8 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 tech programs for high school students in Massachusetts!
1. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
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!
2. 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!
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
4. Coding Academy at Tufts University
Cost: Commuter: $4,000, Residential: $5,500, Materials Fee $200
Application Deadline: May 1
Program Dates: July 21 to August 2
Eligibility: Entering grades 10-12 or a Spring 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.
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
Program Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August
Eligibility: Students expected to graduate from high school in this or next year
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 | July 1 to August 9
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
Program Dates: June 29 to July 26 (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. Here is everything you need to know about MIT WTP!
8. UMass Turing Summer Program
Cost: None
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: July 8 to 26
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.
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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