In today’s data-driven world, learning data science can give you a significant academic and professional edge. For high school students, university-affiliated programs offer a valuable opportunity to explore this field through hands-on experiences like data analysis, machine learning, and interpreting results — skills that are in high demand across disciplines.

In this blog, we showcase 10 university data science programs for high school students that offer unique learning experiences and practical skills that can enhance your college applications and prepare you for future studies in technology or data science. Whether you’re just starting out or have some prior experience, these programs give you the chance to learn from expert faculty, collaborate with peers, and gain an edge for your future. 

1. MITES Saturdays (MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science)

Location: MIT Campus, Cambridge, MA

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: December 5th, 2024

Program Dates: The program begins in late February and is held on Saturdays during the school year, with spring and fall sessions (8 weeks each), from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents in grades 7-10 who attend public schools in Boston, Cambridge, or Lawrence, MA.

MITES Saturdays is a long-term STEM enrichment program designed for public school students in Boston, Cambridge, and Lawrence, Massachusetts. The program provides middle and high school students with hands-on experiences in fields like biological engineering, robotics, urban planning, and architecture. Each semester, students take an Academic Mentoring Seminar (AMS) and a STEM project course, learning essential non-technical skills for success in college and beyond.

The program also includes unique opportunities like a college fair with admissions counselors, and you receive a written evaluation each semester that can be submitted with college applications. Through engaging projects and mentoring from MIT-affiliated instructors, MITES Saturdays nurtures curiosity and innovation, fostering a passion for STEM fields among young learners. You can apply here!

2. Introduction to Data Science with a Focus on Visualization at Harvard Summer School

Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Cost: $5,550

Application Deadline: Applications for Summer 2025 will open on December 2, 2024. 

Program Dates: The course typically spans two weeks, but specific dates may vary. There are three sessions:

• Session I: June 22 – July 3, 2025

• Session II: July 6 – July 18, 2025

• Session III: July 20 – August 1, 2025

Eligibility: Students graduating from high school and entering college in 2026 or 2027, ages 16 and above by June 21, 2025, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2025.

The Introduction to Data Science with a Focus on Visualization course at Harvard Summer School offers a robust introduction to data science, emphasizing visualization techniques. In the first week, you learn to use Python for data collection, cleaning, and visualization through the Matplotlib library, culminating in a mini project analyzing COVID-19 data. The second week focuses on creating more sophisticated visualizations with JavaScript, fostering an environment of collaborative learning.

Class sizes are small, typically ranging from 12 to 18 students, encouraging interactive learning. In this collegial setting, you engage in healthy debates, enhancing your ability to communicate complex topics clearly and diplomatically. Under the guidance of Harvard-affiliated instructors, you’ll tackle challenging problem sets, delve into complex articles, and present your research, gaining an Ivy League educational experience. You can find specific details of the course here!

3. Introduction to Data Science - Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes

Location: Virtual

Cost: $3,050 (Financial aid is available)

Application Deadline: March 29, 2025 (tentative, based on 2024 program dates)

Program Dates: 

• Session I: June 17 - June 28, 2025 (tentative, based on previous years)

• Session II: July 8 - July 19, 2025 (tentative, based on previous years) 

Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-11.

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes offers an immersive course titled "Introduction to Data Science," designed to equip high school students with foundational skills in data analysis and machine learning. This course focuses on the ethical and effective use of data science, emphasizing computer algorithms and the diverse models they produce.

You will engage with datasets from the natural and social sciences to explore questions relevant to their lives, applying machine learning techniques through R programming. By the end of the course, participants will possess a technical skill set that empowers them to analyze any dataset with a scientific approach.

Classes are held Monday through Friday, with scheduled times from 08:00 AM to 11:00 AM (PDT) during Session One and from 04:00 PM to 07:00 PM (PDT) for Session Two. Prerequisites include prior exposure to a programming language and a working knowledge of statistics.

4. CS Scholars Program at Carnegie Mellon University

Location: CMU Campus, Pittsburgh, PA

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: March 1, 2025

Program Dates: June 21 - July 19, 2025

Eligibility: 

• Students must be 16 years old by the program start date.

• Must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or registered with DACA.

• Must be sophomores in high school at the time of application.

