Many data science programs for high school students are designed to introduce you to how data is collected, analyzed, and used to make decisions across industries. These programs typically cover core areas such as statistics, programming, data visualization, and introductory machine learning. As a participant, you may work on datasets to identify patterns, build simple predictive models, or present insights through dashboards and reports. Several data science programs also include project-based learning, where you’ll apply concepts to real-world problems in areas like business, healthcare, or social sciences.
Why should you choose a program in Illinois?
Choosing a data science program in Illinois will give you access to institutions and organizations that are closely connected to industries using data science at scale. Programs in the state often emphasize practical applications, combining technical training with exposure to real-world use cases. You may also find opportunities to learn from faculty, researchers, or professionals working in analytics, technology, and research environments. With guidance from instructors or mentors, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how data-driven thinking is used in academic and professional settings.
To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 data science programs for high school students in Illinois, selected for their hands-on learning, structured curriculum, and mentorship opportunities.
For more summer programs in Illinois, check out this blog.
15 Data Science Programs for High School Students in Illinois
1. Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $500 weekly stipend
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 13 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 13 – March 1
Eligibility: Illinois high school seniors or recent graduates who are U.S. citizens
The PRISM (Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship) at Fermilab is a four-week summer program that introduces you to advanced STEM fields through hands-on learning and mentorship. You’ll explore areas such as particle physics, quantum science, engineering design, and artificial intelligence through a mix of lectures, projects, and lab tours. Each week focuses on a different theme, helping you build a broad understanding of scientific research and career pathways. A key component includes exposure to data-driven work, especially during AI-focused modules, where you’ll engage with concepts like data analysis and machine learning used in physics experiments. You’ll also interact with scientists and engineers, gaining insight into real-world research environments and large-scale scientific facilities.
2. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Programs
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Fellowship payment offered
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 17 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, or Wisconsin
The Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Programs offer a six-week, research-focused experience where you’ll work on hands-on projects across advanced STEMM fields. The program also incorporates data science elements through tracks in artificial intelligence, computer science, and computational research, where you’ll engage with data analysis and modeling techniques used in modern scientific studies. Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with faculty, researchers, and peers, gaining experience in experimental methods, problem-solving, and scientific communication. As part of a broadening participation initiative, the program emphasizes mentorship, community-building, and support for students from diverse backgrounds.
3. DSI Summer Lab
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $5,600 stipend
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Chicago-area high school students
The Summer Lab at the University of Chicago Data Science Institute is an eight-week paid research program focused on applied, interdisciplinary data science. You will be paired with a mentor and embedded within a research team working on projects in areas like climate policy, biomedical research, social sciences, or public policy. Throughout the program, you’ll build practical skills in coding, data analysis, and research methodologies while contributing to real-world research problems. Collaboration is a core part of the experience, with team-based projects, discussions, and networking opportunities built into the program. You’ll also attend weekly seminars with guest speakers, gaining exposure to different applications of data science. The program concludes with a final research symposium where you’ll present your work and findings.
4. Data4All High School Bridge Workshop
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend offered
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: Saturdays, March 28 – May 16
Application Deadline: Typically closes early-March
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have completed Algebra 1
The Data4All High School Bridge Workshop at the University of Chicago is an eight-weekend program designed to help you transition from basic computing to applied data science research. The workshop introduces you to Python programming from scratch and builds your skills using tools like NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib. You’ll work with real-world datasets, such as public health data, and learn how to move through the full data science workflow, from forming research questions to analyzing data and presenting results. The program emphasizes inquiry-based, group projects where you’ll collaborate with peers to solve practical problems. Along the way, you’ll develop skills in statistical modeling, data analysis, and research communication.
