High school students interested in data science have several opportunities to explore this field through summer programs. These programs not only teach fundamental coding and statistical analysis but also
introduce you to advanced tools like machine learning algorithms, big data handling, and data visualization techniques.
By working with real-world datasets and completing hands-on projects, you will gain valuable experience that strengthens your analytical and problem-solving skills. Additionally, mentorship from experienced instructors and exposure to current industry trends will prepare you for future academic and career paths in data science.
Below is a curated list of 14 best data science summer programs for high school students. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
1. Horizon Research Program: Data Science Track
Horizon allows students to dive deeply into research, honing critical skills in quantitative and qualitative analysis, statistical modeling, and academic writing. You will work closely with a PhD mentor, creating a university-level research paper on a subject of your choice. You’ll build practical skills in R and Python for data analysis, Excel for data handling, and LaTeX for research formatting.
In addition to statistical methods, you will learn the basics of machine learning, experimental design, and academic project management. Horizon’s flexible structure makes it suitable for exploring diverse subject areas and applications of data science, such as psychology research or political theory analysis, offering a comprehensive foundation for independent research skills.
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Subject Areas: Data Science, Machine Learning, and more
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA above 3.67. Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here
2. Harvard Summer School: Introduction to Data Science
Harvard’s Summer School course provides a comprehensive introduction to data science, with a focus on data visualization. You will use Python and Matplotlib for data analysis and visualization. The course begins with a mini-project in which you will visualize COVID-19 infection data before progressing to more complex data visualizations using JavaScript. The course includes hands-on labs where you will work with datasets, learning how to scrape, clean, and create visualizations from data. The curriculum focuses on statistical analysis, and you will learn to interpret data, identify trends, and communicate findings effectively.
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: February 12
Program Dates: June 22 – July 3 | July 6 – 18 | July 20 – August 1
Subject Areas: Data Science, Data Collection, Statistical Analysis, Visualization
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee (financial aid available for U.S. citizens)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who will be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and no older than 19 years old before the end of the program
3. Veritas AI Scholars Program
The Veritas AI Scholars Program provides high school students with an immersive experience in artificial intelligence, introducing them to core AI concepts and coding in Python. You will engage in real-world projects covering neural networks, image classification, and natural language processing, receiving one-on-one mentorship through a 5:1 student-mentor ratio.
With a curriculum that integrates AI ethics, you will learn the importance of responsible AI usage while developing a final project presented at the program’s end. This project-based approach builds your technical skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, preparing you for advanced studies in AI and data science.
Location: Virtual
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Various according to the cohort
Subject Areas: Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Ethics in AI
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
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
4. NYU Tandon School of Engineering: Machine Learning Program
NYU Tandon’s summer program provides students with foundational and intermediate skills in data science and machine learning. The program emphasizes practical applications, allowing you to apply your learning to real-world datasets in areas like image recognition and predictive analytics. You will collaborate on group projects, honing your skills in teamwork, project management, and data communication. You will learn about the role machine learning plays in data science, mathematics, and electrical engineering.
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Application Deadline: April 20
Program Dates: Session 1: June 17 – 28 | Session 2: July 8 – 19 | Session 3: July 29 – August 9
Subject Areas: Data Science, Machine Learning, Model Building, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering
Eligibility: Students in grades 9, 10, or 11 who have completed Algebra 2 or equivalent, have some programming experience, and have a GPA of at least 3.0
Cost: $3,230
5. Wharton Data Science Academy
The Wharton Data Science Academy offers high school students an introduction to data science fundamentals and machine learning techniques. You will engage with real-world datasets to practice data wrangling, perform statistical analysis, and apply machine learning models. Using R programming, you will gain hands-on experience with data visualization and predictive modeling. You will complete a group capstone project and present your findings. Industry guest speakers provide additional insights, highlighting career paths and data’s impact across sectors.
Location: Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Application Deadline: April 2
Program Dates: July 14 – August 3
Subject Areas: Data Science, Machine Learning, Statistical Analysis, Data Visualization, R Programming
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-11
Cost: $9,399 (scholarships available)
6. Princeton AI4ALL Summer Program
The Princeton AI4ALL Summer Program is a fully funded, three-week residential experience designed for 10th-grade students from underrepresented backgrounds who are curious about AI and its potential to drive social impact. Through interactive lectures and hands-on labs, you will learn foundational AI concepts in machine learning and natural language processing. Guided by Princeton faculty and graduate mentors, you will develop technical skills while discussing AI ethics and societal challenges. The program includes guest speakers from AI-related industries, networking opportunities, and a final capstone project.
