🎒
High School Students
🎓
College Students
💡
Voices of Innovation

🎒 High School Resources

Explore computer science fundamentals, career paths, and beginner-friendly resources designed specifically for high school students. Discover what computer science is all about and how to get started.

🎓 College Student Resources

Specialized resources for college students including internship opportunities, networking advice, financial resources, and major-specific guidance to help you succeed in your CS journey.

💡 Voices of Innovation

Explore inspiring journeys from trailblazers across all walks of life—artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, educators, and more. These diverse stories reveal how passion, resilience, and authentic self-expression can transform any field and create meaningful impact.

🎒 For High School Students

What is Computer Science?

Computer Science is the study of computers and computational systems. It involves the theory, design, development, and application of software and software systems. Unlike programming, which focuses on writing code, computer science covers a broader range of topics including algorithms, data structures, artificial intelligence, computer networks, security, database systems, human-computer interaction, vision, and graphics.

Explore Computer Science Career Paths

Discover these exciting career opportunities in computer science and interdisciplinary fields. Click on any career to learn more about what they do, required skills, and helpful resources.

💻
Software Engineer
$110,000 - $150,000
📊
Data Scientist
$120,000 - $160,000
🔒
Cybersecurity Analyst
$100,000 - $140,000
🤖
AI/ML Engineer
$130,000 - $170,000
🌐
Web Developer
$90,000 - $130,000
🔍
QA Engineer
$85,000 - $120,000
📱
Product Manager
$115,000 - $160,000
💰
FinTech Developer
$110,000 - $170,000
📊
Business Analyst
$85,000 - $130,000
💼
IT Consultant
$90,000 - $150,000
💊
Health Informatics
$90,000 - $140,000
🧬
Bioinformatics Scientist
$95,000 - $145,000
💻⚕️
Medical Software Developer
$100,000 - $150,000
🎨
UI/UX Designer
$80,000 - $130,000
🎥
3D/VR Developer
$85,000 - $140,000
🎡
Digital Content Creator
$70,000 - $120,000
☁️
Cloud Architect
$120,000 - $170,000
📱
Mobile App Developer
$90,000 - $140,000
🗄️
Database Administrator
$90,000 - $130,000

Getting Started with Programming

New to programming? These beginner-friendly resources will help you take your first steps:

🐍

Python for Beginners

Python is one of the most beginner-friendly programming languages with clear syntax and powerful capabilities.

🧩

Visual Programming

Start with visual programming to understand key concepts without worrying about syntax.

  • Scratch

    Block-based visual programming language from MIT

  • Code.org

    Fun, game-like programming lessons for beginners

Competitions and Challenges

Put your skills to the test and build your resume with these competitions designed for high school students:

🏆

USACO (USA Computing Olympiad)

A multi-level competition in computer programming for secondary school students.

Official Website
📱

Congressional App Challenge

A nationwide app competition for middle and high school students.

Official Website
🔍

Google Code-in

Contest introducing pre-university students to open source development.

Official Website
💻

Hackathons

Find high school hackathons near you or participate in virtual events.

Major League Hacking

Internships & Early Career Opportunities

Gain real-world experience and build your resume with these internship opportunities for high school students:

M&T Tech High School Internship

Summer

M&T Bank offers a technology internship program for high school students in Buffalo, providing hands-on experience in software development, cybersecurity, and IT operations.

Requirements: High school student in Buffalo area, interest in technology, basic computer skills

Learn More

Microsoft High School Internship

Summer

Microsoft offers summer internships for high school students interested in technology and computer science.

Requirements: High school student (16+), interest in technology, basic programming knowledge

Learn More

Google Computer Science Summer Institute

Summer Program

A three-week introduction to computer science for graduating high school seniors with a passion for technology.

Requirements: Graduating high school senior, interest in CS, no prior experience needed

Learn More

NASA High School Internship

Year-round

NASA offers internships for high school students to work on projects related to earth science, space, and technology.

Requirements: U.S. citizen, 16+ years old, 3.0 GPA, STEM interest

Learn More

Bank of America Student Leaders

Summer

An 8-week paid internship at a local nonprofit organization with leadership training.

Requirements: High school juniors and seniors, leadership experience, community involvement

Learn More

Resources for Finding & Landing Internships

🔍

Where to Find Internships

Chegg Internships

Specialized search engine with filters for high school opportunities

Visit Site
Pathways to Science

Comprehensive database of STEM programs for high school students

Visit Site
LinkedIn

Professional network with internship listings and connection opportunities

Visit Site
Indeed

Search for "high school internships" in your location for local opportunities

Visit Site
📝

Application Success Tips

📈
Create a Resume

Even with limited experience, create a resume highlighting your education, skills, extracurricular activities, and relevant projects.

