If you’re a high school student curious about how data shapes the world, from climate predictions to public health trends to recommendation algorithms, summer statistics programs are a great way to explore the field. These programs take you beyond classroom math, offering hands-on experience with data analysis, statistical modeling, and tools like R, Python, or SPSS.
Whether you’re interested in economics, tech, social sciences, or public health, statistics provides a versatile foundation for future studies and careers. Many programs also introduce concepts such as machine learning, data ethics, and experimental design, helping you develop skills that are highly valued in both research and industry.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 15 summer statistics programs for high school students, including research mentorships, pre-college courses, and immersive data science labs.
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive academic opportunity that allows high school students to engage in individual research under the guidance of a Ph.D. mentor. Over the span of 12 weeks, you’ll work closely with your assigned mentor to explore a topic of your choice and develop a fully independent research paper. This online summer enrichment program for high school students supports a wide variety of disciplines, including areas like math, statistics, economics, and computer science. This structure allows you to dive deep into a subject that aligns with your academic interests while gaining valuable experience in scholarly research and critical thinking. You can find more details about the application here.
2. Veritas AI
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
If you’re interested in doing research at the intersection of statistics, math, and computer science, consider this program! Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. Harvard Pre-College Program (Statistics Track)
Dates: June 22 – July 3 | July 6 – 18 | July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline:
- Early Deadline: January 8
- Regular Deadline: February 12
- Late Deadline: April 9 (rolling until full)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (must be 16 by June 21 and not turn 19 before July 31)
Upon selecting a statistics course during your session, you can explore a comprehensive understanding of statistical reasoning, probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and interpreting data within real-world scenarios. This is a non-credit, discussion-based course taught by Harvard faculty, with around 15 students per class and an emphasis on participation and written evaluations. You’ll gain exposure to techniques used in both theoretical and applied statistics, often using R or similar software for problem sets. Outside of class, you’ll live on campus and participate in enrichment workshops focused on college readiness and interdisciplinary thinking.
4. Wolfram High School Summer Research Program
Dates: June 25 – July 12 (Pre-program workshop: June 7 – 8)
Application Deadline:
- Early Decision: Apply by January 15, decision by February 17, confirm by April 15
- Regular Decision: Apply by April 15, decision by April 22, confirm by May 1
- Waitlist open until May 30
Cost: $4,500 (includes tuition, room & board, and one-year Wolfram tech access), need-based scholarships up to 100% available
Location: Bentley University, Waltham, MA
Eligibility: Students ages 14–17; international students welcome
This is a rigorous, full-time, residential program for students interested in applying computation and data-driven thinking to real-world problems. You’ll work one-on-one with mentors to develop and publish an original research project using Wolfram Language, often involving simulations, statistical analysis, or modeling. You’ll also produce a computational essay and interactive paper, with the chance to present at conferences or submit to journals. The program emphasizes independent thinking, creative problem-solving, and the communication of quantitative insights across diverse STEM domains.
5. Wharton Data Science Academy
Dates: July 13 – August 2
Application Deadline:
- Priority Deadline: January 29
- Final Deadline: April 2
Cost: $9,799
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 10–11 with a strong math and coding background
The Wharton Data Science Academy offers training in probability, statistics, data wrangling, and predictive modeling with R, including applications in machine learning and AI. Daily lectures are complemented by recitations, hands-on labs, and a final team project designed to evaluate your skills in analyzing and communicating data-driven insights. You will also participate in current events discussions, applying a quantitative perspective to equip you for solving real-world issues using statistical reasoning. Expect a fast-paced academic experience equivalent to an intermediate Wharton undergrad course, with support from Wharton faculty, graduate TAs, and guest speakers.
6. Columbia University NYC Residential Summer Program (Statistics Course Option)
Dates:
- Session A: June 30 – July 18
- Session B: July 22 – August 8
- Session AB: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $12,764 per 3-week session + $80 application fee (course-specific fees may apply)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Eligibility: High school students aged 15+ (must turn 16 by December 31 of the program year)
Students can select from over 70 courses, including foundational and applied statistics classes, to develop skills in quantitative reasoning, hypothesis testing, and data interpretation. Courses are taught by Columbia faculty and emphasize discussion, problem sets, and critical thinking through the use of statistical tools. The program also includes a robust residential experience, with academic workshops, city excursions, and peer networking opportunities. You will receive a Certificate of Participation and a performance evaluation, both of which are valuable for college applications.
7. Columbia University College Edge: Summer Program (Statistics Course Option)
Dates:
- Session A: May 26 – July 3
- Session B: July 7 – August 15
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $2,574 per point (1 course = 3 points = approx. $7,722) + $1,000 deposit + $80 application fee
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11–12; international students welcome
College Edge allows high school students to earn real college credit while taking undergraduate courses alongside Columbia students. You’ll work through real-world datasets, hypothesis testing, regression, and data interpretation using formal academic methods. The rigor is equivalent to a freshman or sophomore-level Columbia course, with significant reading and problem sets. You’ll receive full access to campus resources, academic advising, and college prep seminars throughout the program.
8. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies: Introduction to Data Science
Dates:
- Session One: June 16 – June 27
- Session Two: July 7 – July 18
Application Deadline: March 20
Cost: $3,080
Location: Online (Live sessions + asynchronous work)
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 with prior coding experience and knowledge of statistics
This two-week course introduces key statistical and machine learning concepts using R and real-world datasets drawn from the natural and social sciences. You’ll explore how algorithms generate different models and analyze their trade-offs using scientific reasoning and quantitative methods. The program includes daily live sessions, hands-on coding exercises, and independent data investigation work. You can expect a rigorous workload with 2–3 hours of daily engagement, designed for students with a solid grounding in both programming and stats.
9. University of Chicago DSI Summer Lab
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 12
Cost: Free; students get a stipend of $4,800
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Eligibility: High school students from the Chicago area; no prior research experience required
This 8-week paid program pairs students with faculty mentors to work on interdisciplinary data science research spanning topics like biomedical analytics, policy modeling, and computational social science. You will work with real-world datasets and utilize statistical methods to derive insights, often employing tools such as Python, R, or SQL. The focus is on scientific reasoning, collaboration, and technical writing, leading to the student’s presentation. Additionally, the cohort model offers access to academic workshops, peer learning, and an organized introduction to research culture.
10. The Coding School x Columbia University: National High School Research Program
Dates:
- Data Science Track: July 7 – August 8
- Quantum Computing Track: June 23 – July 25
Application Deadline: May 31
Cost: Free for accepted students (fully funded by grants and sponsorships)
Location: Online
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
This selective virtual program places students in research teams under the mentorship of academic and industry experts from Columbia University and other institutions. As participants, you will explore technical areas like data science and machine learning, building projects grounded in statistical analysis, model evaluation, and dataset interpretation. The program concludes with a research showcase, providing you with the opportunity to publish or present your work. Collaboration, scientific inquiry, and real-world relevance are central to the curriculum.
11. Syracuse University – Data Visualization and Analysis
Dates: July 6 – July 11
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended
Cost: $2,395 (residential); $1,908 (commuter); scholarships available
Location: Syracuse University, New York, NY
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, or 2025 graduates
This one-week non-credit course provides a practical foundation in data cleaning, exploratory analysis, and statistical insight generation. You’ll learn to assess raw data quality, clean it, and summarize insights using Microsoft Excel and Tableau with no coding required. Basic statistical techniques are introduced in the context of real-world data problems, followed by a structured approach to dashboard storytelling for stakeholders. It’s designed for students who want to explore statistics through a visual, tool-based, and applied perspective.
12. Quinnipiac University – Data Sciences Lab
Dates: July 7 – July 18
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Cost: $3,360 (residential); $2,400 (commuter)
Location: Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT
Eligibility: Current high school students, typically ages 15–18
This two-week on-campus program introduces students to the interdisciplinary core of data science, integrating statistics, math, and programming to solve real-world problems. You’ll work with real datasets and explore topics such as pattern recognition, predictive modeling, and decision-making across various domains, including healthcare, business, and public policy. The curriculum is hands-on, with daily challenges, team discussions, and practical analysis sessions guided by university faculty. You will gain foundational exposure to the methods and career paths in data science, with a particular emphasis on the statistical reasoning that powers it.
13. University of North Texas – NextGen DATA Leadership Camp
Dates: July 22 – July 26
Application Deadline: July 15
Cost: $350
Location: Frisco Landing, Frisco, TX
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders through high school seniors
This week-long technical program offers high school students a solid introduction to data analytics, text analysis, and Python programming, all within the context of leadership and teamwork. You will engage with real-world problems and datasets while exploring concepts such as AI/chatbots, and human-technology interaction. Daily sessions are led by research faculty and Ph.D. students, emphasizing practical coding skills and fundamental data science theory. The program builds progressively in difficulty, making it both accessible and intellectually rigorous for students passionate about the intersection of coding and analytics.
14. Carnegie Mellon University – Statistics & Data Science Camp for High School Students
Dates: June 23 – June 27
Application Deadline: March 28
Cost: Free
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Eligibility: High school students from Pittsburgh and surrounding districts
This free, one-week immersive camp introduces participants to the fundamentals of statistics, data science, and programming in R. Through morning lectures and hands-on labs, participants will explore topics such as data modeling, text analysis, and regression techniques. The camp features a field trip to Duolingo and guided experiences in real-world data science applications. By week’s end, you’ll have a clearer grasp of how statistical reasoning and computation collaborate to address complex data problems.
15. George Mason University – Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 3
Cost: Free (except for a $25 application fee; waivers available)
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Eligibility: High school students aged 15+ (16+ for wet labs); open to U.S. and international applicants
This is a highly interdisciplinary, full-time research internship that allows you to work one-on-one with faculty on real-world STEM projects. Tracks include data science for social good, data mining, machine learning, mathematical modeling, and statistics-related work. You’ll gain direct experience using advanced technologies, contribute to scientific posters, and may even be named on published papers. The program culminates in a final poster session where students present their original research.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – George Mason University