If you are a high schooler looking to explore data science, online programs are a good option. These programs give you advanced technical skills in programming, data visualization, and statistical analysis. Many include working with real datasets to solve complex problems and apply your learnings to societal challenges.
Online data science programs can also develop your critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, preparing you for future academic pursuits. The knowledge you gain here can be useful for AI, machine learning, and data analytics careers. By participating in these programs, you can create a portfolio showcasing your data science abilities, which can help when applying for future opportunities.
Here is a list of 7 online data science programs for high school students!
The Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) allows you to explore artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data science through a trimester-long research experience. Guided by PhD mentors or university professors, you will gain exposure to the methodologies driving these fields. You will tackle complex topics such as predictive modeling, neural networks, and data analysis, building a solid foundation in computational research. By the end of the program, you will have produced a 20-page research paper that can be submitted for publication. Mentors provide personalized guidance, detailed feedback, and letters of recommendation.
Subject Areas: Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Political Theory, Biology, Neuroscience, Psychology, Chemistry, and more
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here
Location: Online
Application Date: February 16, 2025, for the spring cohort and May 18, 2025, for the summer cohort
Program Dates:
- Spring seminar: March 3, 2025 onwards
- Summer seminar: June 16, 2025 onwards
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance
The Veritas AI Scholars Program is an online course introducing students to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Through 25 hours of lectures and interactive projects, you will explore data science, linear and logistic regression, neural networks, and natural language processing.
You also gain practical Python programming skills and learn to apply AI principles to real-world problems. With a low student-to-mentor ratio of 5:1, you will receive personalized guidance from AI researchers. By the end of the program, you will have a completed project demonstrating your technical expertise.
Subject Areas: Python Programming, Data Science, Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Natural Language Processing, and AI Ethics
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
Program Dates: Offered year-round, with multiple cohorts
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290. Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: January 5, 2025, for the upcoming spring cohort
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is a free two-week online program for high school students to explore coding and computer science, including data science. Designed to address the gender gap in tech, the program offers an interactive learning experience with real-world programming applications. You will build technical skills while working on projects such as apps, websites, and video games. You will receive mentorship from women leaders in technology. You will also learn the basics of Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and data science. The program emphasizes networking, with industry guest speakers providing insights into STEM careers.
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Data Science, Programming
Eligibility: Female-identifying and non-binary high school students in grades 9-11
Program Dates Multiple two-week sessions between June and August
Location: Online
Cost: Free. Needs-based stipends of $300 are available for eligible U.S. residents
Application Deadline: March 22, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Stanford AI4ALL is a two-week summer program designed to introduce students to artificial intelligence (AI) while fostering diversity in the field. The program combines lectures, projects, and mentorship from AI researchers. You will gain exposure to core AI concepts such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. The program focuses on applications of AI to disaster response, healthcare innovation, and environmental sustainability. You will learn the fundamentals of programming in Python and data analysis. Through collaborative research projects, you will refine your teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Data Science
Eligibility: Current 9th-grade students (rising 10th graders) who are at least 14 years old
Program Dates: June 18 – July 2, 2025
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,000; financial aid is available
Application Deadline: January 24, 2025
CS50: Introduction to Computer Science by Harvard University is a free online course on the fundamentals of computer science and programming. This course introduces core concepts such as algorithms, data structures, and web development. It builds practical skills in programming languages like C, Python, SQL, and JavaScript. Through problem sets inspired by real-world challenges, you will learn to apply computational thinking. Additionally, you will gain hands-on experience with abstraction, encapsulation, and resource management. You also have the opportunity to complete a final programming project.
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Programming, Data Structures, Algorithms, and Web Development
Eligibility: Open to high school students
Program Dates: Self-paced (start anytime)
Location: Online
Cost: Free to audit, optional verified certificate available for $219
Application Deadline: Enrollment is open year-round
The Introduction to Data Science course uses projects and real-world datasets from the natural and social sciences to give you practical experience analyzing complex data. The program emphasizes technical skill-building in R programming and machine learning techniques. You will learn to design and apply computer algorithms, evaluate data models, and critically interpret results. By engaging with statistical modeling, you develop an understanding of how data science drives innovation across industries.
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Engineering
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 with exposure to a computer programming language and a working knowledge of statistics
Program Dates:
Session One: June 16 – June 27, 2025
Session Two: July 7 – 18, 2025
Location: Online
Cost: $3,080, financial aid options are available
Application Deadline: March 20, 2025
MITx: Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science is an instructor-paced online course designed to teach you essential computational and analytical skills. This nine-week course explores advanced programming concepts using Python 3, focusing on simulations and statistical analysis. You will model population dynamics and simulate robot movements to apply computational methods. Throughout the program, you will enhance your proficiency in data visualization using the Pylab package. The curriculum covers topics like probability, Monte Carlo simulations, and graph optimization.
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Data Science
Eligibility: Open to learners with prior programming experience in Python and a basic understanding of computational complexity
Program Dates: October 16 – December 19, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Location: Online
Cost: Free to audit, verified certificate available for $75
Application Deadline: Enrollment is open until the course start date
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.