like Mars or aid farmers in avoiding injury by having them use robots to perform potentially dangerous tasks. 

This amazing experience changed the direction of his student story. Miko focused even harder on his dedication to making our world, and the next, more manageable. This passion and his remarkable accomplishments as a student earned him acceptance to Rice University’s freshman class. There, he will continue to solve problems on the cutting edge of one of the most competitive fields in academia, and beyond!

The post Empowerly Student Cracks the Code to Top Computer Science Programs appeared first on Empowerly.