12 AI Courses for High School Students
High school students looking to explore artificial intelligence (AI) have more opportunities than ever! Many top colleges and organizations offer specialized courses that introduce students to AI, machine learning, and data science, all while providing hands-on experience and valuable industry connections. These AI courses for high school students are an affordable way to gain real-world skills, helping you prepare for future academic and career paths without the hefty price tag of traditional college programs. Online courses make this even more accessible, allowing you to learn from top instructors from anywhere in the world.
Whether you’re just starting or already have some experience, AI courses for high school students offer an excellent introduction to AI concepts like neural networks, data processing, and ethical AI. To help you find the best options, we’ve reviewed and compiled a list of the top 12 AI courses for high school students. If you're excited about AI, this list is the perfect place to start your journey!
1. HarvardX: Machine Learning and AI with Python
Location: Virtual
Cost: $299
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderately selective
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: February 21 – May 14
Eligibility: Students should have experience in Python and statistics; participating in HarvardX’s Introduction to Data Science with Python course before this is recommended
In the HarvardX: Machine Learning and AI with Python course, you’ll develop essential skills in data science, decision trees, and machine learning models, which will enhance your problem-solving abilities. Using real-world data sets, you’ll train AI models to make predictions, recognize patterns, and improve decision-making. You’ll also learn to identify and mitigate data bias, avoid overfitting, and refine machine learning techniques for more accurate results.
This AI course for high school students builds a strong foundation in Python for AI, preparing you for more advanced studies in data science and artificial intelligence. You’ll explore concepts like bagging, random forests, and gradient boosting, applying them to real-world scenarios. As you progress, you’ll analyze your models, test predictions, and refine algorithms to improve their effectiveness. By the end of the course, you’ll have practical experience in machine learning, equipping you with the skills needed to apply AI to real-world challenges.
2. 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.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. March 23 for the summer early admission
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have finished the AI Scholars program or have experience in AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, is a program for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence. If you’re interested in learning about AI, ML, and data science, then try the AI Scholars program. It is a 10-session boot camp that will as an introduction to the fundamentals of AI & data science. You’ll also get a chance to work on real-world projects.
If you’re a more advanced student, try the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program. You will get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project and will even benefit from access to the in-house publication team. They will help you secure publications in high school research journals.
3. Google: Google AI for Anyone
Location: Virtual
Cost: $299
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: February 21 – June 6
Eligibility: All high school students
Google AI for Anyone is one of those AI courses for high school students that give you a clear understanding of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning, even if you have no prior experience. You’ll explore how AI is used in real-world applications like recommender systems, computer vision, and self-driving technology, while also learning the basics of neural networks, supervised and unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning.
Through interactive exercises, you’ll experiment with teaching computers to recognize images and sounds, seeing firsthand how AI makes decisions and how poor data can lead to mistakes. You’ll also learn about the ethics and fairness of AI, helping you think critically about its broader impact. By the end of the course, you’ll have a strong foundation in AI concepts and programming basics, preparing you to explore more advanced AI and machine learning opportunities in the future.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting from $2,990
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. March 9 for the Summer Cohort I priority application
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year Summer Cohort I starts on June 2
Eligibility: High school students with a high level of academic achievement (accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4). No previous experience is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students that offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas. As a participant, you will be paired with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project, and at the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can apply here.
5. IBM: Introduction to Generative AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $49
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: February 21 – September 30
Eligibility: All high school students
In the Introduction to Generative AI course, you will explore the fundamentals of generative AI, its evolution, and its real-world applications across industries. Through hands-on labs, you’ll interact with cutting-edge tools like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Stable Diffusion, gaining practical experience in text, image, audio, video, and code generation.
This course introduces you to large language models (LLMs) and helps you understand how generative AI differs from traditional AI methods. You will examine AI’s impact on various sectors, from creative industries to data science, and explore its ethical implications. By the end, you’ll have a strong foundation in generative AI models and tools, preparing you to apply these technologies in future academic or professional settings.
6. LinuxFoundationX: Data and AI Fundamentals
Location: Virtual
Cost: $189
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: February 21 – October 15
Eligibility: All high school students
The Data and AI Fundamentals course introduces you to the world of Artificial Intelligence, covering key technologies like Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing. You’ll explore AI applications across industries, from finance to supply chain management, while gaining insight into career opportunities in both technical and non-technical AI roles.
Throughout the course, you’ll learn how to differentiate AI technologies, identify business use cases, and explore open-source AI projects from the Linux Foundation AI & Data ecosystem. This will help you understand how AI tools are developed and applied in real-world scenarios. By the end, you’ll know how to evaluate AI solutions and select the right AI techniques for specific challenges.
