15 AI Programs for High School Students
If you’re a high school student interested in artificial intelligence, a structured program can be a great option to explore. There are programs designed to help you dive into topics like machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
You’ll build technical and analytical skills, work with mentors who specialize in AI, and collaborate with peers who share your passion for technology.
Many AI opportunities are hosted by top universities, research labs, and tech firms, giving you access to well-developed curricula and cutting-edge tools. Some programs focus on coding and algorithms, while others emphasize applications of AI in fields like healthcare, business, or ethics. No matter the approach, these programs give you a structured pathway to explore AI in depth while preparing you for future academic and career opportunities in technology.
Below, we’ve narrowed the field to 15 AI programs for high school students that emphasize a substantial AI component, focusing on structured learning, practical projects, and mentorship.
1. NASA OSTEM High School Internships
Location: Various NASA centers across the U.S.; some projects may allow remote participation depending on the center and project
Cost/Stipend: Free; most interns receive a stipend based on the academic level and length of the session
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Annually, more than 2,000 students get the opportunity to participate
Dates: Late May/Early June – August (Summer); Late August/Early September – Mid-December (Fall)
Application Deadline: February 27 (Summer); May 22 (Fall)
Eligibility: You must be a U.S. citizen; be at least 16 years old at the time of application; maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; and be enrolled full-time in high school (or part-time college in some cases).
You will collaborate with NASA scientists, engineers, and other STEM experts in authentic research environments, either on-site at NASA centers or, in some cases, remotely. Your tasks might include analyzing mission data, modeling physical systems, designing small engineering prototypes, or contributing to software development related to space science or aeronautics. The internship offers structured mentorship, with guidance throughout the project period (from defining goals to executing work and possibly publishing or presenting findings). You’ll also attend skill-building workshops on topics like research methods, technical writing, ethics, and safety, which supplement the main scientific work. At the end, you’ll often present your results, whether via poster, talk, or report, depending on the center and project requirements.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Highly selective
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
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
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.
3. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program
Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY (on-campus, RockEDU laboratories)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: 32 students are accepted each summer into the SSRP cohort
Application Deadline: January 3
Dates: Monday, June 23 – August 7 (full-time, 35 hours per week)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old
In this program, you’ll participate in a team-oriented, mentored research setting that resembles a lab, with scientific trainees from Rockefeller, MSK, and Weill Cornell acting as team leaders, all supported by dedicated mentors. Over the seven weeks, you’ll spend about 35 hours per week doing lab work, learning research techniques, and collaborating in your small team to first explore existing literature and methods, then identify a research question related to your team’s topic, and carry it forward. You’ll also attend elective courses, guest lectures, workshops, and networking events, which help build not only technical lab skills but also scientific communication, data analysis, and professional understanding. In the final weeks, you’ll analyze data and prepare a poster to present at the end-of-program symposium, summarizing your findings. Although the primary focus is on biology and biomedical science, many past teams have utilized computational tools such as bioinformatics, statistical modeling, or data visualization.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – AI Track
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Highly selective
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June)
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and have a strong academic record, with an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher. No prior knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive research experience designed specifically for high school students. Through this program, you will be paired with a Ph.D. mentor who will guide you through an independent research project over 12 weeks. You can choose research topics from subjects such as AI, ML, data science, Psychology, physics, economics, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more.
By the end of the program, you’ll have created an original research paper, gaining valuable skills that will help you in both your academic and professional future. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Honors College, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded with a $750 tax-free stipend
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: 12 highly qualified students are selected each summer
Application Deadline: February 24
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 17 years of age
In the Anson L. Clark Scholars program, you’ll spend seven weeks working closely with Texas Tech University faculty on a real research project. Because of the program’s broad scope, some faculty research areas include computer science, electrical and computer engineering, and physics, which often offer opportunities to use AI or data-focused tools. You’ll live on campus, attend weekly seminars, participate in social and weekend programming, and present your research at the end of the session. Throughout the program, you build skills in lab techniques, experiment design, data analysis, coding (where applicable), and scientific communication. Mentorship is a strong component: faculty leads and other research personnel help guide your project, giving feedback and helping you deepen both theoretical understanding and practical application.
6. NLM Data Science and Informatics (DSI) Scholars Program
Location: National Library of Medicine, NIH campus, Bethesda, MD
Cost/Stipend: Interns are paid according to the NIH Intramural Research Training Award stipend levels, which vary based on education and experience.
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: ~32 students are accepted
Dates: 8 to 12 weeks in the summer; start dates and durations are flexible
Application Deadline: February 19
Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old by June 1 (or by your program start date if earlier); be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2; have completed coursework in relevant areas (CS, data science, informatics, math etc.); and be enrolled at least half-time in high school (senior), college/community college, professional program, or be accepted into one for fall.
