Computer science research programs are solid options for high schoolers looking to explore advanced topics like programming, artificial intelligence, and data science. These programs equip you with hands-on experience in coding, algorithms, and real-world problem-solving, all while allowing you to work with top researchers and mentors in the field. Whether building machine learning models or analyzing large data sets, you will develop an impressive skillset beyond classroom learning.
Beyond technical skills, these programs provide exposure to cutting-edge research, giving you a real taste of academic rigor and professional collaboration. By the end of the program, you will have developed research papers, projects, and coding portfolios to showcase, all of which make a strong application for future research projects or internships! Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
Below, we have put together a list of the 10 most popular computer science research opportunities for high school students!
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP): Computer Science Track
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Data Science and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Machine Learning and Social Media, Computational Neuroscience, Algorithms and Data Structures, and more
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: 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! Only a few tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs that give high school students the opportunity to dive into advanced topics across subject areas. In the Computer Science track, you will explore research areas such as data science, machine learning, computational neuroscience, cybersecurity, and more. With guidance from professors or PhD scholars, you’ll conduct rigorous research using cutting-edge tools like Python, R, and TensorFlow, developing crucial skills in data analysis, algorithm design, and computational modeling. Whether exploring social media algorithms or the neural basis of computation, you’ll produce a 20-page, university-level research paper fit for submission to prestigious journals. This program not only enhances your research skills but also equips you with a stellar recommendation letter and expert feedback. You can explore the different course options in the CS track here and apply here!
2. NIST: Summer High School Intern Program Research
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Cryptography, Machine Learning, Computer Forensics, Software Engineering, and more
Location: NIST campuses in Boulder, CO and Gaithersburg, MD
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: January 31
Program Dates: June 16 – August 6
Eligibility: High school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates who are U.S. citizens and have a minimum 3.0 GPA
The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Summer High School Intern Program at the Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) offers a unique opportunity for students interested in computer science to engage in cutting-edge research. Interns work closely with ITL researchers in areas such as computer network modeling, cryptography, trustworthy software, and machine learning. The program provides hands-on experience in topics that are critical to modern computing, including biometrics for security, digital data retrieval, and computer forensics.
Participants in this program not only gain valuable technical skills like data mining, software quality testing, and information visualization but also enhance their resumes through the prestige of working with a government organization. You can learn more about ITL’s research here!
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Computer Science Track
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Computational Biology, and more
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks), $5,900 (16-20 weeks), $8,900 (6-12 months). Financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Summer cohort runs from June to August, Fall cohort from September to December, Winter cohort from December to February, Spring from March to June
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
This program offers high school students the chance to engage in advanced computer science research, working one-on-one with a PhD mentor from a top institution. Participants will delve into cutting-edge topics like artificial intelligence, algorithms, or computational theory while honing technical skills in coding (Python, Java) and data analysis tools like MATLAB and TensorFlow. The program emphasizes rigorous research methodologies and critical thinking, allowing students to develop an independent, publishable research project. You can find the application form here.
4. Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program: Data Science
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Data Science & Visualization, Web Scraping & Data Cleaning, Computational Problem-Solving, and more
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $5,550 + $75 application fee. Housing is included. Limited need-based aid is available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents
Application Deadline: February 12
Program Dates:
- Session 1: June 22 – July 3
- Session 2: July 6 – 18
- Session 3: July 20 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by June 21 and will not turn 19 before July 31
Harvard’s Pre-College Program offers high school students an immersive two-week introduction to college-level learning, focusing on real-world skills in computer science and data science. In the Data Science course, you will explore computational analysis and data visualization using Python and JavaScript. During the first week, you’ll learn to scrape, clean, and organize data from the web and use Python’s Matplotlib library to create insightful visualizations. The course emphasizes hands-on learning through guided mini-projects, like visualizing COVID-19 infection data.
The second week explores advanced techniques in data visualization, focusing on dynamic visualizations in JavaScript, sharpening your skills in presenting complex data in a visually compelling manner. Throughout the course, you’ll collaborate with peers, developing skills in data analytics, computational problem-solving, and coding. Although this isn’t a traditional research program, we’ve included this course because of its emphasis on hands-on learning and the potential to build skills for future research projects.