The Computer Science Scholars (CSS) program at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a fully funded, 4-week residential experience designed for rising high school juniors who have been historically excluded from STEM fields. Hosted on CMU's Pittsburgh campus, the program offers an in-depth exploration of computer science through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on research projects, faculty lectures, and industry engagement with leading tech companies.

You will engage in college-level courses focused on Python programming, covering essential concepts such as algorithms, data structures, and problem-solving techniques. Additionally, you will strengthen your computational skills through a unique pre-concepts of math course aimed at dismantling the myth of being "not a math person." A significant component of the program involves group research projects that address real-world challenges, culminating in a capstone presentation at the closing symposium. Weekly college readiness seminars cover topics such as college admissions and financial aid, helping students develop meaningful connections with peers and mentors while fully immersing themselves in the college experience.

5. UPenn Wharton Data Science Academy

Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Cost: $9,799

Application Deadline: 

• Priority deadline: January 29, 2025

• Final deadline: April 2, 2025

Program Dates: July 13 - August 2, 2025 

Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors with strong math and coding skills.

The Wharton Data Science Academy at the University of Pennsylvania is an intensive program that introduces high school students to the principles of data science and machine learning. Designed for students in grades 10-11 with a solid background in mathematics and coding, the academy offers a rigorous curriculum inspired by intermediate-level Wharton undergraduate courses. Through hands-on learning, you build foundational skills in statistical analysis, data visualization, and data wrangling, ultimately applying these techniques in real-world contexts.

The program emphasizes the use of the R programming language, which is widely utilized by professional data scientists in academia and industry. Students work in teams to complete a final project, presenting their findings to peers at the program's conclusion. The academy also features guest speakers who share insights into data science careers, enhancing the learning experience.

Classes run Monday through Friday, with optional evening and weekend activities. Students who complete the program receive a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion.

6. University of Chicago Data Science Summer Laboratory

Location: University of Chicago Campus, Chicago, IL

Cost: No cost. The 2024 program provided a stipend of $4,800; the 2025 program stipend will be the same or higher.

Application Deadline: January 12, 2025 

Program Dates: June 16 - August 8, 2025

Eligibility: Undergraduates and Chicago-area high school students; familiarity with at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java, C++) is preferred

The Data Science Institute Summer Lab is an 8-week paid research program hosted by the University of Chicago. The program aims to immerse you in data science research across fields like climate policy, public health, and biomedical sciences. Students, paired with mentors, gain hands-on experience in data methodologies while honing teamwork and research communication skills. Open to all eligible students without prior experience, Summer Lab fosters a supportive, diverse cohort and offers additional UChicago dormitory housing for college-aged participants, though high school students must arrange separate accommodations.

You benefit from specialized training, weekly seminars by experts in data science, and social events like trivia and concerts, enriching your academic and social experiences. You conclude the program by presenting final research videos at a symposium, gaining valuable feedback and experience akin to professional conferences. Many alumni continue research collaborations beyond the program and achieve significant accomplishments, including contributing to published papers and creating widely used software tools. Find some examples here!

You can apply for Summer 2025 here!

7. University of Washington AI4ALL Data Science Program

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: July 1, 2025 (tentative)

Program Dates: July 18 - September 5, 2025 (tentative)

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, or students beginning their freshman year of college in the upcoming fall.

The University of Washington AI4ALL Data Science Program is a free, 20-week workshop where students dive into data science and machine learning fundamentals with a focus on practical applications and social impact. In a hands-on, small-group setting, you learn how to analyze and interpret real-world data, applying machine learning to tasks such as pattern recognition, predictive modeling, and data-driven decision-making. The program explores the ethical implications of data science, especially concerning disability and accessibility, teaching students how to identify and address bias in datasets and algorithms. By using a disability studies lens, participants critically examine the ways that data science can either reinforce or dismantle social inequities.

Throughout the program, you engage in discussions about fairness, bias mitigation, and the ethical responsibilities of data scientists. Practical activities and projects help you apply theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios, enabling you to see the direct impact of your work in diverse fields like accessible technology, healthcare, and education. By the end of the workshop, students will have experience with critical data science tools, understand core machine learning concepts, and be equipped to contribute meaningfully to the field with an informed perspective on equity and accessibility. Find the application form here!