Through this program, you will dedicate 40 hours each week to working full-time at NLM within a research setting, collaborating closely with a dedicated mentor on projects related to computational biology, health data, or bioinformatics. During the internship, you’ll gain practical experience with AI-related tasks, including using machine learning tools or programming in Python, R, or similar languages to analyze large health datasets. You’ll also participate in professional development workshops and seminars, designed to build your scientific communication skills and expose you to broader research and career pathways. The program culminates in presenting your work at NLM’s Summer Poster Day and NIH-wide Poster Day.
7. University of New Hampshire’s HighTech Bound
Location: University of New Hampshire Campus, Durham, NH
Stipend: Interns are paid a competitive hourly rate
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Fewer than 12 students are admitted annually
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: July 7 – August 7
Eligibility: Rising seniors who are U.S. residents
HighTech Bound is a four-week, paid summer internship that introduces high school students to real-world computing and artificial intelligence applications. You’ll work in UNH’s state-of-the-art computing labs and take part in hands-on projects focused on areas such as network systems, software development, and AI. Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with peers and receive direct guidance from faculty and industry mentors, allowing you to apply concepts to practical challenges. The program also emphasizes teamwork, as students collaborate on AI-driven projects that address real-world technological problems. In addition, you’ll gain exposure to tools and platforms used by companies like Apple, Dell, and Cisco, while also meeting professionals who share insights into tech careers.
8. SFUSD Work-Based Summer Internships
Location: San Francisco, CA
Stipend: Participants receive a stipend (amount varies by placement)
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: No information available
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: Varies by internship placement
Eligibility: Current sophomores and juniors attending SFUSD high schools (priority for rising seniors)
You’ll spend about six weeks during the summer working in an internship placement through SFUSD’s Work-Based Learning / Internship Program. Depending on your sector (computer science, engineering, media arts, environmental science, etc.), you’ll complete real-world tasks such as assisting with data analysis, providing coding support, documenting projects, or creating digital content. You’ll be paired with a mentor at your workplace, someone from industry or the partner organization who helps guide your work, offers feedback, and helps you understand professional practices. Because placements vary by sector, AI and data science exposure is not guaranteed; however, students placed in computer science or engineering roles may gain direct experience with AI-driven projects. Alongside the hands-on internship, there are learning opportunities via seminars or district-led check-ins where you reflect, build job readiness skills, and connect with peers.
9. NASA and UT Austin’s STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer High School Intern Program
Location: Remote and in-person at the University of Texas at Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free (includes housing, meals, local transportation; limited travel scholarships available)
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: No information available
Application Deadline: February 22
Dates: Distance learning modules: May 19 – Early July | On-site internship: July 6 – 19 | Virtual SEES Science Symposium: July 21 – 22
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors (rising junior or senior) who have not been a SEES intern previously; must be 16 years old by July 5; must be a U.S. citizen
You’ll begin with virtual learning modules in Earth and space science (and sometimes Python programming, depending on the project) that prepare you for more involved work. Then you'll participate in virtual, project-scale work in June through early July, guided by mentors who are scientists and engineers. This includes data analysis, remote sensing, and satellite-based Earth observation topics. After that, if selected for on-site work, you’ll spend roughly two weeks in residence at UT Austin CSR doing field investigations, evening sessions, and hands-on research in the lab, applying the satellite data and remote sensing concepts you’ve learned. SEES primarily focuses on Earth and space science, but projects often use coding, remote sensing, and data analysis, where AI and machine learning techniques may be applied.
10. Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program
Location: Redmond, WA | Atlanta, GA
Stipend: Paid, competitive wage (varies by location)
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: No information available
Application Deadline: Opens early February; reviewed on a rolling basis
Dates: July 1 – August 1
Eligibility: High school graduating seniors within 50 miles of Redmond, WA, or Atlanta, GA; must be at least 16, legally able to work in the U.S., and have completed pre-calculus or equivalent
The Microsoft High School Discovery Program is a four-week summer experience that introduces you to careers in technology while working at one of the world’s leading companies. You will collaborate in small teams on a project for a Microsoft product group, gaining exposure to software engineering, UX design, and technical product management. Many projects involve AI-powered solutions, providing you with the opportunity to observe how artificial intelligence impacts product development. Mentorship from Microsoft engineers helps you learn technical and professional skills while exploring potential career paths. By the end of the program, you will have completed a hands-on project and developed insight into both teamwork and innovation in the tech industry.
