If you’re a high school student interested in working with data and understanding its real-world impact, consider joining a data science program. These programs allow you to explore advanced concepts and develop practical skills across data analysis, programming, and visualization. You will have the chance to work with real datasets, learn to use tools like Python and SQL, and explore the role data plays in fields like healthcare, sustainability, and finance. Many data science programs also include mentorship, collaborative projects, and opportunities to present your work, helping you gain early exposure to real-world applications and industry practices.
Why should you choose a data science program in Oregon?
Oregon offers many academic and research opportunities in data science that help you gain in-depth knowledge in the field. Many reputed universities, research labs, and organizations in Oregon allow you to learn from experienced mentors and gain access to valuable resources. You’ll get the opportunity to work on hands-on projects, from analyzing environmental data and conducting scientific research to building machine learning models and working on data-driven reports. Some programs also include internships, lab work, and field experiences, allowing you to see how data science is applied in real-world settings. There are both free and paid options that you can choose from based on your interests and future goals.
To make your search easier, we’ve narrowed down our list to 15 data science programs for high school students in Oregon that you can explore.
You can also check out these guides on AI summer programs and computer science courses for high school students!
Key Takeaways
- Oregon high school students can access data science programs through universities like Oregon State, University of Oregon, and Oregon Tech, as well as research institutions like Gibbs Laboratory and the Port of Portland
- Several programs are free or paid, including University of Oregon’s SAIL Camp (free), Clackamas Community College’s CTE Program (free), Gibbs Laboratory Internship (free), Port of Portland’s internship (hourly wage), and the ASE Machine Learning Internship (stipend provided)
- Virtual programs including Stanford AI4ALL, Stanford Pre-College Data Science, Brown’s Computational Mathematics course, UC Berkeley’s AI Journey, Kode with Klossy, and Syracuse’s Database Programming course significantly expand options beyond in-person Oregon locations
- Programs span real-world data science applications across sustainability, toxicology, healthcare, machine learning, and cybersecurity, giving students broad exposure to how data science functions across different industries
15 Data Science Programs for High School Students in Oregon
1. Data in Action: Sustainability, Science, and Storytelling
Location: Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: $1,800; $20,000 in scholarships offered
Dates: July 12 – 17
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders
Data in Action: Sustainability, Science, and Storytelling is a six-day pre-college program for high school students. You’ll learn about data science and journalism, participate in advocacy for a sustainable environment through data, and engage in hands-on work with environmental data sets. You’ll create an interactive piece of data journalism on a topic of your choice, listen to guest speakers, and receive mentorship. The program will allow you to develop and sharpen a range of skills, including data interpretation, storytelling, and data visualization. You will attend workshops, go on field trips, and work on collaborative projects, helping you build real-world skills in data science.
2. Port of Portland: Summer Internship Program
Location: Port of Portland offices and facilities, Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: Free; Hourly wage paid
Dates: 12-month internship
Application Deadline: Year-round opportunities; Recruitment typically starts in Spring
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 2.5
Port of Portland’s Summer Internship Program is a full-time and part-time learning opportunity for high school students. You’ll engage in learning through a range of disciplines, including information technology, legal engineering, finance, business, construction, transportation, land use planning, and public affairs. You’ll work on job assignments, receive mentorship and training from corporate professionals, and will have the opportunity to earn a salary. You’ll engage in data tracking, go on site visits, and work on technical documentation. The program involves the interconnection of engineering and operations.
3. University of Oregon: SAIL Computer Science Camp & Mentorship
Location: University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
Cost: Free
Dates: Day Program: July 20 – 24; Residential Program: July 12 – 17
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders (day program); Rising 11th-12th graders (residential program); Must reside in Oregon
University of Oregon SAIL Computer Science Camp & Mentorship is a one-week intensive program involving technical training. The program will allow you to engage in data and computer science-focused hands-on learning activities. Past sessions have explored a range of topics, including machine learning, 3D design, game programming, Markerspace tour, and more. It aims to address interdisciplinary challenges and prepare a future generation of scholars in the field. As a participant, you’ll also get to receive 0.5 elective high school credit.
4. OSU-Cascades Summer Academy
Location: OSU-Cascades, Bend, OR
Cost/Stipend: Overnight: $1,500; Day: $1,000; $500 scholarship awarded
Dates: Session 1: July 19 – 24; Session 2: July 26 – 31
Application Deadline: Registration opens on February 11
Eligibility: Rising 10-12th graders
OSU-Cascades Summer Academy is a six-day program for high school students during which you’ll attend classes, participate in recreational activities like hiking, swimming, and more, and experience life as a college student. The computer science track will allow you to understand the real-world impact of computing, including artificial intelligence and social media. You’ll develop programming skills and gain knowledge about a range of fundamental computing concepts, including innovations, algorithms, and coding. You’ll also go on a field trip, learn from industry experts, and participate in different on-campus activities, including outdoor games, pool, board games, movies, and more. The program will also provide you with counseling support from students at OSU-Cascades.
