If you’re a high school student interested in coding, artificial intelligence, or cybersecurity, a computer science summer research program might be a great way to spend your summer break. These programs let you get hands-on experience with coding, machine learning, and data analysis, all without interrupting your school year.
You’ll work on real projects in computer science that go beyond what you learn in class, allowing you to build advanced skills and see how computer science works in the real world. Trying out a summer research program also helps you figure out if computer science is the right path for you.
To help you find the best fit, here’s a list of 20 computer science summer research programs for high school students!
20 Computer Science Summer Research Programs for High School Students
1. Horizon Academic Research Program: CS Track
Location: Remote
Cost: $5,950 (financial aid available)
Program Dates: Rolling cohorts from June to August
Application Deadline: May 18 (Summer I) & June 22 (Summer II)
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) worldwide
Horizon runs a trimester-long online research program for high school students. You choose a subject track and the type of research you want to do — quantitative or qualitative. Fields include machine learning, psychology, neuroscience, political theory, data science, biology, chemistry, and more.
For computer science, Horizon offers tracks like “Algorithms, Data Structures, and Python,” where you learn how to build algorithms and code in Python, and “Data Science Approaches to Internet Security,” where you use data tools to study online safety.
Once you choose a subject, Horizon pairs you with a professor or PhD mentor. You meet regularly and work toward a full-length research paper of about 20 pages. You can also submit your work to journals.
2. Veritas AI: AI Scholars & AI Fellowship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,290 (AI Scholars) & $5,400 (AI Fellowship)
Program Dates: June–August (various 10-week tracks)
Deadline: May 25 for the summer cohort.
Eligibility: High school students globally, grades 9–12
Veritas AI offers two structured online research programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence: the AI Scholars Program and the AI Fellowship.
In the AI Scholars Program, you join a small cohort and attend live online sessions over 10 to 12 weeks. You start with the basics of Python, then learn about machine learning models, neural networks, and real-world applications. The curriculum includes case studies and hands-on projects in areas like healthcare diagnostics, climate modeling, and social media trends.
The AI Fellowship is a selective follow-up program designed for students with prior experience in Python and machine learning. You work 1-on-1 or in pairs with a research mentor to build and complete an independent project. Past projects have focused on deep learning, computer vision, reinforcement learning, and natural language processing.
3. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)
Location: Cambridge, MA / Virtual
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 8 – August 4
Application Deadline: Pre-coursework opens in January; final application deadline in May
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (grade 11) with prior CS/STEM experience
Beaver Works Summer Institute is an in-person summer program at MIT for high school students interested in fields like AI, robotics, and engineering. You work on technical projects using tools such as Python and C++, and you apply concepts from machine learning and robotics to real-world problems.
You are placed in teams and spend several weeks building and testing systems. This includes programming robots, writing algorithms, and analyzing how systems perform. You also visit MIT research labs and interact with professionals who work in aerospace, computing, and autonomous systems.
4. SIMR: Stanford Institute of Medicine Research: Bioengineering Track
Location: Stanford, CA
Cost: Free with a $500 stipend
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Open to current U.S. high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by the program start date. Applicants must live in the U.S. and be U.S. citizens or green card holders.
If you’re a high school student interested in biology, healthcare, or AI, SIMR gives you the chance to do real research at Stanford. You work with researchers on projects in areas like bioengineering and artificial intelligence. This includes collecting data, running experiments, and learning how tools like genomics, medical imaging, and machine learning are used in healthcare.
You learn how to write Python code, analyze data, and understand how AI can be applied to diagnose diseases. You also spend time thinking about the ethical side of using AI in medicine. At the end of the program, you present your research at a symposium with other students and Stanford faculty.
5. UMass Amherst’s Pre-College Program
Location: Amherst, MA
Cost: $12,157 (residential) & $7,022 (commuter)
Program Dates: June 29 – August 9
Application Deadline: April
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors to seniors
Rising Researchers at UMass Amherst gives high school students a chance to work on research in computer science and other STEM fields. Over six weeks, you collaborate with graduate students and university staff to tackle real research questions.
In the computer science track, you explore areas like artificial intelligence, software development, and data science. You gain experience coding in Python and Java, learning how to analyze data and solve complex problems.
Besides technical skills, you learn how to write research papers, present your findings, and communicate your work. The program ends with a symposium where you showcase your project.