5. Discovery Partners Institute – Digital Scholars Program
Location: Harold Washington College, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: 30 students per course
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 16 – May 8
Eligibility: Rising 11th-12th graders and first-year college students at City Colleges of Chicago and Illinois institutions
The Digital Scholars Program at Discovery Partners Institute is an intensive summer program where you’ll explore computing and data science through structured coursework and hands-on projects. In the Data Science Discovery track, you’ll work with real-world datasets using Python while building skills in data analysis, visualization, and statistical modeling. The curriculum also introduces algorithmic thinking and applications of data science across business, policy, and science. You’ll attend workshops on AI, machine learning, and entrepreneurship, and engage with professionals from Chicago’s tech ecosystem through talks and networking sessions. The program also focuses on collaboration, communication, and career-readiness through team-based activities and presentations.
6. Learning Electronics, AI, and Programming (LEAP) Camp
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
Cost: Residential: $1,500; Commuter: $750; Day: $550 ($25 deposit with all options)
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: July 19 – 25
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12
The Learning Electronics, AI, and Programming (LEAP) Camp introduces you to artificial intelligence and engineering through a hands-on project-based approach. You’ll build a portable weather station by assembling sensors, microcontrollers, and printed circuit boards while learning basic electronics, soldering, and embedded programming. The program also covers how collected data is transmitted to cloud systems for analysis using AI algorithms. Along the way, you’ll practice coding concepts like loops and conditionals, and work with data visualization and interpretation. By the end of the camp, you’ll deploy and test your own weather station using real environmental data.
7. UIC Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program (SHARP)
Location: University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $3,500
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Summer Research Component: June 15 – July 24; School-Year Component: August – April
Application Deadline: Not specified; Tentatively, February
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older
The Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program (SHARP) at the University of Illinois Chicago is an 11-month research program where you’ll engage in biomedical engineering projects at the intersection of AI, robotics, and tissue engineering. You’ll begin with a six-week summer lab experience, working under a mentor on hands-on research and learning core laboratory techniques. The program also incorporates data-driven components, such as analyzing biomedical datasets, working with computational models, and applying AI methods to interpret experimental results. During the academic year, you’ll continue research while leading a team in the Biomedical Breakthrough Challenge, applying biodesign and structured problem-solving to real clinical problems. You can earn undergraduate credit upon completion, along with experience in both research and data-informed decision-making.
8. UChicago Youth Internship Program
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend offered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Unspecified
Dates: June 22 – July 30
Application Deadline: Year 1: April 30; Year 2: February 20
Eligibility: High school students (16+) residing in the city of Chicago and attending a Chicago public high school, including charter schools; More details here
The UChicago Youth Internship Program at the University of Chicago is a two-summer program that combines career exploration with hands-on STEM work experience. In the first summer, you’ll participate in workshops, college visits, and sessions with STEM professionals to build foundational skills and career awareness. In the second summer, selected students take on paid internships within university departments such as computer science, IT, and data science, where they support real projects. Your work may include data analysis, basic coding tasks, and assisting with research or technical operations. The program concludes with a formal presentation, helping you communicate technical and data-driven work in a professional setting.
9. NIU Steam: Engineering the Flow Camp
Location: NIU DeKalb, DeKalb, IL
Cost: $1,025 (early discount available)
Cohort Size: Limited capacity
Dates: July 12 – 17
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
The STEAM – Engineering the Flow Camp at Northern Illinois University is a five-day summer program where you’ll explore industrial and systems engineering through hands-on activities and real-world simulations. You’ll work in teams to model production systems, understand supply chains, and solve efficiency-related challenges across manufacturing and logistics. The program introduces data analysis as a core component, where you’ll examine system performance and use data to improve processes and decision-making. You’ll also engage with practical applications through site visits and interactive sessions with faculty. While not purely data science, the camp incorporates data-driven problem-solving within real-world systems and operations contexts.
10. Argonne College Bound Research Program
Location: Argonne National Lab, Lemont, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend of $500 per week
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; Typically small cohort
Dates: Typically start in June
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Graduating high school students (18+) from Illinois with a minimum 3.75 GPA; More details here
The College Bound Research Program at Argonne National Laboratory is a paid summer research opportunity where you’ll work alongside scientists on real STEM projects. You’ll contribute to research using computational methods such as simulation, data modeling, and scientific computing. As a participant, you will make use of specialized software, improving code efficiency and documenting research processes while collaborating with lab teams. You’ll also gain exposure to areas like high-performance computing and the use of AI in scientific research. Alongside hands-on work, you’ll present your findings through reports or posters, building both technical and research communication skills.
