13 Data Science Internships for High School Students
Data science is a field that combines mathematics, programming, and problem-solving to make sense of complex data — a skill set increasingly in demand across industries like healthcare, finance, technology, and social sciences. For high school students, understanding how these disciplines intersect can be challenging, especially without real-world experience. That’s where internships come in.
Internships offer a structured way to explore data science in action. They help you apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems, develop critical thinking and collaboration skills, and gain insight into professional environments. Beyond technical learning, internships provide a chance to see how data science impacts different industries, helping you clarify career interests and build a foundation for future opportunities.
So, if you’re curious about this versatile field and are eager to gain hands-on experience, these 13 data science internships for high school students are a great place to start!
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: $2,490 (Financial Aid Available)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries from tech/deep tech, and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.
Interns are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other such valuable skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
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.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Winter cohort deadline - December 1, 2024
Dates: Various according to the cohort
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.
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.
3. 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
The AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp by Stanford is a two-week virtual program designed for high school students interested in the intersection of machine learning and healthcare. As a participant, you’ll engage in online learning modules, group discussions, interactive peer activities, and virtual career sessions with guest speakers from academia, industry, nonprofits, and government.
The curriculum covers fundamental topics such as Machine Learning principles, their applications in healthcare, evaluation metrics, strategies, challenges in the field, and the use of foundation models and Generative AI in healthcare. The program only accepts around 50 students each bootcamp.
4. NIST Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP)
Location: NIST campuses in Gaithersburg, MD, and Boulder, CO
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
Dates: 8 weeks from June to August
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors in high school or students who just graduated high school and have not started college
The NIST Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research alongside NIST scientists and engineers. Over 8 weeks, you’ll contribute to projects across various scientific disciplines, addressing challenges critical to industry and innovation. NIST SHIP has six participating laboratories, each focusing on various areas of physical and engineering sciences:
Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL)
Engineering Laboratory (EL)
Information Technology Laboratory (ITL)
Material Measurement Laboratory (MML)
NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR)
Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML)
For those interested in data science, the Information Technology Laboratory (ITL), is a great option. The laboratory specializes in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and data science, with projects that develop secure IT systems and computational solutions. You can check out some of the previous research projects here.
While not required, the following skills are advantageous for applicants: Python, LabView, AutoDesk, Java, SQL Server, web development, artificial intelligence, next-generation computing, and basic chemistry or mathematics.
5. DSI Summer Lab by the University of Chicago
Location: The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $4,800 for the 2024 program; the 2025 program stipend will be the same or higher.
Application Deadline: January 12, 2025
Dates: June 16 – August 8, 2025
Eligibility: High school students in the Chicago area who can commute to the UChicago Hyde Park campus.
The DSI Summer Lab is an immersive 8-week paid research program at the University of Chicago, designed for high school students in the Chicago area. Participants are paired with data science mentors across various domains, including computer science, data science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, materials science, and biomedical research.
Throughout the program, students dive deep into core data science techniques, receiving hands-on training in areas such as machine learning, data visualization, and statistical analysis. This mentorship allows you to refine research methodologies, enhance practical skills, and develop teamwork abilities while engaging in research. No prior research experience is required to apply for this program.
Location: NASA centers across the country
Stipend: Awarded based on academic level and session duration
Application Deadline:
Summer 2025: February 28, 2025
Fall 2025: May 16, 2025
Dates: Dates vary depending on the specific opportunity
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old at the time of application, enrolled full-time in high school or an accredited educational institution, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0
NASA’s OSTEM Internships offer high school students the prestigious opportunity to contribute directly to the groundbreaking work of one of the world’s leading scientific organizations. These internships span a wide range of disciplines, including aerospace, robotics, environmental science, software development, and engineering. Working at one of the NASA centers across the United States, you will engage in real-world projects alongside experts, tackling challenges tied to current missions such as space exploration, climate science, and advanced technology development.
Beyond project work, interns benefit from one-on-one mentorship with NASA scientists, engineers, and other professionals who guide them through the internship. This mentorship includes career advice, technical training, and insights into the diverse career pathways available in STEM. NASA’s facilities — home to cutting-edge labs, telescopes, and simulators — will also provide interns with an inspiring and immersive learning environment. Additionally, interns are compensated with a stipend, with amounts varying depending on the position and duration.
7. NLM Data Science and Informatics (DSI) Scholars Program
Location: National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD
Stipend: $2,530 monthly stipend for high school interns. Stipends are updated annually.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until February 19, 2025
Dates: 8 - 12 weeks starting in June
Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors who have completed coursework in computer science, data science, mathematics, or related fields, are at least 18 years old by June 1, 2025, and have a minimum GPA of 3.2
The NLM DSI Scholars program is an 8- to 12-week summer internship designed for students to engage in computational research projects within the biological sciences. DSI Scholars collaborate with NLM's intramural research teams, contributing to studies that leverage data science and informatics to address complex biomedical challenges. You will also enhance your scientific communication abilities by taking part in seminars and professional development workshops.
The program concludes with scholars presenting their work at NLM’s Summer Poster Day and the NIH-wide Summer Poster Day. Interested students must have completed coursework relevant to computer science, data science, informatics, mathematics, or related subjects.
