16 Virtual STEM Summer Camps for High School Students
If you’re a high school student interested in exploring any STEM field, chances are you’d be looking for a summer program to delve deeper into your interested field, attend higher-level courses and experience the life of a university student! However, a considerable setback is that attending a residential program (or even a commuter program) is both time-intensive and expensive. To help you gain the same experience and exposure with reduced costs and time commitment, we have compiled a list of 15 virtual STEM programs open to high school students!
Cost: $4,000. Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years). You can check for updates here
Program Dates: June 26 - July 14 (tentatively, based on previous years
Eligibility: Current 9th graders (rising 10th graders during the summer of the program) with a keen interest in AI
Stanford’s three-week online program, in partnership with AI4ALL, is a highly-regarded program that gives participants the opportunity to dive into the world of AI through a combination of lectures, hands-on research projects, and mentoring activities. Students will interact with AI experts and gain insights into the latest advancements while exploring applications of AI in areas such as medicine, disaster response, and combating poverty.
You can expect to participate in small-group research projects led by graduate students and postdocs in computer science and AI. The research projects focus on how AI can improve pressing problems in society. Note that this program is a solid choice for students interested in hands-on, application-based learning in the field of AI and looking for an opportunity to work on real-world problems while still in high school.
Curious about what life in this virtual program will look like? Check out the daily schedule here.
Cost: $1790 for AI Scholars & $4900 for AI Fellowship
Application Deadline: Upcoming summer 2024 cohort -
Early admission: March 24, 2024
Regular admission 1: April 21, 2024
Regular admission 2: May 9, 2024
Summer II: June 23, 2024
You can apply here!
Program Dates: You can find all the program dates for the summer here
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall of 2023. No previous knowledge is required for AI Scholars!
Note. The financial aid is available for students from households earning less than $60,000 annually (for a typical household of 4) with minimum assets
Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students and our programs are geared towards high school students who want to build their foundations in computer science. In the program, students learn various data science and artificial intelligence concepts like neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, coding using Python, and more.
Veritas AI offers up to 100% financial aid for the 10-week AI Scholars program. Through the program, students build real-world, hands-on projects in groups of 3-5 students to showcase their interests and skills. You can also apply for the AI Fellowship, where you work 1-1 with mentors from top universities to build unique machine learning projects for a period of 12-15 weeks. An added bonus is the publication assistance if you opt to work on a research paper!
These programs are an excellent option for you if you like engaging in hands-on learning and want to create unique projects. You can find examples of what students in the past have worked on here!
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Cost: Free (if on full financial aid), the individual research program is $2600
Application Deadline: Applications are open throughout the year for the four cohorts - they are due in February, May, September, and December. Currently, applications for the Summer Cohort close on March 17, 2024
Program Dates: Four cohorts run throughout the year, namely the spring, summer, winter, and fall cohorts.
Eligibility:
Open to all high school students.
Lumiere was founded by researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Hundreds of ambitious high school students do research in the field of engineering through the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs. Each student is paired with a top Ph.D. and works with their mentor 1-1 to produce a university-level research paper.
The programs are entirely virtual and vary in duration based on the student’s end goal with respect to how much of a deep dive they would prefer. There are various STEM subjects, such as mathematics, chemistry, engineering fields, and more.
Check out our complete guide to Lumiere Education here!
4. 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!
5. Harvard’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python
Cost: $3,900 - $14,250 (need-based financial aid available)
Application Deadline:
Early Application/ Priority Financial Aid - January 10, 2024
Regular Application/ Financial Aid - February 14, 2024
International Student Deadline - February 14, 2024
Late Application Deadline - April 10, 2024
Program Dates: June 22 - August 10, 2024
Eligibility:
Will graduate from high school and enter college in 2024, 2025, or 2026
Are at least 16 years old by June 22, 2024, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2024
If you are interested in Artificial Intelligence, this course offers an exploration into the concepts that developed technology, such as game-playing engineers, handwriting recognition and machine translation!
The concepts you will explore include the theory behind graph search algorithms, classification, optimization, reinforcement learning and other topics that involve artificial intelligence and machine learning!
Do note that this course does have prerequisites such as CSCI S-50, CS50x, or at least 1 year of experience with Python.
6. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes’ Philosophy of AI
Cost: $3,050. Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: March 15, 2024 (based on previous year’s deadlines)
Program Dates: Typically conducted in June and July
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
This program encourages students to ask the fundamental questions of what AI means. This initial question leads to some interesting philosophical issues at the intersection of artificial intelligence and raises social and ethical questions about today’s existing technology.
Some of the things you will question and discuss are whether reliance on algorithms and ML (for instance, when banks make lending decisions or courts impose criminal sentences) improves fairness or makes things worse, and who do we hold accountable if things go wrong? You will explore these wide-ranging issues through readings, discussions, and a variety of activities and projects.