5. Data Science Institute Summer Lab: University of Chicago
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Coding, Data Visualisation, Algorithm Development, Climate and Energy Policy, Biomedical Research, and more
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $4,800
Application Deadline: January 16
Program Dates: June 10 – August 2
Eligibility: Chicago-area high school students
The DSI Summer Lab is an intensive, eight-week paid research program that allows high school students to delve into cutting-edge computer science research at the University of Chicago. With guidance from data science mentors, you will explore real-world applications in areas like machine learning, big data, and AI-driven technologies. This hands-on program emphasizes practical skills in coding, algorithm development, and data analysis while fostering collaboration in interdisciplinary projects such as biomedical research, climate science, and public policy. No prior research experience is required, making it an ideal opportunity to build a strong foundation in data science and computer science. To apply, you can visit their website.
6. The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program | Texas Tech University
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Virtual and Augmented Reality, Computer Architecture, Computer Animation, Cloud Computing, Statistical Data Analysis, and more
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost, stipend of $750 provided
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: June 16 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or recent graduates who are at least 17 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University offers 12 highly qualified high school juniors and seniors the chance to participate in a concentrated seven-week summer research internship in their chosen subject. This program is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of less than 3%. You will engage with advanced computer science topics such as virtual and augmented reality, computer architectures, computer animation, cloud computing, and statistical data analysis. Under the mentorship of experienced faculty, you will also work on hands-on research projects, developing essential skills in coding, system design, and data analytics. You can take a look at the work of previous scholars here.
7. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE): NYU
Subject Areas: Data Science, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Robotics, Engineering, and more
Location: New York University, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $750
Application Deadline: March 6
Program Dates: June 3 – August 9
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors living in NYC
The ARISE program at NYU Tandon School of Engineering is a 10-week research experience that allows high school students to dive into advanced computer science and engineering research projects. Participants work alongside faculty and graduate students in NYU’s research labs, tackling interdisciplinary topics such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
Past projects have included integrating ethical norms into the data science lifecycle and exploring the intersection of privacy, security, and machine learning. Throughout the program, students will develop technical skills in coding, data analysis, and algorithm design, culminating in a final presentation of their research findings to NYU faculty, graduate students, academic experts, peers, family, and friends.
8. Simons Summer Research Program: Stony Brook University
Subject Areas: Computer Science, AI Systems, Cybersecurity and Data Privacy, Software Engineering, and more
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: $2,781.50 (Residential), unspecified stipend provided upon successful completion
Application Deadline: February 7
Program Dates: July 1 – August 9
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University offers high school students an immersive experience in computer science research. Applicants selected for the program will be assigned to mentors and research groups, working on real-world projects in areas such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Although mentors haven’t been announced yet, we can expect that computer science labs will be offered again.
For the previous program, five mentors specializing in computer science were available, with research opportunities in formal verification for AI systems, interdisciplinary policy and medical research, computer systems, security, software engineering, and more. The program culminates in a written research abstract and a poster presentation, where students showcase their findings.
9. Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College CS Scholars Program
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Algorithmic Thinking & Problem Solving, Data Structures, Python Programming, Artificial Intelligence, and more
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free, need-based travel assistance available
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: June 21 – July 19
Eligibility: High school sophomores who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Carnegie Mellon’s CS Scholars Program is an intensive four-week experience designed for high school students interested in computer science. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on research, where participants explore algorithmic components like variables, functions, conditionals, and loops, and dive into fundamental data structures such as lists and dictionaries. Using Python, students develop problem-solving techniques through algorithmic thinking, top-down design, and debugging.
In addition to computer science coursework, you are required to take a math course to strengthen your computational skills. The program also includes faculty lectures and opportunities to engage with tech industry leaders. Students who excel in the CS Scholars track may be invited to return the following summer for the AI Scholars program, which offers deeper research opportunities in artificial intelligence.
10. Computer Science and Informatics Summer Research Experience Program (CSIRE): Stony Brook University
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Machine Learning, Biomedical Informatics, Data Science, Human-Computer Interaction, and more.
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: $3,300 (not including housing costs for the residential option). Financial aid is available
Application Deadline: March 17
Program Dates: July 1 – August 9
Eligibility: U.S. high school students who are at least 14 years old and have programming skills
The CSIRE program is a six-week summer research opportunity designed for high school students with strong programming or data analytics skills. Participants will explore the intersection of computer science and healthcare through hands-on research in areas like machine learning, biomedical informatics, data science, human-computer interaction, and IoT. Working in labs under the guidance of faculty or PhD students, students contribute to real-world research projects while developing skills in coding, data analysis, and visualization. The program also includes lab visits and seminars on cutting-edge innovations, and it concludes with participants presenting their research findings, enhancing both technical and communication skills. Here are some of the department’s publications.
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