Participating in data science research opportunities as a high school student in today's data-driven world allows you to strengthen your academic profile and explore potential professional pursuits. These opportunities let you apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, enhance your understanding of complex concepts, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. 

Getting involved in hands-on data science research experiences will introduce you to the challenges and methodologies of real-world research, building a strong foundation for your future career. Additionally, they give your college applications an edge, impressing the college admissions department, who favor candidates who showcase their proactiveness and commitment to their future careers.

In this blog, we’ve compiled 10 data science research opportunities for high school students that you can explore. Keep reading to discover which program could be for you!  

1. Research Science Institute (RSI) at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA

Cost: U.S. Student Application: $65 | International Student Application: $30

Eligibility: Only open to high school juniors, including international students. Recommended scores are 740+ for PSAT Math, 700+ for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, 33 for ACT Math, and 34 for ACT Verbal. If your scores are lower, you must provide other indicators of academic excellence.

Application Deadline: Applications are now open and will close on December 11, 2024.

Program Dates: 6 weeks between June and August (tentative, based on previous years).

The Research Science Institute (RSI), a highly esteemed program with an acceptance rate of 5%, is known for its global reach, rigorous curriculum, and affiliation with MIT. The summer science and engineering program integrates on-campus coursework in scientific principles with off-campus practical work in science and technology research. As a selected student, you will also enjoy a variety of field trips outside the academic work to cultural attractions and expeditions to Boston-area science and technology facilities. 

The program begins with seminars on current chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, humanities, and engineering research topics. These evening lecture series continue throughout the program, allowing you to meet with science and technology leaders, such as entrepreneurs and Nobel laureates (check out the past list of speakers here). Along with access to detailed computing resources at MIT, you will obtain tools to find current publications, model complex systems, prepare a scientific presentation, and deliver a conference-style presentation. 

At the end of the first week, you will receive your individual research project assignments from mentors who are experienced scientists and researchers. You’ll start working at the laboratories during the second week and spend the next four weeks engaged in guided research, experiencing the entire research cycle from start to finish. During the final week of the program, you will prepare written and oral presentations on your research projects. An outside panel of academic and corporate scientists will select five papers and presentations for special commendation.

2. Data Science Institute (DSI) Summer Lab at the University of Chicago

Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Stipend: $4,800

Eligibility: Applicants must be high school students based in the Chicago area or undergraduate students enrolled in college. International students can also apply but must provide documentation for work authorization in the U.S.

Application Deadline: Applications for summer 2025 open on November 4, 2024, and close in mid-January (tentatively).

Program Dates: 8 weeks between June and August (tentative; based on the 2024 program)

The Data Science Institute Summer Lab program at the University of Chicago is an immersive 8-week paid research program for undergraduate and Chicago-area high school students. During the program, selected students are paired with a data science mentor in computer science, social science, data science, public policy, materials science, climate and energy policy, and biomedical research. 

As a research assistant, you will receive first-hand access to impactful and applied data science research, gain a deep understanding of fundamental data science research methodologies, and receive specialized training in lab research. The program culminates in a final video presented during the end-of-summer symposium. 

Additionally, the program hosts a weekly speaker series with researchers who are experts in data science. The speakers will address topics ranging from their distinctive data science research paths to innovative approaches to handling research questions. 

3. The Coding School’s Summer Research Program with Columbia University

Location: Virtual

Cost: $3,995 (limited need-based scholarships are available)

Eligibility: Open to rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and high school graduates. Students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in STEM are encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline: TBD | Fill out this form for updates on the upcoming session.

Program Dates: 5 weeks | July to August (tentatively)

The Coding School’s Summer Research Program with Columbia University offers high school students the opportunity to develop tangible skills in data science. During the first two weeks, you will receive intensive training in data science. You will develop the skills needed to conduct research, including coding skills in R, data visualizations, data cleaning, data analysis, web scraping, research protocol, and more. 

The next few weeks will be spent putting your data science skills to work by serving as research assistants to PhD researchers. You will also work on current research being conducted at the Columbia University Data Science Institute under the guidance of university professors and industry professionals. Upon completion of the program, you will have technical skills in data science and research, a completed research project for college applications, and a certificate.   

4. AIBrilliance High School Research Program

Location: Virtual

Cost: Some programs are free while others have fees. | Discounts and need-based scholarships are available. 

Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in data science and STEM

Application Deadline: Spring (Mid-March) | Summer (Mid-May) | Fall (Mid-August). All dates are tentative based on the 2024 schedule.

