15 Free AI Programs for High School Students

If you are a high school student interested in AI, programs and internships can be a worthwhile way to explore the field. Many Artificial Intelligence programs for high school students offer practical experience, exposure to new fields, and opportunities to build meaningful connections. In this rapidly growing field, working on projects with industry experts can help you learn beyond classroom theory. 

Today, many top universities and organizations offer fully funded or free programs, making AI more accessible for high school students. A structured program allows you to work on projects that you can add to your college admissions portfolio and develop technical skills. To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 free AI programs for high school students.

1. AI Scholars – Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; tuition, housing, meals, and field trips covered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; national cohort of ~40–50 students
Dates: June 20 – July 18
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (current 11th graders) who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA students, and at least 16 years old by the start date

The AI Scholars Program at Carnegie Mellon University is a 4-week, fully funded residential program designed to introduce students to artificial intelligence and computer science research. Offered through the CS Pathways initiative, the program combines college-level coursework, hands-on projects, and mentorship from CMU faculty and researchers. You’ll study key topics such as machine learning, neural networks, and ethical AI while collaborating on a group research project that addresses real-world applications of AI for social good. Participants also attend career panels with leading tech companies and workshops on college readiness, financial aid, and equity in STEM. With all expenses — including housing, meals, and field trips — covered by sponsors, this highly competitive program remains one of the top free AI programs for high school students nationwide.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program; 100% financial aid available for qualifying students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; varies depending on the cohort and company partner
Dates: Multiple cohorts; Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter (8–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students who are able to work 10–20 hours per week for the entire  program duration

The Ladder Internship Program offers a selective virtual internship experience where high school students collaborate directly with high-growth startups in fields such as  AI, deep tech, data science, and machine learning. You will be matched to a company project aligned with your interests — ranging from coding and product development to analytics and AI model testing. You will work closely with company mentors, who provide guidance on project planning, communication, and presentation skills. The program concludes with a final project presentation to the startup team. With full financial aid available, Ladder stands out as one of the best free AI programs for high school students to gain real-world experience in tech innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied artificial intelligence.

3. Serious Games Development with Artificial Intelligence (SGAI) – MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (Remote on Zoom)
Cost/Stipend: Free; no tuition fee or course material fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small team-based cohorts
Dates: July (4-week summer session)
Application Deadline: Spring (varies; typically March–April)
Eligibility: U.S.-based high school students in grades 9–11 who can attend the full remote program; current seniors are not eligible

The Serious Games Development with Artificial Intelligence (SGAI) course, part of the MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute, introduces high school students to the world of AI-powered game design and simulation. Over 4  weeks, you’ll learn core concepts in machine learning, computer vision, and AI ethics while working in teams to develop and code your own “serious game”— a simulation designed to explore complex real-world issues such as disease spread or autonomous driving. The course combines lectures, coding labs, and project mentorship from MIT researchers, using Python-based tools and collaborative platforms like Git and VS Code. By the end of the program, you’ll present your team’s interactive AI-driven game with an analytical report of their results.

4. Veritas AI

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: 100% need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; support for small group and 1:1 mentorship formats Dates: Multiple cohorts; Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter (12–15 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students worldwide with an interest in AI, data science, or programming; AI Fellowship applicants should have completed AI Scholars or show prior experience with Python or AI concepts.

Veritas AI, founded and led by Harvard graduate students, offers two structured programs designed to help high school students explore and apply artificial intelligence meaningfully. The AI Scholars Program introduces students to AI and data science fundamentals through 10  sessions of live instruction and project-based learning. Those who are ready for a more advanced experience can join the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase, where you work 1:1 with Ph.D. mentors to design and execute an original AI project — often concluding in publication in student research journals. Throughout both programs, you will build skills in Python, machine learning, and AI ethics, while building a portfolio-ready project. With 100% financial aid available, Veritas AI stands out as one of the most accessible and respected free AI programs for high school students worldwide.

5. AI Foundations Program – IBM x ISTE

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Self-paced; typically completed over 2–4 weeks
Application Deadline: Open year-round
Eligibility: Middle and high school students interested in learning the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and data science; no prior coding experience required

The AI Foundations Program, a collaboration between IBM and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), offers a structured, self-paced introduction to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. Through interactive modules such as Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals, AI Foundations, and Build Your Own Chatbots, you will gain a foundational understanding of how AI systems process data, recognize patterns, and communicate using natural language. The program also explores AI ethics, real-world applications, and social impact, helping you understand both the technical and human dimensions of AI. Upon completion, participants earn digital badges that can be added to resumes or college applications. This is one of the most accessible free AI programs for high school students, ideal for those who want to master the basics before joining research or project-based internships.

