Data science is evolving to be one of the most marketable skills in 2024. As a high school student, one of the best ways you can explore this domain and familiarize yourself with its concepts early is a summer program. If you’re a high schooler in New York wondering how to get started in this dynamic yet vast field, this blog is for you.

Summer programs are typically based on hands-on, real-world projects and exercises. Enrolling in such programs can help enrich your academic journey, while also setting you apart as an ideal candidate for future career explorations in this field.

We’ve curated a list of 13 of the best data science programs for high school students in New York.

1. NYU’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)

STEP offers a solid learning opportunity for high school students interested in STEM, specifically those who belong to underrepresented backgrounds. Spanning four weeks, the program’s expansive coursework will help you build both theoretical and practical knowledge on different STEM subjects, including data science. 

As a participant, you will engage in enrichment classes, project-based learning, college admission prep workshops, and various research opportunities to explore your field of interest. Every class at STEP is conducted by the NYU faculty and their students, ensuring top-class mentorship. Since this is a commuter program that takes place every week from Monday to Thursday at the NYU campus, you will also get to experience NYU’s enriching campus life. 

Tip: Check out our comprehensive guide to this program!

Location: New York University, NYC

Program dates: July 5, 2024 - August 4, 2024 (tentatively)

Cost: $350. Some fee waivers are offered

Application deadline: March 24, 2024

Eligibility: 

• Students must be enrolled in grades 7-12

• Students must be New York State residents

• Students must have an 80 average in Math, Science, and English

• Students must meet the criteria required by New York State

• Students must meet state-determined economic criteria listed here

2. Veritas AI

Founded and run by Harvard graduates, Veritas AI offers two engaging online data science programs for high school students—the AI Scholars Program and the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase Program.

The AI Scholars Program runs for 10 weeks. In the beginning, you will learn about the fundamentals of Python and its applications in AI development. As you progress, you will dive deep into more complex topics, such as neural networks, NLP, deep learning, and much more, through lectures and hands-on group projects. 

The AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase Program is aimed at high schoolers with foundational Python proficiency, this camp spans 15 weeks and engages you in data science topics of your interest with an expert mentor on a 1-on-1 basis. Moreover, you will also get a chance to participate in a college-level research publication/competition to showcase your work publicly.

For more information, take a look at the brochure! 

Location: Virtual. You can attend from anywhere in the world!
Cost: AI Scholars - $1,790 | AI Fellowship - $4,900 | For both programs - $5,900. Need-based financial aid is available.
Application deadline: The program runs in cohorts throughout the year. Applications for the n summer cohort close on April 21, 2024. You can apply here!
Program Dates: Multiple sessions from July to September. The AI Scholars runs for 10 weeks, and the AI Fellowship program runs for 12-15 weeks.
Eligibility: Applicants can be anywhere in the world.
- For the AI Scholars program, no previous experience is required - applicants need to show a keen interest in AI.
- For the AI Fellowship program, applicants will either need to complete the AI Scholars program or have had past experience with AI concepts or Python. 

3. Horizon Academic Research Program

Location: Virtual 

Application Date: May 21, 2024 for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort 

Program Dates: 

• Summer seminar - June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024

• Fall seminar - October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025

• Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.

Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.

Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research! 

Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. 

This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and on college applications. Apply here!

4. UC Berkeley’s Data Science to AI

Berkley’s Data Science to AI is a comprehensive course covering Machine Learning, AI, and big data science. Students who are interested in Python and are looking to enhance their technical skills can consider this course. It offers lessons on writing and evaluating Python codes behind AI, and enables students to build and score machine learning models and evaluate big data. Based on proficiency levels, students are grouped into small groups for projects. With this program, students will have permanent access to 100+ Berkley coding videos and notebooks and a blockchain-authenticated certificate, among other takeaways. You'll get hands-on experience analyzing big data and constructing machine learning models, all while mastering the Python code that powers AI.

Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,495. Need-based scholarships are available.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in July.
Program dates: June 10 - 28, 2024
Eligibility: Students aged 12–18 can apply.

5. Columbia University Pre-College Programs (Data Science courses)

Columbia’s pre-college summer program offers over 70 course options to choose from. For students interested in data science, the program offers courses on data science and machine learning. These courses will introduce you to the real-world application of these technologies and give you hands-on experiences in these subjects. You will learn to code using Python and popular machine-learning algorithms. The courses allow you to engage with data and its growing applications. You will work on building a strong foundation in data-driven thinking to solve real world problems, while learning common AI and ML techniques, and develop and evaluate analytical solutions. The course is taught by industry experts, educators, and researchers! 

