If you have a passion for data science, you should consider joining one of the following summer programs. These programs, often hosted by institutions or universities, tend to have an intensive curriculum covering fundamental data science concepts such as statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization. 

Through hands-on projects and interactive coursework, you will gain practical skills in coding, data manipulation, and analysis using industry-standard tools. The programs are structured to simulate real-world scenarios, allowing you to apply data science principles to solve complex problems and draw meaningful insights from diverse datasets. Participating in data science programs can also significantly boost your college applications by showcasing your dedication to honing your analytical abilities and gaining hands-on experience in the field. 

Knowing where to start and how to find the right fit for you can be tough. To make things easier, we have compiled a list of the 12 great data science summer programs for high school students! 

1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program—Data Science Track

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.

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 and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.

Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring.

Cost: Full financial aid is available!

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. For example, if you’re interested in data science, you might get to explore topics like machine learning or software development systems.

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.

2. Veritas AI

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

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.

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. 

3. MITES Summer

Location: MIT

Cost: Free

Program dates: 6 weeks - Late June to Early August

Application Deadline: February 1

Eligibility: High school juniors; underrepresented, underserved, and first-generation students are especially encouraged to apply.

The Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science Summer Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a great opportunity if you’re interested in data science. Tailored for underrepresented minorities in STEM, MITES provides an inclusive learning environment and a rigorous curriculum focusing on data science. Through projects and coursework, you will gain a deep understanding of statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization. You will work on projects that tackle pressing issues. MITES also strongly emphasizes mentorship and community building, so you will have the opportunity to interact with faculty and industry professionals. We have covered this opportunity in detail here!

4. Harvard Pre College: Introduction to Data Science with a Focus on Visualization

Location: Harvard University

Cost: $5500

Program dates: 2 weeks in June and July

Application Deadline: January

Eligibility: High school students

The Harvard Precollege Introduction to Data Science with a Focus on Visualization offers a deep dive into data science concepts, emphasizing data visualization techniques. You will learn essential data science fundamentals, such as data collection, analysis, and interpretation, alongside training in data visualization tools and methodologies. In the first week, you will learn to use Python to compile clean data sets from the web and explore this data through visualizations using Matplotlib. In the second week, you will take an in-depth look at visualizations and their communicative potential. The final output typically involves a data-driven project where you will create compelling visualizations to convey insights from complex data sets effectively. Plus, we’ve covered all there is to know about Harvard’s summer school here. 

5. Stanford Pre-College: Introduction to Data Science

Location: Virtual 

Cost: $3050

Program dates: 11 days in June or July

Application Deadline: March

Eligibility: High School Students

The Stanford Pre-College Introduction to Data Science provides a comprehensive introduction to the field, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore data analysis and interpretation. Through the program, you will learn fundamental data science principles, including data collection, data cleaning, statistical analysis, and the use of programming languages like Python to analyze and visualize data. The final output of the program often involves a data project where you apply your learning and skills to tackle a real-world problem. This program is a good option for beginners looking to learn data science and programming fundamentals! 

6. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Pre College: CS Scholars Program

Location: Carnegie Mellon University

Cost: Free

Program dates: June 22 - July 20

Application Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: Rising High School Seniors

The Carnegie Mellon University Pre College CS Scholars Program focuses on computer science. It provides a strong foundation in the computational and analytical skills crucial for success in data science. You will learn core computer science concepts and programming languages like Python as well as gain experience in data structures and algorithms. The final output is a project where you can apply your programming and data manipulation skills to address real-world problems. This program is a good fit for high school students interested in technology and data-driven decision-making. Here’s a review of the program!

7. UPenn Wharton Global Youth Program: Data Science Academy

Location: University of Pennsylvania

Cost: $9,099

Program dates: Mid-July - early August

Application Deadline: January (Priority) and April (Regular) 

Eligibility: High School students

The Data Science Academy at Wharton provides an introduction to data science. Through the program, you will learn fundamental data science concepts, including data analysis, statistical modeling, machine learning, and data visualization. You will gain practical experience through projects, data analysis exercises, and exposure to industry-standard tools and techniques. The final output typically involves a data-driven project, where you apply your skills to derive insights from real-world data sets. The program is a good fit for you if you want to build a strong foundation in data science while exploring its applications.

