If you’re in high school and want to build practical experience in data science, summer programs provide a focused and valuable way to do so. These initiatives, run by universities and specialised organisations, enable you to deepen your understanding of the field while working with datasets and tools. Through structured coursework and project-based learning, you can strengthen your technical skills, explore different areas of data science, and see how analytical methods are applied to solve complex problems.
The following list highlights 15 notable data science programs designed specifically for high school students. Most are research-intensive or pre-college experiences, giving you both theoretical grounding and hands-on exposure. Each program offers unique opportunities to engage with experts, collaborate on projects, and gain insights into the academic and professional applications of data science.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
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).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
2. DSI Summer Lab, University of Chicago
Location: John Crerar Library at the UChicago Hyde Park campus
Cost/Stipend: No cost, stipend for the 8 week program in previous years was $4800.
Application Deadline: January 12. Applications closed currently
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Eligibility: Applicants in High school must be located in the Chicago area, international students must provide authorization to pursue employment in the United States and the students must be familiar with at least one programming language.
The Data Science Institute Summer Lab at the University of Chicago is an 8-week paid research program offering high school and undergraduate students hands-on experience in data-driven fields like computer science, social science, climate policy, and biomedical research. You will be paired with expert mentors to develop research skills, teamwork, and technical expertise while contributing to impactful projects. No prior research experience is required, though familiarity with programming languages (e.g., Python, Java) and coursework in computer science, statistics, or math is preferred. The program provides valuable exposure to research but requires a strong commitment to collaboration and learning.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Fall deadline is on August 24 Check here
Dates: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the Fall cohort from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, Spring from March to June
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students, across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
4. Applications of Machine Learning – Horizon
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Date: Fall cohort application deadline is August 31
Dates: Varies as per cohort
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.
The Applications of Machine Learning program, offered by Horizon 1 on 1 PhD Labs explores advanced techniques in data science with a focus on problem solving across domains such as economics, climate science, healthcare, urban planning, and social analysis. You will learn to apply supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms, natural language processing, and predictive modeling to complex datasets, gaining skills in data scraping, clustering, and visualization. Through hands-on work with open-source and institutional datasets, you will develop models to forecast trends, detect patterns, and assess social or environmental impacts such as predicting crop yields under climate change scenarios, identifying bias in algorithms, modeling transportation patterns, or analyzing sentiment in public discourse. You will work closely with professionals and researchers, gaining insight into current challenges in machine learning applications, and have opportunities to present your findings, showcasing your ability to translate technical analysis into actionable insights.
5. Data Science Academy – Wharton Global Youth Program
Location: Philadelphia, USA (on campus)
Cost: Costs range from $7,899 to $9,799 depending on the particular course. There are online courses as well which range from $329 to $4,099
Application Deadline: Priority deadline* is January 29 and the Final Deadline is April 2
Dates: Jul 13 – Aug 2
Eligibility: All high school students with a minimum GPA of 3.3 are invited to apply
The Wharton Data Science Academy offers high school students a hands-on opportunity to master data science techniques while tackling practical problems. As a participant, will learn essential skills like data visualization, data wrangling, and modern machine learning methodologies, with a focus on the R programming language, widely used in academia and industry. Guided by expert Wharton instructors and supported by undergraduate and graduate TAs, you will analyze data, engage with guest speakers from the field, and collaborate on a team project presented to peers. Graduates earn a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion. Sessions include themes and topics like Essentials of Finance, Leadership in the Business World (LBW), Data Science Academy, Moneyball Academy, Product Design Academy, Management & Technology Institute (M&TSI) etc.
6. Data Science & AI Certificate – NobleDesktop at NYC
Location: 185 Madison Avenue 3rd Floor, New York City with a Virtual option
Cost: $3,995 which can be paid in installments as well
Application Deadline: No deadline mentioned
Dates: No specific dates, the program’s duration is 4 weeks full-time (weekdays), or 20 weeks part-time (evenings or Saturdays)
Eligibility: No specific eligibility criteria, except Individuals with a strong interest in data science with Python, machine learning, data visualization, and SQL skills.
