If you’re a high schooler looking to gain some experience in data science, summer programs are a solid way to do so!
These programs, often offered by private organizations or universities, offer a unique opportunity to develop advanced skill sets, gain hands-on experience, and explore specific subject areas.
Below is a curated list of the top 12 data science programs tailored for high schoolers in 2024-2025.
These programs range from research immersions and pre-college experiences to internships and mentorship opportunities, providing a comprehensive overview of what each has to offer.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) - Data Science track
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Application Date: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort
Program Dates:
- Summer seminar - June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024
- Fall seminar - October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
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.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - Data Science
Lumiere offers a personalized research experience for high school students in data science, where you’ll have the opportunity to delve deeply into topics like data analysis, machine learning, and data visualization. The program pairs you with a mentor—typically a Ph.D. scholar or professor from a top university—who will guide you as you develop and execute your research project.
Throughout the program, you’ll gain hands-on experience with data science tools such as Python and R, culminating in a research paper that showcases your findings. The program is designed to help you develop advanced data science skills and provides a valuable recommendation letter that you can use for college applications.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions with three annual cohorts
Program Dates: Flexible, typically 12-16 weeks
Eligibility: High school students with strong analytical skills and a background in mathematics or programming.
3. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute - Data Science and Machine Learning
MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute offers an immersive program for high school students interested in data science and machine learning. This program focuses on the application of machine learning algorithms to real-world problems and includes hands-on projects where you’ll work with tools like Python to analyze large datasets.
Participants will engage in intensive workshops and lectures led by MIT faculty, learning essential skills such as data preprocessing, model building, and evaluation. This program is ideal for students looking to gain practical experience in the rapidly growing field of data science.
Location: Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: February 28, 2024
Program Dates: July 8, 2024 - August 4, 2024
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with strong backgrounds in mathematics and programming.
4. Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Program - AI Scholars
Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Program’s AI Scholars course offers a comprehensive introduction to artificial intelligence and data science for high school students. Participants will explore key topics such as predictive modeling, data analysis, and the ethical considerations of AI.
As an AI Scholar you will engage in college-level courses, as well as weekly college prep and readiness seminars focused on college admissions, financial aid, social-emotional wellbeing, and more. You'll develop meaningful connections with peers and mentors while being fully immersed in the college experience.
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Program Dates: Jun. 22 - Jul. 20, 2024
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a strong interest in AI and data science.
5. Columbia University Coding Bootcamp - Data Analytics
Columbia Engineering Data Analytics Boot Camp is committed to preparing our online data analytics learners for success. The course prioritizes three pillars: Structured Flexibility, Innovative Instruction, and Real-World Projects. The curriculum covers relevant tools and technologies including Intermediate Excel, Python, JavaScript, HTML5/CSS, API Interactions, SQL, Tableau, Fundamental Statistics, Machine Learning, Git/GitHub, and more. Projects align with real-world datasets from various industry data fields like Finance Services, Human Resources, Healthcare, and Government.
You will receive an Award of Completion from Columbia Engineering from our Online Data Analytics Boot Camp after studying part-time for over 24 weeks.
Location: Online
Application Deadline: August 26, 2024
Program Dates: 24 weeks
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with no prior coding experience required.
6. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Institutes - Introduction to Data Science
Stanford’s Pre-Collegiate Institutes offer a specialized track in data science and engineering for high school students. Participants will engage in project-based learning, exploring topics such as big data, machine learning, and data visualization.
The program includes hands-on experience with software tools like RStudio and Hadoop, providing students with the skills needed to analyze and interpret large datasets. This program is ideal for students interested in pursuing advanced studies in data science and engineering. By the end of the course, students will have developed a technical skill set that allows them to investigate any given dataset with strong coding abilities and a scientific approach.
Location: Online
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024
Program Dates: June 17, 2024 - June 28, 2024 | July 08, 2024 - July 19, 2024
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12 with a strong interest in STEM
NYU Tandon’s Summer Program offers a focused exploration of machine learning within the broader field of data science. Participants will learn about supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks, and deep learning through hands-on projects.