On successfully completing the program, you will receive a certificate of completion.
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: February 1st (based on previous year’s dates)
Program Dates: June - December (based on previous year’s dates)
Eligibility:
All high school juniors who are U.S. Citizens or permanent residents.
Strong academic record (While they have not specified a cutoff, you can expect similar expectations of RSI - PSAT Math Scores to be at least 740 (or higher) and Evidence-Based Reading/ Writing Scores to be 700 (or higher). ACT math scores should be at least 33, and verbal scores should be at least 34)
Passion for science, technology, engineering, and math - which is demonstrated through extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation
Note. MIT strongly encourages students from these backgrounds to apply:
underrepresented backgrounds
undeserving students (defined as those from low socioeconomic means)
families with an absence of science and engineering degrees
students who are potentially the first family member to attend college
and students from high schools with low admittance rates to top-tier colleges (especially from rural or predominantly minority high schools).
MITES Semester, is a 6-month hybrid STEM program where you can deep dive into science and engineering disciplines. In this program, you will choose one project-based course, followed by a supplemental core course, which can either be in computer science, calculus, physics, science writing, or communication!
Through this program, you can delve into interdisciplinary subjects that involve computer science. For instance, past projects have included computational biology, embedded systems, machine learning, robotics, thermodynamics, climate change, and more!
Note. At the end of the MITES program, you will receive a written evaluation from your instructor outlining your strengths and growth areas and highlighting your contributions to the class. This is a valuable supplement for any college application!
If you’re interested in MITES, check out this deep dive on everything you need to know to apply!
8. Harvard’s Introduction to Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Cost: $3,900 - $14,250 (need-based financial aid available)
Application Deadline:
Early Application/ Priority Financial Aid - January 10, 2024
Regular Application/ Financial Aid - February 14, 2024
International Student Deadline - February 14, 2024
Late Application Deadline - April 10, 2024
Program Dates: June 22 - August 10, 2024
Eligibility:
Will graduate from high school and enter college in 2024, 2025, or 2026.
Are at least 16 years old by June 22, 2024, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2024
If you are interested in both biology and data science, this course covers epidemiological studies and the study design, analyses and conclusions behind them. Your course work will involve a mix of textbooks, recent primary literature and a hands-on component such as R-statistical programming using data sets by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Throughout the course, you will explore key data science concepts such as regression analyses, measures of associations between exposure and risks, and confounders and effect modifiers.
9. Columbia University's Big Data, Machine Learning, and their Real World Applications
Cost: 1-week program - $2,890, 2-week program - $4,040
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions for the summer
Program Dates: July 17 - July 28, 2023 (2-week program) & August 7 - 11, 2023 (1-week program)
Eligibility: High school students (grade 8 to 12). While not a prerequisite, a basic understanding of algebra, geometry, statistics, and computer programming is recommended
This introductory level course offered by Columbia University enables students to engage with data and its growing applications as an invaluable asset. Students will develop a strong foundation in data-driven thinking in solving real world problems while learning common AI and ML techniques and develop and evaluate analytical solutions. The course is a great introduction to data science and AI and is taught by industry experts (from the Walt Disney Company), 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. The difficulty level of this course will be a bit higher than camps that offer introductory courses on AI, so you should make sure you are prepared to take on the time and learning commitment required. Additionally, this course offers a focused take on the real world applications of big data and ML, and can serve as a useful base if you’re interested in working on projects in the field.
10. Harvard’s Data Science: An Artificial Ecosystem
Cost: $3,900 - $14,250 (need-based financial aid available)
Application Deadline:
Early Application/ Priority Financial Aid - January 10, 2024
Regular Application/ Financial Aid - February 14, 2024
International Student Deadline - February 14, 2024
Late Application Deadline - April 10, 2024
Program Dates: June 22 - August 10, 2024
Eligibility:
Will graduate from high school and enter college in 2024, 2025, or 2026.
Are at least 16 years old by June 22, 2024, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2024
This course is unique as it introduces basic concepts in data science solely through articles published in Harvard Data Science Review. In particular, you will cover the evolutionary nature of data science, and the similarities between data science and artificial intelligence.
This course does not only cover data science concepts, it also covers the philosophical conceptualization of data or the use of data in addressing scientific replicability. In addition, you will also explore the cultural aspects of data science such as data privacy and individualized treatments.
If you’re interested in the conceptual background of data science and its implications for society, we recommend this course for you!