The Data Science Summer Program, offered by Nobledesktop in NYC, provides an in-depth introduction to Python, SQL, automation, and machine learning, preparing you to work with datasets and develop analytical solutions. You will learn how to write efficient Python code, manage and query databases, perform statistical analysis, and build predictive models using Scikit-learn. The program emphasizes applied learning through industry-aligned projects, where you will design interactive data visualizations and dashboards using tools like Matplotlib and Plotly. Six one-on-one mentoring sessions with experienced data professionals offer personalized feedback and career guidance, while collaborative work environments allow you to engage with experts in the field. The experience culminates in opportunities to present your findings, helping you refine both your technical and communication skills.
7. NYU Tandon’s Summer Program for Machine Learning
Location: NYU’s Washington Square Park campus
Cost: $3,230 or $2,920 ($2,500 Tuition + $100 Materials fee + $100 Events fee + $308 Per Week for Housing (optional) + $192 Per 10 Meal Packages plus $30)
Application Deadline: April 20
Dates: Session 1: June 17 – 28 | Session 2: July 8 – 19 | Session 3: July 29 – August 9
Eligibility: This program is open to high school students who have successfully completed Algebra 2 or equivalent and have had some programming experience in any language and with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The Summer Program for Machine Learning, offered by NYU Tandon School of Engineering, is a two-week intensive that builds a foundational understanding of machine learning and artificial intelligence, with a focus on neural networks, linear regression, and model development. You will explore the algorithms and mathematics that power technologies such as autonomous vehicles, speech recognition systems, and diagnostic tools in healthcare. Through hands-on projects, you will design, train, and test models while applying problem-solving approaches to address practical challenges. The program incorporates close collaboration with NYU Tandon faculty and graduate mentors, providing technical guidance and academic support, and concludes with opportunities to present your work. This will help to strengthen both your analytical expertise and your ability to communicate complex concepts effectively
8. Computer Science Summer Institute – Introductory Track UCLA
Location: UCLA Campus, Los Angeles
Cost: $850 onwards
Application Deadline: June 13
Dates: June 23 – July 11
Eligibility: All applicants must be 9th-12th graders in Spring of the year of the summer program
The Computer Science Introductory Track, offered by UCLA, is a structured three-week program designed for high school students interested in developing foundational skills in computer science. Based on UCLA’s CS30 course, the program introduces core concepts such as functional decomposition, data types (integers, booleans, strings, lists), and control structures (conditionals and loops), using Python as the primary programming language. You will learn how to design, implement, and test programs that solve computational problems, while also gaining exposure to the broader applications and creative possibilities of computer science. Through a combination of lectures, coding exercises, discussion sessions, and lab tours, you will engage with practical applications of programming and data analysis. Hands-on experiences include building functional programs, exploring algorithms like sorting and recursion, and working with tools such as Turtle graphics and file operations.
9. Coding Academy | Tufts University
Location: Tufts University – Medford / Somerville Campus
Cost: Commuter: $4,225 | Residential: $5,750
Application Deadline: May 1
Dates: Jul 20 – Aug 1
Eligibility: All applicants must be entering grades 10-12 or a Spring high school graduate in the program year.
Tufts University’s Coding Programs for High School Students deliver a two-week, credit-bearing curriculum that blends coding instruction with applied data science and technology exploration. You will develop skills in Python programming, data-driven research techniques, and collaborative software development, while also engaging with concepts in artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity. The program includes daily coding exercises, workshops, and team-based projects that culminate in building, refining, and presenting a final project. Hands-on learning is reinforced through interactions with Tufts faculty and industry professionals, as well as site visits to Boston-area tech companies like Google and HubSpot, offering practical insight into technology careers. Placement in tracks from introductory (Coding 101) to advanced (Coding 301) ensures that your learning pace matches your current expertise, while the program’s emphasis on both technical and communication skills prepares you to work effectively in data-driven environments.
10. MITES Summer MIT
Location: MIT Campus, Boston, MA
Cost: Free of charge
Dates: Six weeks from late June through early August
Application Deadline: Applications are open now! Apply here
Eligibility: To be eligible, students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and High school juniors
The MITES Summer Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a fully funded six-week residential course that combines rigorous academic study with applied research experiences in STEM. You will deepen your knowledge in mathematics, science, and humanities while also exploring specialized electives such as machine learning, genomics, and engineering design. Practical learning extends to laboratory work, field visits to research facilities and technology companies, and workshops that apply theoretical concepts to challenges. Collaborative projects provide opportunities to work alongside peers and professionals, develop problem-solving strategies, and present research outcomes. The program also integrates structured mentorship and guidance on higher education pathways, equipping you with both the technical expertise and analytical skills essential for advanced study and careers in scientific and engineering disciplines.
