10 University Machine Learning (ML) Programs for High School Students
The world of machine learning is evolving rapidly. For high school students curious by this transformative field, university-level programs offer an exciting opportunity to dive in early. These programs not only expose students to real-world applications of machine learning but also provide hands-on experience that strengthens their college applications. Participants gain a solid foundation in the subject, enabling them to make well-informed decisions about future academic and career paths.
In today’s data-driven world, understanding machine learning is a game-changer. From powering real-time recommendations to making accurate predictions, machine learning is at the heart of industries that rely on Big Data. Acquiring these skills gives students a significant edge, equipping them with a future-ready skill set applicable across diverse fields. Here’s a curated list of university programs that will introduce you to machine learning.
1. Brown University - AI, Data Science, and Machine Learning
Location: Virtual.
Cost: $5,108. Some need-based financial aid is available.
Program Dates: June 16 - July 25, 2025.
Application Deadline: Deadline for the 2025 program will be announced on November 13, 2024.
Eligibility: High school students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18, are eligible to apply.
Brown University’s summer course offers a deep dive into the intersection of AI, data science, and machine learning. Students explore cutting-edge advancements in these fields while working on a hands-on project that simulates real-world scenarios. The program also highlights how data-driven strategies are transforming modern industries. The course follows a blended, asynchronous teaching model, allowing students to progress at their own pace while benefiting from high-quality resources and industry insights. Whether you’re a beginner or seeking to expand your expertise, this flexible four-week program provides an engaging learning experience.
2. Columbia University - Data Science and Machine Learning 1
Location: Virtual or in-person at Columbia University, New York.
Cost:
3-week residential program - $12,449.
3-week commuter program - $6,300.
1-week commuter program - $2,825.
3-week online - $3,960 (single course enrollment).
Program Dates: The summer program typically runs for two to three weeks between June and August.
Application Deadline: To be announced for the 2025 program.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 are eligible to apply.
Part of Columbia’s Summer Immersion Program, this course is tailored for high school students curious about data science and machine learning, even if they have no prior technical background. It introduces foundational concepts and showcases how these fields influence everything from everyday choices to major business strategies. You will gain hands-on experience with Python, a widely-used programming language, and learn about essential machine learning algorithms. Through real-world projects, you will develop a practical understanding of data science’s impact on industries.
3. Purdue University - Machine Learning for Beginners
Location: Virtual.
Cost: To be announced for the 2025 program.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for a week in June.
Application Deadline: To be announced for the 2025 program.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 - 12 are eligible to apply.
This course provides a beginner-friendly introduction to machine learning. You will delve into Python programming, image processing, and linear regression while exploring how these tools intersect with statistics, linear algebra, and optimization. The curriculum emphasizes practical applications, teaching students how to use Python for scientific computing tasks such as graph plotting and image analysis.
4. UNC Charlotte - Online Niner Academy: Empower AI
Location: Virtual.
Cost: The cost includes $995 for tuition and $250 as registration fee.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for two weeks between June and August.
Application Deadline: Deadline for the 2025 program will be announced on December 9, 2024.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply.
UNC Charlotte’s Empower AI program offers a comprehensive introduction to machine learning, artificial intelligence, and neural networks. This beginner-friendly course requires no prior coding experience and combines interactive lessons with hands-on projects. You will discover how algorithms learn from data and build your own predictive models, dive into machine learning, and explore AI ethics. Upon completion, students receive a digital badge to showcase their achievements.
Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA.
Cost: The cost includes $1,200 for tuition and $50 as application fee.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for 10 days between July and August.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12 in the fall are eligible to apply. Prior knowledge of Python is required.
The UC Berkeley ROAR Academy offers high school students the opportunity to explore the fields of machine learning, AI, and robotics. This 10-day intensive program is designed for students with a basic understanding of Python programming. The course begins with a brief Python refresher, followed by hands-on coding exercises and debugging practice. A key focus of the program is on how AI and robotics are shaping the future, particularly in the development of autonomous driving systems. During the second week, you will delve deeper into machine learning, exploring its significance within the broader context of AI.
