Artificial intelligence is shaping everything from how doctors diagnose patients to how companies make decisions. If you want to understand how these systems are built and not just how to use them, an AI summer research program is a strong place to begin. These programs offer hands-on experience with machine learning, real datasets, and research-based problem solving.
You will work on projects that apply AI to real-world challenges in fields like healthcare, finance, robotics, and climate science. Rather than focusing on theory alone, these programs emphasize experimentation, analysis, and iteration. Many also connect you with university researchers or industry mentors, giving you insight into how AI research works beyond the classroom.
Why should you choose an AI summer research program?
AI summer research programs help you build advanced technical skills while strengthening how you think about data and algorithms. They also show intellectual curiosity and initiative, especially if you are interested in computer science, engineering, or data science. To explore more AI opportunities, you can also check out our blog here.
11 AI Summer Research Programs for High School Students
1. Stanford AI4ALL
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,000; need-based financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in winter
Dates: Summer program dates will be announced in the winter
Eligibility: Current 9th graders (rising 10th graders) over 14 years old
Stanford AI4ALL is a three-week virtual program designed to help you explore artificial intelligence through research, lectures, and mentorship. The program emphasizes ethical development in AI and aims to increase diversity in the field. You’ll work in small research groups guided by Stanford graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, focusing on the use of AI in areas like healthcare, disaster relief, and social good. Through technical workshops, discussions, and project work, you’ll build a solid foundation in AI and computational problem-solving. The program concludes with project presentations that highlight your findings and practical AI applications.
2. NYU Tandon Machine Learning Program
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $3,050; additional costs for housing and meals
Application Deadline: TBA
Dates: 2 weeks in the summer; exact dates TBA
Eligibility: Students aged 14+ who have completed Algebra II (or equivalent) and have basic programming experience
NYU’s Machine Learning Program introduces you to the core mathematical and computational foundations of machine learning. You’ll take courses covering logic, computer science, and applied math while learning about real-world AI systems like voice recognition and autonomous vehicles. Using hands-on projects, you’ll explore how ML models are built and validated through methods like linear regression and neural networks. The program also focuses on how these technologies can address social and environmental issues through engineering-based solutions.
3. Columbia University Pre-College Programs (Data Science and Machine Learning, and Intro to AI)
Location: Columbia University, Manhattan, NY (in-person and virtual options available)
Cost: Check here for the full cost list
Application Deadline: Varies based on the type of course
Dates: Typically between June and August. Check here for full dates based on the type of course
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11 or 12
Columbia’s pre-college courses in data science and machine learning, and introduction to AI, introduce you to computational thinking, coding, and applied statistics. You’ll learn to apply Machine Learning (ML) algorithms for data analysis and the creation of predictive models. The curriculum, taught by Columbia faculty and industry professionals from organizations like Disney, emphasizes the role of AI and data science in driving innovation across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and technology. The program structure combines theoretical instruction with practical, hands-on experimentation.
4. Data Science: The AI Journey – Berkeley Coding Academy
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,699; need-based scholarships available.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: July 14 – August 1
Eligibility: Students aged 12-18 who have prior knowledge of Python and can write their own functions
The Berkeley Coding Academy offers a virtual program that focuses on Python programming, big data analysis, and the core principles of AI. Participants will gain practical experience in writing and testing Python code, developing machine learning models, and analyzing extensive data sets. The program features collaborative, small-group projects tailored to individual skill levels, allowing students to explore AI concepts at a comfortable pace. The course also includes lifetime access to Berkeley’s 100+ coding tutorials and Jupyter notebooks. After completion, you’ll receive a blockchain-authenticated certificate recognizing your data science and AI training.
5. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes (Artificial Intelligence)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,080
Application Deadline: March 20
Dates: Session 1: June 16 – June 27 | Session 2: July 7 – July 18
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–11 with beginner-level Python experience
This intensive two-week AI course introduces you to the theory and methods behind machine learning and artificial intelligence. You’ll explore supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning, supported by lessons in linear algebra, calculus, and statistics. The program uses problem-based learning to help you apply algorithms to real-world datasets and develop critical thinking about AI ethics. By the end, you’ll be able to analyze AI systems and understand how mathematical reasoning informs algorithm design.
