13 Data Science Summer Programs for High School Students
A summer program might be valuable to your application if you are an ambitious student looking to break into a career in data science.
In this post, we have curated a list of 13 data science programs. Programs on this list, such as CodeConnects or the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, are great research opportunities that will signal your passion for the subject and how you are actively exploring data science outside of classroom walls.
Other summer academies or camps, such as Stanford’s Introduction to Data Science or Wharton’s Data Science Academy, can give you exposure to the subject and allow you to explore potential career paths or research opportunities which you can pursue in the future!
Participating in a data science program or internship can allow you to network with researchers who are at the top of their field. You can later use these connections either for job opportunities or even letters of recommendation!
Programs are a great way to pick up skills and build networks, but becoming a data scientist will involve a lot more than that. Check out this great blog on ways to become a data scientist! Once you’ve built up some momentum, consider data science internships to take your skills to the next level.
However, while all the programs on this list provide great exposure and mentorship opportunities in data science, they can be expensive. If you are looking for more budget-friendly courses, you can take a look at Google’s ‘Data Science Foundations’, Udemy’s ‘Essentials of Data Science’, or Data Camp’s ‘Data Science for Everyone’!
1. Veritas AI
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs tailored for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. The fellowship encourages students to explore interdisciplinary approaches, enabling them to merge AI with various fields such as finance, medicine, sports, environmental science, and more! You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
Location: Virtual
Cost:
$2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program
$5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
$6,900 for both
Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Winter cohort deadline - December 1, 2024
Program dates: Various according to the cohort
Program selectivity: Moderately selective
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.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students, across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility:
You must be currently enrolled in high school
Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
Program Dates: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the Fall cohort from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, Spring from March to June
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and on college applications. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Application Date: May 21, 2024 for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort
Program Dates:
Summer seminar - June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024
Fall seminar - October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025
Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
As a part of its Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes, Stanford conducts a 2-week course on data science. In the course, you are introduced to computer algorithms and the diversity of the models they can generate, each with its own pros and cons.
You will also gain the opportunity to use datasets from the natural and social sciences to answer real-world questions, pursuing questions and data relevant to your lives. Additionally, you will apply machine learning concepts through R programming exercises that are integrated into the course!
At the end of the program, you can expect to have developed a technical skill set that allows you to approach any dataset with strong coding abilities and a scientific approach.
Cost: $3,050
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline (Summer 2023): March 15th, 2023
Program Dates (Summer 2023):
Session 1: June 19th to June 30th, 2023
Session 2: July 10th to July 21st, 2023
Selection Rate: Highly Selection
Eligibility:
Must be either a freshman, sophomore, or junior at the time of application.
Must have completed AP Statistics or one computer science course.
Wharton’s Data Science Academy is a summer school that allows high school students to be taught by full-time professors at Wharton while also having the opportunity to work on their own projects!
You will explore essential data science techniques such as data visualization and wrangling. However, you will also be exposed to modern machine learning methodologies, all of which are essential for today’s AI field. You can apply these concepts in your final projects, which you will present to peers at the end of the program!
An added bonus is interacting with Wharton undergraduate and graduate TAs who will share their experiences with studying data science in university!
Cost: $9,099 (Scholarships available)
Location: Wharton Campus, Philadelphia
Application Deadline (Summer 2023):
Priority Deadline: January 25th, 2023
Final Deadline: April 5th, 2023
Program Dates (Summer 2023): July 16th - August 5th, 2023
Selection Rate: Selective
Eligibility:
Must be in grades 10-11.
Must have a strong background in math, coding, and data analytics (Note. Previous understanding of statistics is preferred)
Must have a minimum of 3.3 unweighted GPA
The DSI Summer Lab by the University of Chicago is a 10-week, paid summer research opportunity for high school and undergraduate students that focuses on applied, interdisciplinary data science research.
