Participating in a data science program while still in high school offers a decisive edge in an increasingly automated global economy. These programs are often hosted by universities and transition you from basic computer literacy to technical mastery, moving beyond simple syntax to explore the mathematical foundations of machine learning and big data. They take you beyond the classroom and provide a direct pipeline to prestigious career paths in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantitative finance, and bioinformatics. By engaging in this level of academic study, you will gain the necessary expertise that demonstrates a verified ability to handle collegiate-level research and quantitative reasoning.
Why should you choose a program in North Carolina?
North Carolina has emerged as a significant hub for technology and biotechnology, particularly within the Research Triangle Park. For high school students, this translates into unique access to elite data science and engineering research opportunities. Engaging in these programs allows you to move beyond basic coding and begin working with the predictive modeling and large-scale data analysis that drive modern innovation. You’ll get to work alongside PhD mentors and industry experts and develop a professional network and a portfolio of work that could serve as a cornerstone for your future academic and professional success. Whether you are assisting in a biomedical lab or developing an original neural network, these programs ensure you will learn the collaborative and technical skills required to thrive in a high-pressure research environment.
With that, here are 15 data science programs for high school students in North Carolina that are worth exploring!
You can also check out these guides on the best AI summer programs, online data science programs, and computer science courses for high school students!
Key Takeaways
- North Carolina’s data science programs benefit from the state’s Research Triangle Park ecosystem, giving high school students access to university labs, biotechnology research, and major tech companies like Red Hat in a single regional hub
- Programs range from free, paid research internships like DukeREP and the NIH Summer Internship Program to accessible week-long camps at NC State, as well as fully virtual options like Stanford AI4ALL and the Quantum Computing Summer Camp
- Several programs offer stipends or paid positions, including the NIH Summer Internship Program ($2,530–$2,840/month), Red Hat High School Internship (paid), DukeREP (stipend offered), and The Coding School’s Research Program (up to $750 stipend)
- Catalyst at NC State stands out as a dedicated pathway for students with documented disabilities, combining paid STEM internships with professional certification opportunities in fields like cybersecurity
15 Data Science Programs for High School Students in North Carolina
1. DukeREP Engineering Research Program
Location: Duke University Pratt School of Engineering, Durham, NC
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend offered
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (16+) in North Carolina; Priority for Durham Public Schools
This highly competitive internship immerses you in a professional engineering lab at Duke University, where you will follow a full-time summer schedule alongside faculty and student researchers. Depending on your placement, you will learn to handle computational modeling, manage complex datasets, and set up experiments in fields like robotics or renewable energy. You will also get to explore the intersection of data science and various aspects of engineering and research. The program emphasizes a team-based approach, showing you how engineering concepts transition from theoretical planning to hands-on testing. Through consistent research routines and weekly professional workshops, you will develop the workplace skills necessary for a high-level STEM career.
2. Red Hat High School Internship
Location: Red Hat Headquarters, Cary, NC
Stipend: Paid
Dates: July 7 – 18 (Session 1); July 21 – August 1 (Session 2)
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors from the Raleigh area (16+) with a minimum 2.0 GPA
At the world’s leading provider of open-source solutions, you will gain a practical look at how technical teams collaborate on large-scale software projects. This internship introduces you to open-source technology through daily assigned tasks and conversations with mentors in software development or IT systems. You will spend your time exploring professional workflows and seeing how open-source principles shape modern data infrastructure and technical communications. The program focuses on workplace readiness and technical exposure, providing a rare glimpse into the corporate tech environment in the Research Triangle.
3. NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP)
Location: Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC (and other NIH campuses)
Stipend: $2,530 – $2,840 per month
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: High school seniors (18+) with a minimum 3.2 GPA and relevant STEM coursework
Through the National Institutes of Health, you will learn to apply data science and informatics to critical biomedical research projects. Working in a professional lab environment, you will assist researchers in biology, psychology, or computer science, gaining experience in scientific techniques and data management. Mentors provide structured assignments that help you practice research skills while participating in training sessions focused on career paths in the health sciences. At the conclusion of the summer, you may get to share your findings through formal poster sessions or presentations.
4. SMART Systems & Data Analytics Workshop
Location: NC State University, Raleigh, NC
Cost: $500 (financial assistance available)
Dates: June 14 – 19
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: High school students
Hosted by the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, this immersive camp explores the intersection of data analytics and systems engineering. You will learn the fundamentals of predictive modeling, data visualization, and data collection while using industry-standard software to optimize complex systems. Working in collaborative teams, you will apply analytical tools to solve challenges in healthcare, transportation, and energy-efficient processing. The workshop provides direct interaction with faculty and industry professionals, offering a unique perspective on how data is transforming the engineering design process.