11. CS Scholars – Pre-College Programs – Carnegie Mellon University
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: June 21 to July 19
Eligibility: Applicants must be between the 10th and 11th grade years in high school during the summer of the program and must be at least 16 years old.
The CS Scholars (CSS) program at Carnegie Mellon University is a fully funded, four-week residential experience that offers a comprehensive introduction to computer science through college-level courses, hands-on research projects, faculty lectures, and industry engagement. You will learn core programming skills in Python, including algorithms, data structures, and problem-solving techniques such as top-down design and debugging, while also strengthening computational thinking through a pre-concepts of math course. Hands-on experiences include developing and presenting a group project that applies computer science to practical challenges, participating in workshops on college readiness and equity in STEM, and engaging directly with Carnegie Mellon faculty and industry leaders. The program also provides academic tours, field trips to tech companies, and opportunities to build technical and collaborative skills in an inclusive, supportive environment.
12. CS4CS (Cyber Security for Computer Science), NYU Tandon
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: May 15
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Eligibility: This program is open to only NYC resident students currently in 10th or 11th grade
CS4CS (Cyber Security for Computer Science), offered by NYU Tandon School of Engineering, is a university-level summer program that introduces core concepts in cybersecurity and computer science to high school students at all levels of experience. You will learn the fundamentals of ethical hacking, cryptography, steganography, digital forensics, privacy, and data protection while gaining practical coding and programming skills through hands-on training and security analysis exercises. The program also incorporates theatre-based communication workshops to strengthen your ability to present technical ideas clearly and effectively. By the end of the program, you will have built foundational technical and analytical skills critical for navigating the evolving landscape of cybersecurity.
13. Pre-College Data Science Programs – Harvard Summer School
Location: Harvard University Campus
Cost: $5,800 + $75
Application Deadline: Feb 12 and late application deadline is April 9. Course registration for accepted students must be completed by June 2
Dates: Session I: June 22–July 3 | Session II: July 6–18 | Session III: July 20–August 1
Eligibility: All applicants must be high school students
The Harvard Pre-College Summer Program offers high school students the opportunity to engage in academically rigorous, university-level computer science courses, providing a deeper understanding of data science, quantum computing, and computational analysis. Through the Introduction to Data Science with a Focus on Visualization, you will learn to collect and analyze data using Python, creating visualizations to communicate findings effectively. In the Quantum Information and Quantum Computation course, you will explore the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, learning how spin states function as qubits and how quantum systems transform information processing. Throughout the program, you will work collaboratively in small groups, applying these concepts in hands-on projects, while also participating in a range of co-curricular activities designed to broaden your academic and personal growth.
14. Stanford AI4ALL
Location: Online
Cost: $4,000. Financial aid is available
Application Deadline: 24 Jan
Dates: June 18 to July 2
Eligibility: All rising 10th graders who are over the age of 14 by the start of the program are eligible to apply
Stanford AI4ALL, offered by Stanford University, is a three-week online program that introduces you to the foundations and applications of artificial intelligence through faculty-led lectures, guided research, and mentorship. You will develop skills in areas such as computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, and computational biology, while also examining the societal implications of AI. Hands-on learning includes working on substantial research projects, applying AI tools to address issues like medical diagnostics, disaster response, and poverty alleviation. Collaboration with Stanford researchers and industry professionals provides insight into current developments in the field, while structured opportunities to present your work help strengthen your ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively. The program also fosters an understanding of how AI can be leveraged to create meaningful social impact
15. Python Data Science Summer Program NYC
Location: in-person in NYC with an online option
Cost: $2,495
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Dates: Various dates from June 18 to August 21
Eligibility: Program is for high school students with a strong interest in coding
The 2-Week Data Science Camp, offered by NextGen Bootcamp, provides a structured introduction to Python programming and its applications in data analysis and machine learning. You will start by building a strong foundation in Python syntax and logic, then progress to working with libraries such as Pandas for data manipulation, Matplotlib for visualization, and Scikit-learn for creating and evaluating predictive models. Through guided, hands-on projects, you will learn to analyze datasets, identify trends, and present findings in clear, visual formats. The program also fosters collaboration with instructors experienced in data science, offering direct feedback and technical insight, and concludes with opportunities to showcase your work—developing both your analytical skills and your ability to communicate results effectively
Image source – Carnegie Mellon University