Program Dates: 6-12 months throughout the year during spring, summer, and fall cohorts

AIBrilliance’s High School Research Program aims to empower high school students globally through their research opportunities in data science, machine learning, and AI in different domains like computer science, engineering, medicine, business, economics, and biology. The program provides a one-on-one mentoring process, where you can collaborate with mentors who will help tailor your unique research topics while fostering creativity and personal growth. 

They offer two programs: the Research and Publication Program and the Premium Research Fellowship Program. The Research and Publication program is a 6–8-month program that results in research publication in high school or college-level conferences and journals. The Premium Research Fellowship Program is a 10-12-month program that offers in-depth research exploration, resulting in research publication in selective and competitive conferences or journals. 

5. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)

Location: Virtual

Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend

Eligibility: High school students with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.67 can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders. Some subjects have formal course prerequisites. Check it out here. 

Application Deadline: Winter cohort: November 10, 2025 | Spring cohort: February 9, 2025 

Program Dates: Each cohort lasts 15 weeks; Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.

• Winter cohort start date: December 2, 2024

• Spring cohort start date: March 3, 2025

Horizon Academic is a trimester-long online research program for high school students interested in pursuing undergraduate-level research. Students choose a field of inquiry from their subject offerings, which are data science and machine learning, neuroscience, protein biophysics, cybersecurity, algorithms and data structure, critical history, and more. It is one of the few research programs where you’re offered a choice between quantitative and qualitative research methods.

After selecting the research topic, you are paired with a professor or doctoral researcher from a globally renowned university who will be your mentor. Under their guidance, you will spend the trimester reading, writing, and exploring. Your final project will be a 20-page research paper, which can be submitted to academic journals for publication, science fairs, essay contests, or academic conferences. Mentors will provide detailed feedback throughout the writing process and a grade on your final project.

6. Rowan University’s STEAM Academy – Pathfinders

Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ

Cost: $4,200

Eligibility: Open to high-achieving high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

Application Deadline: Applications will open in December.

Program Dates: July 6 to 18, 2025

STEAM Academy by Rowan University aims to educate and empower high-achieving students through a dynamic summer program. During the program, you will receive instructions from faculty in STEM and the arts to help you identify and explore your areas of interest. The program admits students into three groups: Voyagers, Navigators, and Pathfinders.

Pathfinders provides high-achieving students in grades 10 to 12 the opportunity to pursue research in their field of interest under the mentorship and support of a Rowan faculty member. In the mornings, you will attend an official, accredited Rowan University course. The college courses offered are essentials of psychology, leading among diverse perspectives, java development, or engineers of the future. You will spend the two weeks staying on campus, dining in the cafeterias, and preparing for college-level academic success. 

7. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) Program

Location: Remote and in-person at New York University Campus, NY

Cost: No cost

Eligibility: Open to New York City-based rising juniors and rising seniors

Application Deadline: March (tentatively)

Program Dates: June to August (tentatively) | 10-week summer program with 4 weeks remote and 6 weeks in-person 

NYU’s ARISE is a 10-week program that offers an authentic research experience in participating faculty labs at the university. It is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in college-level research, develop professional skills, and make meaningful contributions to cutting-edge research.

The program is divided into two parts: 4 weeks of workshops and 6 weeks of research. The workshop will introduce you to the field of scientific ethics, contemporary issues in scientific inquiry, data collection and analysis, research practices, lab safety, and more. You’ll spend the next five weeks working alongside mentors in a lab where you will make practical and substantive contributions to research objectives. 

The program also offers research opportunities in different subject areas, including anthropology, biology, computer science and engineering, and biomedical engineering, among others. Check out the full list here. 

8. Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program

Location: ASDRP office, Fremont, CA

Cost: $1,070 | Several partial and full scholarships are available for students from underrepresented backgrounds. 

Eligibility: Open to high school students in 9th to 12th grades from the Bay Area, California, and around the world. Underrepresented students in STEM and socioeconomically disadvantaged students are encouraged to apply. 

Application Deadline: Spring 2025: December 30, 2024 | Summer: April 15, 2025

Program Dates: 8 weeks | Spring, Summer, and Autumn cohorts

The Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program is a non-profit research and development institution that provides high school students an opportunity to participate in research projects across various subjects in STEM. As a participant, you will be matched and supervised by scientists and engineers on the research faculty, who are clustered in three departments. The computer science and engineering department includes faculty in data science, machine learning, theoretical modeling, quantum mechanics, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. 