5. Oregon State University (OSU): STEM Academy Toxicology Camp
Location: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Cost: $140; Need-based scholarships available
Dates: July 7 – 9
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders
Oregon State University (OSU): STEM Academy Toxicology Camp offers a three-day learning experience to high school students. The camp will allow you to participate in data analysis and conduct toxicology experiments, while also learning the techniques for the protection of the environment and human beings from toxins. You’ll understand the difference between a toxic and a safe substance or chemical. The program involves field work where you’ll engage in exploring molecular mechanisms in glowing zebrafish and testing chemical effects present in Daphnia. It is focused on addressing real-world challenges faced by professional scientists.
6. Clackamas Community College Career Technical Education (CTE) Summer Program
Location: Clackamas Community College, Oregon City, OR
Cost: Free
Dates: August 10 – 13
Application Deadline: June 7
Eligibility: High school students in Clackamas County
Clackamas Community College Career Technical Education (CTE) Summer Program offers free college credit opportunities to high school students. The program will allow you to explore camps focused on a range of topics, including machine tool technology, medical assisting, introduction to cybersecurity, and more. The cybersecurity camp will provide you with the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities and demonstrations. You will develop a range of skills in cyberthreat recognition, digital security, privacy management, and more.
7. Gibbs Laboratory: Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Internship Program
Location: Gibbs Laboratory, Portland, OR
Cost: Free
Dates: 10 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school and college students
The Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Internship Program allows high school students to gain hands-on learning experience in scientific research. During the internship, you will learn about data processing, data analysis, and programming in the field of image analysis. You will also have the opportunity to develop a range of laboratory skills, including fluorescence microscopy, organic synthesis, spectroscopy, small molecule purification, macroscopic fluorescence imaging, antibody conjugation, and purification strategies. The program allows you to gain knowledge about troubleshooting and experimental planning.
8. Oregon Tech High School Transition Program
Location: Oregon Institute of Technology, Klamath Falls Or Portland-Metro, OR
Cost: $25/credit + book cost, lab fees, or equipment fees specific to the course
Dates: Varies
Application Deadline: Varies by semester
Eligibility: High school students (14+)
Oregon Tech High School Transition Program is a pre-college credit-based learning opportunity for high school students. The program will allow you to engage in hands-on learning in STEM fields, including data science, technology, engineering, and more. You’ll enroll in college-level courses and have the opportunity to earn a maximum of eight credits during a specific term. The program allows you to learn at a campus of your choice from the available options.
9. Apprenticeships in STEAM Exploration (ASE) Program – Machine Learning Internship
Location: Saturday Academy, Portland, OR + Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $40 non-refundable application fee; Stipends are provided for both part-time and full-time positions
Dates: June 15 – August 28
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders living within 50 miles of the position location; Knowledge/experience of programming languages
Apprenticeships in STEAM Exploration (ASE) program – Machine Learning Internship is offered to high school students by Portland State University. You’ll work in a remote setting and engage in a range of activities, including analysis of large data, data mining, deep learning, image data interpretation, novel machine learning implementation, and image data preprocessing. The program will allow you to write programs by using languages such as C++ and Python, and use those programs for specific data processing. You’ll receive virtual mentorship and work for around 100 hours during the internship.
10. Stanford AI4ALL
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,120; Financial aid offered
Dates: June 15 – 26
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Current 9th-grade students
Stanford AI4ALL allows you to explore the field of artificial intelligence and understand the role and impact AI has on society and real-world problem-solving. You will attend AI-focused lectures, engage in live demonstrations with companies, and work on research projects with teams. You will also explore a range of topics, including medical AI, robotics, computer vision, and natural language processing. The program allows you to participate in career workshops, receive mentorship from industry professionals and AI practitioners in the Stanford laboratories.
11. Stanford Pre-College: Introduction to Data Science
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,200; Financial aid offered
Dates: Session 1: June 15 – 26; Session 2: June 6 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: 9th-11th graders
Stanford Pre-College: Introduction to Data Science allows you to develop in-depth knowledge about computer algorithms. You will work on answering real-world questions through data analysis in the field of natural and social sciences. You will also engage in the application of machine learning through R programming exercises. The program gives you the chance to develop coding skills and develop scientific knowledge, along with valuable technical skills. To participate, you should have a basic knowledge of statistics and a programming language.
12. Brown’s Introduction to Computational Mathematics and Big Data Visualization
Location: Virtual
Cost: $6,520; Financial aid offered
Dates: June 15 – July 24
Application Deadline: May 8
Eligibility: High school students
Brown’s Introduction to Computational Mathematics and Big Data Visualization allows you to explore your interests in STEM areas. You will gain knowledge about the numerical methods applied in computing sciences, develop problem-solving skills, and develop an in-depth understanding of data visualization and parallel computing. The program will allow you to explore a range of topics, including data analysis and numerical simulation, and develop critical thinking skills to address scientific and engineering-related problems.