In this program, you will be paired with a data science mentor in various domains, including - data science, computer science, climate and energy policy, and more! Your research mentor will engage and hone your skills in research methodologies, practices, and teamwork. You will develop an understanding of fundamental data science methodologies and be given specialized training within the application areas.
The program culminates with a presentation of your final videos - a video created by you that outlines your research findings throughout the summer. These videos will be presented in a professional conference format where you can interact with your peers and field questions on their projects and vice versa!
Cost: No cost; stipend provided ($6,000)
Location: University of Chicago Campus, IL
Application Deadline (Summer 2024): While the application deadline has not been specified, you can check their website in the fall-winter 2023 for updates.
Program Dates (Summer 2023): June 12th - August 18th, 2023
Selection Rate: Selective
Eligibility:
Open to all high school students.
Familiarity with at least one programming language and relevant coursework (e.g., computer science, statistics, and math) is preferred.
Note: International students are welcome to apply but are responsible for gaining authorization to work in the U.S. and providing all the necessary documentation to earn their stipend.
Code Connects Summer Research Program at Columbia is a 5-week research program where students develop their skill sets in data science and apply them as research assistants to Ph.D. researchers!
The program is split into two components. The first two weeks are spent on courses where you receive intensive training in data science. You will learn skills such as coding skills in R, data visualizations, data cleaning, data analysis, and more! The last weeks are spent putting these concepts into action by assisting PhD researchers with their real-life research projects.
An added bonus is the possibility of publication in academic journals, depending on your findings!
Cost: $3,995
Location: Virtual (with live instruction)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates (Summer 2023): July 5th - August 4th, 2023
Eligibility: Open to rising sophomores and recent graduates.
Hosted by the Taskar Center for Accessible Technology at the University of Washington, A14ALL is a 2-week introductory course on data science and artificial intelligence. You will learn how to understand, analyze, interpret, and discuss real-world applications of data science and machine learning to understand impactful technology decisions.
A key focus of this program is to enable dialogue and learning in small-group settings. The Center focuses on anti-bias in AI teachings on non-ableist AI, bringing a disability studies lens to interrogate bias and fairness in AI.
Note. If you are interested in pursuing a non-STEM major in university, this is still a great option, as a critical focus of the program is the interdisciplinary applications of data science! Plus, it also focuses on the ethical use of technology, which is a significant debate across STEM and non-STEM areas.
Cost: No cost
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: April 15th, 2023 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s schedule)
Program Dates (Summer 2023): August 08, 2023 - August 28, 2023 (tentatively, based on the last year’s schedule)
Eligibility:
Students must be rising juniors, seniors, or recently graduated.
Must be from an underrepresented background
This course by Syracuse University is a hands-on course centered around taking raw data and converting it into visuals. You will learn how data is captured, how to assess the quality of data, and how to clean data.
Additionally, you will use tools such as Microsoft Excel and Tableau, where you will have discussions on design principles on dashboards and the science behind choosing charts.
The course objectives for the Summer 2023 sessions are:
Understanding what to do first when an unknown data set is presented.
Visually explore data.
Perform data cleanup and get it ready for analysis.
Perform basic statistics to generate insights from data.
Present the data to stakeholders to make decisions quickly and in an informed manner.
Apart from the lectures, you will spend your afternoons participating in group activities and labs!
Cost: $2,020 (Residential), $1,543 (Commuter)
Location: Syracuse University Campus, NY
Application Deadline: May 1st, 2023
Note. There is an application extension until May 15th, 2023. Also, the financial aid and scholarship deadline is March 1st, 2023!
Program Dates (Summer 2023): July 16th to July 21st, 2023
Eligibility:
Students must be rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recent graduates.
10. Columbia’s Pre-College Program - Data Science Track
Columbia University conducts a summer immersion program in data science and machine learning, called “Big Data, Machine Learning, and their Real World Applications”.
In this program, you will be taught by esteemed faculty to explore the advancement of data, cloud computing, and machine learning, and how they have had impacts on various industries.