This course is a pretty solid option if you’re already familiar with basic concepts in AI and ML, and are looking for a course that offers a deep dive into more specific topics.

Location: Both in-person (Columbia University, Manhattan, NY) and virtual options are offered.
Cost: $12,449 (residential) | $6,300 (commuter) | $3,960 (online). Need-based scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: April 1, 2024
Program Dates:
In-person Session 1: June 24- July 12, 2024
In-person Session 2: July 16- August 2, 2024
Virtual Session 1: July 1- July 12, 2024
Virtual Session 2: July 15- July 26, 2024
Eligibility: Students in grades 11 and 12 can apply.

6. Stanford Pre-College Summer Institutes (Introduction to Data Science)

The prestigious Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes are programs designed to help students explore the depths of various advanced topics. With 43 courses in different areas, this program has something for everyone.

Its Introduction to Data Science provides a comprehensive and hands-on introduction to the field, making it an excellent choice for those looking to delve into the world of data analysis and interpretation. Through the program, you will learn fundamental data science principles, including data collection, data cleaning, statistical analysis, and the use of programming languages like Python to analyze and visualize data. The final output of the program often involves a data project where you apply your learnings and skills to tackle a real-world problem by working with complex data sets to derive meaningful insights. This program is a particularly good option for beginners looking to learn the fundamentals of data science and programming! 

Another great option for students who want to explore the technical applications of AI in healthcare is Stanford’s Summer Research Internship. Check this out for more information!

Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,700. Need-based financial aid is available. The deadline to apply for aid is April 5, 2024.
Application deadline: March 29, 2024
Program Dates: Session 1: June 17-28, 2024 | Session 2: July 8-19, 2024 (tentatively)
Eligibility: 

• Students enrolled in grades 9-11 at the time of application

• They must have exposure to a computer programming language along with a working knowledge of statistics

7. Lumiere Research Scholar Program (Computer Science + Data Science track)

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by researchers at Harvard and Oxford, pairs you with a top PhD student, who you work with 1-1 to produce a university-level research paper. While many high school students conduct research in a wide range of subjects during this program, you can choose to do research in data science. The programs are remote and vary in length based on your goal. This program does not offer any introductory courses and is a good option if you’re interested in conducting research in a particular topic within data science or if it is an interdisciplinary topic.

Check out our review of Lumiere Education! 

Location: Virtual.
Cost: Individual Research Program - $2,800 | Premium Research & Publication Program - $5,400 | Research Fellowship  - $8,900. Need-based financial aid is available. Also check out the Lumiere Research Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students.
Application Deadline: For the summer cohort, the final application deadline is in May. The program runs in winter, fall, and spring as well.
Program Dates: The summer cohort typically begins in June. The program length depends on which one you choose to attend!
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.

8. NYC Data Science Academy’s Data Science with Python Program

This program is designed for high school students with some prior experience in programming. Brief yet comprehensive, is focused on deepening your understanding of concepts in Python and data science. The program’s coursework includes both beginner and intermediate topics such as introduction to Python, data visualization, data manipulation, and more.

This program also offers a great learning opportunity for students willing to explore popular Python libraries like NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, etc. In fact, you can earn a certificate for your college SOP! However, to be eligible for that, you must fulfill specific criteria. The program schedule is flexible — it’s conducted online and only on Sundays.

Location: Online
Program dates: April 14, 2024 - May 12, 2024 (tentatively)

Cost: $1,590 ($1,510.50 after discount)

Application deadline: NA

Eligibility: High school students with basic programming knowledge

9. Johns Hopkins University Pre College: Data Analytics Workshop

The Johns Hopkins University Pre-College Data Analytics Workshop offers a comprehensive introduction to data science. You will learn essential data analytics skills, including data collection, data cleaning, exploratory data analysis, statistical techniques, and data visualization. 

The workshop focuses on hands-on learning, allowing students to work with real datasets and utilize industry-standard tools and programming languages like Python. The final output often involves a data analytics project where students apply their newly acquired skills to analyze and interpret data, presenting their findings in a meaningful way. 

Location: Virtual

Cost: $1,950

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March

Program dates: Session 1: June 24, 2024 - July 5, 2024 | Session 2: July 8-19, 2024 | Session 3: July 22, 2024 - August 2, 2024

Eligibility: All high school students are eligible 

10. Code Connects Summer Research Program with Columbia University

The Code Connects Summer Research Program is a five-week program designed to help students learn the essentials of data science. In the first two weeks, you will be exposed to intensive data science training, where you'll learn everything from coding in R to data visualization, data cleaning, and thorough data analysis. 