5. Science and Research Summer Program at NCCU
Location: North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 23 – July 18
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: North Carolina high schoolers in their junior and senior years
In this four-week immersion, you will transition from a classroom learner to an active researcher by partnering with faculty on experiments in biology and chemistry. The program is designed to provide laboratory expertise and help clarify your academic trajectory through rigorous investigation and personalized mentorship. You will contribute to meaningful scientific discoveries while experiencing the daily realities of professional research at a historic institution. You will also get to experience how data science contributes to various STEM fields. This program serves as a significant building block for students intending to pursue STEM majors at the university level.
6. Catalyst: STEM For Students with Disabilities
Location: NC State University, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Dates: June (Focus period) with yearlong Saturday sessions
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: North Carolina 9th-12th graders with an IEP, 504 Plan, or documented disability
Catalyst is an award-winning program that equips you with the technical skills and workforce readiness needed for STEM careers. You will gain hands-on exposure to cutting-edge fields like coding and engineering design through weeklong summer institutes and regular sessions during the school year. The program includes paid STEM internships in research labs, where you will work with graduate students and professors on real-world projects. You may also earn professional certifications in Cyber Security or Quality Assurance, providing a clear pathway into the technical workforce.
7. NC State University’s Design Camp: Explorations
Location: NC State University, Raleigh, NC
Cost: $900 (financial aid offered)
Dates: July 27 – 31
Application Deadline: Rolling (registrations after April 10 incur a fee)
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders
While focused on design, this camp introduces you to the data-driven world of “Experience Design” and Media Arts. You will learn the design process through four studio projects that integrate technology and critical thinking exercises. The curriculum covers the intersection of media and data-centric disciplines, helping you understand how information is visualized and communicated in professional design fields. Through design critiques and site visits, you will explore various creative approaches and potential career paths in technology and media arts.
8. Seeing Through a Digital World: Network Simulation
Location: NC State University, Raleigh, NC
Cost: $500 (financial assistance available)
Dates: June 14 – 19
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: High school students
This workshop focuses on the inner workings of computer networks using advanced simulation tools. You will learn how data flows through real-world scenarios and the fundamental principles of networking by creating and testing creative networks in a virtual environment. The camp introduces introductory Python concepts and teaches you how to design and build complex network architectures through programming. By visualizing simulated network scenarios, you will grasp the complex infrastructure that supports the digital world and global data exchange.
9. iD Tech – Machine Learning: Coding Deep Neural Networks
Location: In-person sessions in NC (and other states)
Cost: $4,549
Dates: 2-week sessions available in summer
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18
In this specialized program, you will learn to create neural networks designed to locate patterns and solve problems in a manner that mimics the human brain. The course focuses on using TensorFlow to train models and explores Python-based machine learning techniques. Despite being open to beginners, the curriculum delves into sophisticated concepts like data training and algorithmic optimization. It also includes an official iD Tech diploma and course transcript, as well as on-campus housing and meals.
10. NC State University’s Summer Residential Engineering Camps
Location: NC State College of Engineering, Raleigh, NC
Cost: $1,550; Limited financial aid available
Dates: Multiple sessions in the summer
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
NC State University’s Summer Residential Engineering Camps are week-long residential camps that allow you to immerse yourself in a specific engineering workshop, such as computer science or digital computer engineering. You will learn how engineers tackle society’s problems through hands-on workshops that run daily. The program provides a comprehensive look at the engineering design process and includes afternoon activities that give you a glimpse of college life. At the end of the week, you will present your technical work in a showcase for family and faculty members.
11. Duke University’s Pre-College Programs
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost: $1,525 – $4,700
Dates: Multiple 1-week sessions mid-June to late July
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-11
Duke’s pre-college courses provide access to advanced curriculum and technology in fields like applied econometrics, chemical toxicology, artificial intelligence, and population genomics. You will learn from renowned faculty and researchers while using university facilities and labs to complete high-level coursework. The program also includes “College Connections” sessions that help you prepare for the academic rigors of a top-tier university. You will network with like-minded peers and gain insights into a wide variety of STEM and social science career paths.
12. Stanford AI4ALL
Location: Online
Cost: $4,000 (financial aid available)
Dates: June 18 – July 2
Application Deadline: January 24
Eligibility: Current 9th graders (14+)
This three-week program introduces you to the foundations of artificial intelligence through faculty-led lectures and guided research. You will develop skills in natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics while examining the societal implications of AI. The curriculum focuses on AI for social good, requiring you to apply technical tools to real-world issues like poverty alleviation or disaster response. You will collaborate with Stanford researchers and industry professionals, gaining the ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively.
13. UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Virtual Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies (see here)
Dates: Multiple sessions in the summer
Application Deadline: February 17 – June 1
Eligibility: Rising 11th-12th graders (16+) with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars Virtual Track offers a variety of courses from its undergraduate course selection, including several engineering, STEM, and data science courses. These range from data science for astronomy, biology, software engineering fundamentals, and more; check out the full selection of courses here. Aside from this, you will receive academic support and college readiness resources alongside coursework. Throughout the session, you will build analytical skills that are central to data science and research. By the end, you’ll earn college credit and gain experience working with core statistical tools.
14. Quantum Computing Summer Camp
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Scholarships offered
Dates: TBA
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Incoming 9th-12th graders
The Quantum Computing Summer Camp is a short program where you’ll explore how quantum computing intersects with data science and advanced computation. You will learn to use Qiskit, a programming framework, to run code on quantum systems. The curriculum introduces concepts such as qubits, superposition, and entanglement, which form the basis of quantum algorithms. You’ll also build quantum circuits using Python and analyze how they process information differently from classical systems. The program emphasizes experimentation, with you running and interpreting results from quantum simulations. Through these activities, you’ll gain exposure to emerging computational methods that are beginning to influence data science. By the end, you will develop a foundational understanding of quantum computing and its applications.
15. The Coding School: National High School Research Program – Data Science Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free for up to 100 enrolled students in specific cities; $3,995 otherwise (scholarships available); Stipend of $750 may be offered
Dates: June 29 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 1 (Priority); March 15 (2nd Priority)
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders
The Coding School National High School Research Program is a multi-week experience where you build core data science skills and apply them to a guided research project. In the initial phase, you’ll learn coding, data analysis, and problem-solving using tools like Python. You will then transition into a mentored project, working with a researcher or industry professional to analyze real datasets. The program emphasizes practical application, with you using visualization tools and analytical methods to draw insights from data. You’ll also develop skills in structuring and presenting your findings. The experience is designed to simulate a research environment, with a focus on independent work and mentorship. By the end, you will complete a project that demonstrates your understanding of data science concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What data science programs are available for high school students in North Carolina?
North Carolina offers data science programs at Duke University (DukeREP, Duke Pre-College Programs), NC State University (SMART Systems & Data Analytics Workshop, Network Simulation, Design Camp, Summer Residential Engineering Camps, Catalyst), North Carolina Central University, and through organizations like the NIH and Red Hat in Research Triangle Park. Virtual options including Stanford AI4ALL, UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars, and the Quantum Computing Summer Camp are also accessible to North Carolina students.
Do I need prior coding experience to apply to these programs?
It depends on the program. The SMART Systems & Data Analytics Workshop and Network Simulation camp at NC State introduce foundational concepts and are accessible to students without prior coding background. More advanced programs like iD Tech’s Machine Learning course and Stanford AI4ALL move quickly into sophisticated concepts like neural network training and natural language processing, so some prior exposure to Python is helpful, though not always required.
Are there paid data science programs for high school students in North Carolina?
Yes. The NIH Summer Internship Program pays $2,530 to $2,840 per month. Red Hat High School Internship is a paid position. DukeREP offers a stipend. Catalyst at NC State includes paid STEM internships in research labs. The Coding School’s National High School Research Program offers a stipend of up to $750 and is free for up to 100 enrolled students in specific cities.
Which programs are specifically for students with disabilities?
Catalyst: STEM For Students with Disabilities is specifically designed for North Carolina 9th through 12th graders with an IEP, 504 Plan, or documented disability. The program combines weeklong summer institutes, yearlong Saturday sessions, paid STEM internships, and professional certification opportunities in fields like Cyber Security and Quality Assurance.
Are there virtual data science programs accessible to North Carolina students?
Yes. Stanford AI4ALL is a fully online three-week program covering AI fundamentals and social impact applications. UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars Virtual Track offers data science coursework for college credit. The Quantum Computing Summer Camp and The Coding School’s National High School Research Program are also entirely virtual, expanding access for students outside the Raleigh-Durham area.
Which North Carolina data science programs connect to biomedical or health research specifically?
The NIH Summer Internship Program places you directly in biomedical research at facilities in Research Triangle Park, applying data science and informatics to health science projects. Duke’s Pre-College Programs include courses touching on population genomics. The Science and Research Summer Program at NCCU also exposes students to how data science contributes to biology and chemistry research.
When should I apply to data science programs in North Carolina?
Catalyst closes January 15, and Stanford AI4ALL closes January 24. DukeREP and the NIH Summer Internship Program both close in mid-to-late February. The SMART Systems Workshop, Network Simulation camp, and Summer Residential Engineering Camps all close February 27. Red Hat’s internship closes March 28, and Duke Pre-College closes April 1. NCCU’s Science and Research Program has the latest deadline at June 1. Reviewing program timelines in the fall and applying early to paid or stipend-based programs is strongly recommended given the competitive nature of several listings.
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: UC Berkeley