10 University Machine Learning (ML) Courses for High School Students
University-led courses are an excellent opportunity for high school students to explore their academic and professional interests while experiencing the rigor of college-level learning. Among these opportunities, Machine Learning (ML) stands out as an intriguing area of study, bridging data, algorithms, and AI-driven applications. By engaging with these courses, students can gain valuable skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation while building an academic profile that sets them apart.
In this blog, we cover 10 university Machine Learning (ML) courses for high school students, offering both theoretical understanding and practical exposure to this fast-evolving field.
1. AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp by Stanford University
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 participation fee + $40 application fee
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Dates: June 16 -27, 2025 (tentative, based on 2024 program dates)
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12 in Fall 2025, over the age of 14 by the start of the program
Stanford’s AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp is a two-week virtual program for high school students that is focused on Machine Learning in healthcare. The curriculum includes foundation models, generative AI, and applications of algorithms for diagnostics and predictive modeling.
The program features live lectures, group discussions, hands-on coding workshops, and career-oriented sessions with guest speakers from academia, industry, and government. Students work collaboratively to analyze healthcare datasets, gaining insights into how machine learning can transform patient care and medical research.
2. NYU Tandon School of Engineering - Machine Learning
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $3,050
Application Deadline: April 21, 2025
Dates:
Session One: June 16 – June 27, 2025
Session Two: July 7 – July 18, 2025
Session Three: July 28 – August 8, 2025
Eligibility: Students who are ages 14 and above the day program begins (minimum 15 years old for housing), have completed Algebra 2 or equivalent, and have some programming experience.
NYU Tandon School of Engineering’s Center for K12 STEM Education offers K-12 students access to high-quality learning experiences, STEM-focused higher education, and related careers. One of the center’s offerings is its Machine Learning (ML) course. This course introduces participants to computer science, data analyses, mathematical techniques, and logic that drive the fields of machine learning and artificial intelligence. The lessons cover the fundamentals of various technologies, such as video and image recognition, interactive voice controls for homes, autonomous vehicles, real-time monitoring and traffic control, and diagnostic medical technologies.
Students learn about core ML concepts, like model development, through cross-validation, linear regressions, and neural networks. You also develop programming skills to tackle real-world challenges, emphasizing how machine learning can address societal issues like traffic congestion and medical diagnostics. Prior programming experience and foundational knowledge of Algebra 2 and Trigonometry are recommended for participation.
3. Columbia University Pre-College NYC Residential Summer
Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY
Cost: $12,750 per session (includes a non-refundable $3,500 deposit)
Application Deadline: March 2, 2025
Dates:
Session A: June 30 – July 18, 2025
Session B: July 22 – August 8, 2025
Eligibility: Domestic and international students enrolled in grades 9–12 in the fall and students currently enrolled in grade 12, ages 16 and above by the start of the program
Columbia’s Residential Summer Program immerses students in an academic environment, offering over 70 courses, including a specialized technology track. As a participant, you can engage in rigorous courses across various disciplines, including technology, physical sciences, mathematics, marketing, communication, and journalism. Beyond the classroom, you’ll also have access to Columbia's extensive resources, such as libraries, research facilities, and cultural events.
In the Machine Learning module, students explore Python programming, algorithms, and real-world applications of ML in fields like blockchain and data science. You’ll dive into real-world Machine Learning applications, examine the influence of data science and machine learning in today’s world, and gain hands-on experience with Python and essential Machine Learning algorithms.
4. Columbia University Academic Year Weekend Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,810 per session
Application Deadline: December 5, 2024
Dates: Spring 2025: January 18 – March 23, 2025
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
Columbia University’s Academic Year Weekend program is a virtual learning experience spanning 10 weekends, where high school students (grades 9–12) can take up to four courses, each offered in two-hour sessions on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays. With over 20 course options in areas like Data Science, Machine Learning, Economics, and more, students can choose subjects of interest. Each class is led by experts and is typically taught in small, focused sections, allowing for personalized instruction.
In the technology field, students can choose from multiple courses, including Data Science and Machine Learning 1 & 2, which delve into the real-world impact of data science and machine learning while enhancing Python programming skills. Other programming-focused courses include Introduction to Python and Programming with Python. The program also includes virtual clubs, peer interaction, and guidance from student life mentors.
5. Purdue University - Machine Learning for Beginners
Location: Virtual
Cost: TBA for 2025
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Dates: June 10 - June 14, 2025 (Tentative, based on 2024 program dates)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 - 12
This f5-day Machine Learning program by Purdue University introduces high school students to the foundational concepts of machine learning using Python. Over the course of the program, you will learn how to use Python for basic scientific computing, including plotting and image processing. You’ll explore essential topics like linear regression, pattern recognition, and image filtering.
Through hands-on exercises, students will gain an understanding of statistical methods, linear algebra, and optimization — learning to apply these concepts in a non-technical context. By the end of the course, you will be able to explain key ideas such as line fitting, feature extraction, and classification. The program does not require prior programming experience.
