10 Ivy League Data Science Courses for High School Students
The field of data science is rapidly transforming industries, shaping decision-making, and creating opportunities for innovation. For high school students keen to explore this dynamic domain, summer programs and specialized courses provide the perfect platform to gain early exposure and develop foundational skills. From prestigious Ivy League universities to equally renowned technical institutes, these programs deliver a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice, empowering students to tackle real-world challenges in emerging areas like data science and artificial intelligence.
With options ranging from on-campus intensives to flexible online offerings, you can select courses that align with your academic interests and career aspirations. These programs not only equip participants with essential technical skills in programming languages like Python, R, and SQL but also foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical considerations in data science. Here are the top 10 Ivy League data science courses for high school students you can explore the world of data science!
1. Harvard Secondary School Program
The Harvard Summer School Secondary School Program (SSP) provides a rigorous academic experience where you can explore cutting-edge topics in computer science and engineering while earning college credit. Through this 4- or 7-week program, you’ll have the opportunity to dive into a range of courses taught by Harvard faculty and industry experts. Options include introductory courses in Python, JavaScript, and R programming, as well as advanced subjects like artificial intelligence, data mining, and databases. Whether you’re interested in game development, web programming, or discrete mathematics, each course combines lectures, hands-on projects, and collaborative work to deepen your understanding of computational concepts and prepare you for future studies.
You’ll engage in real-world applications of computer science through coding assignments, algorithm design, and data structure optimization. For example, courses like CSCI S-80: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python challenge you to develop AI models, while CSCI S-108: Data Mining, Discovery, and Exploration equips you with techniques to analyze complex datasets. With flexible scheduling, you can balance academics with campus life, attending workshops, meeting peers from diverse backgrounds, and exploring career pathways in technology.
Location: Virtual or on-campus at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $4,050–$14,950 + $75 application fee
Program dates: June 21 - August 9, 2025
Application deadline: December 2, 2024 - April 9, 2025
Eligibility: Students graduating from high school and entering college in 2025, 2026, or 2027, are at least 16 years old by June 21, 2025, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2025
2. Harvard University Pre-College Summer School Program
Harvard’s Pre-College Program offers ambitious high school students an enriching two-week experience in college-level coursework. Among the diverse subjects offered, the computer science course - Introduction to Data Science with a Focus on Visualization - introduces you to the fundamentals of data science through practical, project-based learning. Over the first week, you’ll dive into Python programming, mastering web scraping and data cleaning techniques while using libraries like Matplotlib to create visual representations of datasets. A guided mini-project analyzing COVID-19 data allows you to apply these skills in real-time, fostering collaboration and critical thinking.
The second week shifts focus to advanced visualization techniques, where you’ll use JavaScript to create dynamic and interactive visual representations. This phase emphasizes the art of clear and compelling data storytelling, ensuring your analyses are as impactful as they are accurate. Beyond the technical challenges, the program’s intimate class sizes and collaborative structure foster meaningful connections with peers and instructors. By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid foundation in data analysis and visualization, as well as a polished project to showcase your newfound skills!
Location: Harvard University campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Program dates:
Session One: June 22 - July 3, 2025
Session Two: July 6 -18, 2025
Session Three: July 20 - August 1, 2025
Application deadline:
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
3. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies: Introduction to Data Science
The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institute: Introduction to Data Science course is an intensive, hands-on introduction to the world of data analysis and machine learning. Designed for high school students, this program emphasizes using data to tackle real-world questions from both natural and social sciences. Through the R programming language, you will explore core facets of machine learning, including creating and evaluating diverse models. The course combines theory with application, allowing you to work with datasets to uncover patterns, make predictions, and draw meaningful conclusions. Ethical considerations in data usage are also highlighted, providing a well-rounded perspective on this rapidly evolving field.
