15 AI Summer Research Programs for High School Students
If you’re a high school student interested in artificial intelligence, summer research programs can give you the chance to build on what you already know while exploring new skills in one of today’s fastest-growing fields. AI summer research programs for high school students help you strengthen old skill sets like coding, math, and logical reasoning, while also introducing you to advanced topics such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
In many AI summer research programs for high school students, you’ll work with real-world tools and platforms like Python, TensorFlow, and PyTorch to develop projects that mirror professional research in areas like healthcare, robotics, and data science. These programs often combine group collaboration, independent projects, and mentorship from university researchers or industry experts. You’ll also explore the ethical and societal implications of AI, giving you a more well-rounded perspective on how the technology shapes the world.
Whether virtual or in-person, the 15 AI summer research programs for high school students we’ve listed below are designed to help you grow your technical expertise, problem-solving ability, and understanding of AI’s transformative potential. They’re also a great way to build connections and strengthen your college applications.
15 AI Summer Research Programs for High School Students
1. Stanford AI4ALL
Location: Online
Cost: $4,000; financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 4-6% / 35-40 students
Dates: June 18 – July 2
Application Deadline: January 24
Eligibility: Rising 10th graders | Must be at least 14 years old by program start
This two-week program, run in partnership with the Stanford AI Lab, gives you structured exposure to artificial intelligence concepts and applications. The curriculum blends lectures, research-based group projects, and guidance from AI practitioners. The program covers topics such as robotics, computer vision, medical AI, and natural language processing, with an emphasis on real-world uses of these technologies. You work alongside peers who share your interest in AI while contributing to ongoing research initiatives. Career workshops are also built into the schedule, offering insight into both technical skills and the broader impact of AI in society.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 10% / 70-100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships pairs you with a high-growth start-up for a remote, project-based internship. Ladder’s startups are backed by Y Combinator, whose founders have experience at companies like Google, McKinsey, and Microsoft. Opportunities span a wide range of fields, including technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You’ll work directly with start-up teams on meaningful assignments, collaborate with a dedicated Ladder Coach, and deliver final presentations to company leadership. The program emphasizes real-world skill building and industry exposure, with participating start-ups averaging over $1 million in raised funding. You can apply here.
3. MIT’s Beaver Works Summer Institute
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive / 370+ students in previous years
Dates: Online prerequisite: February 3–June 25 | In-person Summer Program: July 7–Early August
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students currently in 11th grade | U.S. citizens or living in the country for the duration of BWSI | Attending a U.S. based school physically
MIT’s Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) is a prestigious, intensive four-week summer program for high school students focused on STEM. It is hosted by MIT Lincoln Laboratory in collaboration with MIT’s School of Engineering, and is known for its hands-on, project-based approach. At BWSI, you’ll participate in intensive, project-based STEM courses, with AI-focused options like Serious Games and Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous RACECAR Grand Prix, and Autonomous Cognitive Assistance. These courses combine machine learning with interactive modeling to tackle real-world technical and policy challenges. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, collaboration with peers, and exposure to cutting-edge applications of AI in socially relevant contexts.
4. Veritas AI Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: About 4-10% / 40-200 students
Dates: Multiple 15-week cohorts year-round (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: January (Spring), May (Summer), September (Fall), November (Winter)
Eligibility: High school students worldwide with prior AI or Python experience, or graduates of the AI Scholars program
The AI Fellowship is an advanced, mentor-guided program where you design and execute an independent AI research project over 15 weeks. You can explore AI applications in nearly any discipline, from medicine to environmental science, while working 1-on-1 with an expert mentor. The fellowship builds on foundational knowledge gained through the AI Scholars program and emphasizes hands-on experimentation, research methodology, and real-world relevance. Projects culminate in a formal publication and showcase presentation. The same project can later be submitted to a publication, science competition, or tech-oriented journal. If you don’t have prior experience, you should complete the Veritas AI Scholars program before applying.