13. UC Berkeley’s Data Science: The AI Journey
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies
Dates: July 6 – 31; More information here
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students ages 12-18
UC Berkeley’s Data Science: The AI Journey will allow you to understand Python and data science from a professional lens. You will engage in a range of hands-on activities, including analyzing big data, creating data visualizations, and building and evaluating machine learning models. You will work on research projects and receive awards. The program will allow you to gain mastery over a range of tools, including Numpy, Pandas, TensorFlow, Python 3, Keras, and more. It spans four weeks and provides you with the opportunity to explore topics such as Python programming, preparing for AI, the code behind AI, and AI in action- Building neural nets.
14. Kode with Klossy
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Available all summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Girls, gender nonconforming and trans students, ages 13-18
Kode with Klossy offers a two-week summer learning opportunity to high school students. The program will allow you to learn through one of three curricula, including data science, artificial intelligence, and web development. The data science curriculum will allow you to engage in data examination and interpretation by applying data visualization tools, SQL, and Python. The program concludes with you building a data visualization on a topic of your interest. You’ll be taught by licensed educators and instructor assistants.
15. Syracuse University’s Fundamentals of Data and Database Programming
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,995
Dates: July 7 – 25
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recent graduates
Syracuse University’s Fundamentals of Data and Database Programming is an engaging virtual program for high school students. You’ll explore the components and fundamental concepts in database systems, including SQL query processing, physical organisation of data, relational databases, and data models. You’ll gain knowledge about the design, development, and implementation of relational database applications. The program will allow you to understand the real-world applications of database theory by working on individual projects. The program is a great opportunity to address practical challenges in the world of data science.
Frequently Asked Questions
What data science programs are available for high school students in Oregon?
Oregon students can access in-person programs at Lewis & Clark College, University of Oregon, OSU-Cascades, Oregon State University, Clackamas Community College, Gibbs Laboratory, Oregon Tech, and through the Port of Portland and Saturday Academy. Virtual programs including Stanford AI4ALL, Stanford Pre-College Data Science, Brown’s Big Data Visualization course, UC Berkeley’s AI Journey, Kode with Klossy, and Syracuse’s Database Programming course are also accessible to Oregon students statewide.
Do I need prior coding experience to apply to these programs?
It depends on the program. University of Oregon’s SAIL Camp and OSU’s STEM Academy Toxicology Camp are accessible to students without prior data science background. More advanced programs like Stanford Pre-College’s Introduction to Data Science require basic knowledge of statistics and a programming language, and the ASE Machine Learning Internship explicitly requires programming language knowledge or experience.
Are there paid data science programs for high school students in Oregon?
Yes. The Port of Portland Summer Internship Program pays an hourly wage over a 12-month internship. The ASE Machine Learning Internship through Saturday Academy provides stipends for both part-time and full-time positions. OSU-Cascades Summer Academy and Data in Action at Lewis & Clark College both offer scholarship opportunities that can offset program costs.
Are there free data science programs for high school students in Oregon?
Yes. University of Oregon’s SAIL Computer Science Camp is free and also offers 0.5 elective high school credit. Clackamas Community College’s CTE Summer Program is free and includes a cybersecurity track. The Gibbs Laboratory Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Internship is free and includes hands-on data analysis and programming. Kode with Klossy is also free for its data science curriculum track.
Which Oregon data science programs connect to real-world applications like healthcare or sustainability?
Data in Action at Lewis & Clark College focuses specifically on environmental sustainability through data journalism and storytelling. OSU’s STEM Academy Toxicology Camp applies data analysis to toxicology research using zebrafish and Daphnia. The Gibbs Laboratory Internship applies data processing and programming to molecular imaging research relevant to disease detection.
Which programs offer college credit for Oregon high school students?
Oregon Tech’s High School Transition Program allows you to earn up to eight college credits per term through college-level coursework in data science, technology, and engineering. University of Oregon’s SAIL Camp provides 0.5 elective high school credit. Clackamas Community College’s CTE Summer Program also offers free college credit opportunities across its STEM tracks.
When should I apply to data science programs for high school students in Oregon?
Stanford AI4ALL closes February 6, and the ASE Machine Learning Internship closes March 6. Stanford Pre-College Data Science closes March 13, and Brown’s Computational Mathematics course closes May 8. Syracuse’s Database Programming course closes May 1, and Clackamas Community College’s program closes June 7. Several Oregon-based programs, including Data in Action, SAIL Camp, and OSU’s Toxicology Camp, use rolling admissions, so applying early is still the safest approach to secure a spot.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects, 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: Oregon State University