Top 20 Free AI Programs for High School Students

It’s a common misconception that learning artificial intelligence (AI) requires expensive courses, advanced degrees, or costly software. In reality, many prestigious institutions and organizations offer free AI programs that provide hands-on learning, industry exposure, and mentorship. Some even offer stipends, making AI education not just accessible but rewarding!


If you're a high school student eager to explore machine learning, data science, robotics, or ethical AI, these programs are a fantastic way to gain practical experience, work on real-world projects, and connect with experts in the field.


To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of the top 20 free AI programs for high school students. These programs are designed to introduce you to the world of AI, equip you with future-ready skills, and open doors to exciting opportunities - all at zero cost. 


1. AI Scholars – Carnegie Mellon University

AI Scholars is a four-week, fully funded immersive program at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) designed for rising high school seniors interested in artificial intelligence. As an AI Scholar, you will participate in college-level courses, group projects, and academic workshops, culminating in a final presentation applying AI to real-world challenges. Additionally, the program provides college prep and readiness seminars covering admissions, financial aid, and personal development. 


Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA (Residential)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive, merit-based selection

Dates: June 21 – July 19

Application Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (students entering 12th grade); applicants must be 16 years old by June 21. Demonstrated financial need is required for application.


2. Veritas AI 

Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. 

Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here


Location: Virtual

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here

Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).

Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.


3. IBM SkillsBuild AI Learning Path

IBM SkillsBuild offers free, structured AI courses designed for high school students looking to gain foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence. Through self-paced courses, hands-on projects, and digital badges, you will learn about natural language processing, machine learning, and AI ethics. 


A standout feature of the program is the Build Your Own Chatbot course, where you get hands-on experience in AI application. With courses developed in collaboration with ISTE and IBM, this program provides an accessible way to develop real-world AI skills while earning digital credentials.


Location: Virtual (Self-paced, hosted by IBM SkillsBuild)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment

Dates: Available year-round

Application Deadline: No deadline (Enroll anytime)

Eligibility: Open to high school students (no prior AI experience required)


4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation

The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation stands as a non-profit research program tailored for gifted students from low-income backgrounds. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, renowned for its extensive one-on-one research opportunities for high school students, the foundation provides the same access to independent research experiences at zero cost.

The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can apply here! 

This program is a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper. 

Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive

Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).

Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Eligibility:

  • You must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall of 2023.

  • Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)

  • No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!

5. Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) – MIT

The Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) at MIT offers free, advanced AI and engineering courses for high school students. The Autonomous Cognitive Assistance (CogWorks) course focuses on machine learning and data science, while Serious Games Development with Artificial Intelligence (SGAI) teaches AI applications in game design. 

As participants, you will engage in hands-on projects, lectures, and teamwork, culminating in real-world AI applications. Other AI-related courses include Medlytics (AI in medicine), Remote Sensing for Disaster Response, and Quantum Software. 


Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA (some courses are offered online, and some are in-person)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive

Dates: Summer (varies by course)

Application Deadline: Typically February/March (check official site for details)

Eligibility:

  • High school students (typically rising seniors)

  • Strong academic background in math, science, and programming recommended

  • Some courses require prior experience in Python and AI concepts

6. Princeton AI4ALL

Princeton AI4ALL is a fully funded, three-week residential AI program designed for rising 11th graders interested in artificial intelligence. The program provides hands-on AI learning, mentorship, and leadership development while emphasizing diversity and inclusion in AI. Students participate in lectures, projects, and workshops and take a trip to Washington, D.C., to explore AI's real-world impact.

Location: Princeton University, NJ (Residential)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive, merit-based selection

Dates: July 9 – July 30

Application Deadline: To be announced (typically early in the year)

Eligibility:

  • Must be in 10th grade at the time of application (entering 11th grade in Fall 2025)

  • U.S. residents only

  • Must meet at least one socioeconomic eligibility requirement

7. Curiosity Machine AI Challenge

Technovation Families offers a free, hands-on AI learning experience where students identify and solve real-world problems using AI. Through a 10-lesson curriculum, you can explore machine learning, predictive models, and coding applications while developing a community-focused AI solution. The program is designed for students with no prior AI experience, making it an accessible and engaging introduction to AI.