6. AI4ALL@Princeton
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free; housing, meals, and all materials are covered
Application Deadline: April 9
Dates: July 9 – July 30
Eligibility: U.S. high school students entering grades 10–12, with an interest in AI and computer science
AI4ALL@Princeton is a three-week residential program designed to introduce you to artificial intelligence through hands-on research, coding projects, and mentorship. You’ll work in small groups with Princeton faculty and graduate mentors on projects tackling real-world challenges, such as AI ethics, computer vision, or natural language processing. The program integrates technical workshops in Python and machine learning with discussions on fairness and social impact in AI. You’ll also present your group’s final project at the end of the session, gaining experience in research communication and teamwork.
7. Wharton Data Science Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $10,599 (includes tuition, housing, and meals); limited financial aid available
Application Deadline: March 18
Dates: June 21 – July 11 | July 12 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising 11th–12th grade students with strong quantitative backgrounds; prior programming experience preferred
The Wharton Data Science Academy offers a rigorous introduction to statistics, coding, and data analytics, equipping you to apply data-driven methods to business and research problems. You’ll use Python, Pandas, and machine learning libraries to work with real-world datasets and explore predictive modeling. Sessions combine lectures with guided labs, culminating in a final group project where you analyze complex data and present actionable insights. You’ll also connect with Wharton faculty and undergraduate mentors for guidance on careers in data science and AI-driven industries.
8. Georgetown Artificial Intelligence Academy
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. (Residential)
Cost: $3,525 (includes tuition, housing, and meals).
Application Deadline: Opens in late fall
Dates: 1 week in the summer; exact dates TBA
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 with a strong interest in AI and emerging technologies
At Georgetown’s Artificial Intelligence Academy, you’ll study the fundamentals of AI and machine learning through lectures, case studies, and interactive labs. The curriculum introduces you to neural networks, natural language processing, and ethics in AI, emphasizing both technical understanding and social context. You’ll work in teams to design and present an AI-based solution to a real-world challenge, guided by Georgetown faculty and graduate mentors. The program also includes industry panels and site visits in Washington, D.C., giving you exposure to policy and innovation in the AI field.
9. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 tuition + $40 application fee; Need-based aid and fee waivers are available.
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – 27
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12 (age 14+)
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program focused on the applications of AI in medicine and biomedical research. You’ll attend lectures on data science, machine learning, and diagnostic imaging, paired with technical workshops that teach practical coding and model-building. Working under guidance from Stanford mentors, you’ll take part in small research teams, analyze medical datasets, and discuss ethical challenges surrounding AI in healthcare. Guest speakers from academia, industry, and government share perspectives on innovation and policy. The program also incorporates career talks and peer collaboration sessions to help you understand the landscape of AI-driven healthcare.
10. AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 tuition + $40 application fee; need-based aid and fee waivers available.
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – 27
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12 (age 14+)
The AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp introduces you to how artificial intelligence supports decision-making in healthcare. Over two weeks, you’ll engage in structured modules covering machine learning fundamentals, medical data interpretation, and ethical use of AI. Sessions combine interactive coding tutorials, group projects, and guided discussions on clinical applications, from disease detection to treatment optimization. Industry professionals and Stanford researchers lead talks that connect theory to practice, giving you insight into the future of digital medicine. The program concludes with collaborative project presentations, where you demonstrate your understanding of AI-driven healthcare innovation.
11. Wolfram High School Summer Research Program
Location: Bentley University, Boston, MA
Cost: $5,500
Application Deadline: March 22
Dates: June 24 – July 11
Eligibility: High school students (typically aged 14–17)
The Wolfram Summer Research Program is a focused, project-based research experience where you work on an original computational problem using the Wolfram Language. You will design and create a unique computational essay or interactive research paper under the guidance of Wolfram experts. Before starting the program, you are required to complete a pre-course on Wolfram U to ensure familiarity with the necessary tools. During the program, you attend specialized lectures on topics such as natural language processing, computational art, and machine learning, while developing projects that may involve facial recognition models, coded visualizations, or algorithmic music. Outside project hours, you can join workshops, creative mini-hackathons, and informal group sessions. The program concludes with the publication of your project to the Wolfram Community.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, and related fields, 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: Wharton Logo