9 Machine Learning (ML) Research Programs for High School Students
Machine learning (ML) is transforming industries from healthcare to finance, enabling breakthroughs in fields like robotics, autonomous vehicles, and natural language processing. For high school students, engaging in ML research is a great opportunity to explore technology and develop skills in programming, data analysis, and problem-solving. These programs not only provide foundational knowledge in algorithms and data science but also give you hands-on experience with ML.
Participating in an ML research program can also enhance your college applications by showing admissions officers your intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn beyond the standard high school curriculum. Each program in this list offers a unique curriculum, ranging from introductory courses to advanced research opportunities. These opportunities allow you to conduct ML research directly or build skills that would be vital for future research projects.
This list highlights 9 Machine Learning (ML) research programs designed for high school students.
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program—Machine Learning track
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 PhD 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 machine learning, 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.
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 UC San Diego Machine Learning for High Schoolers program offers students a comprehensive introduction to machine learning, covering Python programming, statistical analysis, and applied algorithms. The course includes a sequence on regression models, supervised and unsupervised learning techniques, and neural networks, with a focus on practical applications like image processing. Delivered online in a flexible, asynchronous format, this program is well-suited for students aiming to develop technical expertise in machine learning.
Location: Virtual and asynchronous
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: N/A
Eligibility: High school students
Cost: Pay as you go, $350 per course
3. Veritas AI Fellowship
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest.You can find examples of previous projects here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Application Requirements: Online application form, answers to a few questions about the student's background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest.
The Wharton Data Science Academy introduces high school students to foundational data science and machine learning concepts, emphasizing problem-solving with real-world data. You will develop skills in data visualization, probability, statistics, and machine learning through structured lectures, group projects, and expert-led sessions. Taught by Wharton faculty and supported by TAs, you will apply your learning in a final team project, showcasing your analytical abilities. The program combines rigorous coursework with collaborative experiences and is ideal for those interested in advanced data science studies.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
Application Deadline: April 2
Program Dates: July 13 – August 2
Eligibility: Current 10th or 11th graders with a strong background in math and coding
Cost: $9,799 (financial aid available)
Stanford AI4ALL is a three-week program designed to introduce high school students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to the field of artificial intelligence. Through online lectures, hands-on group projects, and mentorship from Stanford faculty and researchers, you will explore the ethical and societal impacts of AI. Topics include applications of AI in areas like healthcare and social good. The program fosters technical skills alongside awareness of AI’s broader implications.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March 25
Program Dates: July 8 – 26
Eligibility: Rising 10th graders
Cost: $4,000
The Harvard Computer Society AI Summer Bootcamp offers high school students an intensive, five-day experience in artificial intelligence guided by Harvard researchers and students. The bootcamp provides two tracks: an Introductory Track for students with a foundational understanding of Python and math, and an Advanced Track for those with experience in AI or PyTorch, emphasizing research. Through lectures, hands-on projects, and personalized mentorship, you will gain insights into AI advancements, culminating in a mini-research project.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: July 25
Program Dates: August 26 – 30
Eligibility: High schoolers with strong mathematical backgrounds
Cost: $495 – $595
7. MIT STEP Lab
The SRMPmachine program, a collaboration between MIT and the American Museum of Natural History, offers NYC high school students a hands-on introduction to machine learning. Through a four-week Summer Institute, you will learn to apply ML techniques to real-world scientific challenges in the natural sciences. Selected students continue in research labs throughout the academic year, working with scientists to deepen their technical knowledge and gain career insights into AI. This NSF-funded initiative emphasizes broadening access to STEM for underserved students.
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
Application Deadline: Typically around mid-April
Program Dates: Summer Institute in July; extended academic research through the school year
Eligibility: High school students in New York City, with a focus on those from underserved backgrounds
Cost: No cost listed
The NYU Tandon Machine Learning Summer Program offers high school students an in-depth introduction to machine learning fundamentals, covering data analysis, model development, and core algorithms. This two-week intensive includes hands-on projects in video and image recognition, autonomous systems, and diagnostic technologies. You will gain practical skills in ML applications and problem-solving through real-world challenges. The program is designed for students seeking a structured, rigorous exploration of machine learning in a collaborative environment.
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Application Deadline: April 22
Program Dates: Three sessions are offered: June 17 – 28; July 8 – 19; July 29 – August 9
Eligibility: Students who will be 14 years or older by the start of the program, have completed Algebra 2, and have some experience in computer programming
Cost: $3,050
The Coding School’s Research Program provides high school students with an opportunity to conduct research in cutting-edge fields like machine learning and artificial intelligence. You will work under the mentorship of experts to develop and execute research projects, from initial concept to completion. The program emphasizes both technical skills and critical thinking, guiding you through advanced topics and methodologies that will prepare you for future academic and professional endeavors in AI.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: N/A
Program Dates: July 8 – August 9
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th grade high school students and incoming college freshmen
Cost: Cost for 2025 has not yet been released
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD 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.