Programming, fun, & friends.
Spend your summer with Steel City Codes.
2023 Summer Camps
More camps will be added soon!
Pittsburgh
San Francisco Bay Area
Online
In-Person
5
summers
36
sessions
2500+
campers
400+
volunteers
What are Steel City Codes summer camps?
Since our first summer back in 2018, summer camps have made up the heart of Steel City Codes. Our 1-week long camps—all completely cost-free—teach kids the basics of computer science, whether they’re coding for the first time or have engaged in CS in any way before. Through the perfect amount of breaks, daily hands-on activities, and a 4:1 student to teacher ratio, our campers walk away from our summer camps with a newfound sense of confidence in their coding skills.
(Due to the impact of COVID-19, some Steel City Codes summer camps may be held virtually. If this information is not present on our Camps page, contact a specific camp for details.)
Make friends.
We believe that learning happens best when students work together. Whether it’s through playing games outside during breaks, telling jokes at lunch, or partner programming, our students have plenty of opportunities to interact with each other and to make new friends!
Build skills.
Learning how to code doesn’t have to be difficult! We have specially-tailored curriculums for working with younger students. No matter what your past experience level is, we have multiple course options to ensure your student is challenged with respect to their ability level!
Discover interests.
Although most people don’t think they can, anyone can code! Through Steel City Codes summer camps, your student will gain a foundation in computer science, and they might even discover a personal affinity for their newfound skill!
Are you a high school student interested in volunteering?
Help lead the next generation of CS students by becoming a volunteer!
Volunteers are responsible for teaching our younger students and are the heart of Steel City Codes—they keep our mission alive, our programs running, and our students engaged.
Courses
Intro to Python
This introductory course will cover all of the fundamentals of coding including input/output, loops, logical operations, and more using the Python language! (Recommended Math Grade Level: 4+)
Some topics that will be covered:
Input/Output
Looping
Graphics
Functions
Intermediate Python
This course will cover more material and move at a faster pace than the Intro to Python course. (Recommended Math Grade Level: 5+ OR Have Taken Intro to Python)
Some topics that will be covered:
OOP
API Inclusion
Dictionaries/Tuples/Lists
Web Development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
This course will cover several languages and teach students the skills needed to build their own websites. (Recommended Math Grade Level: 6+)
Some topics that will be covered:
HTML Layouts and Site Structures
Design with CSS
JavaScript and Responsive Websites
Intro to Java
This introductory level course will cover all of fundamentals of coding while diving a little bit more deep into the logic of programming than Intro to Python might. (Recommended Math Grade Level: 5+)
Some topics that will be covered:
Input/Output
Looping
Arrays
Functions
Intermediate Java
This course will cover more material and move at a faster pace than the Intro to Java course.
(Recommended Math Grade Level: 6+ OR Have Taken Intro to Java)
Some topics that will be covered:
OOP
Arraylists
Graphics
Project-Based Python/Java
This advanced course walk students through advanced project development and will utilize all the skills learned in Intermediate courses.. (Recommended: Have Taken Intermediate Python/Java, or significant prior experience)
Some topics that will be covered:
User interfacing & Graphics
Advanced Algorithms
Artificial Intelligence
& more coming soon!
FAQs
How much do the camps cost?
Nothing! All of the materials your child will need—from laptops to worksheets—will be provided by us.
(Note: You WILL need to provide your own laptop for virtual summer camp sessions.)
What if I sign my child up for a class that is too advanced/easy?
No worries! We usually encourage our campers to try out a class for the first day, but if your child feels that their course is too easy/difficult, we will allow them to change courses! Just reach out to us!
If I’m a high school student, can I sign-up to volunteer?
Of course! Any high school student (grade 9-12) with a background in CS can apply to volunteer. Learn how to get involved here.
(Please note that volunteer applications are only open in spring.)
Who can participate?
Anyone in 4th-8th grade (ages 9-14) is free to register as a student. If you have any other special circumstances regarding your child, reach out to us at contact@steelcitycodes.org. Please include your child’s city and state in the email.
How long does the camp last? What would my child's day look like?
For each session, our 1-week camp lasts from 9AM-3PM every day from Monday to Friday. Down below we have outlined what our current schedule will look like. Do note, that this is subject to change based on how much material we cover.
I want to support your camps. Can I sponsor/donate to Steel City Codes?
Absolutely! Steel City Codes is 100% funded through sponsors and community donations. Get started as a partner here, or donate directly to our organization here.