A guide to summer coding classes

Coding is a fundamental part of almost every type of digital technology, including websites, home appliances, medical technology, transportation systems, and phone applications. With demand for software engineers expected to grow by 17% from 2023 to 2033 (significantly higher than the national average), learning computer programming is a good way to set yourself up for long-term career success. This in-demand and versatile skill is needed in every industry and can lead to a wide variety of job options. If you’re interested in learning coding, summer is the perfect window to learn some skills. 

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Top reasons to take a summer coding class

• Strong career prospects: Coding can lead to many different job opportunities across a range of industries. In addition, the versatility of this skill means that you can more easily pivot to a new career if you need to.
• An above-average salary: Many coding jobs pay very well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Computer and Information Research Scientists is $141,000, and for Software Developers, $133,000.
• Rewarding work: Coding-related jobs can be challenging, but many professionals who work in this field say that it’s also very rewarding. With coding skills, you can create innovative technological applications that may have a significant impact on people’s lives.
• Career flexibility: Coding can also allow you to have more career flexibility because it can often be done remotely. A higher-than-average percentage of coding experts enjoy flexible work arrangements such as working from home or freelance employment.

Benefits of summer coding classes for teens

If you’re a teen, coding skills are likely to be important in your future, making a coding class a valuable investment. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, technological advancements are radically changing the job market, and most workers will likely need tech skills like coding in the future. Researchers find that many of the fastest-growing jobs are ones that require coding, such as Software Application Developer, Big Data Specialist, and AI and Machine Learning Specialist.

A coding class can also help teens develop many other beneficial skills. For instance, coding is often an exercise in problem-solving, and teens will develop critical thinking and analytical skills as they learn to solve a variety of different coding-related problems. They will also sharpen their problem-solving skills as they work to develop creative new technological ideas through the application of code. 

Types of summer coding classes

College summer courses

Most colleges offer summer classes, including coding classes, which run either in-person or in an online format. Summer college classes have a number of advantages over classes that are offered during the rest of the year; they can be easier to get into and a lot less crowded, and they may run on an accelerated schedule, allowing you to finish the class more quickly than usual. However, taking a college class will still require planning since most colleges have admission requirements and procedures. College classes also tend to be one of the most expensive learning options.

Tech schools

You can also learn coding by taking a class at a professional training school that specializes in tech courses. Compared to a college class, a tech school coding class can be a lot easier to get into, and you won’t have to wait weeks for it to start. Instead, most tech schools offer coding classes all summer as well as during the rest of the year. Tuition is typically a lot less than it is at college, too. In addition, if you’re taking a coding class so that you can find a coding-related job, a tech school can be beneficial because many offer mentoring and career support designed to make your job search successful.

• In-person coding classes: If you learn best with the interaction and energy that comes from a face-to-face learning environment, then an in-person coding class may be your best option. In-person classes take place in a classroom space dedicated to learning, so they often have fewer distractions. You can speak directly to your instructor with questions or to request feedback, and networking with classmates often happens naturally. A downside to this format is the commute required to get to the classroom. Depending on where you live in relation to class, this can be expensive, inconvenient, and/or stressful.
• Live online coding classes: Live online classes provide more learning flexibility because you can learn from any location with an internet connection. This can be particularly beneficial in summer when you might have vacation plans. While these classes run remotely, they still include live lectures and real-time interaction with your instructor and classmates. Another benefit associated with this format is the fact that you can choose from courses all over the country, which significantly broadens your educational prospects. A possible downside is that you’ll need to provide your own equipment. You may also have to solve any technical challenges by yourself.
• Self-paced coding classes: If flexibility is important to you, this format provides the most flexibility of all. Unlike the other two formats, self-paced classes are not live. Instead, after you enroll, you get access to a series of pre-recorded lessons and exercises. You can work through these at your own pace, moving as quickly or slowly as you want. If you’re the type of person who often wishes you could rewind or fast-forward the instructor, then this may be the best learning option for you because you can do exactly that. While self-paced learning is asynchronous, many self-paced classes do include instructor feedback and the opportunity to have your questions answered. You may also get to participate in discussions or other exercises with classmates.

Summer coding programs for teens

Some schools offer summer coding classes specifically designed for teens. For instance, NextGen Bootcamp runs a Computer Science Summer Certificate Program, as well as courses focused on data science, Java programming, and FinTech. Teen programs like these are designed to meet the unique learning and scheduling needs of high school students. They include interactive training and flexible scheduling options.