9 Paid AI Summer Programs for High School Students
Summer programs can be a great way to gain practical skills and industry exposure in high school and earn a stipend, too! These programs, often hosted by the kind of colleges and organizations you would want to be a part of in the future, serve as a cost-effective way to begin your academic career in your field of interest.
At the same time, the stipend you earn alleviates financial burdens and can be used for future educational opportunities. Artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing, and enrolling in one of the programs listed below is a great way to explore your interests over the summer.
Here are 9 paid Artificial Intelligence (AI) summer programs for high school students!
1. Research Science Institute (RSI)
RSI is a prestigious six-week summer program that allows high schoolers to conduct original scientific research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). You will engage in research under the mentorship of scientists, culminating in written and oral presentations of your findings. The mentorship from some of the best minds in the country, combined with a hands-on approach to learning, make this a comprehensive research experience.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 80 students
Dates: From mid-June to early August
Application Deadline: Mid-January
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (students completing junior year)
2. University of Chicago Data Science Institute (DSI) Summer Lab
The DSI Summer Lab is an eight-week paid research program for high school and undergraduate students interested in data science and machine learning. You will be paired with mentors to work on interdisciplinary projects across social science, climate policy, computer science, and biomedical research. The program emphasizes applying machine learning tools to real-world data, enhancing technical and problem-solving skills. You will receive a stipend of $4,800.
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective
Dates: June 16 – August 12
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: High school students from the Chicago area
3. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships
AEOP’s High School Internships offers research opportunities with university researchers or Department of Defense (DoD) scientists. You will work on real-world challenges using technology in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity. AI-related projects include applications of machine learning and data analysis at U.S. Army research labs. This program allows you to gain experience using professional research tools, collaborate with experts, and develop technical skills relevant to STEM careers. The program offers a stipend, though the amount varies by location.
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S.; students can select their preferred site.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by location.
Dates: Specific dates depend on the location.
Application Deadline: Rolling applications; deadlines vary by location.
Eligibility: Open to current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. Additional eligibility criteria vary by site.
4. Microsoft High School Discovery Program
Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program provides an opportunity to work at one of the world’s leading tech companies. You will collaborate on projects related to AI, software engineering, product management, and UX design. The program offers excellent professional exposure to AI applications such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. You will receive mentorship from Microsoft engineers and gain insights into career paths in the tech industry.
Location: Redmond, WA | Atlanta, GA.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Extremely competitive
Dates: July 8 – August 2
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in March and are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors residing within 50 miles of Redmond, WA, or Atlanta, GA. Students must be at least 16 years old, legally authorized to work in the U.S., and have completed pre-calculus or an equivalent course.
5. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
SIMR is an eight-week program in which high school juniors and seniors engage in research in fields like immunology, stem cells, cancer biology, neuroscience, bioinformatics, or cardiovascular medicine. This is a great opportunity to work under the mentorship of Stanford faculty, and it gives you tangible proof of your work, as you must present your findings in a poster session at the end of the program. There is no participation cost, and interns earn a stipend of at least $500.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 50 students selected annually
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16+ years old)
6. Meta Summer Academy
Meta Summer Academy gives students experience in AI applications at one of the world’s most influential tech companies. You will participate in coding projects involving machine learning and deep learning while receiving mentorship from Meta professionals. The program offers exposure to the ethical implications of AI, data privacy, and AI-driven product development. The program requires a commitment of approximately 30 hours per week and provides a stipend.
Location: Menlo Park, CA.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited slots available.
Dates: June 17 – July 26
Application Deadline: Typically closes in March; applications open in December.
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores with a minimum 2.0 GPA who are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City.
7. University of New Hampshire’s HighTech Bound
HighTech Bound is a paid summer internship program for students interested in technology. It offers a rare chance to work in advanced computer labs, explore AI applications in network technologies, and collaborate on projects using software from Apple, Dell, and Cisco. The program includes mentorship from university faculty and industry professionals, as well as experience in machine learning and AI-driven software development. Interns are paid an hourly wage.
Location: Durham, NH.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive selection process.
Dates: Five-week program in June–August.
Application Deadline: Applications open on January 1 and close in February.
Eligibility: Open to rising high school seniors who are U.S. residents.
8. Spark Summer Mentorship Program (SPARK SMP)
SPARK SMP connects students with industry professionals, university researchers, and mentors for AI-related research projects. You can select projects in machine learning, data engineering, software development, and AI ethics. Research topics in previous years have included AI-driven weather modeling, cancer detection, and quantum computing. Some projects offer stipends. The program will give you technical skills and research experience to prepare you for a STEM career.
Location: Greater Seattle area, WA, or Virtual.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; only 5-6 students are chosen per project.
Dates: Varies by project; typically between June and August (6-8 weeks).
Application Deadline: Applications open in March/April and close in May.
Eligibility: Open to high school students in the Greater Seattle area who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
9. Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program allows high schoolers to conduct independent research under faculty mentorship. Many subjects are available, and you can explore AI applications in computer science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. Research areas include big data visualization, machine learning in robotics, and AI-driven analytics. The University offers a $750 stipend upon successful completion of your research project. This program is an excellent opportunity if you’re looking to develop strong research skills while exploring AI-related topics.
Location: Lubbock, TX (Texas Tech University Honors College).
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; small cohort.
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: Typically closes in February.
Eligibility: Open to students who are at least 17 years old by the program start date, participating in the summer before or after their senior year. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
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