6. Stanford University - AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp
Location: Virtual.
Cost: The cost includes $850 for tuition and $40 as registration fee. Some need-based financial aid is available.
Program dates: June 16 - 27, 2025.
Application deadline: Applications open on December 20, 2024 and close on February 28, 2025.
Eligibility: High school students entering 9 -12 grades in Fall 202 are eligible to apply.
The AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp at Stanford University is an intensive two-week program that explores the intersection of machine learning and healthcare. Participants engage in group discussions, interactive online modules, and insightful sessions with industry experts and thought leaders. The curriculum delves into the critical role of machine learning in transforming healthcare, addressing both its potential and the challenges it presents. Key topics include the application of Foundation Models and Generative AI in healthcare, providing participants with cutting-edge knowledge and practical strategies to navigate this rapidly evolving field.
7. Stanford University - Introduction to Machine Learning
Location: Virtual.
Cost: $3,050. Some need-based financial aid is available.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for two weeks between June and July.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-11 at the time of application are eligible to apply. Exposure to a computer programming language and working knowledge of statistics are required.
Stanford University’s Pre-College Machine Learning Program is a two-week intensive course designed to introduce high school students to the field of machine learning. The program covers fundamental concepts as well as advanced techniques used to extract insights from large datasets. You will learn how to preprocess and visualize structured data, train, test, and tune machine learning models, and evaluate algorithm performance. The program also includes related course offerings, such as game design and discrete mathematics, allowing you to further broaden your skills.
8. NYU Tandon - Machine Learning
Location: New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY.
Cost: $2750.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for two weeks between June and August.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 who have completed Algebra 2 or equivalent, have some programming experience, and a minimum 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply.
NYU Tandon’s two-week Summer Program for Machine Learning introduces high school students to the core concepts of computer science, data analysis, and the mathematical foundations of machine learning. The program explores real-world applications, including video and image recognition, autonomous vehicles, and medical diagnostics. You will gain hands-on experience with key machine learning principles such as model development, linear regression, and neural networks, while also applying engineering problem-solving techniques to address societal challenges.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA.
Cost: Free!
Program Dates: The program typically runs for six weeks from late June through early August.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Eligibility: High school juniors are eligible to apply.
The MITES Summer Program (MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science) is a prestigious and highly selective six-week residential program aimed at high school juniors. Focused on increasing diversity in STEM, MITES offers rigorous coursework across five subjects, including math, science, and humanities, with modules on topics such as machine learning and genomics. You will learn about the impact of STEM on society and how to use your knowledge to build a better world. At the culmination of the program, you will receive formal evaluations of your performance, which can strengthen your college applications.
10. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute - CogWorks
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Free!
Program Dates: This program consists of two components.
Online Course: February 3 - June 20, 2025.
Four-week Virtual Summer Institute: July 7 - August 3, 2025.
Application Deadline: Applications for online courses open in December 2024 and close in January 2025. Applications for Summer Institute open on March 3, 2025 and close on March 31, 2025.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore or junior year are eligible to apply. Completion of online courses is mandatory to participate in the Summer Institute.
The CogWorks* program at MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute gives high school students hands-on experience in building cognitive assistants using state-of-the-art machine learning tools. After completing an online preparatory course covering Python, Git, natural language processing, and machine learning, you’ll join a four-week summer program focused on developing AI-driven systems. Working in teams, you’ll use professional cognition tools like Amazon Alexa and open-source resources to design and test algorithms in natural language processing and machine cognition. The four-week program includes daily lectures, milestone projects, and a final competition where your team’s cognitive assistant is put to the test.
If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduate students, offers a chance to dive into the basics of AI and computer science while working on real-world projects. You’ll also have the opportunity to collaborate one-on-one with mentors from top universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford to create personalized projects. Over 1,000 students have already explored data science and AI through their programs.
Ready to join them? Apply here!
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