Over the next three weeks, you'll apply the skills you’ve learned in the role of a research assistant, working alongside Columbia University professors, PhD candidates, and other faculty to contribute to ongoing research projects at the Columbia University Data Science Institute. On completing the program, you'll receive a certificate and you will have developed an independent research project.

Location: Virtual

Cost: $3,995

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Program Dates: Five weeks typically from July to August

Eligibility: Open to rising sophomores and recent high school graduates

11. Harvard Secondary School Program in Elements of Data Science and Statistical Learning with R

This program allows students to explore how data science innervates various fields from biomedical research and space science to finance, marketing, and beyond. An intensive course, it offers an introduction to various statistical learning methods, utilizing the R programming language—a powerful tool for scientific analysis and data visualization.

You'll start with the fundamentals of statistical testing and learning, and progressively cover advanced topics such as linear and non-linear regression, regularization, unsupervised methods like principal component analysis (PCA) and clustering, as well as supervised classification techniques including support vector machines, random forests, and neural networks. The focus of the course is not solely on theory but also on developing a strong intuition for statistical problems and honing practical skills through hands-on assignments and extensive experimentation. 

Location: Both in-person (at Harvard University) and virtual options are offered
Cost: $3600

Application Deadline: February 14, 2024

Program Dates: 6:30pm-9:30pm (6/24 to 8/9)

Eligibility: All high school students are eligible

12. NextGen Bootcamp’s Python Data Science and Machine Learning Program

This program is perfect for beginners. The NextGen Bootcamp is conducted both in-person in NYC and virtually. The list of subjects you will be taught here includes Python for data science and machine learning. 

The coursework is focused on topics such as Python programming fundamentals, using machine learning algorithms, visualizing and understanding data, and more. The program follows a comprehensive curriculum that relies on hands-on training from world-class experts. As a student, you will work on a number of real-world projects and exercises to gain practical skills. Some past project examples include how to build vector maps that measure heat sensitivity, multiple graphs at the same time, and much more. You will also receive a digital certificate of completion.

Location: Both virtual and in-person (in NYC) options are offered

Program dates: June 27 - July 19 (tentatively)

Cost: $2,199 ($1,999 after discount)

Application deadline: NA

Eligibility: High school student with basic computer knowledge

13. Noble Desktop’s Python for Data Science Bootcamp

This data science boot camp is exclusively designed for high schoolers who wish to develop and hone their Python skills. As a student, you will first explore the basics and then dive deep into the intricacies of Python and how it’s used to work with data. Apart from this, what makes this program unique is its flexibility. You can either opt for an in-person boot camp on their NYC campus or live online sessions. 

Every instructor in this camp is an industry expert. With their guidance and instruction, you will engage in live, project-based training. In fact, you will also receive a 1-1 bonus training session. Some of the past projects include working on 3D stats models, histograms, and time series data graphs. On completion, you will also receive a certificate of completion for your college applications. 

Location: Both in-person (in NYC) and virtual options are offered

Cost: $1,495

Application deadline: Rolling admissions

Program dates: March 30, 2024 - April 27, 2024 (tentatively)

Eligibility: High school students with minimal coding background

14. NYU’s GSTEM Online Data Science Course

This online data science program is curated by NYU professors exclusively for high school STEM students. In this 12-week course, you will learn about subjects like Python, computer science, mathematics, and data science in a very hands-on, practical manner. 

The coursework includes topics that deal with data analysis techniques, including interpreting and visualizing data, using data to build mathematical models, assessing model validity, and predictions. Apart from this, the program will also help you develop basic programming skills through a series of weekly online lab classes. Once you’ve completed the program, you will receive an official NYU academic transcript that you can add to your college application.

Location: Virtual

Cost: $2,250

Application deadline: December 17, 2023

Program dates: February 1, 2024 - April 25, 2024 (tentatively)
Eligibility:

• High school students enrolled in 11th/12th grade

• They should be US residents/F-1 student visa holders 

• They should be academically strong and demonstrate interest and ability in STEM

• They must be taking/have taken Pre-Calculus (or its equivalent)

• They must be taking/have taken AP Computer Science Principles (or any other introductory computer science course)

If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also 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 data science and AI with us. You can apply here!

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