High School Summer Camps Help Democratize Coding, Data Science, and Deep Learning

Abstract

This study documents the impact of a summer camp series that introduces high school students to coding, data science, and deep learning. Hosted on-campus, the camps provide an immersive university experience, fostering technical skills, collaboration, and inspiration through interactions with mentors and faculty. Campers' experiences are documented through interviews and pre- and post-camp surveys. Key lessons include the importance of personalized feedback, diverse mentorship, and structured collaboration. Survey data reveals increased confidence in coding, with 68.6\% expressing interest in AI and data science careers. The camps also play a crucial role in addressing disparities in STEM education for underrepresented minorities. These findings underscore the value of such initiatives in shaping future technology education and promoting diversity in STEM fields.