Coding and Computer Science Institute
Unlock your future in coding and tech innovation
The Coding and Computer Science Institute will host two weeks this summer, one week for beginner students and one week for intermediate/advanced students, respectively.
Beginner Coding + Computer Science (Week of July 5-10): Are you interested in learning how to code? Have you ever heard of the programming languages Python and Java? Want an introduction to software development, mobile app development, and other computer science fundamentals? The Coding + CS program for Beginners provides an introduction to computer science fundamentals and hands-on experiences with beginner Python and Java.
Intermediate/Advanced Coding + Computer Science (Week of July 12-17): Are you a skilled programmer in Python or Java? Interested in solving challenging problems in Computer Science while advancing your programming skills? The Coding + CS program for Advanced Coders will challenge students to tackle real world problems and master advanced computer science concepts.
At a Glance
2026 Dates: Week of July 5-10 (Beginner) and week of July 12-17 (Intermediate/Advanced)
Program Length: Sunday – Friday, overnight
Who Can Apply?: Current 9th – 12th grade students
Tuition: $3,500
*Tuition is subject to change per year
Location: Winston-Salem, NC – Wake Forest University Reynolda Campus
*Courses carry no secondary school or college credit. Upon completion of the program, an official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion will be awarded to all Coding and Computer Science Institute participants.
What You’ll Experience: Beginner Coding
Topics Covered:
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Problem solving
- Data structures and algorithms
- Compiled vs. interpreted languages
- Introduction to Python
- Introduction to Java
Hands-On Experiences:
- Developing games in Python
- Building LED circuits with Raspberry Pis
- Tour of WFU High Performance Computing Center
- Analyzing and visualizing a real world dataset
- Mobile application development
- Decrypting code and implementing ciphers
- Group project of your choosing
*Hands-on experiences are subject to change.
What You’ll Experience: Intermediate/Advanced Coding
Topics Covered:
- Machine learning and AI
- Data structures and algorithms
- git and GitHub
- Command line
- UI and UX
Hands-On Experiences:
- Exploring neural networks and other AI systems
- Developing machine learning models to predict insights for real world datasets
- Implementing famous CS algorithms
- Building LED circuits with Raspberry Pis
- Tour of WFU High Performance Computing Center
- Exploring version control with git and mastering terminal commands
- Tips and tricks for clean and efficient coding
- Group project of your choosing
*Hands-on experiences are subject to change.
A Day in the Life
Typical Daily Schedule
- 8:00 am – Breakfast
- 9:00 am – Program Introduction
- 9:30 am – Coding Workshop: Java Basics
- 11:00 am – Problem-Solving with Python: Algorithms in Action
- 12:00 pm – Lunch
- 12:45 pm AI Machine Learning Intro and Workshop
- 1:45 pm Building Data Structures Intro and Workshop
- 2:45 pm Networking and Systems Exploration Intro and Workshop
- 3:45 pm – Guest Speaker: Careers in Tech
- 4:15 pm – Team Coding Project: Software Development Simulation
- 4:45 pm – Debrief and Dismissal
- 5:30 pm – Dinner
- 6:30 pm – Evening Activities
- 7:30 pm – Free Time
- 9:00 pm – Prepare for Bed
- 10:30 pm – Lights Out
*The “A Day in the Life” sample schedule is subject to change.
Meet the Academic Leader
Professor Sarah Parsons
Academic Leader, Coding + Computer Science Institute
Sarah Parsons is an Assistant Professor of the Practice in Computer Science at Wake Forest University with a focus on programming, software engineering, and data science. She is passionate about equipping students with the technical skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Sarah has extensive experience working in both academia and industry, with a particular interest in teaching coding and computer science fundamentals. In this program, she will guide students through hands-on projects and discussions, ensuring they leave with a strong foundation in coding and a clear understanding of the various career opportunities available in the tech industry.