10 Data Science Programs for High School Students in Chicago, Illinois
If you are a high school student interested in data science, participating in a structured program or research opportunity can be a good way to gain early exposure to the field. These programs emphasize hands-on learning, introduce real-world applications, and help you develop valuable technical and analytical skills. Many are hosted by universities and organizations, offering a meaningful alternative to costly pre-college courses. In addition to technical training, these experiences enable you to connect with peers and mentors and explore academic and career pathways.
If you are a student based in Chicago, a city known for its growing tech and innovation landscape, these programs offer a way to prepare for further study or careers in AI, statistics, and data analytics. Below is a curated list of 10 data science programs for high school students in Chicago, Illinois!
1. University of Chicago - Data Science Institute Summer Lab
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
Cost / Stipend: No cost. Students receive a stipend.
Program dates: June 16–August 8.
Application deadline: January 12.
Eligibility: Current high school seniors starting college in the fall and residing in Chicago are eligible to apply.
The University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute Summer Lab offers an immersive, eight-week paid research experience for students interested in interdisciplinary data science. As a participant, you will be paired with a mentor and embedded in a research team working in areas such as climate policy, biomedical research, social sciences, or public policy. The program emphasizes practical skill-building in coding, data analysis, and research communication.
Weekly seminars with guest speakers and a final research symposium help you deepen both academic and professional competencies in data science. Collaboration is central to the program, and you will engage in team-based projects, group discussions, and networking events throughout the summer.
2. 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.
Program 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: High school students are eligible to apply. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Founded by Harvard graduate students, Veritas AI offers specialized online programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence and data science. The AI Scholars program introduces you to foundational concepts over ten sessions, combining theory with hands-on projects.
For more advanced learners, the AI Fellowship offers 1:1 mentorship with researchers from top universities, culminating in an independent research project. You will also receive guidance on publishing your work in high school research journals. These programs aim to provide rigorous academic exposure while supporting students in exploring potential research or career interests in AI and data science. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. University of Chicago - Data4All High School Bridge Workshop
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago IL.
Cost: Free!
Program dates: The program runs for 8 weeks in Fall and Spring.
Application deadline: March 9.
Eligibility: Chicago high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have completed Algebra 1 are eligible to apply.
The Data4All High School Bridge Workshop, held over 8 Saturdays at the University of Chicago, is designed to help you progress from basic computing to applied data science research. You’ll learn Python from scratch and use it to work with real-world datasets using tools like NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib.
The program focuses on inquiry-based group projects built around case studies, such as public health data from the COVID-19 pandemic, guiding you through the entire data science workflow, from framing a research question to presenting your findings. Along the way, you’ll strengthen your coding and analytical skills, explore statistical modeling, and gain experience in collaborative problem-solving.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - Data Science Track
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Individual Research Program (12 weeks): $2,990 | Premium Research & Publication Program (16-20 weeks): $5,900 | Research Fellowship (6-12 months): $8,900. Need-based financial aid is available.
Program dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Eligibility: Current high school students who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement are eligible to apply.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students a 12-week opportunity to conduct an independent research project under the mentorship of a Ph.D. scholar from a top university. The program follows a 1:1 mentorship model, giving you in-depth exposure to academic research across disciplines such as data science, computer science, psychology, economics, and more.
You will produce a full-length research paper demonstrating both technical rigor and original analysis. This program is ideal for students seeking a structured, university-style research experience. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Discovery Partners Institute - Digital Scholars Program
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL.
Cost: Free!
Program dates: June 23 - August 1.
Application deadline: February 28 - May 2.
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders are eligible to apply. Preference is given to Black, Latine, women, gender expansive, and first-generation students throughout the Chicagoland area.
The DPI Digital Scholars Program offers high school students an opportunity to explore computing and data science while engaging with the city’s tech ecosystem. Students in the Data Science Discovery track work with real-world datasets and tools like Python to build analytical and visualization skills.