11. UC Berkeley Coding Academy’s Data Science to AI
Cost: $2,495. Limited scholarships are available
Application Deadline: To be announced
Program Dates: Held in the summer. Dates to be announced
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
Berkeley’s summer course on data science to AI is focused on introducing students to the fundamentals of AI, ML, and big data science. The academy offers 1-1 classes for students aged 12-18 and a junior Python coders program for ages 7-11. Through the programs, you will learn how to write and evaluate Python code behind AI and build ML models from real data. This course is a good choice for you if you are looking to take part in a technical skill-building course. The course has different levels for students based on their coding background. You will work in small groups to create your own projects and models.
If you’re looking to hone your technical and programming skills while gaining access to long-term valuable resources like Berkeley Coding Academy lecture videos, slides, and portfolio projects, consider applying to this program!
12. Code Connects Summer Research Program (with Columbia University)
Cost: $3,995
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates (Summer 2023): July 5th - August 4th, 2023
Eligibility: Open to rising sophomores and recent graduates
Code Connects Summer Research Program at Columbia is a 5-week research program where students develop their skill sets in data science and apply them as research assistants to Ph.D. researchers!
The program is split into two components. The first two weeks are spent on courses where you receive intensive training in data science. You will learn skills such as coding skills in R, data visualizations, data cleaning, data analysis, and more! The last weeks are spent putting these concepts into action by assisting PhD researchers with their real-life research projects.
An added bonus is the possibility of publication in academic journals, depending on your findings!
13. University of Washington’s A14ALL
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: April 15, 2024 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s schedule)
Program Dates: August 08, 2024 - August 28, 2024(tentatively, based on the last year’s schedule)
Eligibility:
Students must be rising juniors, seniors, or recently graduated
Must be from an underrepresented background
Hosted by the Taskar Center for Accessible Technology at the University of Washington, A14ALL is a 2-week introductory course on data science and artificial intelligence. You will learn how to understand, analyze, interpret, and discuss real-world applications of data science and machine learning to understand impactful technology decisions.
A key focus of this program is to enable dialogue and learning in small-group settings. The Center focuses on anti-bias in AI teachings on non-ableist AI, bringing a disability studies lens to interrogate bias and fairness in AI.
Note. If you are interested in pursuing a non-STEM major in university, this is still a great option, as a critical focus of the program is the interdisciplinary applications of data science! Plus, it also focuses on the ethical use of technology, which is a significant debate across STEM and non-STEM areas.
14. Code.Org - Circuit Playground
Cost: No Cost
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: Self-Paced
Eligibility: Open to students between grades 6-12
In the ‘Circuit Playground’ class, you will explore the role of physical devices in computing. You will have the opportunity to develop programs that use the same hardware inputs and outputs in smart decisions, learn the process of building a prototype and working on it, and delve into how physical devices react to the world.
In this course, you can expect to cover writing code to control LEDs or use a buzzer, use blocks in AppLab to change the properties and content of UI elements, and experiment with the button and toggle switches on a Circuit Playground to use as tools for input.
Note. This course can only be taught by teachers so it's worth looking at collaborating with your school to conduct this course! If you’re interested in self-taught courses, you can look at their Lightbot or Ozobot courses.
15. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
Cost: Individually Paced courses range from $955-$1,555 and Session-Based courses range from $695-$2,130
Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
Program Dates: Apply anytime and get started in 2 weeks
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth’s (CTY) expert-led online courses will empower you to go beyond your school curriculum and delve into subjects you're passionate about. With two online course formats, Session-Based and Individually Paced, you can tailor your learning experience to match your schedule and goals.
Session-based courses provide the structure of assignment deadlines, along with the flexibility to do your coursework independently. Select courses also have set meeting times. You and your classmates may interact via discussion forums and virtual meetings. Individually placed courses give you the flexibility to create your unique learning schedule while adhering to course guidelines.
You can choose to progress independently at an accelerated speed or take breaks when necessary. Your instructor will also offer guidance on the recommended pace, provide personalized feedback on your assignments, and conduct virtual meetings as necessary to assist you in mastering challenging concepts.
Here is a comprehensive guide on how to get into CTY!
16. Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative
Cost: Maintenance fee varies, but most cost $25 per student. They range from $10 to $80
Application deadline: Varies based on the course
Program Dates: Dependent on the course you’re applying to
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
For independent learners, Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative (OLI) courses offer a variety of STEM opportunities, ranging from Computer Science and Programming to Life Sciences, to Mathematics and Logic.
Each course incorporates interactive activities, assessments, and multimedia resources crafted to enhance your understanding. With the freedom to study at your own pace, the OLI Independent Learner Courses empower you to explore intricate subjects supported by engaging materials and assessments.
If you're seeking a high-quality, flexible online education experience, these courses would be an excellent option for you. This option is also a more financially viable option, as you will pay per each course you take- with some being as cheap as $10.
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!
Image Source - Harvard University Logo