10 Data Science Courses for High School Students
Data science is transforming industries like healthcare, finance, and technology, making it one of the most valuable skill sets to develop. For high school students, enrolling in a data science course is an excellent way to explore this growing field, gain hands-on experience, and build skills that stand out in college applications. These programs introduce critical concepts like data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling, all while helping students understand how to tackle real-world challenges through data.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to deepen your knowledge, these programs offer a chance to work with industry professionals and academic experts, preparing you for college-level coursework and future careers in a data-driven world. To help get you started, here are 10 data science programs for high school students designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in this dynamic field.
Cost: $2,490
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: December 15, 2024
Dates: The start date for the cohort is January 5, 2025
Eligibility: High school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program
The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is an 8-week internship founded and led by Harvard graduate students, offering high school students the chance to work with VC-backed startups on real-world data science projects. Participants collaborate with industry mentors from top companies, including Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and alumni from prestigious schools such as Harvard and Wharton.
Through this program, students gain valuable hands-on experience with real data science challenges, develop their technical skills, and build connections with professionals across the field. Participants work directly with startup leaders, giving them insight into data-driven decision-making and strategy in a professional setting. Upon completion, students receive a letter of completion and are well-positioned for future academic and career opportunities in data science. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) in Data Science
Cost: $2,990
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies depending on cohort. Deadline for Spring 2025 is February 16, 2025
Program Start Date: March 3, 2025 (Flexible start dates available for Labs)
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students with a strong interest in data science and academic research
The Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) in Data Science offers high school students a unique opportunity to delve into advanced data science research under the mentorship of a university professor. This online, trimester-long program allows students to apply data science principles to real-world problems, focusing on areas like predictive modeling, machine learning, big data analytics, or computational social science.
Participants in HARP follow a structured program that includes selecting a research topic, developing a proposal, and writing a 20-page research manuscript. This comprehensive project not only develops students’ technical skills in data analysis and programming but also enhances their ability to conduct rigorous research and communicate complex findings effectively. Through a hands-on approach, students analyze datasets, apply statistical and machine learning methods, and gain valuable experience with tools commonly used in data science research.
HARP provides extensive feedback, a recommendation letter, and guidance on achieving external recognition for completed projects, helping students strengthen their college applications and academic portfolios. This program is ideal for students passionate about data science who are looking to expand their research capabilities and demonstrate their expertise in an academic setting.
3. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) Virtual Courses
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
Program Dates: Self-paced; from February to June
Eligibility: High school students with a basic understanding of the Linux operating system and command-line interface
The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) offers virtual summer courses designed to challenge and develop students' technical abilities in various STEM fields. Students must first apply to and complete a BWSI online course before being eligible to apply for the summer program, which further enhances their learning through hands-on projects and collaborative work.
One example is the Cyber Operations course, which covers computing systems, starting from the basics of modern computer architecture and progressing to advanced topics such as human factors, cryptography, networking, software reverse-engineering, and side-channel attacks. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge through practical exercises.
While the program is rigorous and time-intensive, it offers a unique opportunity for students to dive deep into advanced STEM topics and gain practical skills that will help prepare them for future academic and career pursuits in science and engineering fields.
4. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes – Introduction to Data Science
Cost: $3,050
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March 29, 2025 (Tentative, based on 2024 dates)
Program Dates: (Tentative, based on 2024 dates)
Session One: June 17 – June 28, 2025
Session Two: July 8 – July 19, 2025
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-11 at the time of application
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes offers a dynamic Introduction to Data Science course designed to cultivate critical technical skills in high school students with a passion for data and technology. This 2-week course explores how data science impacts our world, equipping students with hands-on experience in data analysis, coding, and machine learning.
Through interactive lectures and coding exercises in R, students will dive into the ethical applications and limitations of algorithms and models used to interpret data. With datasets drawn from natural and social sciences, students engage in projects relevant to their own interests, learning how to ask insightful questions and apply statistical models to answer them.
Beyond the daily classes, students participate in out-of-class assignments, collaborative group work, and office hours with instructors, all designed to deepen their understanding and confidence in applying data science to real-world scenarios.
5. NYU Tandon’s Summer Program for Machine Learning
Cost: $3,050
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Application Deadline: April 21, 2025
Program Dates:
Session One: June 16 – June 27, 2025
Session Two: July 7 – July 18, 2025
Session Three: July 28 – August 8, 2025
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-11; Some programming experience in any language required; Minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent recommended
The NYU Tandon Summer Program for Machine Learning is a two-week, immersive program that introduces high school students to the foundational concepts in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). Through a series of hands-on activities and lectures, students explore how computer science, data analysis, and mathematical techniques underpin modern AI applications, from video recognition and voice-activated technology to autonomous vehicles and medical diagnostics.
The program’s curriculum covers essential topics in ML, including cross-validation, linear regression, and neural networks. Students will learn how to build models and understand the problem-solving processes engineers use to design AI systems. With a focus on real-world applications, students gain insight into how ML can be applied to address societal challenges. In addition to classroom instruction, participants can choose to stay on campus and take advantage of housing and meal plans for a comprehensive campus experience.
