8 Online Data Science Internships for High School Students

Data science has become an increasingly valuable field, with applications across tech, business, healthcare, and more. For high school students interested in data science, an internship can be an excellent opportunity to develop analytical skills, gain professional exposure, and build a strong resume before college. An online data science internship can help you stand out in college admissions by demonstrating your commitment to learning. Another advantage of online internships is their accessibility: they eliminate location, travel, and cost barriers. You can connect with industry professionals and engage in research projects, all from the comfort of your home. 

We have curated a list of the top 8 online data science internships for high school students. If you’re looking for more research programs in STEM and engineering, check out this set of blogs!

1. Veritas AI Internship

This online program, developed by Harvard graduate mentors, allows students to explore machine learning, data science, and AI through an 8-week internship at a top start-up. Students may work directly with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, and more, gaining real-world exposure to a career in data science. Some example projects that students have conducted include a machine learning model to predict customer churn, a desktop app that harnesses the power of AI, and more. Students might also receive a letter of completion by the company and a letter of recommendation from their mentor. 

Cost: $2,490

Dates: 8 weeks

Application deadline: Rolling admissions

Eligibility: High school students (all grade levels)

2. Microsoft Discovery Program 

Microsoft offers an introductory-level data science internship for high school students interested in technology and AI. During this four-week internship, you will gain project experience, develop professional skills, and receive mentorship from Microsoft employees. You’ll gain insight into a future career at Microsoft and the tech industry and attend workshops and networking sessions with industry professionals. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here. 

Cost: Free

Dates: July 7 - August 1

Application deadline: TBD

Eligibility: High school graduating seniors that live and attend high school within 50 miles of Redmond, Washington OR live and attend high school around Atlanta, Georgia; Completed pre-calculus or an equivalent course by the start of the program

3. NASA internships

NASA’s Office of STEM Engagements offers paid internship opportunities for around 2,000 students annually. You will gain practical experience while working with mentors who are researchers, scientists, and engineers. This is a great opportunity to explore NASA facilities and resources, build your resume, and engage in real-world projects. For students interested in data science, you can work with large datasets, apply machine learning, and more. If you’re located near a NASA facility, you can pursue your internship there; virtual internships are available if you do not live near a NASA research center. For tips on getting an internship at NASA, check out our complete guide here. 

Cost: Free

Dates: Three sessions are offered each year, one in the fall, one in the spring, and one in the summer

Application deadline: Varies depending on session

Eligibility: Students must be U.S citizens who are 16 years old at the time of their application and are full-time students. 

4. Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)

CSSI is a three-week summer program that offers aspiring computer science students an experience at one of the many Google campuses nationwide. You will learn programming fundamentals from Google engineers, learn about the Google office, and explore various career paths in computer and data science. This very competitive program can boost your resume. The connections you make in this program can be valuable when looking for a future internship or job. 

Cost: Free

Dates: June - August

Application deadline: TBD

Eligibility: High school seniors planning to attend a four-year institution in the U.S. or Canada and pursuing a degree in computer science or a related department. 

5. Stanford AI4ALL

Stanford’s AI4ALL is a competitive, research-driven program that introduces students to AI, machine learning, and data science applications in healthcare, finance, social sciences, and more. You will work on real-world datasets alongside Stanford researchers, learning about data ethics, bias in AI, and responsible AI development. This online program includes networking events, guest lectures from AI professionals, and mentorship from Stanford faculty. Stanford has some of the best data science and computer science programs and resources in the world, so attending this program will be a great addition to your resume.

Cost: Free

Dates: June 18 - July 22

Application deadline: January 24

Eligibility: 9th graders or rising 10th graders in the summertime, must be over the age of 14 by the start of the program. Preference for students with math and/or computer skills.

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

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) offers an internship for students interested in data science in the medical field. You will work on a computational research project under the guidance of an experienced mentor, developing your data science and bioinformatics skills while contributing to real-world medical research. The program’s final event will be presenting your research project at NLM’s Summer Poster Day. The program is entirely free, making it accessible. 

Cost: Free

Dates: The program starts in June and will run for 8-12 weeks

Application deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: Students must have completed coursework relevant to computer science, data science, informatics, mathematics, or related subjects, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, be at least 18 years of age by June 1, have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale, and be enrolled at least half-time as a senior in high school, or an accredited U.S. college, or be accepted into an accredited college for the fall

7. Stanford's AIMI Summer Research Internship

The AIMI Summer Research internship is a two-week virtual program hosted by the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging. The program introduces you to data science applications in healthcare—you will attend lectures on AI in medicine, work on group research projects, and receive mentorships from Stanford researchers. Topics to be explored include machine learning in diagnostic imaging, predictive modeling, and clinical decision support systems. To learn more about this internship, check out our complete guide here. 

Cost: $40 application fee; $850 program participation fee

Dates: June 16 - June 27

Application deadline: February 28

Eligibility: High school students over the age of 14 by the start of the program who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Strong preference for students with strong math and/or computer programming skills and/or experience with a healthcare project. 

8. SPARK Summer Internship Program - Data Science track

The SPARK Summer Internship Program (SparkSIP) offers a customizable experience, allowing students to choose projects that align with their interests. In the Data Science track, you can explore machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data engineering while working on industry-related problems. Throughout the internship, you will receive mentorship from university professors, data scientists, and industry leaders, gaining insights into the practical applications of data analytics. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.  

Cost: Free, with a $500 stipend provided 

Dates: Various

Application deadline: TBD

Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 who are US Citizens / Permanent Residents and are currently residing in the US

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, 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 4,000 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!

Image Source - NASA Logo

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.