9 Tech Programs for High School Students in Massachusetts
For students in Massachusetts, a hub of technological innovation and home to world-class institutions and tech companies, tech programs can be particularly valuable. Participating in these programs not only enriches your understanding of technology but also provides a practical glimpse into the tech industry.
In Massachusetts, students can choose from a variety of programs tailored to different aspects of technology. These programs not only hone technical skills such as coding, algorithm design, and system analysis but also foster soft skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
In this blog, we'll explore 8 tech programs for high school students in Massachusetts!
1. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: January 15 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 23 to August 3 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising High School Seniors. It is recommended that PSAT Math Scores be at least 740 or higher and the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score be 700 or higher. ACT math scores should be at least 33 and verbal scores at least 34.
Every summer, 100 exceptional high school students are chosen to join the Research Science Institute (RSI) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). RSI is a unique, cost-free summer science and engineering program that blends on-campus coursework in scientific theory with off-campus research work in science and technology. Participants get to engage in the complete research process, from reading current literature in their chosen field to executing detailed research plans and presenting their findings through conference-style oral and written reports.
The program begins with a week of intensive STEM classes led by accomplished professors. The core of RSI is the five-week research internship where students undertake individual projects under the guidance of experienced scientists and researchers. During this period, students delve into fields of their choice, including artificial intelligence (AI). In the final week, students prepare and deliver written and oral presentations on their research projects. For those passionate about AI, RSI offers a unique chance to deepen their knowledge and skills. Previous participants have worked on groundbreaking projects, such as developing AI to predict disease outbreaks and creating algorithms for autonomous vehicle navigation, showcasing a high level of research and innovation.
Here is everything you need to know about RSI!
2. Veritas AI
Cost: AI Scholars - $2290 (financial aid is available); AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase - $5400; Combination (AI Scholars + AI Fellowship) - $6900
Application Deadline: Upcoming fall cohort deadlines - September 8, 2024. You can apply here!
Program Dates: The fall cohort will start in September
Eligibility: High school students passionate about AI; Basic understanding of Python or completion of AI scholars is required for the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program
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 data science, AI, and ML. 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 with Publication & Showcase Program where you work 1-1 with mentors from top universities to build unique machine learning projects over 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. 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!
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 1 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to December
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).
The MITES Semester is a six-month educational journey from June to December, where students engage in rigorous online courses, weekly virtual webinars, and various social events and workshops. This program allows participants to delve into diverse STEM subjects, including machine learning, data science, and thermodynamics. Students will tackle two challenging courses: a project-based course and an additional core course in areas like calculus, physics, computer science, or science writing and communication.
The program is divided into two phases. The STEM Immersion Phase, from June to early August, involves completing demanding courses and team projects, which culminate in presentations at the MITES Semester Conference. This phase is rich with webinars, discussions, and game nights, fostering a strong sense of community among peers and mentors. The College and Career Prep Phase, from August to December, shifts the focus towards college preparation, including mock interviews, essay reviews, and workshops, along with interactions with faculty, researchers, and STEM professionals.
Here is everything you need to know about MITES before applying!
5. Harvard Pre-college Programs (AI courses)
Cost: $5,550 (pre-college program); $3,900–$14,250 (secondary school program, depending on the number of courses selected)
Application Deadline: February 14 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Students expected to graduate from high school in 2025 or 2026
The Harvard Pre-College Programs’ AI Courses provide an excellent opportunity for high school students to delve into artificial intelligence, offering an immersive on-campus experience at one of the world's most prestigious universities. In this program, you'll focus on a specific aspect of AI, benefitting from small class sizes with an average of 15 students, allowing for personalized attention and an engaging learning environment. Under the guidance of Harvard faculty, you'll explore both the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of AI, preparing for a rigorous academic setting alongside peers from across the U.S. and over 72 countries worldwide.
These courses are perfect for students passionate about technology and eager to push the boundaries of AI research and development. The program culminates in a final project, which can take various forms such as a presentation, group project, or research paper, depending on your course requirements. This final project enables you to apply your acquired knowledge in a practical context, whether by developing a machine learning model, creating an AI-driven application prototype, or conducting a comprehensive analysis of AI's ethical implications. Previous students have tackled topics like AI's impact on climate change mitigation and the development of intelligent healthcare systems.