📅
Start Early

Many competitive programs have application deadlines 6-9 months before the internship starts. Research and apply early!

💼
Prepare a Portfolio

Showcase your coding projects, even small ones, on GitHub or a personal website to demonstrate your skills.

💬
Practice Interviews

Prepare for technical and behavioral questions. Practice with friends, teachers, or use online resources like LeetCode.

Top Computer Science Colleges in Buffalo

University at Buffalo (SUNY)

Buffalo, NY

Programs: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science

Highlights: Research-focused public university with strong engineering programs

Admission Rate: 61%

Visit Website

Buffalo State College (SUNY)

Buffalo, NY

Programs: Computer Information Systems

Highlights: Affordable education with focus on practical skills and career preparation

Admission Rate: 78%

Visit Website

Canisius College

Buffalo, NY

Programs: Computer Science, Data Analytics

Highlights: Private Jesuit college with small class sizes and personalized attention

Admission Rate: 75%

Visit Website

Daemen University

Amherst, NY

Programs: Computer Science, Data Science

Highlights: Private university with focus on career preparation and internship opportunities

Admission Rate: 65%

Visit Website

Erie Community College (SUNY)

Buffalo, NY

Programs: Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity

Highlights: Affordable two-year programs with seamless transfer options to four-year institutions

Admission Rate: 100% (Open Admission)

Visit Website

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, NY

Programs: Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Design, Computing Security

Highlights: Nationally recognized technical university with strong co-op program and industry connections

Admission Rate: 71%

Visit Website

🎓 For College Students

Too Late, You're Cooked!

Hey, I know things feel overwhelming right now. You've put in the work—those late nights coding, the endless assignments, the stress of exams—and now you're stepping into a world that feels like it's constantly moving faster than you can keep up. You probably already have a job, or you're frantically looking for one, and between the job market, your student loans, and figuring out how to live like an actual adult, it's easy to feel like you're just barely keeping your head above water. But here's the truth: it's all going to pay off. It might not seem like it now, but this is just the beginning of something bigger.

Select Your Major

💻

Computer Science

Algorithms, data structures, and theoretical foundations

🛠️

Software Engineering

Software development, testing, and project management

🔒

Cybersecurity

Network security, ethical hacking, and digital forensics

📈

Data Science

Big data, machine learning, and statistical analysis

🌐

Web Development

Frontend, backend, and full-stack web technologies

⚕️

Health Informatics

Healthcare data, electronic health records, and medical systems

Industry Certifications That Matter

Boost your resume with these industry-recognized certifications that employers value:

🔒

Cybersecurity

  • CompTIA Security+ Entry-Level

    Foundation-level security certification covering network security, compliance, and identity management.

    Official Site
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Intermediate

    Learn ethical hacking methodologies used by security professionals to identify vulnerabilities.

    Official Site
  • CISSP Advanced

    Gold standard for security professionals. Requires 5 years of experience but worth pursuing early.

    Official Site
☁️

Cloud Computing

  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect Entry to Intermediate

    Validates ability to design and deploy systems on AWS. Highly sought after by employers.

    Official Site
  • Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Entry-Level

    Foundational understanding of Azure cloud services and cloud concepts.

    Official Site
  • Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect Intermediate

    Design, develop, and manage robust, secure, scalable cloud solutions on Google Cloud.

    Official Site
💻

Software Development

  • Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE Programmer Intermediate

    Demonstrates your expertise in Java programming language and related technologies.

    Official Site
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate Intermediate

    Validates skills in designing, building, testing, and maintaining cloud applications on Azure.

    Official Site
  • Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) Advanced

    Demonstrates proficiency in Kubernetes administration, increasingly important for DevOps roles.

    Official Site

Certification Study Tips

  • Student Discounts: Many certification providers offer significant discounts for students. Always check for academic pricing.
  • Hands-on Labs: Theory isn't enough. Use free tiers of cloud platforms or set up home labs to practice.
  • Study Groups: Form study groups with classmates pursuing the same certifications to share resources and knowledge.
  • Practice Exams: Take multiple practice exams before attempting the real thing to identify knowledge gaps.

Networking & Professional Development

🌐

Tech Conferences

Connect with industry professionals and learn about cutting-edge technologies:

  • Grace Hopper Celebration

    The world's largest gathering of women technologists with student rates available.

  • CodeConf

    Annual conference with special pricing for students and recent graduates.

  • Local Tech Meetups

    Find free or low-cost tech meetups in your area to build your local network.

👤

Professional Organizations

Join communities dedicated to your field with student chapters and benefits:

💬

Mentorship Programs

Connect with experienced professionals who can guide your career:

  • Ongig Tech Mentorship

    Platform connecting tech mentors with mentees at all career stages.