6. Summer@Brown
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: $2,816 - $9,870, depending on course length and residential options
Application Deadline: May 9, 2025
Dates: June 16 – July 25, 2025
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18 by June 15, 2025
Summer@Brown provides high school students with the opportunity to choose from over 230 courses, available in 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-week on-campus sessions as well as a 5-week hybrid format. Among the various course offerings, the Engineering and Technology stream caters to students interested in diving into the tech field. In this program, students engage in class discussions, participate in group projects, and complete individual assignments, fostering connections with peers and faculty. This immersive experience encourages active learning in a college-like environment without the pressure of formal grades, promoting independence and exploration of academic interests.
Notable courses in machine learning and programming include Introduction to Machine Learning and AI with Python, Introduction to Engineering with Arduino: Electronics and Programming, and Introduction to Engineering and Programming with MATLAB.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,094 - $5,998, depending on the duration of the program.
Application Deadline: May 9, 2025
Dates: June 16 – July 25, 2025
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18 by June 15, 2025
Brown University’s Summer@Brown online program offers students a choice of over 50 courses designed to provide challenging and engaging learning experiences. Participants can select from three study formats:
Asynchronous: Courses are entirely self-paced, allowing students to set their own schedules.
Mostly Asynchronous: Primarily self-paced with optional live sessions to supplement learning.
Blended: Combines asynchronous content with 1 to 3 required live sessions each week, facilitating real-time interaction with instructors and peers.
With more than ten subject tracks available, students have a range of options. The Engineering and Technology track includes a course on AI, Data Science, and Machine Learning, introducing students to analytics, business, and programming using AI and data science principles. This four-week blended course allows participants to gain hands-on experience by developing Machine Learning concepts in a real-world project. Other technology courses include Introduction to Statistical Programming in R and Introduction to Computational Mathematics and Big Data Visualization.
8. Stanford Pre-College Summer Institute - Artificial Intelligence
Location: Virtual (with some in-person options)
Cost: $3,050
Application Deadline: March 29, 2025 (Tentative, based on 2024 program dates)
Dates: (Tentative, based on 2024 program dates)
Session One: June 17 - June 28, 2025
Session Two: July 8 - July 19, 2025
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-11 at the time of application
Stanford’s Pre-College Summer Institute is a virtual program that offers high school students the opportunity to take on challenging courses that provide in-depth and interactive exploration of advanced topics. The Artificial Intelligence course offered in this program aims to give students an understanding of what AI is and how intelligent systems are trained to efficiently perform specific tasks. The course covers several contemporary topics relevant to AI, including supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning algorithms. You also develop programming skills by implementing algorithms in Python using pedagogical and real-world datasets.
The program focuses on skill development along with building knowledge and is designed to create environments that foster creativity and collaboration.
9. Machine Learning for High Schoolers by UC San Diego Extended Studies
Location: Virtual
Cost: $350 per course (3 courses)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: The course is to be completed asynchronously between the published start and end dates.
Machine Learning Algorithms: January 6 - March 16, 2025
Deep Neural Networks: March 31 - June 8, 2025
Python and Math for Machine Learning: TBA
Eligibility: High school students
UC San Diego Extended Studies offers an entirely remote program on Machine Learning for high school students. This program is structured into 3 courses that have to be completed sequentially, beginning with Machine Learning Algorithms, followed by Deep Neural Networks, and Python and Mathematics for Machine Learning.
Each course builds on the previous, covering advanced topics such as classification models, recommendation systems, and neural networks. The courses are designed to equip you with the skills required to implement and analyze standard and advanced Machine Learning algorithms. Conducted entirely online, the program provides flexibility for students to complete the modules on their own time.
Location: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
Cost: $4,799 - $9,299 depending on the course model (financial aid options available)
Application Deadline: Applications will open in December 2024.
Dates: Dates for 2025 are TBA.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-11. The recommended GPA is 3.5 and above
The Dartmouth Summer Scholars program is an intensive two-week residential experience for high school students, offering an introduction to college life at Dartmouth. This selective pre-college program allows academically motivated students in grades 10 through 12 to participate in interdisciplinary, non-credit courses led by Dartmouth’s faculty and staff. The program offers an Artificial Intelligence course that delves into its development, focusing on key areas like algorithms, data usage, machine learning, and deep learning techniques. Through a blend of traditional and hands-on learning, students engage in lectures, interactive workshops, lab sessions, and field excursions, all set within Dartmouth’s dynamic campus.
Additionally, the Data Science course begins by teaching Python programming basics and then progresses to important topics such as data structures, data manipulation, and exploratory data analysis (EDA).
Bonus! – 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
$6,900for both
Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Winter cohort deadline - December 1, 2024
Program dates: Various according to the cohort
Program selectivity: Moderately selective
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. 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.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs tailored for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. The fellowship encourages students to explore interdisciplinary approaches, enabling them to merge AI with various fields such as finance, medicine, sports, environmental science, and more! You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. 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.
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