8. UChicago Summer Session Pathways in Data Science

Location: University of Chicago

Cost: $8350

Program dates: July 5 - July 21

Application Deadline: March

Eligibility: 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students

The UChicago Summer Session Pathways in Data Science focuses on the applications of data science. Through the program, you can expect to build a foundation in data science, including data analysis, statistical modeling, machine learning, and data visualization. You will also have the opportunity to work with real-world data sets and work on projects to tackle data-driven problems. You will complete a final data project and present your findings. This program is a good fit for you if you want to expand your data science knowledge, enhance your analytical and programming skills, and understand how data-driven insights can influence various domains. 

9.  MIT Beaverworks Summer Institute

Location: In-person at MIT and Virtual

Cost: Free

Program dates: July - August

Application Deadline: March 31

Eligibility: Rising High school seniors who attend school in the US

The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) is a great opportunity for you if you are interested in data science. BWSI involves real-world projects that span the breadth of data science applications, from machine learning and artificial intelligence to data visualization. BWSI also gives you access to MIT’s cutting-edge technologies. You will gain practical insights into the tools that power contemporary data science. Through BWSI, you will collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, engaging in interdisciplinary projects. Participating in BWSI can significantly enhance your college application. We’ve covered 8 compelling reasons why you should apply here!

10. NYU Science and Technology Entry Program

Location: New York University 

Cost: $3500

Program dates: July 5 - August 4

Application Deadline: March 24

Eligibility: 7-12 grade New York residents who are underrepresented or underserved in STEM

The NYU Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) is a great opportunity for high school students interested in data science, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. This program provides a supportive environment to explore STEM fields. You will learn fundamental data science concepts such as data analysis, statistical techniques, and data visualization. The program's curriculum emphasizes the use of languages like Python for data manipulation and analysis.

11. University of Chicago’s DSI Summer Lab

Location: John Crerar Library at the University of Chicago Hyde Park campus, IL

Cost/Stipend: There is no cost to participate. Participants will receive a stipend of $4,800 for the 8-week program. Housing is not provided for high school students.

Application Deadline: January 12

Dates: June 16 – August 8

Eligibility: Current high school seniors starting college in the fall or undergraduates enrolled in college for the fall residing in the Chicago area can apply. Graduating college seniors are not eligible.

Note: International students may apply but must secure U.S. work authorization and provide the required documentation to receive a stipend.

The Data Science Institute Summer Lab is a paid summer research opportunity. You will be paired with mentors specializing in computer science, public policy, materials science, social science, climate and energy policy, biomedical research, and more. As a research assistant, you will gain experience in applied data science, understand methodologies, and receive specialized training tailored to your lab's focus area. Throughout the program, you will practice presenting your research, culminating in final videos showcased at an end-of-summer symposium. The program also offers professional development and training. To learn more about this program, check out our review here.

12. NLM Data Science and Informatics (DSI) Scholars Program

Location: NIH Campus, Bethesda, MD

Cost/Stipend: There is no cost to participate. DSI Scholars receive compensation based on the NIH Intramural Research Training Award stipends, updated yearly and determined by education and experience levels.

Application Deadline: February 19

Dates: The program begins in June and lasts 8–12 weeks, with flexible start dates and durations.

Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 years old by June 1, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, be accepted into an accredited program for the upcoming fall, have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale, and have completed coursework in computer science, data science, informatics, mathematics, or related fields.

The National Library of Medicine provides training opportunities for students interested in computational health and biology research. The NLM DSI Scholars Program is a summer internship where you can contribute to computational research projects in the biological sciences. You’ll dedicate 40 hours weekly to research and professional development, working one-on-one with a research mentor. The program includes seminars and workshops to enhance your scientific communication skills. It concludes with a presentation at NLM’s Summer Poster Day, with opportunities to present at the NIH-wide Summer Poster Day. Details about NLM research areas can be found on the NLM Division of Intramural Research website. 

Jessica attends Harvard University where she studies Neuroscience and Computer Science as a Coca-Cola, Elks, and Albert Shankar Scholar. She is passionate about educational equity and hopes to one day combine this with her academic interests via social entrepreneurship. Outside of academics, she enjoys taking walks, listening to music, and running her jewelry business! 

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