11. Carnegie Mellon University’s AI Scholars
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free (fully funded; tuition, housing, meals, field trips, etc., are covered)
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Not publicly published; selection is merit-based and competitive.
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: June 21 – July 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (juniors at time of application), must be at least 16 by program start date, U.S. citizens or permanent residents (including DACA)
You’ll spend four immersive weeks on CMU’s campus, living in the dorms, attending lectures, workshops, and labs focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning under the direction of CMU faculty and researchers. During your mornings and afternoons, you’ll collaborate in small groups on practical projects that use AI to address real-world problems. These projects frequently focus on ethics, societal impact, or supporting underserved communities. In the evenings and on weekends, you'll attend guest lectures, seminars on college prep, financial aid, wellness, and go on field trips, offering you insights into both technical topics and the wider AI and academic communities. You’ll be paired with mentors, faculty, or staff who will guide you through the group work and provide you with feedback.
12. Princeton AI4ALL
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Typically 30 students selected each summer
Application Deadline: April 9
Dates: July 9 ‒ July 30
Eligibility: 10th-grade students at the time of application (be a rising 11th grader that summer); live in the U.S. or Puerto Rico; meet one or more low-income criteria (household income ≤ $60,000, free/reduced lunch eligibility, or eligibility for SAT/ACT fee waiver).
This program spans three weeks on Princeton’s campus, offering a residential experience focused on enhancing your knowledge of artificial intelligence and its societal impacts. Through lectures by Princeton faculty, research projects, and mentorship from graduate student instructors, you will examine technical AI topics as well as ethical, policy, and social issues. You’ll work in small groups on a project that addresses a real-world issue using AI methods, gaining experience in collaboration, coding, and applying AI tools. As part of the program, there's also a 2-day field trip to Washington, D.C., to meet AI policy makers and organizations working on public interest topics.
13. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Internships
Location: NIST campuses in Boulder, CO, and Gaithersburg, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: No information available
Application Deadline: February 6
Program Dates: The program runs for 8 weeks, typically from the second or third week of June to the second week of August
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors or seniors who live near Boulder or Gaithersburg, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and can commit to the entire 8-week program, including in-person attendance
You’ll spend about eight weeks working in a real NIST lab, under mentorship from NIST scientists and engineers, on a specific research project. The work involves applying computational and scientific methods, conducting experiments, modeling, and data analysis across various laboratories (e.g., Information Technology Lab, Physical Measurement Lab), depending on your interests. You’ll also gain exposure to technical tools and programming languages useful for AI-adjacent work (machine learning, data visualization, image analysis), especially in labs that have projects in computer science and related fields. The program includes weekly seminars, facility tours, and opportunities to present your research or findings at the conclusion of the program.
14. Meta Summer Academy
Location: East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; meals and some transportation are provided. Students will receive a stipend that varies every year.
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: ~150 students
Application Deadline: February 14
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Eligibility: Must be a high school sophomore (10th grade) during the school year; full-year resident of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City; minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0; no prior coding or tech experience required.
This is a 6-week in-person program, with approximately 30 hours of learning and project work each week. The curriculum combines technical workshops (coding, software basics) with non-technical ones (financial literacy, media & art, soft skills like communication and networking). You’ll be paired with Meta employees and mentors who guide you through both project assignments and career exploration, which includes meeting guest speakers, touring some aspects of the tech workplace, and building peer connections. Although the Meta Summer Academy is broader in scope, some projects introduce students to coding and AI-powered tools, providing a glimpse into how AI is applied in industry. At the end of the six weeks, you’ll present a capstone project that draws together what you’ve learned, often involving a coding component, a media element, or a combination, and receive feedback from mentors and possibly Meta staff.
15. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) - Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $850 participation fee + $40 application fee; financial aid and fee waivers available.
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: ~25 students are accepted into the program.
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – 27
Eligibility: You must be a high school student entering grades 9-12 in Fall and over 14 years of age by the program start; strong preference for students with math/computer science skills or experience in healthcare; U.S. citizens or valid visa holders only
This is a two-week virtual program where you spend your mornings engaging in lectures and seminars that explore the role of AI in medicine, specifically focusing on topics such as diagnostics, disease detection, and data analytics. You’ll also work on a group research project under the supervision of Stanford AIMI research engineers, which gives you hands-on experience in applying machine learning tools to healthcare problems. Throughout the internship, you'll have mentorship opportunities, interacting with professionals in the AI and health fields, which help you build both technical skills, such as coding (where needed), and domain-specific thinking about medical challenges. The program includes Virtual “Career Lunch & Learns” where experts from academia, non-profits, and government share how research meets real health applications.
Image Source - Princeton University logo