  • WAVE by Built By Girls

    Mentorship program for young women interested in tech careers.

  • ADPList

    Free mentorship platform with thousands of mentors across tech disciplines.

Career Transition Resources

Navigate the transition from student to professional with these essential resources:

📝

Resume & Portfolio Building

💬

Interview Preparation

  • LeetCode

    Practice coding challenges commonly asked in technical interviews.

  • Pramp

    Free platform for practicing mock interviews with peers in a realistic setting.

  • Tech Interview Handbook

    Free guide covering algorithms, behavioral questions, and interview strategies.

📈

Salary Negotiation

🌐

Remote Work Resources

  • RemoteOK

    Job board specifically for remote tech positions around the world.

  • FlexJobs

    Curated job board for remote and flexible work opportunities.

  • Nomad List

    Find the best places to live and work remotely based on cost, internet, and more.

Advanced Learning Opportunities

Continue your education beyond your degree with these specialized learning resources:

👨‍🎓

Research Opportunities

🎓

Graduate School Preparation

📚

Self-Directed Learning

🏆

Competitions & Challenges

  • Kaggle Competitions

    Data science competitions with real-world problems and cash prizes.

  • Hackaday.io

    Community for hardware and software projects with regular competitions.

  • TopCoder Challenges

    Competitive programming and development challenges with prizes.

Financial Resources

💸

Student Loan Repayment

Navigate your student loan repayment options with these resources:

🎓

Tech Scholarships & Grants

Find financial support for your continuing education:

💳

Budgeting for New Grads

Tools and templates to manage your finances after graduation:

🏢

Employer Benefits

Maximize your compensation package beyond just salary:

💡 Voices of Innovation

Learn from people who found what drives them—and followed it with heart, grit, and determination. Their stories remind us that success doesn't follow one path or timeline. It looks different for everyone, and the journey is just as important as the destination. Your path is yours to shape—and it starts with believing in where it can lead.

Machias Balazdeh
Future Educator | Game Dev | National Guard

Machias Balazdeh

❝

My whole life I have been fascinated with computers and coding. I wanted to learn how to make games so I looked online for resources and read books to try to learn how to code.

It took months of trial and error and reading Stack Overflow posts but I managed to become good enough at C# to tackle any challenge. What I think everyone should know is that computer science is an amazing canvas for artistic expression and can be a hobby enjoyed by anyone. You don't need to get a job in the field and the resources are out there to learn on your own.

You don't need a fancy degree or any kind of formal education to get good at it and make amazing things. My career plans are to go into the military and my college major is to become a history teacher but learning computer science is still an important part of my life.

❞

Notable Projects

Too many ideas, not enough caffeine. ☕

Execution coming soon…

Advice for Students

Before jumping into Unity, it's important to understand the fundamentals of coding. Learning C# will give you the tools to build real game mechanics and bring your ideas to life.

Recommended Read: C# Player's Guide (5th Edition) — a beginner-friendly resource to get you started the right way.

🎓 Learning Platforms

freeCodeCamp

Free Web Development Full Stack

Learn to code with free interactive tutorials, projects, and certifications. Covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and more.

Visit Website

The Odin Project

Free Web Development Project-Based

Open-source curriculum for learning web development. Focuses on practical projects and real-world skills.

Visit Website

Codecademy

Free/Paid Interactive Multiple Languages

Interactive coding platform with courses on web development, programming, data science, and more.

Visit Website

Coursera

Free/Paid University Courses Certifications

Access courses from top universities and companies. Many CS and programming courses available.

Visit Website

💼 Career Development

LinkedIn Learning

Paid Professional Skills Career Paths

Video courses taught by industry experts on technical skills, soft skills, and career development.

Visit Website

Indeed

Free Job Search Career Resources

Job search platform with millions of job listings, company reviews, and salary information.

Visit Website

Glassdoor

Free Company Reviews Salary Data

Research companies, read reviews from employees, and find salary information for various roles.

Visit Website

Resume.io

Free/Paid Resume Builder Templates

Create professional resumes with customizable templates designed for various industries.

Visit Website

📚 Recommended Books

Clean Code

Programming Best Practices

By Robert C. Martin. A handbook of agile software craftsmanship that helps you write clean, maintainable code.

Find Book

Cracking the Coding Interview

Interview Prep Algorithms

By Gayle Laakmann McDowell. Essential guide for technical interview preparation with 189 programming questions and solutions.

Find Book

Eloquent JavaScript

JavaScript Web Development

By Marijn Haverbeke. A modern introduction to JavaScript, programming, and the wonders of the digital world.

Read Online (Free)

Design Patterns

Software Design Architecture

By Erich Gamma, et al. (Gang of Four). Classic book on design patterns that provides solutions to common software design problems.

Find Book