8 Data Science Programs for High School Students in California
In today's digital age, data science has emerged as a critical field with applications spanning industries from healthcare to finance. Recognizing the importance of cultivating interest in data science from a young age, various programs tailored for high school students have been established across California. These programs offer immersive experiences, equipping students with foundational knowledge and practical skills in data analysis, programming, and statistical modeling.
To help you pick the right fit for you, we have compiled a list of 8 data science programs for high school students in California.
1. California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)
Cost: Approximately $4,000 - $4,500 (varies by campus and financial aid availability)
Application Deadline: Typically in February
Program Dates: Usually held in July for four weeks
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12, with a strong interest in STEM subjects, including data science.
COSMOS provides an enriching four-week experience designed for high school students passionate about STEM fields, including data science. With hands-on projects, students delve into data analysis, visualization techniques, and introductory coding languages. This program fosters collaboration and critical thinking while exposing participants to cutting-edge research in the field.
Here is everything you need to know about COSMOS!
2. Veritas AI
Cost: $1790 for AI Scholars (financial aid is available) & $4900 for AI Fellowship
Application Deadline:Upcoming cohorts - Summer 2024: April 21, 2024 (regular deadline I), May 12, 2024 (regular deadline II). You can apply here!
Program Dates: Multiple sessions from May - September. You can find all the dates 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!
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 concepts in data science and artificial intelligence 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. These programs are a great option for you if you like engaging in hands-on learning and are a beginner!
3. UC Berkeley: Data Science Discovery Program
Cost: $3,500 - $4,000 (may vary)
Application Deadline: Usually in March
Program Dates: Held in June for three weeks
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in data science and related fields, with no specific prerequisites but a passion for mathematics and coding.
Hosted at one of the nation's leading universities, this three-week program introduces high school students to the interdisciplinary world of data science. Through lectures, workshops, and group projects, participants learn to extract insights from data, employing techniques from statistics and machine learning. The program emphasizes real-world applications, preparing students for future academic pursuits and professional endeavors in data-driven industries.
4. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes: Data Science
Cost: Approximately $6,000 - $7,000
Application Deadline: Typically in February
Program Dates: Conducted over two weeks in July
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-17 with a keen interest in data science, statistics, and programming. No prior experience required.
Stanford's Data Science program offers a rigorous two-week curriculum for high school students keen on exploring the intersection of statistics, programming, and data analysis. Participants engage in hands-on activities, exploring real datasets and gaining proficiency in tools like Python and R. With access to Stanford's renowned faculty and resources, students immerse themselves in a dynamic learning environment, acquiring essential skills for success in the data-driven economy.
5. iD Tech Camps: Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Program
Cost: Varies by location, typically around $1,000 - $2,000 per week
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions, but early registration is recommended
Program Dates: Offered throughout the summer at various locations
Eligibility: Open to students ages 7-18 with different skill levels, including beginners. No specific prerequisites.
iD Tech Camps cater to students of all skill levels, offering week-long sessions focused on data science and artificial intelligence. Through project-based learning, participants develop foundational coding skills and gain insights into machine learning algorithms. With small class sizes and personalized instruction, students receive individualized support, fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning atmosphere.
Cost: Around $1,500 - $2,000 (may vary)
Application Deadline: Usually in April
Program Dates: Held in July for two weeks
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12 who are passionate about data science and analytics. No specific prerequisites.
UCLA's DataFest offers a comprehensive two-week program for high school students interested in exploring data science and analytics. Through lectures, labs, and team projects, participants delve into topics like data manipulation, exploratory data analysis, and predictive modeling. With access to UCLA's state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty, students gain valuable insights into the applications of data science across various industries.
7. Caltech Young Investigator Program (YIP): Data Science
Cost: Tuition-free; students are responsible for housing and other expenses
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Program Dates: Conducted over six weeks during the summer
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have completed at least one year of biology, chemistry, and algebra. Strong interest in data science and research required.
The Caltech Young Investigator Program provides high school students with a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research in data science. Over the course of six weeks, participants work closely with faculty mentors, gaining hands-on experience in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. This tuition-free program fosters intellectual curiosity and cultivates the next generation of data-driven researchers.
8. UC San Diego: Academic Connections – Data Science
Cost: Approximately $4,000 - $5,000
Application Deadline: Usually in April
Program Dates: Held in July for three weeks
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18 with a minimum GPA requirement of 3.3. No specific prerequisites, but an interest in data science is essential.
UC San Diego's Academic Connections program offers a stimulating three-week curriculum for high school students interested in data science. Through a blend of lectures, workshops, and hands-on projects, participants explore fundamental concepts in data analysis, machine learning, and data visualization. With access to UCSD's world-class faculty and resources, students develop a deep understanding of data-driven decision-making processes.
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