6. Research in Science and Engineering Internship (RISE)
Cost: $8,246
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program Dates:
June 30 to August 9, 2024 (residential)
July 1 to August 9, 2024 (commuter)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are US citizens
The Research in Science and Engineering (RISE) Internship program offers high school students a chance to immerse themselves in advanced AI research under the mentorship of distinguished faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. By selecting the Internship track, you'll dedicate 40 hours each week to research projects crafted by your mentor. These hands-on research experiences encompass a wide range of fields, including computer science and electrical and computer engineering, which are particularly relevant to AI. This focus enables you to delve deeply into the scientific process, making it an ideal program for students eager to explore the practical applications of artificial intelligence.
The program culminates in the presentation of your research findings at the Poster Symposium. Throughout the internship, you'll also engage in workshops alongside Practicum students to enhance your academic and professional skills. Past participants have tackled projects such as developing machine learning algorithms and exploring neural networks for image recognition, providing a rich, practical foundation in AI research.
7. MIT’s Women’s Technology Program
Cost: No cost (Note. WTP is still deciding whether there should be a tuition fee charged. Currently, there is no cost – however, even if a fee was implemented, financial aid will be available).
Application Deadline: January 15 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 29 to July 26, 2024 (subject to change as these are the projected key dates).
Eligibility:
This program is women-focused.
Applicants must be rising seniors in high school.
Students who have already covered WTP’s curriculum in their high school classes, after school activities, online courses, or other summer programs or internships will not be accepted.
The Women's Technology Program (WTP) at MIT is a prestigious four-week summer initiative designed to introduce high school girls to the fundamentals of computer science and engineering. Throughout the program, participants engage in classroom instruction, laboratory sessions, and collaborative projects. The curriculum emphasizes core concepts in computer science with a strong focus on Python programming and provides access to MIT's cutting-edge research facilities.
The coursework is delivered by graduate students from MIT’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, supported by undergraduates from MIT or Wellesley College. This creates a collaborative learning environment that encourages diverse problem-solving strategies. Notably, for 2024, WTP will exclusively offer the Mechanical Engineering track, as the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science track will be temporarily suspended.
Here is everything you need to know about MIT WTP!
8. UMass Turing Summer Program
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Applications to the 2024 UMass Amherst Turing Summer Program are closed.
Program Dates: July 8 to 26 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Entering sophomores and juniors with a good background in mathematics. Previous experience in programming languages is desirable but not necessary.
This free, three-week commuter course is designed for students enthusiastic about computer science and technology. The curriculum emphasizes programming in Python and developing health-sensing applications, while also covering modern topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, mixed reality, sustainability, and cloud computing. The program includes two classroom sessions and one laboratory session each day, offering students a hands-on learning experience to apply their knowledge practically.
Additionally, UMass Amherst offers a variety of educational opportunities, including two-week residential programs on diverse subjects and six-week research intensives in specialized fields. To ensure these valuable experiences are accessible, scholarships are available for select courses, supporting students who demonstrate financial need or exceptional potential.
9. Coding Academy at Tufts University
Cost: Commuter: $4,000, Residential: $5,500, Materials Fee $200
Application Deadline: May 1 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: July 21 to August 2 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Entering grades 10-12 or a Spring 2024 high school graduate
The Tufts Coding Academy aims to equip participants with essential coding skills necessary for tackling real-world problems. The program primarily focuses on Python programming, a versatile and widely-used language crucial for various applications such as mobile apps, web development, software creation, and desktop GUIs. With the increasing demand for coding expertise across multiple industries, the skills gained here will be highly beneficial in future endeavors.
What makes the Tufts Coding Academy distinctive is its holistic approach to coding education. In addition to daily coding workshops and hands-on practice, the academy offers an enriched learning experience through guest lectures from faculty members on a range of topics, from the history of programming to current advancements in AI, Robotics, and Cybersecurity.
Furthermore, "Tech Treks" to top tech companies in Boston like Hubspot, Google, Ginkgo Bioworks, and Fidelity provide students with exposure to various career paths in software and technology. These visits allow students to interact with industry professionals and gain insights into the tech world. The program culminates with students presenting their coding projects, showcasing the comprehensive skills and knowledge acquired during their time at the academy.
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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