10 Data Science Programs for High School Students in Washington
Exploring a field like data science doesn’t have to wait until college or involve high costs. Several research and academic programs offer high school students practical experience in data analytics, programming, and applied research. These programs also provide opportunities to connect with mentors, learn about career paths, and build strong college applications.
If you’re in Washington and curious about data, there are some great local options tailored for high school students. You’ll find programs that match your interests and skill level in fields ranging from data visualization to machine learning. We've gathered a list of the 10 best data science programs for high school students in Washington to help you get started.
1. AI for Equity
Location: Seattle University, Seattle, WA
Cost: $1,500
Application Deadline: April 25
Dates: July 13 – July 18
Eligibility: Students currently in high school (rising 10th, 11th, or 12th grade)
Seattle University’s AI for Equity course helps students understand how AI shapes our world and our justice system. It’s a tech education grounded in awareness and responsibility. You’ll study machine learning principles and apply them to evaluate real-world datasets from social systems like courts and policing. The program teaches you to recognize ethical challenges in AI and assess solutions from technical and justice-oriented perspectives. You’ll explore how algorithms can either reinforce or reduce systemic bias. Alongside working on projects, you’ll hear from local guest speakers with experience in equity-focused tech.
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.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis for different cohorts
Program 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 is a program created and led by Harvard graduate students that supports students at all experience levels who want to explore artificial intelligence through research-based learning. The AI Scholars program, with 10 sessions, covers introductory material in machine learning, AI, and data science. You’ll practice each concept by completing structured projects. The more advanced AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase pairs you with a mentor to design and complete an independent research project, with optional publication support. You can take a look at previously completed projects to guide your work.
3. Introduction to Data Science - Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,080
Application Deadline: March 20
Dates: Session 1: June 16 - June 27 | Session 2: July 7 - July 18
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-11 at the time of application
The Introduction to Data Science course at Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies allows you to explore how data shapes our world. You’ll learn to use R programming to analyze datasets from the natural and social sciences. Each lesson explores real-world questions, guiding you through algorithms and models used by data scientists today. You'll investigate ethical challenges in data science while building technical skills in machine learning. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to work with complex data using a scientific mindset.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world! Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
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.
5. Introduction to Probability for Engineering and Data Science - Harvard 7-Week Secondary School Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,050 (total program cost)
Application Deadline: December 2 - April 9
Dates: June 23 - August 8
Eligibility: Students graduating from high school and entering college in the next 2 years At least 16 years old by June 21 and will not turn 19 years old before July 31; A background in calculus and set theory is expected
Harvard’s 7-week Secondary School Program offers an Introduction to Probability for Engineering and Data Science course, where you’ll explore the foundational math behind uncertainty. You’ll study random variables, distributions, statistical sampling, and limit theorems. The course also covers applications like Markov chains, used in modern machine learning and modeling. It’s ideal if you’re looking to apply statistical tools in engineering or data-focused fields.
6. Introduction to Data Visualization - University of Washington
Location: Virtual
Cost: $895
Application Deadline: Courses close as they fill, or two weeks before the course start date
Dates: June 30 – July 11
Eligibility: Incoming 9-12 graders
In the University of Washington’s Introduction to Data Visualization course, you’ll explore converting raw information into clear and compelling visuals. You’ll learn to use Tableau software to create charts, maps, dashboards, and other design elements, effectively communicating data insights. The course introduces you to foundational design principles, color theory, and types of visualizations suited to different kinds of information. You'll also discover how industries apply data visualization in real-world settings and what career paths exist in this growing field. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to interpret, evaluate, and build your own visual data stories.
7. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $25 application fee
Application Deadline: February 2
Dates: June 18 - August 8
Eligibility: 15 years or older by June 18
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University offers an opportunity to conduct research alongside faculty mentors. As a participant, you’ll work with researchers using cutting-edge technology in machine learning, computer modeling, data science, and cybersecurity. The program is open to high school and undergraduate students who want to explore advanced STEM disciplines. Depending on your project's scope, your work may lead to a published paper or a conference presentation. This internship allows you to contribute to meaningful research while developing technical and analytical skills.
8. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; $300 needs-based grant for eligible students
Application Deadline: April 16 (General application deadline)
Dates:
Round 1: July 7 - July 18|Round 2: July 28 - August 8
Eligibility: Current 9-11 graders who identify as girls or non-binary
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program (SIP) is a live, two-week virtual course designed for high school students to explore tech. You’ll work on projects in game design while learning the basics of computer science and user experience (UX) design. Along the way, you’ll develop web development, cybersecurity, AI, and data science skills. Classes are hosted by professionals from leading companies offering career advice and mentorship. By the end of the program, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how technology impacts everyday life—from the apps you use to the systems that power industries.
9. Quantum Computing Summer Camp
Location: Virtual
Cost: $495 - $895
Application Deadline: May 31
Dates: Week 1: July 17 - July 21|Week 2: July 24 - July 28
Eligibility: Incoming 9th - 12th graders
At the Quantum Computing Summer Camp, you’ll learn about quantum physics and explore how this field redefines what computers can do. Through projects, you’ll build quantum circuits, run algorithms, and execute code on IBM’s quantum computers using Qiskit and Python. You’ll explore superposition, entanglement, and quantum key distribution. No prior experience is needed. You’ll have learned quantum mechanics basics, simulated circuits, and explored algorithms like Grover’s and Deutsch-Jozsa by the end.
10. National High School Research Program - Data Science Track
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend:
5-week program: $3,995
Self-study component: $1,000
Eligible students receive a $750 stipend
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: June 23 - July 25
Eligibility: Incoming 10th- 12th graders who have completed TCS’ Introduction to Quantum Computing or Pre-program Self-Study course
The National High School Research Program's Data Science Track introduces you to AI, quantum computing, and big data over five weeks. You’ll work on problems through one-on-one mentorship and learn data wrangling, analysis, and visualization techniques. While building a presentation-ready research project, you’ll explore how tech applies to sectors like medicine, defense, and finance. The program emphasizes research protocols, question formulation, and communication techniques for college-level research. Your final work will be showcased at the TCS Summer Research Symposium. Before you begin, an introductory course in quantum computing or a self-study module is needed.
Image source - Girls who code
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