7. MGH_Institute: Introduction to AI & Machine Learning in Healthcare
Location: Virtual
Cost: $309
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Application Deadline: Roling
Dates: February 24 – July 31
Eligibility: All high school students
The Introduction to AI & Machine Learning in Healthcare course provides you with a strong foundation in AI and ML principles and their growing role in the medical field. You’ll explore how AI enhances clinical decision-making, optimizes operations, and improves patient care. Through real-world case studies, you’ll see how machine learning models are trained, validated, and applied to healthcare data.
This course also covers critical topics like data privacy, ethical concerns, and AI regulations, ensuring a responsible approach to AI implementation. Additionally, you’ll gain insights into key machine-learning algorithms used in diagnosing diseases and predicting patient outcomes.
8. GoogleCloud: Google Cloud Computing Foundations: Data, ML, and AI in Google Cloud
Location: Virtual
Cost: $149
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Application Deadline: Roling
Dates: February 21 – May 8
Eligibility: All high school students
The Google Cloud Computing Foundations: Data, ML, and AI course is designed to help you understand how big data, AI, and machine learning work in cloud environments. You’ll explore Google Cloud’s managed big data services, learning how companies store, process, and analyze massive datasets. The course also introduces you to key machine learning concepts, teaching you how AI models learn from data and improve over time.
By working with Google Cloud’s AI tools, you’ll see firsthand how machine learning is applied in industries like healthcare, finance, and technology. Whether you’re interested in AI, cloud computing, or data science, this course provides a solid foundation for future exploration. By the end, you’ll understand how AI-powered cloud solutions drive innovation across various fields.
9. RWTHx: Statistical and Probabilistic Foundations of AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $99
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Application Deadline: Roling
Dates: February 21 – December 12
Eligibility: Must have an introductory knowledge of calculus and linear algebra; an R installation on your computer is required along with basic knowledge of R
The Statistical and Probabilistic Foundations of AI course equips you with the mathematical skills needed to understand AI and machine learning models. You’ll begin by exploring descriptive statistics and data visualization techniques, including box plots, histograms, and regression models. The course also covers probability theory, teaching you how randomness influences AI predictions.
Using R, you’ll work with real-world datasets to apply inferential statistics, hypothesis testing, and confidence interval estimation. These skills will help you analyze data, evaluate models, and draw accurate conclusions from AI-driven predictions. By completing this course, you’ll develop a foundation in the statistical methods that power artificial intelligence.
10. The Complete Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT Course by Udemy
Location: Virtual
Cost: $6
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates/Course Duration: This is a 12-hour course
Eligibility: No prior knowledge of AI or any technical concepts is required; open to all
In The Complete Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT Course, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of AI and its real-world applications across industries. You’ll start from scratch, learning to use ChatGPT and its Plugins, along with AI tools like DALL-E, Midjourney, Microsoft Bing Chat, and Google Bard to generate images, automate tasks, and enhance productivity. The course also includes a 357-page book and covers AI-driven voice, avatar, and music video tools, expanding your knowledge of creative AI applications.
Beyond generative AI, you’ll explore machine learning with Microsoft Excel, ethical considerations in AI, and strategies for identifying opportunities for AI implementation in business. You’ll also develop project management skills, learn how to manage AI teams and navigate the challenges of AI integration. By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills to apply AI in practical settings.
11. IBM: Impact, Ethics, and Issues with Generative AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $49
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: February 21 – September 30
Eligibility: All high school students
The Impact, Ethics, and Issues with Generative AI course is your guide to understanding the social and ethical challenges of AI. You’ll explore how AI is changing industries, affecting jobs, and raising concerns about privacy and bias. The course covers key ethical dilemmas, such as AI-generated misinformation, deepfakes, and copyright infringement.
You’ll also learn about the importance of AI transparency and accountability, helping you recognize both the benefits and risks of AI technology. Engaging case studies and expert insights will give you a real-world perspective on responsible AI use. By the end of the course, you’ll be better equipped to analyze AI’s impact and consider ethical solutions in future AI-related projects or careers.
12. Using AI to Make AI – Summer@Brown
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost:
$8,006: Residential
$6,134: Commuter
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Application Deadline: May 9
Dates: July 7 – July 25
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 to 12; ages 14 to 18
The Using AI to Make AI course at Summer@Brown offers you a deep dive into how AI models like ChatGPT are built—and how you can use them to create AI-powered applications. You’ll start by exploring the basics of neural networks, machine learning, and AI training techniques, developing a strong conceptual foundation. Thought-provoking discussions will introduce you to key philosophical debates, such as whether AI can think or understand language. You’ll then be able to apply AI-assisted programming tools to build neural networks in Python using TensorFlow.
Your final project will involve designing and coding an AI model, which you’ll present to your peers. This course is a great opportunity for students interested in computer science, cognitive science, AI ethics, or programming.
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