6. Princeton AI4ALL 

Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; entire tuition fee, housing, meals, and field trips covered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; limited to rising 11th graders nationwide
Dates: July 9 – 30
Application Deadline: April 9
Eligibility: Current 10th graders (rising 11th graders) who live and attend school in the U.S.; must meet at least one socioeconomic eligibility criterion (e.g., family income below $60,000 or qualification for free/reduced lunch or SAT/ACT fee waiver)

The Princeton AI4ALL program is a 3-week, fully funded residential experience that introduces high school students to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and ethical dimensions of technology. You will take part in lectures, workshops, and group projects led by Princeton faculty and researchers, learning how AI can address real-world challenges in fields such as health care, sustainability, and social justice. You will also travel to Washington, D.C., for an AI policy and ethics trip, connecting with industry and government professionals. No prior coding experience is required — just curiosity and leadership potential. With full financial coverage and a strong focus on equity and inclusion, Princeton AI4ALL stands out as the most competitive and mission-driven free AI programs for high school students in the U.S.

7. Curiosity Machine AI Challenge

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Available year-round
Application Deadline: No deadline; enroll anytime
Eligibility: Students aged 18 years and below, working in teams that include at least one parent/guardian and one child aged 16 years or younger

The Curiosity Machine AI Challenge, organized by Technovation Families, provides a hands-on, project-based introduction to artificial intelligence for students and their families. Through a 10-lesson curriculum, participants learn about machine learning, data modeling, and AI ethics while designing and prototyping their own community-focused AI solutions. Guided by mentors, teams brainstorm, code, and test their ideas, ensuring accessibility for students with no prior technical experience. The challenge encourages creativity and social impact, helping young learners understand how AI can be used responsibly to address real-world problems. As a free, open-access AI program for high school students, it’s ideal for beginners eager to explore AI in a collaborative and family-friendly environment.

8. Kode With Klossy

Location: Remote (global access) and selected in-person locations across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; thousands apply nationwide each summer
Dates: Two-week sessions during summer; specific dates announced in Spring
Application Deadline: Spring
Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive teens aged 13–18 years; no prior coding experience required

Kode With Klossy is a nationally recognized initiative that offers free, 2-week coding camps for young women and gender-expansive students interested in technology. In the Machine Learning Track, you will explore the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, including algorithms, datasets, and natural language processing, by training and deploying a simple chatbot using Python. The camp combines technical instructions with discussions on AI ethics, bias, and inclusivity in technology, empowering scholars to apply AI for social good. Additional tracks include Web Development, Mobile App Design, and Data Science. With an inclusive learning environment, expert instructors, and no cost to attend, Kode With Klossy stands out as one of the most empowering free AI programs for high school students aiming to make technology more diverse and accessible.

9. Responsible AI for America’s Youth

Location: Remote and in-person school-based programs across the United States
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment (school-based participation)
Dates: Flexible, which can be offered any time during the school year
Application Deadline: Rolling; schools and educators may register year-round
Eligibility: K–12 students and teachers in the United States; no prior AI experience required

The Day of AI initiative, created by MIT RAISE (Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education), offers a nationwide platform to promote AI literacy and ethical awareness among students and educators. Schools can host free, customizable workshops or events covering topics such as machine learning, data ethics, prompt engineering, and the societal impact of AI. The program provides a complete curriculum toolkit, including lesson plans, slides, educator guides, and interactive activities designed for all grade levels. Teachers also receive free professional development through virtual workshops like Demystifying AI and Bringing AI Literacy to Your Classroom. The program concludes in America’s Youth AI Festival at MIT, where your projects are showcased. By fostering responsible AI use and critical thinking, Day of AI stands out as one of the most extensive and accessible free AI programs for high school students in the U.S.

