Free STEM Summer Camp from Girls Who Code Opens Registration 2026

High school girls (and non-binary kids) interested in computer science are encouraged to apply. Photo courtesy Girls Who Code
High school girls (and non-binary kids) interested in computer science are encouraged to apply. Photo courtesy Girls Who Code
1/8/26 - By Tara D

Looking for more than mindless hanging out and screen time for your teenage daughter this summer? Girls Who Code, a nonprofit that aims to increase the number of women in computer science fields, is once again offering its FREE summer program for girls and non-binary kids entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school. Called Pathways, the 6-7-week STEM summer camp is completely virtual and accepting applications now.

Keep reading to find out who is eligible, how to apply, and when this Girls Who Code STEM summer programs is happening in 2026. Hurry, because the early application period for this FREE summer program is already open.

Find more STEM activities in our Science and Tech Guide for Kids, or check out more summer programs for teens and kids in our Camp Guide. You can also find free coding for kids websites and apps.

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What: The Pathways, the Girls Who Code Summer Program offers tracks in game design, data science, AI, cybersecurity, and web development as well as a virtual community of peers and professionals to interact with on Discord. Girls can participate in optional corporate partner events, career panels, and advisor-led workshops focusing on new technologies.

Pathways offers tracks in 5 disciplines, and it will take participants about 6-7 weeks to complete course projects at their own pace. For girls who participated last summer, there are all new courses and vitrual events for the summer of 2026.

Who: Teens who identify as female of all ethnic, racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds who attend school in the US are encouraged to apply. No prior computer programming experience is necessary. In fact, the program is for beginners. Those who have had AP/IB computer science are not eligible. Girls Who Code does not consider immigration status but US residence is required. Non-gender conforming and non-binary applicants interested in the female-led learning environment are also encouraged.

Additionally, the applicant must be: 

  • A high school student, rising 9-12 grade in the fall
  • Able to commit to the entire program

Where: This year, the programs are completely virtual.

When: The self-paced program is take place over six weeks. It is not an overnight camp, so no housing is provided. 

How much does it cost? The program is FREE for all participants. US-based students in the Summer Immersion Program can apply for a $300 SIP Student Grant, plus laptop and hotspot access.

How to apply: Complete the online application, which is due by Wednesday, February 25, 2026 for early acceptance. General acceptance applications are due Friday, April 10, 2026. The application does not require students to submit a letter of recommendation or letter grades. Students must fill out the online application themselves, according to the Girls Who Code instructions.

Need more info? Visit the Girls Who Code website. 

This article was first published in January 2015 and is updated annually.

About the Author

Tara D

Tara constantly seeks out opportunities for enrichment and exploration with her kids. When she started writing about it as the Boston Community Ambassador for Ziptivity.com, she discovered a passion for sharing her unique finds with parents, helping to make their lives a little easier and a lot more fun. Her work, which has been highlighted by Huffington Post, can be seen nationally across the Mommy Poppins sites and on Appalachian Mountain Club's Kids Outdoors blog.