6. Wharton Global Youth Program – Data Science Academy
Cost: $9,799
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Application Deadlines:
Priority Deadline: January 29, 2025
Final Deadline: April 2, 2025
Program Dates: July 13 - August 2, 2025
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 10-11; strong background in math and coding required; prior knowledge of statistics preferred
The Wharton Data Science Academy at the University of Pennsylvania offers high school students an intensive introduction to data science and machine learning. This 3-week academy emphasizes a practical approach, teaching students to identify and analyze real-world issues while effectively communicating their insights. Through a rigorous curriculum akin to an intermediate undergraduate course, students will build essential skills in data wrangling, visualization, and machine learning techniques, providing a foundation for understanding modern AI applications.
Students will gain hands-on experience with the R programming language, a critical tool in both academic and professional data science. Students work in teams to complete a final project, presenting their findings to peers at the program's conclusion. Classes are held Monday through Friday, with additional extracurricular activities available during evenings and weekends, fostering a dynamic campus life experience.
7. Quinnipiac University Pre-College Summer Program – Data Sciences Lab
Cost:
Residential (Overnight) Program: $3,360 (includes room, board, and evening/weekend activities)
Commuter Program: $2,400 (includes lunch daily)
Early Bird Discount: $100 for registrations completed and paid in full by January 15, 2025
Location: Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: July 7 - 18, 2025
Eligibility: Current high school students (ages 15-18)
The Data Sciences Lab at Quinnipiac University is designed for high school students with a passion for problem-solving, pattern recognition, and creative thinking. This 2-week program immerses students in the fundamentals of data science, covering essential skills in math, statistics, and computer programming. Participants learn to analyze data, detect patterns, solve real-world problems, and understand the influence of data-driven decisions in various industries.
Students can choose between a residential experience with full room and board and evening/weekend activities or a commuter option that runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
Quinnipiac provides all necessary materials, including laptops, though students may bring their own devices for use outside instruction time. The program is a great choice for those seeking hands-on experience in data science with expert instruction and a dynamic campus experience.
8. Harvard Data Science Principles
Cost: $950
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: February 10, 2025
Program Dates: February 19 – March 19, 2025
Eligibility: Anyone interested in data science
Data Science Principles is an online Harvard course that provides an overview of key data science concepts, focusing on prediction, causality, data wrangling, privacy, and ethics. Designed for individuals who are new to the field, this course offers a code- and math-free introduction to these essential topics, making it accessible for high school students interested in exploring data science. Through this course, participants will understand the core principles of data science, including how to handle and analyze data responsibly while considering the ethical implications of its use.
Through engaging case studies and interactive exercises, students learn to interpret data, draw actionable insights, and communicate findings effectively. The course culminates in a certificate that can be added to a student’s academic portfolio, showcasing their commitment to learning in a cutting-edge field.
9. CS Scholars – Carnegie Mellon University
Cost: Free (fully funded, including tuition, housing, meal plans, and program-related field trips and special events)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Program Dates: June 21 – July 19, 2025
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors (current 10th graders); must be 16 years old by June 21, 2025
The CS Scholars (CSS) program offers a fully funded, immersive computer science experience for high school juniors, hosted at Carnegie Mellon University. Sponsored by CS Pathways, the program provides a unique opportunity for students from across the U.S. to learn foundational programming and problem-solving skills in Python, engage in hands-on projects, and explore real-world applications of computer science. CMU’s expert faculty and industry leaders guide students through a rigorous curriculum that includes weekly college prep seminars focused on admissions, financial aid, and social-emotional skills, while also fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Throughout this 4-week residential experience, students will take part in core programming courses, gaining skills in algorithmic thinking, data structures, and computational problem-solving techniques. The program also features guest lectures, academic tours, field trips, and collaborative projects that highlight the role of computer science in tackling social challenges. With a strong emphasis on building an inclusive community, students engage in discussions on equity within STEM, develop meaningful peer and mentor relationships, and participate in projects that use computer science to make a positive impact.
10. Pathways in Data Science – University of Chicago
Cost: $8,600
Location: The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Application Deadline: Applications typically close by May
Program Dates: July 10 - 26, 2025 (Tentative, based on 2024 dates)
Eligibility: Students currently in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade with some programming experience (preferably Python)
The Pathways in Data Science course, part of the University of Chicago's Summer Session, is designed for high school students eager to delve into data science and machine learning. This program is a great option for high school students who are eager to understand the role of data science in business, government, and scientific research.
Throughout this 3-week course, students learn the fundamentals of data collection, storage, and visualization, using Python to explore advanced techniques like classification, prediction, inference, and regression. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, and students work collaboratively on projects to tackle a data science problem of their choice, gaining hands-on experience in analyzing and presenting findings.
In addition to learning technical skills, students engage with guest lecturers who share diverse applications of data science in fields such as business and biology, providing a broad perspective on career paths in this rapidly growing area. By the program's end, students will have built a foundational skill set in data science, preparing them for further academic pursuits and helping them stand out in college applications.
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