Under their guidance, you will design and execute a research project, learn scientific and writing skills, write research papers on the result, undergo mock peer review, and give a poster presentation at the end-of-summer expo. Your work will be published in the organization’s online journal, in addition to other peer-reviewed journals and conferences. 

9. Michigan State University High School Honors Science/Mathematics/Engineering Program (HSHSP)

Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

Cost: $4,000 | Financial aid available 

Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors

Application Deadline: March 2025 (tentatively)

Program Dates: 7 weeks | June to August (tentatively)

The High School Honors Science/Mathematics/Engineering Program (HSHSP) invites students to participate in the various dimensions of the research process while undertaking detailed, focused investigations of challenging problems. 

After selection, you’ll provide your preference for a research area and will be assigned a faculty advisor accordingly. Together, you will determine a specific research project and plan how to carry it out, spending the summer working on it. While you will work independently on your project, you’ll also receive guidance from faculty, staff, and graduate students who are researchers in the area. 

Apart from research, you will partake in daily record-keeping, research proposal and final report writing, use of science reference library and lab safety procedures, visit to the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, discussion on future careers and college admissions, and more. Post the program, you are required to give a presentation in your high school science class or other forum on your research project and program. 

10. Cambridge 1-on-1 Research Mentorship

Location: Virtual

Cost: $6,500 | Financial aid available 

Eligibility: All high school students can apply. However, the accepted students should have a strong academic background with an average GPA of 3.91 and a median SAT score of 1500. 

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis year-round.

Program Dates: 14-week program with flexible dates

CCIR, a research organization registered at Cambridge, hosts a 1-on-1 Mentorship Program that provides students with an opportunity to conduct research under the guidance of faculty members at the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, or top US universities. The program is a fully-tailored experience; from schedule and syllabus to course structure and length and ultimate learning outcome, every aspect can be customized to meet your specific needs and interests. 

Per your academic interest, you will be matched with a mentor who is an expert in the area. The academic team and the mentor will help you design a unique research project. Through the program, the mentor will guide you and help turn your idea into a high-quality research project. 

The program culminates into a research project that is a 4,000 to 10,000-word research paper that could be published in academic journals or for submission in non-academic publications and competitions. However, the final project can also be customized with past students creating art portfolios, films, and creative writing pieces. 

Bonus Programs

1. Ladder Internship Program – Research Track

Location:  Remote

Cost: Starting from $2490 (Financial aid available)

Eligibility: Open to high school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. 

Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort | Winter cohort: Nov 24, 2024

Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year | Winter cohort: Dec 16, 2024

Ladder Internships is a selective startup internship program for ambitious high school students. As a participant, you will work for high-growth startups raising over a million dollars on average. These startups span across various industries, including tech/deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, and more. You can explore all the available options on their application form here. 

During the program, you work closely with a startup manager and a Ladder coach, who acts as a second mentor. In the research track, you’ll work one-on-one with a research mentor, a writing coach, and a publication specialist who help you prepare a research paper that can be submitted for publication. You will also receive one-on-one training in valuable skills like communication and time management, among others, and the chance to attend group training sessions with other interns in your cohort. 

2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote 

Cost: From $2990

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)

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort | Winter cohort: Nov 24, 2024 

Program Dates: 12-20 weeks | Summer cohort runs from June to August | Fall cohort runs from September to December | Winter cohort runs from December to February | Spring cohort runs from March to June

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers one-on-one research opportunities for high school students. The rigorous research program is tailored for high school students and offered across a broad range of subject areas. You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, data science, economics, physics, computer science, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details in the application here. 

The program pairs selected high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work one-on-one on an independent research project. The 12-week program culminates into an independent research project with students walking away with an independent research paper.  

3. 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. 

Eligibility: Open to ambitious high school students from anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.

Application Deadline: Rolling | Winter cohort: December 1, 2024

Program Dates: 12-15 weeks | Varies according to the cohort

Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence. 

The AI Fellowship with Publication and Showcase provides students a chance to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. As a participant in the program, you will have access to the in-house publication team, which will help you secure publications in high school research journals. 

The program encourages students to explore interdisciplinary approaches, inviting them to merge AI with various fields such as finance, medicine, sports, environmental science, and more. Check out examples of past projects here. 

Are you looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science? Try the AI Scholars program! 

The 10-session boot camp introduces students to the fundamentals of AI & data science while providing a chance to work on real-world projects. Participants will get to learn more about AI from researchers and experts and work 1-on-1 with mentors from Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and more. In just the past year, we’ve had over a thousand students learn with us! You too can apply!

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