5. Stanford Center for AI in Medicine & Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee; $850 program fee (financial aid is available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Around 7-10% / 25 students
Dates: June 16–27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12 in the fall | Above 14 years old | Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or provide documentation of valid visa status
This two-week program, run by Stanford student leaders and researchers, dives into how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare. You’ll join a small, focused cohort for technical lectures, guided research projects, and one-on-one mentorship. The internship is fast-paced, project-driven, and collaborative. You will collaborate as a team to advance AI research in improving patient care and building better healthcare systems. Alongside the academic work, you’ll take part in career talks with professionals from academia, industry, and government, as well as informal networking sessions. Those who complete the program earn a Certificate of Completion and may choose to extend their learning through an independent research project in AI and medicine.
6. NYU Tandon’s Machine Learning Program
Location: NYU Tandon University, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $3,050 tuition + $638 housing + $398 mandatory meal plan
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective / Around 24 students
Dates: Session 1: June 16 – 27; Session 2: July 7 – 18; Session 3: July 28– August 8
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Students aged 15+ who have completed Precalculus and have some programming experience
NYU Tandon’s Machine Learning Program for high school students is a two-week summer program designed to introduce students aged 14 and older to the fundamentals of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). It explores machine learning and artificial intelligence through courses in logic, computer science, mathematics, and data analysis. You’ll explore applications such as video and voice recognition, autonomous vehicles, real-time traffic systems, and medical technology. Core topics include neural network modeling, linear regression, and cross-validation techniques. Beyond technical skills, the program emphasizes using engineering approaches to address real-world societal challenges.
7. National High School Research Program – Artificial Intelligence Track
Location: Virtual (live instruction), with occasional virtual or in-person events based on regional hubs
Cost: $3,995 (5-week program); scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive / Approximately 30-35 students
Dates: June 23 – July 25
Application Deadline: Not stated; usually falls several months prior to program start
Eligibility: Incoming 9th –12th graders and college freshmen
The National High School Research Program – Artificial Intelligence Track is an online research program offering high school students the opportunity to develop technical skills in AI by conducting independent or guided research projects. You’ll study topics like machine learning, neural networks, and real-world AI applications across sectors such as healthcare, finance, and defense. Daily live sessions are supplemented by mentorship from professionals in government, academia, and industry. By the end of the program, you’ll have designed and executed your own AI research project using real-world datasets, with the opportunity to present your work at the TCS Summer Research Symposium.
8. Stanford CARE AI Summer Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Paid, but fees not stated
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 2-week session held in June - July
Application Deadline: Typically February-March
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors (14+)
The program introduces you to the intersection of artificial intelligence and public health, with a focus on improving outcomes for Asian communities and beyond. You’ll learn statistical data analysis, work with AI tools like ChatGPT to explore health datasets, and examine pressing health issues affecting diverse populations. Sessions also emphasize leadership development and collaborative problem-solving. By the end, you’ll have practical skills in data-driven health research and a stronger understanding of how technology can address public health challenges. This program is designed for high school students passionate about AI and health equity and offers experiential learning in a specialized context with expert guidance at Stanford University.
9. Wolfram High School Summer Research Program
Location: Bentley University, Boston, MA
Cost: $4,500; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective / 60-65 students
Dates: Pre-program virtual workshop: June 7–8; June 25 – July 12
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High school students between ages 14-17; exceptional 13-year-olds are sometimes accepted
Rather than just learning to code, this 2.5-week program places you in a collaborative research environment where you apply computational thinking to real-world problems. Guided by Wolfram experts and inspired by founder Stephen Wolfram’s vision, you’ll gain proficiency in the Wolfram Language, explore AI and STEM applications, and design an original research project tailored to your interests. Your work will culminate in a computational essay and interactive research paper, which can be shared publicly, submitted to competitions, or even developed into an academic publication. Along the way, you’ll refine programming, analytical, and problem-solving skills while working on novel contributions at the intersection of technology and science.
10. The Data Science Institute Summer Lab program
Location: University of Chicago, Hyde Park campus
Cost/Stipend: None / $5,600
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective / 9-30 students
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Chicago-area high school students who must be able to commute to campus
Over the course of eight weeks, you’ll work alongside a data science mentor on a project rooted in one of several disciplines, such as climate policy, biomedical research, computer science, or social science. The program emphasizes hands-on research, collaboration, and skill-building, with no prior research experience required. You’ll learn and apply data analysis techniques, practice teamwork in a professional setting, and contribute to a research project that addresses practical questions. All work takes place in person at the Ryerson Laboratory, giving you direct access to UChicago’s research community. Past projects have included robot coaches for kids' social-emotional learning, deep learning for cattle health, and exploring the scalability of federated learning algorithms.