The program fosters active learning with live online classes and small group discussions led by expert instructors. In addition to technical skills, you’ll develop a scientific mindset, enabling you to approach data analysis methodically and creatively. A major focus is on applying your newfound knowledge to datasets that resonate with your own interests, culminating in projects that showcase your analytical abilities. This immersive experience not only enhances your understanding of data science but also builds a strong foundation for further studies in technology, mathematics, and related disciplines.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,050
Program dates: (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Session One: June 17 - 28
Session Two: July 8 - 19,
Application deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-11
4. Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Program: AI Scholars
The Carnegie Mellon Pre-College AI Scholars Program is a prestigious four-week experience designed for rising high school seniors passionate about artificial intelligence and its transformative potential. Through lectures, hands-on projects, and collaborative workshops, you’ll explore AI and data science concepts under the guidance of esteemed faculty and researchers. Topics span from the fundamentals of computing to advanced AI techniques, emphasizing real-world applications that address societal challenges. Additionally, weekly seminars help equip you with insights into college admissions, financial aid, and academic success, ensuring a well-rounded experience.
At the heart of the program is project-based learning, where you’ll work in teams to develop AI-driven solutions to pressing global issues. These projects culminate in presentations to peers and instructors, showcasing your technical and creative abilities. Additionally, the program emphasizes equity and inclusivity in STEM, encouraging discussions on creating a more just technological landscape. Field trips, guest lectures from industry leaders, and academic tours enrich the curriculum, offering a deeper understanding of the potential of AI and data, and related career pathways.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburg, PA
Cost: Free
Program dates: June 21 - July 19, 2025
Application deadline: March 1, 2025
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA students) who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program
5. HarvardX CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science
HarvardX CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science is an accessible yet rigorous foundation course in computer science, making it a great starting point for high school students interested in data science. Designed for learners of all experience levels, the course, taught by Professor David J. Malan, emphasizes algorithmic thinking and efficient problem-solving. Topics such as abstraction, algorithms, data structures, and resource management are complemented by hands-on programming in languages like Python, SQL, and JavaScript. Through engaging problem sets inspired by domains like cryptography, finance, and forensics, you’ll gain practical experience tackling real-world challenges, including organizing, analyzing, and visualizing data.
As part of the course, you’ll complete nine programming assignments and a capstone final project, which allows you to apply your skills to a topic of your choosing. If data science excites you, your project might involve creating visualizations with Python or managing datasets using SQL. The self-paced structure enables you to work on your schedule while engaging with a vibrant global community of learners, along with a Harvard-issued certificate to demonstrate your achievements, boosting your college applications and future career prospects.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free; paid optional upgrade available
Program dates: Self-paced, approximately 7 weeks to complete
Application deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to everyone; no prior coding experience is required
6. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)
The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) challenges high school students to dive into complex, real-world problems through its innovative courses. In particular, the Autonomous Cognitive Assistance (CogWorks) program is a standout for aspiring data scientists and AI enthusiasts, blending theoretical concepts with hands-on applications. Over four weeks, you’ll explore machine learning principles across audio, visual, and language domains, using Python to build and refine algorithms. The course culminates in collaborative capstone projects, where teams employ cutting-edge tools like Git and VSCode to develop creative, data-driven solutions, fostering both technical expertise and teamwork.
For students interested in the intersection of technology and healthcare, the Medlytics course offers a deep dive into medical analytics. You’ll tackle challenges such as predicting diseases, analyzing sleep data, and interpreting mammography images through advanced machine learning techniques like neural networks, decision trees, and support vector machines. Real-world applications and student-selected problems bring these concepts to life, allowing you to connect coding with tangible societal impact. Beyond technical knowledge, the program cultivates problem-solving and research skills, empowering you to innovate at the forefront of data and AI..
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA (with some virtual courses)
Cost: Free
Program dates: Tentatively July 2025, with specific dates announced closer to spring. Virtual courses are open for interested students till November.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-11 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must also have completed the online prerequisite courses.
7. Wharton Global Youth’s Data Science Academy
The Wharton Global Youth’s Data Science Academy engages passionate high school students in the fast-evolving world of machine learning and data science, offering a rigorous yet approachable curriculum designed to spark curiosity and critical thinking. Throughout the program, you’ll build a strong statistical foundation and learn to address real-world problems by applying key data science techniques. Guided by Wharton faculty and TAs, the course covers essential topics such as data visualization, wrangling, and the fundamentals of machine learning methodologies. You’ll also develop hands-on proficiency in R, one of the most widely used programming languages in academia and industry, giving you an edge in tackling modern AI challenges.
