The Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management hosts an annual summer camp for high school students interested in computing.
Innovate: The Raikes School Way is designed to provide students with a foundation in core programming concepts, and is ideal for students with little to no computing experience. Additionally, there is separate curriculum and instruction for students with moderate or advanced experience as they aim to expand their computing skills. Students who expect to enter college in the fall of 2027 will be given priority based on total applications. Students who expect to enter college in the fall of 2028 will also be considered if they have completed pre-calculus prior to the start of camp.
Tentative Camp Dates: July 19-August 1, 2026
Cost covers all housing, meals, instruction, and activities associated with the camp.
Full and partial scholarships are available to students that submit a camp application.
Final Application Deadline: May 1 (applications received after May 1 will be considered on a space-available basis)
The camp application consists of:
-A short essay on why you wish to attend the camp
-Level of coding experience, if any
-Academic information (highest level of math completed, GPA, ACT/SAT scores if completed)
-Unofficial high school transcript
-Optional scholarship application
Learn from Raikes School Faculty
Academic instruction will be led by professors who teach Raikes School courses, including the Raikes School’s Executive Director, Dr. Steve Cooper, and Assistant Professor of Practice, Dr. Seth Polsley.
Stay in the Heart of Campus
During the two-week camp, you'll stay in the Kauffman Academic Residential Center, giving you an opportunity to live and learn in the same location as Raikes School students.
Dive into Core Programming Concepts
Through project-oriented curriculum, you'll learn fundamental innovation concepts and programming skills with a primary focus on widely utilized languages like Java and Python.
Connect with Your Peers
Through collaboration in class, evening games and activities, and trips to the dining hall for meals with your fellow students and Raikes School teaching assistants, you'll gain new friends and mentors.
Explore the City and Nebraska’s Campus
With activities like rock climbing, sand volleyball, bowling, and ice cream, you'll get a feel for all that Lincoln and Nebraska's campus have to offer.
Visit Research Labs & Local Businesses
You'll visit Nebraska’s NIMBUS drone lab, employer partners like Hudl, Nelnet, Don't Panic Labs, and others to learn about applications of business and computing, and professional opportunities in Lincoln.
Application and Camp Timeline
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Monday, February 2, 2026
Camp Application Opens
Full and partial scholarships are available to students that submit a camp application.
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Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Priority Application Deadline
Priority deadline to submit a camp application and be considered for scholarships. Students that submit their application by this priority date will be notified of admission and scholarship decisions by April 10, 2026. If you missed this deadline, you may still submit an application by May 1 to be considered for admission and scholarships!
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Friday, May 1, 2026
Final Application Deadline
Final deadline to submit a camp application and be considered for scholarships. Students that submit their application by this date will be notified of admission and scholarship decisions by May 11, 2026. Applications received after May 1 will be considered on a space-available basis.
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Monday, May 11, 2026
Notification
All applicants will be notified of admission and scholarship decisions by this date.
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Monday, June 8, 2026
Payment Due
Admitted students' full registration payment is due to secure their spot. After Monday, June 8, 2026, unpaid spots will be filled by students on a waitlist.
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Sunday, July 19, 2026
First Day of Camp
Students will move into the Kauffman Academic Residential Center and kick-off their camp experience.
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Saturday, August 1, 2026
Final Day of Camp
Students will conclude camp showcasing their computing skills at a luncheon with their guests.