10. AI4ALL@UW

Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort format
Dates: 20-week program
Application Deadline: Spring
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, and college freshmen; students should demonstrate curiosity about data science, technology, and accessibility

The AI4ALL@UW program, offered by the Taskar Center for Accessible Technology at the University of Washington, is a 20-week, discussion-based introduction to data science and machine learning. You will explore how technology decisions impact accessibility, bias, and fairness, applying a disability studies perspective to real-world AI challenges. Co-taught by UW faculty and researchers, the program emphasizes ethical reasoning, non-ableist data science, and responsible AI development. You will gain hands-on experience interpreting data, designing models, and analyzing outcomes in small groups. With its extended duration and inclusive approach, AI4ALL@UW stands out as one of the most unique and equity-driven free AI programs for high school students, connecting data science fundamentals with social responsibility.

11. CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python 

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Free to audit, an optional verified certificate is available for $299
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Self-paced; available through December 31
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students and above with intermediate programming experience or completion of CS50x; basic Python knowledge recommended

CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python, offered by Harvard University’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, is a highly respected free online AI course for high school students. Over 7 weeks, you’ll learn the key concepts behind modern AI systems — including machine learning, neural networks, graph search algorithms, and reinforcement learning — while building your own intelligent programs in Python. Through hands-on projects, you’ll implement models used in recommendation engines, handwriting recognition, and natural language processing. The course emphasizes both theory and practical application, giving students real coding experience with machine learning libraries. As one of the most flexible and rigorous free AI programs for high school students, it’s an excellent option for those who want to deepen their technical skills and strengthen their portfolio through a university-level course.

12. Elements of AI 

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Available year-round; self-paced
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all learners, including high school students; no prior coding experience required 

Developed by the University of Helsinki in collaboration with MinnaLearn, the Elements of AI course is one of the world’s most popular open-access introductions to artificial intelligence. The program consists of two sections: Introduction to AI, covering the foundations, history, and ethical implications of AI, and Building AI, which explores algorithms, neural networks, and real-world applications. You can complete the modules at your own pace and practice coding through optional Python exercises. With millions of learners enrolled worldwide, Elements of AI stands out as one of the most accessible and widely recognized free AI programs for high school students interested in seeking a foundational understanding of how intelligent systems work.

13. Using Python for Research

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Free to audit, optional verified certificate for $249
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Archived/self-paced
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Intermediate-level learners; ideal for high school students with prior Python experience or who have completed an introductory programming course

Offered by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Using Python for Research bridges the gap between basic programming and advanced computational applications. The course builds on core Python 3 concepts while introducing research-focused tools such as  NumPy, SciPy, and pandas. Through guided instruction and case studies, you’ll apply programming to topics such as statistical learning, data visualization, and machine learning. By the end of the course, you’ll have gained the technical skills necessary to use Python as a tool for academic and scientific research. This self-paced edX course is one of the most practical free AI programs for high school students aiming to strengthen their programming foundations and explore how Python drives real-world data science and AI applications.

14. Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) Lab High School Summer Program

Location: UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; meals are provided daily
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small cohort of Bay Area students
Dates: July 8 – 12
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Bay Area students entering grades 10–12 who have limited access to STEM opportunities, may be first-generation college students, and demonstrate financial need

Hosted by the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) Lab in partnership with the Lawrence Hall of Science, this week-long summer program provides an immersive introduction to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics. You will attend daily lectures from UC Berkeley professors, visit research labs, and engage in hands-on AI activities guided by graduate mentors. The curriculum covers both the technical and social aspects of AI, covering topics such as algorithmic bias, computer vision, and human-compatible robotics, while helping students develop foundational Python and machine learning skills. The program prioritizes accessibility for underrepresented students in STEM, providing mentorship, campus experiences, and networking with Berkeley researchers. As one of the most inclusive and academically rigorous free AI programs for high school students, BAIR’s summer program empowers aspiring technologists to envision themselves as part of the future of AI research.

15. Intro to Generative AI – Codecademy

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Available year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all learners, including high school students with an interest in AI; no prior coding experience required

The Intro to Generative AI course by Codecademy offers a concise and engaging introduction to one of the fastest-growing areas of artificial intelligence. In under an hour, students learn the principles behind generative AI, learn how models like ChatGPT, DALL·E, and other content-generation systems create text, images, and multimedia outputs. The course includes interactive lessons, guided exercises, and a short project where you’ll use ChatGPT to plan a travel itinerary. You’ll also examine the ethical implications of generative technologies, including bias and data transparency. Designed for beginners, this is an accessible, hands-on way to start understanding AI creativity, making it one of the most approachable free AI programs for high school students interested in generative technologies.

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