15 Fall AI Programs for High School Students
Participating in specialized programs during high school can significantly enhance your academic profile and open doors to future opportunities in competitive fields. AI programs allow you to gain experience in one of the most rapidly evolving technological domains and develop skills that are increasingly valued by universities and employers alike. These programs provide exposure to artificial intelligence concepts, from machine learning fundamentals to applications in areas such as healthcare, robotics, and data science.
AI programs offer an introduction to artificial intelligence by blending foundational coursework in coding, machine learning, and robotics with projects that build both technical and critical thinking skills. These programs can also help you develop a great portfolio for college applications, connect with mentors, and explore the ethical dimensions and career paths within AI. From intensive bootcamps to semester-long research experiences, we have listed the 15 best fall AI programs for high school students.
15 Fall AI Programs for High School Students
1. Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars (AFRL) Program
Location: Multiple locations across the United States
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Interns earn weekly stipends based on their education level and the General Schedule (GS) pay scale
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; around 60 interns
Dates: Fall internships usually take place from September to December
Application Deadline: Fall: January 10
Eligibility: Enrolled or accepted at a school with at least a half-time course load toward a degree or certificate, are U.S. citizens, are at least 16 years old by the application deadline, and have a valid government ID
The AFRL Scholars Program provides paid internship opportunities for high school students to collaborate with AFRL scientists and engineers on innovative research projects. You gain practical experience, mentorship, and tours of AFRL labs while contributing to cutting-edge technology development. Tech-related projects may involve working with microcontrollers, low-power computers, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and open-source software for data collection and experimental control. There are also opportunities to study the optical properties and performance of dielectric and dielectric/plasmonic metasurfaces created through various deposition and patterning techniques, offering insights into electromagnetics, optics, and metamaterials. This program fosters hands-on learning in advanced STEM fields with real-world applications.
2. Ladder Internships - AI Track
Location: Virtual (accessible globally)
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; financial assistance is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 – 25%; 70 – 100 students
Dates: Fall cohort: Mid-September – mid-November
Application Deadline: Fall cohort: typically, late August
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit 10 – 20 hours per week for 8 – 12 weeks
Founded by Harvard alumni, this fairly selective program matches participants with organizations based on their interests and skills in fields including technology, machine learning, AI, and computer science. You will receive dual mentorship from both a manager at the host startup and a Ladder coach who provides additional guidance on communication, time management, and professional development. You’ll work on projects that contribute directly to their host organization's mission, tackling challenges such as creating machine learning models to predict customer behavior or developing AI-driven solutions for specific business problems. You’ll present your completed work at the program's conclusion and receive a letter of completion from the host company.
3. Tech Flex Leaders
Location: Hybrid; virtual and in-person in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically large cohorts (>500 students)
Dates: September 8 – May 14
Application Deadline: August 17
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who attend a public or charter school in New York City, Los Angeles County, or Miami-Dade/Broward County
The Tech Flex Leaders (TFL) Program is a year-long opportunity designed for students passionate about technology and artificial intelligence. During the first semester, students build web development skills like HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap, and they get an introduction to AI and ethical usage of AI tools. The semester culminates in a Demo Day Competition where top participants present their projects to judges. In the second semester, students select a specialized tech focus such as Product Management, Advanced Web Development, Digital Marketing, UX Design, or Data Science, while also benefiting from career workshops, mentorship, and professional growth sessions led by industry professionals.
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual (accessible globally)
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10-week program with multiple cohorts throughout the year, including fall sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; fall applications typically due in September
Eligibility: AI Scholars: All high school students | AI Fellowship applicants should either have been AI Scholars participants or have some familiarity with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI offers ambitious high school students comprehensive exposure to artificial intelligence through programs founded and taught by Harvard graduate students. The AI Scholars program provides a 10-session bootcamp where you will learn key AI concepts, including neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, and sentiment analysis using Python. You’ll be expected to work in small groups of 3-5 students to build guided AI projects that showcase your interests and developing skills. If you are ready for more advanced work, the AI Fellowship pairs you with a mentor to test your own research project in areas such as climate change, finance, or healthcare. Over several weeks, you’ll practice refining methods, coding, and real-world application of AI.
5. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Program
Location: Virtual and NASA facilities across the United States
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend provided based on academic level and session duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 0.5 – 2%; Over 2,000 students participate annually
Dates: Fall (16 weeks, late August/early September to mid-December)
Application Deadline: Fall: May 22
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old | U.S. citizens | Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
NASA's OSTEM internship offers high school and college students the unique opportunity to work directly with NASA's leading aerospace scientists, engineers, and professionals. You engage in real, hands-on projects aligned with ongoing missions in fields such as aeronautics, engineering, and space science. The program provides valuable practical experience through activities like designing experiments, analyzing mission data, and developing advanced technologies using AI. Mentorship from top NASA experts enriches the learning experience, while the virtual format ensures accessibility without compromising project quality or interaction. This paid internship spans fall, spring, and summer sessions, allowing students to contribute meaningfully to NASA's vital work.
6. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute Fall Program - Girls Who Program Autonomous Cars
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment for eligible students
Dates: Eight Saturdays from October 11 – December 6
Application Deadline: September 30
Eligibility: Female high school students in 10th and 11th grade
This MIT-affiliated program introduces female high school students to autonomous vehicle programming through hands-on virtual instruction. You’ll learn fundamental programming concepts while exploring how artificial intelligence enables self-driving cars to perceive their environment and make decisions. The curriculum covers sensor integration, computer vision basics, and decision-making algorithms used in autonomous systems. You’ll get to work on team-based projects simulating real-world autonomous vehicle challenges in an advanced virtual lab environment. The program emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and provides exposure to cutting-edge technology used by companies developing self-driving vehicles. While all BWSI programs welcome students of any gender identity, this fall program specifically aims to encourage and support female students in STEM fields.
7. Columbia University Pre-College - Data Science and Machine Learning
Location: Virtual and on-campus options (Columbia University, New York City)
Cost/Stipend: $2,815 per session + $50 for textbooks and field trip-related costs; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive admissions
Dates: Fall semester: September 19 - December 7
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic records
This fall semester program allows you to engage with AI and ML concepts while experiencing college-level academic rigor, class structures, and university environments. The curriculum covers foundational concepts, including statistical analysis, probability, data visualization, supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks, and practical applications across domains like healthcare, finance, social sciences, and natural language processing. You’ll complete hands-on projects using Python-based tools and libraries, developing technical skills directly applicable to research, college coursework, or career paths in AI and data science. Columbia's program emphasizes both technical competency and critical thinking about AI's societal implications.
8. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute - Girls Who Can Learn Applied Engineering, AI & Future Technologies
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment for eligible students
Dates: Eight Saturdays from October 11 – December 6
Application Deadline: September 30
Eligibility: Female high school students in 10th and 11th grade
This introductory BWSI course provides a broad foundation in computer science, artificial intelligence, and data analytics with applications to medicine. You’ll explore diverse topics, including Python programming, computer architecture, machine learning, computer vision, Linux systems, and internet technologies. The curriculum emphasizes medical data analytics, showing how AI and computational thinking address healthcare challenges. You’ll learn how machine learning algorithms can analyze patient data, assist in diagnosis, and improve medical outcomes. No prerequisites or prior programming experience is required, creating an accessible entry point for students curious about technology and its applications.
9. MIT RAISE - Day of AI Curriculum
Location: Virtual/School-based (MIT RAISE)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open access; teachers and students globally
Dates: Self-paced curriculum
Application Deadline: Ongoing access
Eligibility: K-12 students; designed for classroom or independent use
MIT RAISE (Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education) provides free, high-quality AI curriculum designed for K-12 students through the Day of AI program. The curriculum covers AI fundamentals, including machine learning concepts, data and algorithms, computer vision, natural language processing, ethics and bias in AI, and societal impacts of AI technologies. Lessons include hands-on activities using accessible tools that require no prior coding experience, making AI concepts tangible for students at various skill levels. The program emphasizes ethical considerations and responsible AI development, preparing students to think critically about technology's role in society.
10. Technovation Families
Location: Virtual (team-based challenge)
Cost/Stipend: No cost/scholarship prizes available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open participation; large cohorts
Dates: 10 weeks between September – November
Application Deadline: Typically spring
Eligibility: High school students with their families
The Technovation Families Challenge engages students in solving real-world problems through team-based artificial intelligence projects. Students team up with their families and work collaboratively to identify community challenges and develop AI-powered solutions addressing those needs. You will learn the fundamentals of machine learning, app development, and project management while working on your chosen challenge. Teams receive guidance on developing their ideas from concept through prototype, learning the process of bringing AI applications to life. The challenge structure motivates students through milestone-based progress toward a final project presentation.
11. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute Fall Program - Girls Who Program Cognitive Assistants
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment for eligible students
Dates: Eight Saturdays from October 11 – December 6
Application Deadline: September 30
Eligibility: Female high school students in 10th and 11th grade
This specialized MIT program explores how artificial intelligence powers virtual assistants and cognitive computing systems. You’ll learn about natural language processing, machine learning, and the algorithms that enable computers to understand and respond to human communication. The curriculum covers the technology behind voice-activated devices like Alexa and Siri, including speech recognition, intent classification, and response generation. You’ll get to build your own simplified cognitive assistant systems through guided projects that demonstrate core AI principles. You’ll also explore ethical considerations surrounding AI assistants, including privacy concerns and potential biases in AI systems.
12. Google’s Code Next
Location: Four physical labs (Oakland, CA, Chelsea, NY, Detroit, MI, Inglewood, CA) and affiliate locations nationwide
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; about 50 students per cohort
Dates: Programming available during the school year, including the fall semester
Application Deadline: June 30
Eligibility: High school students who live in or near lab cities or are served by Code Next Affiliate partners
Code Next delivers free technology and AI education to high school students in their own communities through physical labs and affiliate partnerships. You’ll receive programming through after-school and weekend sessions covering computer science, artificial intelligence, web development, hardware development, and entrepreneurship. The curriculum emphasizes creative and ethical uses of technology while building students into confident makers through solo and team projects. You develop websites, programs, and other demonstrations of your learning aligned with personal interests. You’ll benefit from mentor-mentee relationships with Google employees who guide technical skills and career paths in technology.
13. MIT PRIMES (Program for Research in Mathematics, Engineering, and Science)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 15 – 25 students
Dates: Year–long
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and sophomores who live within driving distance of Boston
For high school students pursuing sustained STEM research, MIT PRIMES offers an unparalleled academic framework centered on mathematical exploration. The year-long commitment begins with advanced readings and the formulation of a project proposal, transitioning into original research mentored by MIT faculty. This rigorous investigation frequently intersects with fields like computational biology, AI, or theoretical computer science, demanding persistence and creative problem-solving to tackle complex, open-ended questions. Ultimately, you showcase your findings in a formal paper, ready for potential presentation or even publication, showcasing your scholarly achievement.
14. UCSD Extended Studies — Advanced Machine Learning for High-Schoolers
Location: Virtual
Cost: $390 per course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: 3–9 months; each course runs for 3 weeks during the summer quarter and 10 weeks during the fall, winter, and spring quarters
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: All high school students
UCSD Extended Studies offers a comprehensive Advanced Machine Learning program for high school students, consisting of a three-course series that delves into AI, neural networks, and natural language processing (NLP). The curriculum covers sophisticated topics such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), and Radial Basis Function Networks (RBFNs), focusing on their applications in classification, image processing, and data generation. Additionally, the program provides an in-depth introduction to NLP, including sequence modeling techniques using Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) architectures. Course materials are accessible for about three weeks during summer and approximately 10 weeks in the fall, winter, and spring terms.
15. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute Fall Program - Girls Who Can Do Computational Problem Solving
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment for eligible students
Dates: Eight Saturdays from October 11 – December 6
Application Deadline: September 30
Eligibility: Female high school students in 10th and 11th grade
The MIT Beaver Works "Girls Who Can Do Computational Problem Solving" is a free, virtual Saturday course held in the fall, specifically designed to encourage and support high school female students in STEM. This intermediate-level program focuses on applied data science and advanced programming to solve complex, interdisciplinary challenges. Topics covered include intermediate Python coding, data analysis, and computational techniques for designing robust solutions. You will analyze real-world data sets, implement sophisticated algorithms for problem-solving, and collaboratively develop a final project. A unique feature is its virtual, no-cost, project-based format, allowing students to develop critical skills in computational thinking, data literacy, and solution design under the guidance of MIT and Lincoln Laboratory staff.
Image Source - Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program Logo