The Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is now accepting applications for a summer learning opportunity for high school students. The Raikes School is hosting its 10th year of “Innovate: The Raikes School Way,” led by Raikes School faculty members Dr. Steve Cooper and Dr. Seth Polsley. The summer camp was highlighted by Forbes in 2019 and continues to provide high-quality computer science education to interested students!
During the two-week, overnight camp, students will:
• Develop core programming skills and learn innovation concepts through a project-oriented curriculum.
• Receive instruction from Raikes School faculty members and experience what classes can be like in the Raikes School.
• Visit campus research labs and local employer partners.
• Interact with Raikes School students and staff, all of whom play a key role in the competitive selection process to our program each year.
Key Details:
• Innovate: The Raikes School Way is a great opportunity for high school students, with priority given to students in the high school graduating class of 2027. The camp serves students with little to no experience in computing, as well as those looking to enhance their existing computer science skills. Students in the graduating class of 2028 will be accepted on a space-available basis.
• The camp will be held at the Kauffman Academic Residential Center, home of the Raikes School, in the heart of Nebraska's City Campus from July 19-August 1, 2026.
• The fee to participate is $3,000. Students attending a Nebraska high school will receive a $1,000 discount, lowering the cost to $2,000 for Nebraska high school students. The cost covers all housing, meals, instruction and activities associated with the camp.
• Full and partial scholarships are available — students can apply for scholarships through the Summer Camp application.
Priority Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Final Application Deadline: Friday, May 1, 2026
Applications after May 1 will be accepted as space is available.
Interested students can find more details and complete the application at https://raikes.unl.edu/summer-camp.
If you have any questions about the camp, please email Theresa Arneal at tluensmann2@unl.edu.