Students learn core principles in ML such as model development through cross-validation, linear regressions, and neural networks. Participants will develop an understanding of how logic and mathematics are applied both to "teach" a computer to perform specific tasks on its own and to improve continuously at doing so along the way. This program is perfect for students looking to gain specialized knowledge in machine learning while building practical data science skills.
Location: New York, NY
Application Deadline: April 20, 2024
Program Dates: June 17 - 28 | July 8 - 19 | July 29 - August 9
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9, 10, or 11 who have complete Algebra 2 (or equivalent) and have some computer programming experience (in any language). Competitive applicants will have a minimum 3.0 GPA or equivalent.
Wharton’s Data Science Academy is a summer program that offers high school students the chance to learn from Wharton professors while designing their own data science projects. Throughout the program, students will delve into key data science techniques, including data visualization, data wrangling, and machine learning methodologies. These skills are then applied to a final project, which participants present to their peers at the program's conclusion.
This program provides a comprehensive introduction to the foundational concepts needed to pursue a career in data science. It stands out for its hands-on approach, allowing students to align their projects with their interests. While the program is on the pricier side, it offers significant value, especially for those interested in targeting UPenn.
Location: UPenn Campus
Application Deadline: January 31 (Priority) | April 3 (Final),
Program Dates: Jul 14 - Aug 3, 2024
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 10-11 with a strong background in math and coding and an interest in data analytics.
This program offers a 10-week, paid research opportunity focused on applied, interdisciplinary data science research. Participants are paired with a data science mentor—typically a professor—who guides them through the development of their research skills and the application of data science methodologies.
Throughout the program, students will explore a range of topics across various domains, including computer science, data science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, and more. Under the mentorship of experienced researchers, students will hone their abilities in research methodologies, data science practices, and collaborative work. The program culminates in a presentation of final videos, where students showcase their research findings.
Location: University of Chicago
Application Deadline: Late Fall
Program Dates: June 10 – August 2, 2024
Eligibility: High School students & undergraduates
10. Veritas AI
Veritas AI is an AI and data science program founded and run by Harvard and Oxford graduate students. Students can learn the fundamentals of data science and AI in small groups by working on real-world, hands-on projects. The topics covered include how to structure and analyze large data sets, neural networks, image classification, deep learning, and coding using Python.
You can also work 1-1 with mentors from top universities to build unique and individualized projects in a field of your interest at the intersection of data science and AI. In the past, students have worked on fascinating projects that intersect with finance, medicine, environmental science, gaming, education, and more. You can find a list of past projects here!
Location: Virtual
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Program dates: August 14, 2024
Eligibility: High School Students
Although not exclusively centered on data science, this program is designed to introduce high school girls to essential computer science and coding skills, which form the foundational knowledge needed for data science. Recently, a new data science track was added, allowing students to complete self-paced coursework and earn beginner and intermediate certificates in data science.
Participants will develop technical skills that prepare them for future careers in the tech industry while also gaining exposure to industry jobs, connecting with leaders in the field, and building a supportive network within an all-female environment. The program emphasizes live, hands-on, project-based learning, with students working on real-world projects that have a tangible impact.
Location: Online
Application Deadline: TBD
Program Dates: July 3 to August 11 (estimated)
Eligibility: Students in Grades 9-11 who identify as Female
Quinnipiac offers a 2-week program designed to immerse students in the world of data science. Participants will engage in courses led by Quinnipiac faculty, where they will explore the core principles of big data and gain a strong foundation in data science theory. This program is focused on equipping students with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to analyze complex data sets. In addition to classroom learning, students will be introduced to various career paths within the data science field. The program culminates in a hands-on project, allowing participants to apply the concepts and techniques they've learned in a real-world context.
Location: Quinnipiac University, Connecticut
Application Deadline: TBD
Program Dates: July 8, 2024 - July 19, 2024
Eligibility: High School Students
Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of data science theory or gain practical experience with real-world data, these programs provide a robust platform for academic and personal growth!
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.