You will focus on the strategic use of data and innovative technologies used to derive business insights. You are also introduced to different technologies used for data analytics and gain familiarity with programming technology.
At the end of the program, you will:
Develop a strong foundation in data-driven thinking for solving real-world problems.
Become experienced with importing, exporting, manipulating, transforming, and visualizing data.
Learn how to use statistical summaries and machine learning models.
Implement common machine-learning techniques and develop and evaluate analytical solutions.
Cost: $12,449 (3-week residential), $6,300 (3-week commuter), $2,825 (1-week commuter)
Note. The fees have not been finalized for Summer 2023. The fees listed above are from the previous term. You can look here for updates!
Location: Columbia University Campus, NY
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Program Dates (Summer 2023): There are multiple sessions for both residential and commuters:
Residential
3 Weeks - Session 1: June 26 - July 14, 2023
3 Weeks - Session 2: July 18 - August 4, 2023
6 Weeks - Sessions 1 & 2: June 26 - August 4, 2023
Commuter
3 Weeks - Session 1: June 26 - July 14, 2023
3 Weeks - Session 2: July 18 - August 4, 2023
1 Week - Session 3: August 7 - August 11, 2023
6 Weeks - Sessions 1 & 2: June 26 - August 4, 2023
4 Weeks - Sessions 1 & 3: June 26 - July 14 and August 7 - August 11, 2023
4 Weeks - Sessions 2 & 3: July 18 - August 4 and August 7 - August 11, 2023
7 Weeks - Sessions 1, 2, & 3: June 26 - August 11, 2023
Selection Rate: Selective
Eligibility:
Open to all students between grades 8-12.
Note. Residential programs are only available to students who are 16 or older. Younger students must choose the commuter or online option to be eligible.
Quinnipiac University conducts a 2-week program where you will be introduced to the field of data science. You will get the opportunity to learn foundational data science theory from experienced Quinnipiac faculty and apply these concepts by working on hands-on data science projects.
In the program, you will:
Develop a foundational knowledge of Big Data and data science theory and methodology.
Analyze data sets to uncover patterns and solve problems.
Gain exposure to career possibilities within the data science field.
Understand how data scientists use their skills and knowledge to solve problems across diverse industries.
Cost: $3,360 (Residential), $2,400 (Commuter)
Location: Quinnipiac University Campus, CT
Application Deadline (Summer 2023): May 1st, 2023
Program Dates (Summer 2023): July 10th to July 21st, 2023
Eligibility:
Open to all high school students (ideally between 15-18 years of age).
NextGen DATA Leadership Camp fosters interest in information science and data science within local communities and aims to develop the next generation of leaders within these fields through their interactive camps.
This 5-day camp will allow you to explore data analytics and technological advancement under UNT faculty and PhD. students who currently conduct research in the fields of Information and Data Science. Additionally, the program also focuses on key principles such as leadership, teamwork, and social inclusion.
Some prospective topics discussed in the camp are:
Basic concepts of data science
Interaction with AI/Chatbots
Human-technology interaction
AMVR
And Fake news.
Cost: $350
Location: Frisco Landing, TX
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: July 24th to July 28th, 2023
Eligibility:
Open to rising freshmen to high school seniors.
Bonus program in data science:
Ladder Internship is a selective program for high school students to work with startups.
Ladder Startups work in fields including technology, data science, machine learning and A.I., finance, environmental science and sustainability, healthcare and medicine, business and marketing, media and journalism, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form.
As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship - the Ladder Coach serves as a second mentor and a sounding board, guiding students through the internship and helping them navigate the startup environment.
Note that as a Ladder Intern, you will engage in a coaching+work-based model - a component that sets it apart from most internships in this list. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Cost: $1490 (Financial Aid Available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: April 16 and May 14
Program Dates: 8 weeks, June to August
Selection Rate: Selective
Eligibility: Students who can work 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
One other option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research in data science, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source: Code Connects logo