15 Best Data Science Summer Programs for High School Students
Summer programs are a valuable way for high school students to acquire practical skills, gain industry exposure, and establish meaningful connections. For students interested in data science and related fields, these programs provide hands-on experience with coding, analytics, and problem-solving.
From exploring the basics of machine learning to building predictive models, students gain insights into how data powers real-world applications. These programs also create networking opportunities with mentors and peers who share similar interests.
With numerous options available, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. To help, we’ve curated a list of the 15 best summer data science programs for high school students!
Note: When we say best, we mean the most competitive and rigorous programs in data science for high school students!
1. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $25 application fee
Application Deadline: February 2
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: 15 years or older by June 18
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University offers an opportunity to conduct research under the guidance of faculty mentors. As a participant, you can collaborate with researchers using advanced technology in machine learning, computer modeling, data science, and cybersecurity. The program welcomes high school and undergraduate students interested in exploring advanced STEM fields. Depending on the scope of your project, your research could result in a published paper or a conference presentation.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and led by Harvard alumni, focuses on providing research opportunities for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. If you are new to AI, machine learning, or data science, the AI Scholars program is a great place to begin. This 10-session course introduces you to the fundamentals of AI and data science while allowing you to work on real-world projects. For more advanced students, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase provides a deeper challenge. You’ll collaborate one-on-one with mentors from top universities on a customized research project and receive guidance from the publication team to help publish your work in high school journals. To learn more, explore past student projects here.
3. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; $300 needs-based grant for eligible students
Application Deadline: April 16 (General application deadline)
Dates: Round 1: July 7 – July 18 | Round 2: July 28 – August 8
Eligibility: Current 9-11 graders who identify as girls or non-binary
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program (SIP) is a live, two-week virtual course created for high school students to explore technology. You’ll build projects in game design while learning the fundamentals of computer science and user experience (UX) design. During the program, you’ll also gain skills in web development, cybersecurity, AI, and data science. Classes are led by professionals from top companies who provide mentorship and career guidance.
4. AI for Equity
Location: Seattle University, Seattle, WA
Cost: $1,500
Application Deadline: April 25
Dates: July 13 – July 18
Eligibility: Students currently in high school (rising 10th, 11th, or 12th grade)
Seattle University’s AI for Equity course helps students explore how AI impacts our world and justice system. It’s a tech education built on awareness and responsibility. You’ll learn machine learning principles and use them to analyze real-world datasets from social systems like courts and policing. The program trains you to identify ethical challenges in AI and evaluate solutions from both technical and justice-focused perspectives. You'll explore how algorithms can either reinforce or reduce systemic bias. Alongside project work, you’ll also have the chance to connect with local guest speakers who have expertise in using technology to promote equity.
5. Ladder Internship Program - Data Science Track
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort; apply here
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a program that gives ambitious high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with fast-growing start-ups. The program connects you to remote internships across industries such as technology, data science, deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. The start-ups involved are innovative and rapidly scaling, with many having raised over a million dollars in funding and led by founders from top accelerators like YCombinator and companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. During the 8-week virtual internship, you will collaborate closely with both a start-up manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach, contributing to key projects and concluding with a presentation of your work to the company.
6. Introduction to Data Science - Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,080
Application Deadline: March 20
Dates: Session 1: June 16 – June 27 | Session 2: July 7 – July 18
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-11 at the time of application
The Introduction to Data Science course at Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies enables you to explore how data shapes our world. You’ll use R programming to analyze datasets from both the natural and social sciences. Each session examines real-world questions, introducing you to algorithms and models applied by today’s data scientists. You'll explore ethical issues in data science while developing technical skills in machine learning. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to handle complex data with a scientific approach.
7. Introduction to Probability for Engineering and Data Science - Harvard 7-Week Secondary School Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,050 (total program cost)
Application Deadline: April 9
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Eligibility: Students graduating from high school and entering college in the next 2 years At least 16 years old by June 21 and will not turn 19 years old before July 31; A background in calculus and set theory is expected
Harvard’s 7-week Secondary School Program offers an Introduction to Probability for Engineering and Data Science course that explores the math behind uncertainty. You’ll study core topics such as random variables, distributions, statistical sampling, and limit theorems. The course also delves into practical applications, including Markov chains used in machine learning and modeling. It provides a strong foundation for applying statistical tools to real-world problems.
8. Introduction to Data Visualization - University of Washington
Location: Virtual
Cost: $895
Application Deadline: Courses close as they fill, or two weeks before the course start date
Dates: June 30 – July 11
Eligibility: Incoming 9-12 graders
In the University of Washington’s Introduction to Data Visualization course, you’ll learn how to transform raw information into clear and impactful visuals. You’ll work with Tableau software to design charts, maps, dashboards, and other elements that effectively communicate data insights. The course covers essential design principles, color theory, and visualization types suited to different datasets. You'll also explore how various industries use data visualization in practical settings and the career opportunities within this expanding field.