8. UCLA Summer Sessions - Computer Science Summer Institute

Location: UCLA Campus, Los Angeles, CA

Cost: $3,197

Application Deadline: June 1, 2025 (tentative)

Program Dates: June 24 – July 12, 2025 (tentative)

Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–11 as of Spring 2025

The UCLA Computer Science Summer Institute offers an Introductory Track, blending foundational coursework, practical coding labs, and immersive campus experiences tailored for high school students eager to explore computer science. In this program, you engage with coding concepts and programming logic through a curriculum that covers fundamental topics like data types (integers, strings, lists), control structures (conditionals and loops), and functional decomposition. Designed as a hands-on coding boot camp, the program emphasizes problem-solving and creativity, encouraging you to view computers as versatile tools for exploration and innovation.

You will tour labs, interact with UCLA faculty, and take part in coursework that lays the groundwork for future studies in computer science. The program’s focus on core concepts provides students with the confidence and skills to pursue computer science in college. Note that this is a commuter program, meaning students are responsible for their own daily transportation as on-campus housing is not available. You can register for the program here!

9. Duke University - Data Science Program

Location: Virtual

Cost: $3,195

Application Deadline: Open enrollment (self-paced course)

Program Dates: 12 months, with an estimated 10–15 hours of work per week.

Eligibility: Students 18 years or older with a basic understanding of statistics and at least one programming language.

Duke University's Data Science Certificate Program is an online, self-paced course designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of data science principles. The curriculum includes modules on Artificial Intelligence, statistics, Python programming, machine learning, and data visualization with Tableau, among others. You will engage with a hands-on lab platform to apply your learning, allowing you to develop a practical understanding of key technologies and tools such as R, Python, TensorFlow, and Keras. 

The program culminates in a capstone project that enables students to synthesize their knowledge and demonstrate their capabilities in a real-world context. This comprehensive training is designed to enhance students' readiness for careers in data science and analytics, making it a valuable addition to their professional portfolios. For more details, you can visit here.

10. University of Michigan - Introduction to Data Science and AI Camp

Location: Detroit, MI, and University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Cost: $15, covering breakfast and lunch daily.

Application Deadline: To be announced for 2025

Program Dates: 

• Session I: June 10 - 14, 2025 (tentative) 

• Session II: June 17 - 21, 2025 (tentative)

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from Washtenaw, Wayne, and surrounding counties in Michigan.

The University of Michigan’s Introduction to Data Science and AI High School Summer Camp offers an engaging introduction to AI and data science for rising high school juniors and seniors. This camp, hosted by the Michigan Institute for Data Science (MIDAS), provides an engaging experience with AI tools and concepts that are becoming central to technology, like ChatGPT and deepfakes. You get to work closely with University of Michigan faculty and graduate students, learning essential skills in data analysis and visualization through collaborative projects and activities.

In addition to technical instruction, the camp includes career exploration sessions and presentations from the undergraduate admissions office, helping students understand academic pathways in data science and AI. The camp also includes opportunities to tour the U-M campus and research labs, interact with college admissions representatives, and network with peers. This program is open to students in the Washtenaw, Wayne, and surrounding counties, with eligibility extending to students who have completed Algebra I & II and Geometry, though prior coding experience isn’t required.

Bonus Item - 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. Winter cohort deadline - December 1, 2024

Program dates: Various according to the cohort

Program selectivity: Moderately selective

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.

Application Requirements: Online application form, answers to a few questions about the student's background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest.

Veritas AI, a program developed and led by Harvard graduates, offers high school students an engaging entry point into artificial intelligence through programs suited to different experience levels. For students new to AI, machine learning, and data science, the AI Scholars program provides a 10-session boot camp covering foundational AI and data science concepts and hands-on, real-world projects.

For more experienced students, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase offers advanced learning. This program pairs students with mentors from top universities for a one-on-one project in a specific area of interest, which could include finance, medicine, sports, or environmental science. Additionally, students can work with Veritas AI’s publication team to help publish their work in high school research journals, supporting a showcase of interdisciplinary AI applications. Examples of past projects can be explored here!

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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