11. High School Summer Research Internship - University of Utah
Location: The John and Marcia Price College of Engineering, University of Utah
Cost/Stipend: None / None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive / Not specified
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: Students graduating in 2026 or 2027 | Basic technical skills and math readiness may be required depending on the research focus
The High School Summer Research Internship at the University of Utah is an 8-week program designed for high school students graduating in 2026 or 2027. Across eight weeks, you’ll join a research group exploring artificial intelligence and its applications. Working up to 30 hours a week, you’ll learn how to conduct academic research, investigate AI concepts, and apply computational tools to real problems. The program includes guidance in research methods, exposure to AI-related engineering disciplines, and the creation of a final poster project showcasing your findings. While participation is free, positions are limited and competitive, with selection based on interest, skills, and readiness to work in a lab environment.
12. Research Experiences for High School Students - University of New Orleans
Location: Greater New Orleans, Louisiana
Cost/Stipend: None / $2,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective / 7-10 students
Dates: 8-week program (full-time)
Application Deadline: March 21
Eligibility: High school students who reside and attend high school within 40 miles of the University of New Orleans
In this eight-week, full-time program, you’ll work alongside experienced scientists in advanced research laboratories, exploring projects that can span from AI-driven materials discovery to computational modeling. While AMRI’s research covers diverse fields like chemistry, physics, and engineering, participants with an AI focus may contribute to areas such as computer modeling, sensor data analysis, or machine learning applications in materials science. You’ll take ownership of a project either individually or as part of a team and gain experience with experimental design, data collection, and analysis. Beyond lab work, you’ll join weekly seminars on topics like laboratory safety, research ethics, and emerging technologies, equipping you with both technical knowledge and professional skills.
13. Changemakers in Computing- University of Washington
Location: University of Washington – Seattle, Washington
Cost/Stipend: None / $1,200
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective / 20-25 students
Dates: July 6 – July 30
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors at Washington State high schools | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Along with focusing on coding, CiC blends computer science with conversations about society, equity, and justice. As a participant, you’ll join a small mentor group led by current UW undergraduates, working on culturally relevant, project-based learning to strengthen your programming abilities. Along the way, you’ll explore various computing fields, discuss how technology can drive social change, and meet professionals who’ve built careers at the intersection of tech and community impact. The program also offers guidance on college pathways and financial planning, alongside daily meals and a stipend to make participation more accessible. By the end, you’ll have both technical skills and a deeper perspective on how computing can serve diverse communities.
14. Carnegie Mellon University – AI Scholars
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive / Approximately 30 students
Dates: June 21 – July 19
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (grades 11–12) who are 16 years by the program start date | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
AI Scholars is a four-week residential program that immerses students in artificial intelligence through project-based learning, lectures, and engagement with industry professionals. Through lectures, collaborative group projects, and exposure to faculty-led research and industry insights, you will dive deep into AI’s real-world applications. You will collaborate on a group project applying AI to real-world challenges and present your findings to peers and instructors. The program also integrates college readiness workshops covering admissions, financial aid, and social-emotional wellbeing. You will gain exposure to faculty research, attend guest lectures, and participate in field trips and academic tours, all while developing connections with mentors and peers in an inclusive, supportive environment.
15. UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara
Cost: Commuter: $5,175; Residential: $12,474; financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; selective (exact cohort size not specified)
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–11 (outstanding 9th graders may be considered) | Minimum weighted GPA of 3.8
This program pairs high-achieving high school students with graduate student, postdoctoral, or faculty mentors to pursue interdisciplinary, hands-on research projects. The program begins with a virtual component and concludes with in-person closing events, requiring full attendance for the entire duration. You can choose a project in areas like math, biology, astronomy, stats, psychology, computer science, earth science, engineering, and biochemistry, among others. You will develop professional research skills, explore academic and career opportunities, and gain insight into university-level research. You will also attend GRIT Talks featuring UCSB researchers and be immersed in campus life, networking with peers and mentors.
Image Source - Stanford University Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence