Summer Springboard
Computer Science
ON THE CAMPUS OF BARNARD COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
JUMPSTART YOUR CODING JOURNEY WITH A HANDS-ON INTRODUCTION FOR FUTURE PROGRAMMERS
Computer Science @ Barnard College
- Learn practical programming techniques used by industry leaders like Google and Facebook, focusing on Raspberry Pi and Python.
- Build a machine-integrated mini project that applies math and physics concepts through interactive programming activities.
- Create your own 2D platforming video game using Python and explore the foundations of game development.
- Gain insight into the tech industry by meeting programmers and entrepreneurs shaping the future of technology.
- Explore a wide range of careers in tech, including UX/UI design, programming, project management, and quality assurance, while discovering how your interests align with potential career paths.
- Participate in exciting excursions, such as a behind-the-scenes tour of Microsoft and immersive spy simulations at Spyscape in New York.
Summer Springboard
Computer Science
About This Course
A computer science program for teens on a university campus in New York City
This course provides an engaging introduction to Python coding, perfect for beginners and those with some programming experience. Students will learn core concepts such as variables, data types, control structures, functions, and loops through a mix of theory and hands-on projects. These projects are designed to boost problem-solving skills and coding ability, offering challenges for experienced learners and a strong foundation for newcomers. The course concludes with a final project, allowing students to showcase their skills and build a valuable portfolio.
Last summer, students enjoyed exciting excursions in New York, including a behind-the-scenes tour of Microsoft and immersive spy simulations at Spyscape. Additionally, students will benefit from sessions with industry professionals such as computer programmers, software engineers, and game developers, gaining firsthand insight into the tech world.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
This course emphasizes hands-on learning through a mix of guided exercises and collaborative projects. In the first week, students dive into block-based Java programming for Android and iOS, quickly building skills in coding concepts like abstraction, algorithms, and data management. The second week shifts to active coding in small groups, where students explore Python programming alongside Raspberry Pi hardware. Using the Sense HAT’s sensors and LED matrix, they create mini-projects that reinforce teamwork, research, and practical application of coding skills.
Career Exploration
This course offers valuable career exploration opportunities by introducing students to the diverse fields within technology, including UX/UI design, programming, project management, and quality assurance. Through discussions on current tech advancements and industry challenges, students gain insight into different roles and develop a clearer understanding of their own strengths and interests. This exploration helps students make more informed decisions about their future academic paths and career goals in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
RESOURCES
Course Infosheet
Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.
Program Catalog
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.
Campus Page
Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.
“The program was everything I thought it would be. It’s an experience that will make you feel connected to other people and to the course itself. It makes you become more comfortable with who you are and the things that you’re passionate about. I really enjoyed everything about it.”
-Imani J. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Computer Science
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Christelle Scharff is a Professor of Computer Science at Pace University. She has a Ph.D. in Symbolic Artificial Intelligence (Theorem Proving and Automated Deduction) from INRIA, the French National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology. Her current research focuses on global software engineering, mobile for social change, and machine learning. She published more than 30 papers in these areas. She was awarded grants from NSF, IBM, Microsoft, VentureWell, and Google. She has taught numerous courses, including software engineering, quality assurance & reliability, databases, programming, artificial intelligence, and mobile application development at Pace University, but also in France, Senegal, Benin, Cambodia, and Vietnam. She was a US Fulbright scholar in Senegal in 2012-2013 and 2019-2020. Parallelly, she is the co-founder of Mobile(4)Senegal association, whose mission is to build capacity in mobile app development and promote local tech talents. She is the co-founder of the mJangale startup that focuses on introducing children to coding in Senegal.
DR. CHRISTELLE SCHARFF
“My time at SSB was one to remember. It really engaged me in the college life with classes and community. I really enjoyed the excursions and the course was incredibly informative not only in what would be covered in the field but also gave us insight of what was to be expected if we pursued that career.”
-Chris C. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Computer Science
Dates & Tuition
| 2025 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: July 6 – July 18, 2025 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $5,898 |
| Commuter Tuition: $3,298 |
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: New York City |
| State: New York |
| Campus: Barnard College |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.