A highlight of the program is the final team project, where you’ll analyze real-world datasets to identify insights and present your findings to peers. Sessions include practical lessons on data acquisition, exploration, and visualization, alongside advanced topics like probabilistic modeling and machine learning algorithms. Additionally, guest lectures from industry experts offer insights into data science careers, while collaborative projects and extracurricular activities enhance both your technical and interpersonal skills.
Location: Wharton University campus, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,799
Program dates: July 13 - August 2, 2025
Application deadline: April 2, 2025
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 10-11 with a demonstrated background in coding and math
8. MITx: Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python
The MITx course Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python is a foundational program aimed at teaching high school students how to think computationally and solve real-world problems through programming. Even if you're new to coding, this course offers a rigorous introduction, emphasizing breadth over depth to provide a comprehensive overview of computer science concepts. Using Python 3.5, you'll dive into topics like computation, basic algorithms, testing and debugging, and data structures while gaining an informal understanding of algorithmic complexity. The program's structured combination of lecture videos, exercises, and problem sets ensures an immersive learning experience.
As part of the course, you’ll work on coding projects that challenge you to apply theoretical concepts to practical problems. High school algebra and mathematical aptitude are recommended prerequisites, and while the course is accessible, it does present a steep learning curve, especially for beginners. This makes it a strong opportunity to develop computational thinking and programming skills essential for more advanced studies or careers in computer science and data science.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free ($149 for an optional verified certificate)
Program dates: January 22, 2025 - March 26, 2025
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Individuals with sufficient knowledge of high school algebra; prior programming experience is beneficial but not required.
9. Columbia Engineering Data Analytics Boot Camp
The Columbia Engineering Data Analytics Boot Camp is a rigorous 24-week program designed to equip students with in-demand skills for solving complex data challenges. Through an innovative online format, you’ll explore foundational and advanced tools such as Python, SQL, Tableau, machine learning, and JavaScript while mastering essential techniques like data visualization, statistical modeling, and API interactions. The program's curriculum incorporates real-world projects, allowing you to analyze datasets from industries like finance, healthcare, and government. These projects not only sharpen your technical expertise but also help build a robust portfolio, preparing you for practical applications in professional environments.
In this virtual boot camp, you’ll engage in hands-on learning, collaborate with peers, and receive dedicated support from instructors, teaching assistants, and career services. Topics like VBA scripting, big data analytics with Hadoop, and geo-mapping with Leaflet.js offer exposure to advanced concepts, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of modern data science practices. By the end of the program, you’ll have developed a portfolio showcasing your skills while gaining confidence in navigating data analytics!
Location: Virtual
Cost: $14,745
Program dates: Self-paced, approximately 24 weeks to complete
Application deadline: Applications typically close in August.
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
10. Columbia University Pre-College Program: Data Science and Machine Learning
The Columbia University Pre-College Programs in Data Science and Machine Learning open pathways for high school students to delve into the rapidly evolving world of data-driven technology. In Data Science and Machine Learning I, you’ll begin with foundational concepts, learn Python programming, and explore key machine learning algorithms. Alongside theoretical insights, you’ll work on projects that highlight practical applications, such as ethical data analysis and effective presentation of findings. This course serves as a starting point for those with little to no prior experience, helping you build confidence and understanding in a supportive yet challenging environment.
If you’re already familiar with Python, Data Science and Machine Learning II deepens your expertise, combining programming with advanced mathematical techniques like statistics and linear algebra. Through collaborative projects and data visualization exercises, you’ll tackle complex problems and refine your ability to communicate data-driven solutions effectively. With an emphasis on fairness and ethical considerations, this advanced course equips you with the tools to approach future academic or professional challenges as a well-rounded, critical thinker in the data science and machine learning fields.
Location: Virtual or in-person at Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: Varies depending on course format and duration. Check out detailed program costs here.
Program dates: Multiple in-person and virtual sessions throughout the year
Application deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 with prior programming experience
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!
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