The curriculum covers statistical modeling, algorithmic thinking, and applications in business, policy, and science. The program includes workshops on AI, entrepreneurship, and networking sessions with professionals from Chicago startups. It also emphasizes teamwork, public speaking, and career readiness.
6. Kode with Klossy - Summer Camps
Location: Chicago, IL.
Cost: Free!
Program dates: July 7 - 18.
Application deadline: March.
Eligibility: High school girls and gender-expansive teens aged 13-18 years are eligible to apply.
Kode With Klossy hosts a free, two-week summer camp in Chicago for high school students of underrepresented genders in STEM. The data science track teaches you to work with Python and SQL to analyze real-world datasets and create impactful visualizations.
You will be placed in groups based on experience and learning goals, and the program concludes with a capstone project focused on building a data-driven narrative. Guest speakers, many of whom are women in tech, offer career insights and mentorship.
7. DePaul University - AI Summer Camp
Location: In-person at DePaul University, Chicago, IL and hybrid.
Cost: $500. Need-based financial aid is available.
Program dates: July 7–31.
Application deadline: June 9.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply. Prior experience in introductory computer science is preferred.
If you're curious about data science and artificial intelligence, DePaul University's summer program in Chicago offers a hands-on, project-based introduction to both fields. Guided by DePaul faculty and student mentors, you'll tackle a real-world challenge developed in collaboration with Abbott Labs, with a focus on AI applications in industry.
The program emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, data analysis, and the practical use of machine learning algorithms. Throughout the program, you’ll build foundational skills in data science and gain insight into how these tools are applied in real business and research contexts.
8. Illinois Tech - Data Science Basics: Exploring Big Data
Location: Virtual.
Cost: $350 tuition and $100 application fee. Need-based financial aid is available.
Program dates: June 23–27.
Application deadline: May 1.
Eligibility: Rising 9th through 12th graders who are 14–17 years old are eligible to apply.
The Data Science Basics program lets you dive into how big data is collected, processed, and analyzed to uncover patterns and inform decisions. This hands-on experience explores the intersection of data science with fields like business, healthcare, and technology.
Using Python and other analytical tools, you’ll work with real datasets and cover key topics such as data wrangling, visualization, statistical modeling, and data ethics. Projects are designed to build core skills like interpreting data-driven insights and communicating findings effectively. No prior coding experience is required.
9. Girls Who Code - Data Science Summer Programs
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Free! The Summer Immersion Program offers a $300 need-based grant for eligible students in the U.S.
Program dates: Summer Immersion Program Session I: July 7–18 | Summer Immersion Program Session II: July 28–August 8 | Pathways: June 30–August 8.
Application deadline: April 11.
Eligibility: High school girls and non-binary students in grades 9-11 are eligible to apply for the Summer Immersion Program. Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply for Pathways.
Girls Who Code offers two summer pathways for high school students to explore computer science and data science. The Summer Immersion Program is a two-week virtual course that covers topics like game design, UX, and coding fundamentals.
The Pathways Program spans six weeks, allowing you to work independently on projects in data science, cybersecurity, and web development using Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS. Both formats include mentorship, speaker series, and networking with engineers from leading tech companies, offering a well-rounded introduction to careers in tech.
10. Columbia University - Data Science Pre-College Programs
Location: Virtual.
Cost: One Week Session: $2,815 | Two-Week Session: $3,965. Need-based financial aid is available.
Program dates: Session A: July 7–18 | Session B: July 21–August 1 | Session C: August 11– 15.
Application deadline: April 20.
Eligibility: High school students who will be in grades 9–12 in the fall and who are currently enrolled in grade 12 are eligible to apply.
Columbia’s Online Pre-College Program offers courses in data science and machine learning tailored to different experience levels. The introductory course covers Python, basic algorithms, and real-world applications of data science. The advanced course explores linear algebra, statistical methods, and machine learning models in greater depth.
Both courses include interactive lectures, group projects, and exposure to ethical considerations in data analysis. You will receive a Certificate of Participation and a written performance evaluation on completion of the program.