11. Illinois Tech Data Science Basics: Exploring Big Data
Location: Virtual
Cost: $350
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Unspecified
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: May 8
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders
The Data Science Basics: Exploring Big Data program at Illinois Institute of Technology is a virtual course where you learn foundational data science concepts through guided projects. You’ll work on data analysis and visualization tasks, building skills in handling and interpreting large datasets. The program introduces core ideas such as data exploration, patterns, and basic analytical thinking. You’ll also gain exposure to tools and workflows commonly used in data science, making it suitable for beginners.
12. Kode with Klossy: Summer Camps
Location: Multiple locations, including Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Unspecified
Dates: July 6 – 17 in Illinois; Virtual camps will be available all summer
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Young women and gender expansive teens ages 13-18
The Kode With Klossy Summer Camps by Kode With Klossy is a free, two-week program where you can learn data science through hands-on coding. In the data science track, you’ll work with tools like Python and SQL to analyze real-world datasets and create data visualizations. You will be placed in groups based on your experience level and collaborate on projects throughout the camp. The program concludes with a capstone project where you’ll build a data-driven narrative based on a topic of your choice. You’ll also gain exposure to career pathways through guest sessions with women in tech.
13. IMSA CS+X Summer Camp
Location: IMSA campus, Aurora, IL
Cost: $1,200 (Illinois residents); $1,800 (non-Illinois residents); $500 for commuter or non-residential students
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Unspecified
Dates: June 21 – 26
Application Deadline: Opens February 2
Eligibility: Rising 8th-9th graders
The CS+X Summer Camp at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is a one-week residential program where you’ll explore how computer science applies across different fields through project-based learning. The curriculum, developed with input from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, focuses on using computational tools to solve interdisciplinary problems. You’ll work on hands-on projects that may involve coding, data handling, and modeling across domains like science, business, or social applications. The program also introduces data science concepts through computational modeling and data-driven projects within the CS+X framework. Alongside technical work, you’ll gain exposure to collaborative problem-solving and real-world applications of computing.
14. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute
Location: Virtual (in-person options available)
Cost: Free for qualifying families; Check details here
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Varies by course
Application Deadline: Varies by course
Eligibility: U.S. high school students who are no higher than juniors
The Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) at MIT Lincoln Laboratory is a highly selective, four-week program where you’ll work on advanced STEM projects in areas like AI, robotics, and cybersecurity. You’ll participate in project-based courses such as CogWorks and AI-focused game design, where you’ll build and test models using Python in real-world scenarios. The program integrates data science through tasks like handling datasets, training machine learning models, and analyzing system performance in applications like autonomous systems and computer vision. You’ll collaborate in teams to solve complex engineering problems while also exploring ethical considerations in AI systems. By the end of the program, you will have gained hands-on experience with both AI development and data-driven decision-making in applied research contexts.
15. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI): Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Application Fee: $45; Program Fee: $2,400; Financial aid offered
Cohort Size: 50 students each session
Dates: Session A: June 15 – 26; Session B: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: December 15 – February 21 (extended)
Eligibility: High school students (14+) who will be entering grades 9-12 in the fall; Must be U.S. residents
The AIMI Summer Research Internship at Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging is a two-week virtual program where you’ll work on real-world AI problems in healthcare under the guidance of Stanford researchers. You’ll engage in projects such as medical image analysis, predictive modeling, and working with clinical datasets, while attending lectures and seminars on AI in medicine. The program incorporates strong data science elements, including data preprocessing, exploratory analysis, and applying machine learning techniques to healthcare data. You’ll also participate in coding tasks, collaborative research, and present your findings to faculty at the end of the program. Top participants may have the opportunity to continue with extended independent research.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program, 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: Kode with Klossy