8. Google Summer of Code (GSoC)
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Varies based on the participant’s country of residence
Application Deadline: April 2, 2025 (tentative, based on 2024 program dates)
Dates: January 23 - November 17, 2025 (tentative, based on 2024 program dates)
Eligibility: Applicants must be 18 years old or above
Google Summer of Code (GSoC) is a global online program that introduces new contributors to open-source software development. Over 12+ weeks, participants engage in hands-on coding projects, building new features, enhancing existing codebases, or resolving critical software issues. This program provides an exceptional opportunity to collaborate with global developers, improve technical skills, and gain exposure to real-world software development processes.
Beyond the coding experience, GSoC emphasizes community-building and knowledge-sharing. Participants receive personalized mentorship from industry professionals, helping them navigate complex projects while learning best practices in software development. Open-source organizations involved in GSoC span diverse fields, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, web development, data science, and more, offering contributors a wide range of project options.
9. 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 NYC Residential Summer is a 3-week program that blends over 70 academic courses taught by experienced instructors with an immersive campus experience in New York City. 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.
Living on campus, you’ll reside in university residence halls. The residential experience includes daily activities like lectures, college preparation workshops, community-building events, and health and wellness programs. If you’re interested in data science specifically, the Technology track explores topics like Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Algorithms, and Python Programming. These courses provide practical experience with Python and delve into real-world machine learning applications, highlighting the impact of data science on global challenges.
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 invites high school students to engage in rigorous, college-level courses from the comfort of their homes. With over 50 courses available, the program reflects the breadth of Brown's Open Curriculum, allowing students to explore subjects ranging from biological sciences to visual and performing arts. The program offers three learning formats to accommodate different learning preferences:
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.
Throughout the program, you’ll conduct independent research, tackle college-level coursework, and earn a Digital Certificate of Completion. For courses lasting three weeks or longer, participants also receive a Course Performance Report.
With over ten subject tracks available, students can explore a variety of fields. The Engineering and Technology track features a course on AI, Data Science, and Machine Learning, where you’ll learn about analytics, business applications, and programming based on AI and data science concepts. This four-week blended course includes hands-on learning through a real-world Machine Learning project. Additional technology courses include Introduction to Statistical Programming in R and Introduction to Computational Mathematics and Big Data Visualization.
11. Stanford Pre-College Summer Institutes
Location: Virtual (with some in-person options)
Cost: $3,050
Application Deadline: March 29 (tentative, based on 2024 program dates)
Dates: (tentative, based on 2024 program dates)
Session One: June 17 - June 28
Session Two: July 8 - July 19
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-11 at the time of application
Stanford’s Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes offer academically motivated high school students an opportunity to engage in advanced and interactive courses. Courses are designed and taught by instructors who are experts in their fields, emphasizing intensive study across a wide range of subjects. The program offers courses in computer science, mathematics, business, humanities, and more.
For instance, the computer science track features courses such as Game Design, Artificial Intelligence, Introduction to C++, and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). These courses provide an experience that fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with peers from around the world, enhancing the learning experience through diverse perspectives.
12. George Mason University’s Young Scholars Research Program
Location: Virtual, with two on-site conferences at George Mason University, Arlington, VA
Cost: Applicants can send an email to receive program fees and application details
Application Deadline: Applications are on a first-come-first-serve basis
Dates: June 15 – July 12, 2025 (Tentative, based on 2024 program dates)
Eligibility: High school students
Geroge Mason’s Young Scholars Research Program is centered around biology and medical science, with a strong focus on data analytics. Participants form interdisciplinary teams of 3-4 members, collaborating with university faculty on research projects that address real-world biomedical challenges. Research techniques include biostatistics with R or Stata, data visualization using QGIS or ArcGIS, and network analysis through platforms like Gephi.
Students are assigned to research projects based on their interests and preferences, contributing to impactful work in fields like health policy, bioinformatics, and global health. Past research projects have included Determinants for international human plasma exchanges and Bias in Large Language Models (LLMs) for transplantation publications. By the program’s conclusion, teams produce two deliverables: a comprehensive research paper published on the Center for Biomedical Science & Policy (CBSP) website and the Schar School Young Scholars Journals webpage, as well as a project presentation at the National Students Data Analytics and BioMedical Conference. Winning team members at the conference are awarded a $500 scholarship, applicable to advanced-level BioInformatics internships at the Schar School.
13. Columbia University Academic Year Weekend Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,810 per session
Application Deadline: December 5, 2024
Dates: (Spring) January 18 – March 23, 2025
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
Columbia University’s Academic Year Weekend program offers a 10-week learning experience for students in grades 9–12. Conducted entirely online, the program provides flexibility for students worldwide to participate in live, interactive classes led by Columbia's esteemed faculty. Participants can take up to four courses, each delivered in 2-hour sessions on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays. With over 20 courses available in areas such as Data Science, Machine Learning, and Economics, the program provides opportunities to explore a variety of fields, with most classes conducted in small sections taught by individual instructors.
In the technology track, courses such as "Data Science and Machine Learning 1 & 2" introduce students to Python programming and the global impact of data science and machine learning. Upon completing the program, you receive a Columbia University Certification of Participation, adding value to your college applications.
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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