14 AI Research Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in Artificial Intelligence, participating in a research program or internship is one of the best ways to build skills beyond the classroom. AI research programs develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills while giving you insight into how professional research is conducted. With the guidance of mentors and through structured projects, you will explore topics in depth and often present your work. This can help you prepare for college-level academics and future career opportunities.
From machine learning and data analysis to robotics, AI research opportunities let you explore how this technology can affect diverse industries and daily life. Many of these AI research programs are designed to be accessible, with projects that allow even beginners to learn from experts. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 14 AI research opportunities for high school students.
1. University of Houston - Mohan Lab Summer Internship
Location: University of Houston, TX(on-site)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; no program fee
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 8 - July 31
Application Deadline: March 26
Eligibility: Rising seniors who completed Grade 11 with an interest in computer science, biomedical engineering, or data science; programming experience in Python or MATLAB is preferred but not mandatory
The Mohan Lab Summer Internship gives high school students the opportunity to explore the intersection of computer science and medicine. As a participant, you’ll contribute to active research projects involving large-scale biomedical data, using Python, machine learning, and AI methods to identify disease biomarkers, analyze medical images, or interpret genomic and proteomic information. Depending on your placement, you may gain experience with advanced tools such as imaging mass cytometry, bioinformatics pipelines, or spatial omics analysis. Past interns have worked on projects ranging from using convolutional neural networks to detect cell growth in tissue samples to developing Arduino-based biomedical sensors.
2. Ladder Tech Internship
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts in Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Application Deadline: Depends on cohort (January, May, September, November)
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work 10 - 20 hours/week for 8 - 12 weeks
The Ladder Internship Program offers a remote opportunity for high school students who want to gain real-world experience in technical and STEM fields. Over the duration of 8 - 12 weeks, you’ll be matched with a fast-growing start-up in areas such as artificial intelligence, deep tech, or health tech. You’ll work 10 - 20 hours per week on meaningful projects while collaborating with both a Company Manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach. This structure helps you to strengthen technical skills, understand startup operations, and practice presenting your work in a professional manner. By the end of the internship, you’ll have gained hands-on experience, industry mentorship, and valuable insights into potential STEM career paths.
3. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program; financial aid is available for AI Scholars on a need-basis
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple 15-week cohorts throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: January (Spring), May (Summer), September (Fall), November (Winter)
Eligibility: High school students worldwide; Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or demonstrate prior experience in Python and AI concepts.
The Veritas AI Fellowship gives high school students the opportunity to conduct independent AI research under the guidance of expert mentors. Over 15 weeks, you’ll apply AI to a field of your choice – examples from past cohorts include projects in healthcare, finance, and gaming. The program focuses on personalized mentorship, project design, and technical development, with an end goal of helping students to publish or showcase their research. Before joining the Fellowship, students may participate in the AI Scholars program, which introduces them to core AI tools and applications through lectures and collaborative exercises. This approach ensures students are well-prepared to undertake rigorous research and make meaningful contributions to the field of artificial intelligence.
4. The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee (fee waiver option available); no other cost applicable
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 18 - August 8
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 years or above, should have not graduated from any university
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) is an 8-week, full-time research program where students collaborate with faculty mentors on advanced STEM projects. For students interested in AI, the program offers opportunities in machine learning, computer modeling, cybersecurity, data science for social good, and robotics. You’ll gain hands-on experience working with cutting-edge technologies while building skills in research design, data analysis, and scientific communication. Alongside your projects, you’ll attend discussion forums and career sessions with scientists to explore future paths in STEM. Interns may also have the opportunity to publish their work in scientific journals or present at professional conferences, providing an early start in contributing to the research community.
5. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: $850 program fee plus $40 application fee; unpaid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 16 - 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students aged 14 or above who are U.S. citizens
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) offers a virtual summer internship introducing high school students to the intersection of AI and healthcare. Throughout the program, you will build a foundation in artificial intelligence concepts and learn how these tools are used to address real-world medical challenges. Participants work closely with Stanford researchers and mentors on a guided research project while also participating in group collaborations. The curriculum features interactive talks from experts across academia, nonprofits, government, and industry, providing insight into a wide range of career paths. In addition to technical training, students take part in community-building activities and have the opportunity to continue their research even after the program is concluded.
6. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, NY
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 2 - August 8
Application Deadline: February 21 (recommendations due February 27)
Eligibility: Open to New York City high school students (grades 10th and 11th)
The ARISE program at NYU Tandon offers high school students the opportunity to spend 6 weeks conducting hands-on research in one of the school’s computer science, engineering, or data-focused labs. Before you begin with your lab work, you’ll complete 4 weeks of virtual workshops scheduled in the evenings to prepare them for their placement. Research opportunities span diverse areas such as machine learning for social good, responsible data science, privacy and security automation, smart energy research, nanoelectronics, and urban mobility systems. With guidance from NYU faculty and graduate student mentors, you’ll sharpen your technical and analytical skills while learning how to communicate your research effectively. The program concludes with a colloquium, where you present your findings to faculty, peers, and invited guests.
7. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) - AI Track
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA(in-person) or remote
Cost/Stipend: Free for families earning under $150,000; $1,750 for families earning over $150,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Cohort size of 20 to 25 students per course; 10% to 25% of acceptance rate
Dates: July 8 - August 4
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors and below
The MIT BWSI Serious Games Development with AI course offers high school students an immersive, 4-week experience in applying artificial intelligence to game-based modeling and socially relevant research questions. In this program, you’ll use Python to design and develop games that simulate scenarios such as disease outbreaks, exploring how AI algorithms can influence policy decisions, experimental design, and human-computer interaction. The course covers systems modeling, AI for gaming, ethics in AI, backend development, user interface design, and data analysis. You’ll also learn Agile project management while collaborating on both team and individual AI-driven projects, and gain hands-on experience in software development, game mechanics, and human-system interactions. By the end of the program, you’ll present your game and analyze outcomes, showcasing both technical and analytical skills in AI applications and research.
8. Stanford AI4ALL
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: $4,000 (financial aid is available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 18 - July 2
Application Deadline: January 24
Eligibility: Rising 10th graders (or current 9th graders), 14+ years old; preference for students with math or computer skills; international applicants are also accepted
Stanford AI4ALL is a 2-week online program designed to introduce high school students to artificial intelligence through a combination of lectures, mentorship, and hands-on research projects. In this program, you’ll explore AI applications in areas like Robotics, Computer Vision, Medical AI, and Natural Language Processing, while working on research projects that tackle real-world challenges. You’ll collaborate with peers, learn from AI professionals, and gain experience applying AI tools to address socially relevant problems. The program emphasizes teamwork, critical thinking, and ethical considerations in AI research. By the end of the program, you are expected to develop an understanding of AI’s potential and present your project outcomes.
9. Carnegie Mellon University - AI Scholars
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA (Residential)
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; tuition, housing, meals, and program activities are covered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 20 - July 18
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (junior at time of application), U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA-registered students; must be 16+ years by program start
The AI Scholars program at Carnegie Mellon University offers a 4-week immersive experience for high school students in artificial intelligence. You’ll engage in project-based learning, attend lectures from faculty and graduate students, and collaborate on a hands-on group research project applying AI to real-world challenges. The program emphasizes both technical and personal growth, offering workshops on college readiness, career development, and social-emotional skills. You’ll collaborate with peers and mentors, participate in field trips to AI industry leaders, and present your research at the program’s closing symposium. By the end of the program, you’ll gain practical experience in AI applications, research methodologies, and collaborative problem-solving within a supportive and inclusive environment.
10. BAIR High School Summer Program
Location: UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 8 - 12
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10 - 12; especially designed for those with limited access to STEM mentorship, first-generation college students, and students demonstrating financial need, with preference given to teens from groups underrepresented in AI.
The Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) Lab High School Summer Program gives you the opportunity to explore artificial intelligence through a mix of lectures, hands-on projects, and mentorship. Over the week, you’ll learn foundational AI concepts, Python programming, and machine learning, and apply these skills to real-world AI problems. Each day includes interactive lectures with UC Berkeley researchers, kinesthetic and participatory activities, and project work under the guidance of graduate student mentors. You’ll also visit robotics labs, learn about human-compatible AI, and interact with peers and faculty about the technical and societal impact of AI. By the end of the program, you are expected to gain practical experience in AI research, programming, and ethical considerations in the field.
11. Artificial Intelligence for Real-Life Problem Solving
Location: UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley, CA
Cost/Stipend: $1,465 (day program), $1,255 residential add-on
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 23 - 27, July 7 - 11, or July 21 - 25
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10 - 12; suited for both beginners and those with prior experience in Python
In this program, you’ll explore concepts and technologies related to artificial intelligence under the guidance of UC Berkeley scientists and graduate students. You’ll gain hands-on experience in Python programming, machine learning, and the mathematics behind AI systems. Each day includes lectures, interactive activities, lab tours, and mentorship sessions, offering insight into ongoing AI research and human-compatible AI applications. You’ll work on AI projects, engage in discussions on ethical considerations, and connect with peers from other STEM tracks. An optional residential component provides on-campus housing, meals, and additional programming. By the end of the program, you’ll have gained practical coding experience, a deeper understanding of AI, and exposure to potential college and career paths in the field.
12. Climate Data Analysis and Visualization with Python
Location: UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley, CA
Cost/Stipend: $1,465 (day program), $1,255 (residential add-on)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited
Dates: June 23 - 27 or July 7 - 11
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10 - 12
In this program, you’ll explore how coding and data analysis can be applied to environmental science and climate studies. You’ll learn Python to analyze large datasets on global climate trends, create data visualizations such as scatter plots and bar charts, and communicate insights on the causes, effects, and solutions related to climate change. Each day features hands-on investigations, lab tours, guest lectures, and mentorship opportunities. You’ll also connect with other students across STEM tracks and engage with STEM professionals. By the end of the week, you’ll present your project, gaining practical coding and analytical experience while learning how technology can address real-world environmental challenges.
13. SEES High School Summer Intern Program - NASA & UT Austin
Location: Austin, Texas (remote & in-person)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 5% in-person; 20% virtual
Program Dates: June - July (6 - 8 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors (current sophomores and juniors) who are U.S. citizens, age 16+ years by July 5
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Internship gives high school students the opportunity to conduct research with NASA scientists and UT Austin faculty. Interns are part of project teams such as Earth System Explorers, Urban Heat Island, Air Quality, or Exoplanet Transits, using satellite data, fieldwork, and research software to investigate real-world problems. The program emphasizes Python programming, data visualization, and scientific analysis, providing strong preparation for STEM careers. Whether participating remotely or in person, you’ll collaborate with peers and mentors to complete a research project. The internship concludes with the Virtual SEES Science Symposium, where you present your findings to NASA experts and students from across the country.
14. ASPIRE by Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Location: Baltimore, Maryland (Remote and in-person)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive with 15 - 20%
Dates: June - August (Summer) | September - May (Academic Year option)
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (age 15+ years), minimum GPA of 2.8, U.S. citizens, permanent residents of the Washington - Baltimore Metro area (for in-person program)
The ASPIRE program at Johns Hopkins’ Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) offers high school students an immersive research experience in STEM. Participants can choose from eight focus areas - biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, IT and cybersecurity, mathematics and data analysis, physics, or planetary science – and are paired with APL mentors for full-time summer research. You can work on tasks such as running simulations, analyzing scientific data, or contributing to engineering and computing projects within a professional research environment. The program emphasizes technical, analytical, and professional development, concluding with the submission of a digital research poster. An academic-year extension is also available for students who wish to continue their projects beyond the summer.
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