9. National High School Research Program - Data Science Track
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend:
5-week program: $3,995
Self-study component: $1,000
Eligible students receive a $750 stipend
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: June 23 – July 25
Eligibility: Incoming 10th-12th graders who have completed TCS’s Introduction to Quantum Computing or Pre-program Self-Study course
The National High School Research Program's Data Science Track introduces you to AI, quantum computing, and big data in a five-week format. You’ll solve problems through one-on-one mentorship while learning data wrangling, analysis, and visualization techniques. As you build a presentation-ready research project, you’ll examine how technology is applied in sectors such as medicine, defense, and finance. The program focuses on research protocols, question development, and communication strategies for college-level research. Your completed project will be presented at the TCS Summer Research Symposium.
10. Quantum Computing Summer Camp
Location: Virtual
Cost: $495 - $895
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Week-long sessions in summer; exact dates TBA
Eligibility: Incoming 9th - 12th graders
At the Quantum Computing Summer Camp, you’ll study quantum physics and discover how this field transforms the capabilities of computers. Through hands-on projects, you’ll design quantum circuits, run algorithms, and write code on IBM’s quantum computers using Qiskit and Python. You’ll learn about superposition, entanglement, and quantum key distribution. By the end, you’ll understand quantum mechanics basics, simulate circuits, and explore algorithms like Grover’s and Deutsch-Jozsa.
11. Stanford AI4ALL
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,000; Financial aid available
Application Deadline: January 24
Dates: June 18 – July 2
Eligibility: 9th graders or rising 10th graders; 14+ by the start of the program
Stanford AI4ALL provides virtual, two-week computer science programs for high school students, introducing you to the core principles of artificial intelligence and its role in today’s world. As a participant, you’ll explore fields like Robotics, Computer Vision, and AI in medicine through interactive lectures, collaborative research projects, and guided mentorship. Organized by the Stanford AI Lab, the program offers direct interaction with experienced AI professionals and creates a supportive learning environment. You’ll also examine how AI research drives innovation and be encouraged to think critically about ethics and inclusion in technology. Some prior knowledge of math or coding is recommended.
12. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering at NYU
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NY
Stipend: $1,000
Application Deadline: February 21
Dates: June 2 – August 18
Eligibility: NYC rising juniors and seniors in the upcoming school year
NYU’s ARISE Program is a 10-week summer opportunity that combines academic instruction with hands-on research experience. In the first four weeks, you will build foundational skills in lab safety, academic writing, and research methodologies. During the next six weeks, you will work in NYU labs, gaining around 120 hours of experience in areas such as AI, computer science, and machine learning. The program also helps you strengthen communication, analytical, and networking skills. It concludes with a research showcase at NYU and a poster presentation at the American Museum of Natural History.
13. Coding for Cancer
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $1,000
Application Deadline: March 30
Dates: July 28 – August 22
Eligibility: Students entering 11th or 12th grade in the fall; living in Washington state
Coding for Cancer is a practical research program focused on the intersection of biomedical research and coding, specifically within the field of cancer biology. You’ll study R, a programming language used by scientists, while collaborating with real computational biologists. The first half centers on small-group sessions to develop your coding and cancer biology foundation. In the second half, you’ll complete a personalized research project to apply those skills. You’ll also receive a $1,000 award and a Credly badge to highlight your achievements.
14. Kode with Klossy - Summer Camps
Location: Virtual or in-person in Chicago, Dallas, Washington D.C., London, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, and St. Louis
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Dates: June 2 – June 13 | July 7 – July 18 | July 21 – August 1 | August 4 – August 15
Eligibility: High school women and gender-expansive teens, aged 13-18
Kode With Klossy provides a free, two-week summer coding camp for high school students from underrepresented gender groups in technology. You can select from four focused tracks: Web Development, Machine Learning, Mobile App Development, or Data Science, while gaining practical experience with languages like JavaScript, Python, and Swift. You will work on real-world projects, including building websites, creating mobile apps, training AI systems, and performing data analysis. The program also covers key concepts such as algorithmic bias, UX design, and responsive development, integrating technical skills with ethical and design-focused approaches.
15. Berkeley Coding Academy - Data Science: The AI Journey
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts from $2,699; need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Dates: July 14 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18 years
Berkeley Coding Academy’s Data Science: The AI Journey provides an in-depth introduction to Python, machine learning, and AI applications. You will join small cohorts of about 6 students, organized by age and experience, and benefit from interactive lectures and personalized guidance. The program features collaborative research, lifetime access to annotated resources, and concludes with a capstone project. Upon completion, you will earn a Data Science Scholar Certificate, recognizing your knowledge in AI and data science.
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