6. BLAST AI: High School AI Research Program
Location: Remote
Cost: $1,460 (financial aid available)
Program Dates: June 17 – August 12
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Talented high school students with a strong interest in AI
BLAST AI is an online research program that introduces high school students to artificial intelligence through guided project work. You are matched with a mentor and work on an AI research topic across several weeks.
The program covers core machine learning concepts, research design, and data analysis. You will complete a hands-on research project that can lead to a paper or presentation.
7. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Free, Need-based grants are available
Program Dates: June 17 – August 2 (self-paced & live tracks)
Application Deadline: Applications close in mid-March
Eligibility: Female-identifying high school students in grades 9–11
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is designed for high school girls to learn computer science. You’ll work with Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS while building projects that solve real problems using technology.
The program focuses on coding skills as well as teamwork, leadership, and building confidence. You’ll also meet women from the tech industry who share their experiences and offer advice on careers.
The program ends with a final project where you create an app or website to show what you’ve learned.
8. The Clark Scholars Program: Texas Tech University
Location: Lubbock, TX
Cost: Free with a $750 stipend
Program Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: Applications open in December; close in February
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (minimum age 17)
The Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University offers high school seniors a chance to do research in STEM fields, including computer science. You work with Texas Tech mentors on projects like computational modeling, machine learning, and software development.
The program includes lectures on data analysis, research methods, and scientific communication. You also attend seminars on STEM careers and strategies for college success. The program ends with a research presentation where you share your work with peers and faculty.
9. NYU ARISE (Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering)
Location: New York, NY
Cost: Free with a $1,000 stipend
Program Dates: June 02 – August 8
Application Deadline: Applications are due in March
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
NYU’s ARISE program lets high school students work on real research projects in science, engineering, and technology. You’ll team up with NYU instructors, researchers, and grad students to explore areas like biomedical engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The program focuses on hands-on learning, helping you build problem-solving and critical thinking skills. You also get guidance from mentors on college and career paths in STEM.
10. AI4ALL College Pathways Programs (Hosted by Various Universities)
Location: Varies by university (e.g., Stanford, CMU, Princeton)
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June – August (varies by host)
Application Deadline: February–March (varies by host)
Eligibility: Underrepresented high school students in AI
AI4ALL College Pathways Programs are made for high school students from underrepresented groups who want to explore artificial intelligence. The program takes place at several well-known colleges in the US and covers AI basics, its uses, and ethical questions around the technology.
You’ll work on hands-on projects and team activities while learning from experts in academia, research, and business. The program also looks at how AI affects society and tackles ethical issues. Along the way, you get mentorship to help with college and career decisions in AI.
11. Research Science Institute (RSI): MIT & CEE
Location: Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 23 – August 3
Application Deadline: Applications open in November; deadline is in mid-January
Eligibility: High school juniors (worldwide)
MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI) is a top-tier summer program for high school students who want to dive deep into research.
In the computer science track, you’ll work on topics like algorithm optimization, deep learning, neural networks, and cryptography. You’ll use tools like MATLAB, TensorFlow, R, and Python to tackle real problems with real data. The program mixes independent research with a tough academic schedule.
You’ll write a detailed research paper and then present your work at a final symposium. Besides technical skills, RSI focuses on research methods, academic writing, and explaining complex ideas clearly. You’ll also meet students from around the world, attend lectures, and take part in social events.
12. Simons Summer Research Program: Stony Brook University
Location: Stony Brook, NY
Cost: Free with a $1,000 stipend
Program Dates: June 24 – August 9
Application Deadline: Applications due by early February
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (age 16+ by program start)
Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program offers high school students a chance to get hands-on experience in computer science research. You’ll work with a faculty mentor on topics like artificial intelligence, robotics, algorithm design, and data science. The program focuses on solving real problems using tools like Python, C++, and Java.
You’ll learn the research process, from designing experiments and analyzing data to writing technical papers. Each week, there are lectures on advanced computer science topics, ethics, and how to communicate your research. The program ends with a presentation where you share your research results.
13. Columbia University’s Engineering Summer High School Academic Program (SHAPE)
Location: New York, NY
Cost: $5,700
Program Dates: July 8 – August 1
Application Deadline: Applications are due in March
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
Columbia University’s SHAPE program lets you get hands-on with engineering. In the Computer Analysis track, you’ll learn programming, software development, and data analysis by working on projects in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and algorithm design. You’ll use Python and C++ while getting help from faculty and grad students.
The program also helps you build teamwork skills by working on group projects where you create software solutions together. Besides coding, you’ll join workshops on college applications, get career advice, and hear from people working in the field. At the end, you’ll present your project to others.
14. UCLA Summer Research Institute (SRP): Data Science and Computer Science Labs
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $3,800 (varies by track)
Program Dates: June 24 – August 2
Application Deadline: Applications are due in March
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12
The UCLA Summer Research Institute (SRP) gives you a chance to work on real research in data science and computer science. You’ll team up with UCLA professors and graduate students on projects about machine learning, AI, big data, and data visualization.
The program teaches you how to design and analyze experiments using data. You’ll also attend workshops to build skills in programming, statistics, and technical writing. At the end, you’ll present your research to other students and faculty.
15. UC Santa Cruz SIP (Science Internship Program)
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Cost: $5,000 (financial aid available)
Program Dates: June 23 – August 16
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12
UC Santa Cruz’s Science Internship Program (SIP) lets you dive into research that mixes digital arts, media, and computer science. In the computational media track, you work on projects like game design, virtual reality, and interactive storytelling.
You learn skills in media creation, programming, and data analysis while working with UC Santa Cruz faculty. The program also explores how computer tools can make media better.
16. Vanderbilt University’s Summer Research Program
Location: Nashville, TN
Cost: Free
Program Dates: May 27 – July 3
Application Deadline: Applications open in January; deadline in March
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
Vanderbilt’s Summer Research Program (SRP) in Computer Science gives you a chance to work closely with faculty mentors on real research projects. You can explore areas like data analysis, robotics, machine learning, AI, and network security.
You’ll use programming languages like Python, Java, and MATLAB to build models, solve problems, and analyze data. The program helps you develop research skills like forming hypotheses, planning experiments, and writing research papers.
17. iResearch Institute: Computer Science Track
Location: Remote
Cost: $3,300
Program Dates: June 17 – August 9
Application Deadline: Priority deadline in March
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
The iResearch Institute lets you do computer science research remotely, so you can work from anywhere. In the Computer Science track, you’ll focus on coding, algorithms, AI, and machine learning.
The goal is to help you understand how computer science works in real situations. You’ll get guidance from expert mentors throughout your projects. The program also teaches you how to do research, write technical reports, and give presentations.
18. UChicago RIBS (Research in the Biological Sciences): Bioinformatics Emphasis
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost: $14,490
Program Dates: June 14 – July 12
Application Deadline: Applications due by early March
Eligibility: Grade 10 & 11 students
The University of Chicago’s RIBS program with a bioinformatics focus lets you work on research combining biology, computer science, and data analysis. You’ll study molecular biology and learn to analyze genomic data using statistics and software under the guidance of UChicago experts.
You’ll also get hands-on experience with lab techniques and programming languages like Python. The program shows you how bioinformatics is used in health research. Along with research, you’ll take courses on scientific writing, explore career options, and get advice on college applications.
19. Algoverse AI Research Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Not specified (scholarships available)
Program Dates: Summer (12 weeks)
Application Deadline: May 25
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students worldwide
The Algoverse AI Research Program is a 12-week online research experience for high school and undergraduate students. You work in small groups under the guidance of experienced AI researchers on real-world projects. Topics include large language models, computer vision, and other current areas in artificial intelligence.
The program focuses on applied research. You learn how to develop a research question, design and implement solutions, and analyze results. By the end, you are expected to complete a research paper or project presentation, with support for publication opportunities if your work meets the standards.
20. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY)
Location: Online
Cost: Varies by course, typically between $500 and $2,200. Financial aid is available.
Program Dates: Multiple sessions offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Depends on the course; usually several weeks before the start date
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 2 to 12; some advanced courses require prior experience or placement testing
The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) offers self-paced online computer science courses for students in grades 2 through 12. You can start with beginner-friendly tools like Scratch or move on to more advanced topics like Java, Python, and AP Computer Science.
You’ll build skills in coding, debugging, game design, web development, and animation. Courses also help you practice logical thinking, algorithm design, and problem solving. You work on your schedule and get support from instructors with experience in teaching computer science.
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