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Application Deadline: March 15
Program Dates: July 14 – August 3
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Ethics in AI, Machine Learning, Social Impact
Eligibility: Low-income rising 11th graders who attend high school in the U.S. and Puerto Rico
Cost: Free
7. UC Irvine: Data Science For All
UC Irvine’s DS4ALL program introduces high school students to data science concepts and machine learning fundamentals, including data wrangling, classification, and neural networks. Using Python and the Texera platform, you will develop skills in data processing, visualization, and sentiment analysis. The program is lecture- and lab-based, offering hands-on experience in collaborative projects where you will analyze social media or other real-world datasets. With a focus on practical data applications, you will explore classification, computer vision, and natural language processing, culminating in a project showcase.
Location: University of California, Irvine, CA
Application Deadline: April 15
Program Dates: July 8 – 19
Subject Areas: Data Science, Machine Learning, Data Modeling, Data Wrangling, Visualization, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors who have taken Algebra II or Integrated Math II
Cost: Free
8. Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Computer Science Scholars (CSS) Program
Carnegie Mellon’s CSS program offers a residential four-week experience, providing an introduction to computer science for rising high school juniors. The curriculum covers Python programming, algorithmic thinking, data structures, and data science basics. With an emphasis on collaboration, the program includes group projects, workshops, and field trips designed to deepen your understanding and build community. You will benefit from one-on-one mentorship and lectures from CMU’s faculty, concluding with a final presentation showcasing your group project.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: June 21 – July 19
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Programming, Algorithm Design, Computational Thinking, Data Science
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and will be at least 16 years old by the program start date
Cost: Fully funded, including housing, meals, and field trips; travel assistance available on a need basis
9. University of Chicago DSI Summer Lab
The Data Science Institute Summer Lab at the University of Chicago offers a paid 8-week research internship for high school students in the Chicago area and undergraduates interested in interdisciplinary data science research. You will be paired with faculty mentors to work on impactful projects in fields like climate science, social policy, and biomedical research, allowing you to apply data science principles to real-world challenges. Weekly seminars, collaborative labs, and final presentations foster a supportive, research-focused environment.
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Application Deadline: January 12
Program Dates: June 16 – August 8
Subject Areas: Data Science, Computer Science, Social Science, Climate Policy, Biomedical Research, Public Policy, Materials Science, Energy Policy
Eligibility: High school students from the Chicago area who can commute to the Hyde Park campus
Cost: Stipend of $4,800 provided
10. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes: Introduction to Data Science
Stanford’s pre-college program offers a structured introduction to data science fundamentals, including statistical analysis. You will gain experience in R and explore machine learning. Projects involve real-world datasets, allowing you to apply statistical techniques to understand trends, make predictions, and evaluate model accuracy. Guided by Stanford scholars, you will learn about data science’s ethical implications in different sectors, honing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March 29
Program Dates: Session One: June 17 – 28 | Session Two: July 8 – 19
Subject Areas: Data Science, Machine Learning, Statistical Analysis
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-11
Cost: $3,050 (financial aid available)
11. UCLA Computer Science Summer Institute: Generative AI
The UCLA Generative AI Summer Institute offers high school students a three-week exploration of generative AI and data science, emphasizing creative applications and machine learning fundamentals. You will study neural networks, deep learning, and natural language processing using models like GPT-3 and BERT. Through hands-on projects, you will create AI-produced text, visual art, jokes, lyrics, and more using advanced AI techniques. Led by UCLA faculty, the program also covers ethical considerations, preparing you for responsible AI use. Ideal for those passionate about AI and data science, this commuter-only program provides a strong foundation in generative AI applications.
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Application Deadline: June 1
Program Dates: July 1 – 19
Subject Areas: Data Science, Generative AI, Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Natural Language Processing
Cost: $3,020 (financial aid available)
Eligibility: Students who will be in 10-12 grade in the spring and at least 15 years old by the start of the program; students must have a GPA of at least 3.5
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