Location: Virtual (Self-paced, mentor-supported)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment

Dates: Available year-round

Application Deadline: No deadline (Enroll anytime)

Eligibility:

  • Students 18 and under

  • Teams must include at least one parent/guardian and one child (age 16 or younger)

8. Kode With Klossy

Kode With Klossy offers a free, immersive summer camp for young women and gender-expansive youth (ages 13–18) interested in technology. This structured program introduces you to coding, artificial intelligence, and web development, empowering you to explore the intersection of technology and creativity. No prior coding experience is required. The program fosters a supportive community, providing mentorship and hands-on projects to help you develop technical skills and confidence in pursuing careers in tech.

Location: Virtual & In-person options available

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive, varies by location

Dates: Summer (varies by camp session)

Application Deadline: Varies (check official site for updates)

Eligibility:

  • Young women and gender-expansive youth, ages 13–18

  • No prior coding experience required

9. MIT’s Day of AI

Day of AI is a free, open-access AI literacy program designed to introduce K-12 students to artificial intelligence through hands-on activities, interactive lessons, and real-world applications. Developed by MIT RAISE, this program provides AI curriculum, assessments, and educator training to help you understand AI’s role in everyday life. 

Schools and students can access free lesson plans and tools to learn about machine learning, ethics, and AI’s societal impact. The program encourages critical thinking and responsible AI usage while making AI education accessible to all.

Location: Virtual (Open-access, self-paced, school-based program)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open to all students and schools

Dates: Available year-round

Application Deadline: None (Open access, can register anytime)

Eligibility:

  • K-12 students (all backgrounds and abilities)

  • Accessible for schools, teachers, and independent learners

10. AI4ALL @ University of Washington

AI4ALL @ UW is a free, 20-week data science and machine learning workshop hosted by the Taskar Center for Accessible Technology at the University of Washington. The program introduces you to real-world applications of AI, with a strong focus on bias, fairness, and disability studies in AI. Through small-group learning and expert instruction from UW faculty and researchers, you will gain hands-on experience in data science techniques, critical analysis of AI ethics, and the ability to interpret and discuss impactful technology decisions.

Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small-group learning environment

Dates: 20-week program (Exact dates TBD)

Application Deadline: TBD

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, and college freshmen from underrepresented backgrounds


11. CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python

This free, self-paced course from Harvard University provides a comprehensive introduction to artificial intelligence and machine learning using Python. Through hands-on projects, you will learn how to design intelligent systems, explore graph search algorithms, implement reinforcement learning, and apply AI principles to real-world problems like handwriting recognition and game-playing engines. 

The course also introduces key machine learning concepts, deep learning, and neural networks. By the end, you will gain experience working with AI-focused Python libraries, preparing you for more advanced AI studies or projects.

Location: Online via edX

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment

Dates: Self-paced

Application Deadline: No deadline, open enrollment

Eligibility: Recommended for students with prior programming experience in Python


12. Elements of AI – University of Helsinki

The Elements of AI is a free, self-paced online course created by the University of Helsinki and MinnaLearn to introduce you to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence. The program consists of two parts:

  • Introduction to AI – Covers the basics of AI, its applications, and ethical considerations.

  • Building AI – A deeper dive into the algorithms that power AI, with optional Python programming exercises.


Location: Online

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment

Dates: Available year-round, self-paced

Application Deadline: No application required – open for registration anytime

Eligibility: Open to everyone, no prerequisites required; optional Python exercises for those interested in coding


13. Using Python for Research – Harvard University

This Harvard University course bridges the gap between introductory Python programming and its advanced applications in research, data analysis, and machine learning. Designed for students with foundational Python knowledge, it introduces Python research tools such as NumPy and SciPy, explores statistical learning, and includes a new module on machine learning. Through practical case studies, you will learn how to apply Python in scientific and AI-related research, making it a valuable course for those interested in AI-driven data science and computational research.


Location: Online via edX

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment

Dates: Self-paced

Application Deadline: No deadline, open enrollment

Eligibility: Intermediate Python knowledge recommended


14. AWS Educate – Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Track

AWS Educate is a free, self-paced learning platform designed to introduce students to cloud computing and artificial intelligence. It provides foundational and hands-on training in AI, machine learning (ML), and cloud technologies. The AI and ML track helps students explore core AI concepts, such as training models, natural language processing (NLP), and image recognition. 

Through hands-on labs and real-world applications, participants gain valuable experience using AWS tools like Amazon SageMaker, AWS Lambda, and AI-driven cloud services.


