# CompSciConnect

Three-year summer academy at the University of Maryland where rising 6th-8th graders progress from Scratch to web development to 3D game design, with monthly school-year meetups. Two-week sessions cost $400 with need-based aid.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | University of Maryland Computing Catalyst |
| Category | stem |
| Cost | $400 |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 6–8 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | College Park, MD |
| Program dates | 2026-06-22 to 2026-07-24 |
| Apply | https://catalyst.umd.edu/k-12/summer-academy/compsciconnect |

## About this program

# CompSciConnect

CompSciConnect is the University of Maryland Computing Catalyst's multi-year summer academy that introduces middle school students to computer science through project-based activities and collaborative problem solving. Students join a color cohort and return over three summers, meeting for two consecutive weeks each summer at UMD College Park plus one Sunday per month during the school year.

## What You'll Do

- Yellow cohort (rising 6th-7th graders): learn block-based programming with Scratch
- Red cohort (rising 7th graders): build websites with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Terp cohort (rising 8th graders): program 3D game designs
- Explore cybersecurity and online safety, cryptology, number bases, logic, and core computer skills across all cohorts
- Reconnect monthly during the school year to keep building with your cohort

## Who Should Apply

Rising 6th through 8th graders in the Washington, DC/Maryland area who want a sustained, multi-year introduction to computing rather than a one-off camp. In summer 2026 the program hosted the Yellow and Terp cohorts across two sessions (June 22-July 2 and July 13-24). The cost is $400 for the two-week session, and the Computing Catalyst offers a need-based scholarship for families experiencing hardship. Applications for 2026 are closed; the next application cycle typically opens in the spring.

## Outcomes

Students finish the three-year sequence with a portfolio spanning Scratch, web, and 3D game projects, a peer cohort that persists into high school, and early familiarity with a major research university's computer science community.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does CompSciConnect cost?

CompSciConnect costs $400. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

### Who is eligible for CompSciConnect?

CompSciConnect is open to middle school students in grades 6–8. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is CompSciConnect online or in person?

CompSciConnect is an in-person program based in College Park, MD.

### How do I apply to CompSciConnect?

Apply directly through University of Maryland Computing Catalyst's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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