Location: Online, offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment

Dates: Available year-round, self-paced

Application Deadline: No application required – open for registration anytime

Eligibility: Open to all learners, recommended for high school students (age 13+) interested in AI and cloud computing


15. Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab (BAIR) High School Summer Program

This free, week-long AI program at UC Berkeley provides students in grades 10–12 with hands-on exposure to artificial intelligence research. You will learn about machine learning, robotics, and AI ethics through guest lectures from Berkeley AI professors, lab visits, and interactive projects. The program is designed for students with limited access to STEM opportunities and encourages applications from underrepresented groups in AI. The curriculum covers Python programming, machine learning model development, and real-world AI problem-solving under the mentorship of Berkeley researchers.


Location: UC Berkeley Campus

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, by application only

Dates: July 8 – 12

Application Deadline: April 30

Eligibility: Grades 10–12; priority given to students from underrepresented backgrounds in AI


16. Introduction to Data Science with Python

Offered by Harvard University, this course provides a hands-on introduction to data science and machine learning using Python. You will explore key machine learning concepts such as regression models, classification models, model complexity, overfitting, and evaluation. 

Using popular Python libraries like Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, and scikit-learn, you’ll develop the skills needed to analyze data, build predictive models, and interpret results. By the end of the course, you will have built a strong foundation in Python-based machine learning, preparing you for advanced AI and data science applications.


Location: Online via edX

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment

Dates: Self-paced

Application Deadline: No deadline, open enrollment

Eligibility: Basic knowledge of Python and statistics recommended


17. AWS Educate – AI & Cloud Learning Path

AWS Educate provides free, self-paced online training designed for beginners to explore cloud computing, AI, and machine learning. You can access a variety of courses covering machine learning fundamentals, cloud infrastructure, and AI-powered applications. With hands-on labs, learners gain real-world experience using AWS services without needing an Amazon account. While it includes AI-focused courses, it also covers broader topics like security and cloud storage.


Location: Online (AWS Educate Platform)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment

Dates: Self-paced, available year-round

Application Deadline: No deadline, open anytime

Eligibility: Students aged 13 and older; no prior technical experience required


18. Harvard University – Data Science: Machine Learning

In this free, self-paced course from Harvard University, you will explore the fundamentals of machine learning by building a movie recommendation system. The course covers essential concepts such as cross-validation, overtraining, principal component analysis, and regularization, equipping you with the skills to create predictive models. You will learn to use training data effectively and apply popular machine-learning algorithms to real-world datasets.


Location: Online via edX

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment

Dates: Self-paced, 8 weeks long

Application Deadline: Open enrollment

Eligibility: Ideal for students with an introductory understanding of data science who want to learn machine-learning techniques


19. AI for Everyone – by Andrew Ng

This introductory AI course, taught by Andrew Ng, is designed for anyone curious about artificial intelligence. It provides a non-technical overview of AI concepts, helping you understand how AI works, its applications, and its impact on society. The course is designed for high school students looking to explore AI, its business applications, and ethical considerations. Topics covered include machine learning fundamentals, AI project workflows, case studies, and moral implications of AI in real-world scenarios.


Location: Online (Coursera)

Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Open enrollment

Dates: Self-paced, available year-round

Application Deadline: No deadline (enroll anytime)

Eligibility: Open to high school students of all backgrounds; no prior AI or programming experience required


20. Intro to Generative AI – Codecademy

This free introductory course on generative AI provides an accessible way to understand how AI generates new content, including text, images, and videos. It explores the different types of generative AI, ethical considerations, and practical applications. Through interactive exercises and real-world projects, you’ll gain insights into how generative AI can be used effectively. The course is self-paced and designed for beginners, making it ideal for students looking to explore AI concepts without prior experience.


Location: Online (offered by Codecademy)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment, self-paced

Dates: Available anytime

Application Deadline: No deadline; enroll anytime

Eligibility: Open to all; no prior experience required

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Tyler Moulton

Tyler Moulton is Head of Academics and Veritas AI Partnerships with 6 years of experience in education consulting, teaching, and astronomy research at Harvard and the University of Cambridge, where they developed a passion for machine learning and artificial intelligence. Tyler is passionate about connecting high-achieving students to advanced AI techniques and helping them build independent, real-world projects in the field of AI!

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