15 Data Science Research Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in data science or related areas, joining research programs can be a great way to learn more before college. These data science programs give you a chance to explore different career paths, work with experienced researchers, and get practical experience. Through research programs, you can apply what you’ve learned in school to real projects and develop useful technical skills. You may also build connections with mentors and peers with whom you can work on ideas and projects. Whether you’re curious about coding, artificial intelligence, web development, cybersecurity, or software design, these opportunities let you practice and grow.
Here are 15 data science research programs for high school students to check out!
1. MIT’s Research Science Institute
Location: MIT, Cambridge , MA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate: Highly selective. Accepts 100 students per year
Program dates: June 22 to August 2
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Open to students entering their final year of high school with strong achievement in STEM fields—grades, research experience, and standardized test scores in (PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP)
The program begins with a week of lectures and seminars from professors and guest speakers, covering topics in science, mathematics, engineering, and data science. After this, you will work with a mentor on an independent research project, which may involve fields like biology, computer science, artificial intelligence, or data analysis. You will also learn how to collect and interpret data, apply research methods, and use tools such as coding or statistical models in your work. In the evenings, you may join lectures by renowned scientists, where you will gain exposure to cutting-edge discoveries and hear firsthand stories from leaders shaping the future of science.
2. Veritas AI – Robotics Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; Need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Varies, depending on the cohort (multiple cohorts in a year)
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students
Veritas AI, established and managed by Harvard graduate students, offers specialized programs for high school students who are interested in artificial intelligence and its applications. The AI Scholars program is a great fit if you're just starting with AI, robotics, machine learning, or data science. However, if you’re seeking a more in-depth and advanced experience, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase is a strong option. If robotics is your area of interest, you'll have the flexibility to pursue high-level research in this field, developing solutions that integrate AI and robotics. The program also supports your work through access to a publication team that helps you get your research published in high school journals.
3. NLM Data Science and Informatics Scholars Program
Location: National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH Campus, Bethesda, Maryland
Cost: Free; students are paid a stipend
Acceptance rate: Highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 5%
Program dates: Specific start/end dates depend on NIH SIP timeline
Application Deadline: February 19
Eligibility: Open to Current high school seniors, college students, or admitted to college for Fall 2025
The NLM Data Science and Informatics (DSI) Scholars Program is a summer research opportunity hosted by the National Library of Medicine at the NIH. It gives you the chance to work closely with top researchers on real-world projects in areas like biomedical data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and health informatics. You will learn how to analyze large health datasets, develop new tools for data-driven discoveries, and apply computing skills to solve important problems in medicine and public health. Along with research, the program offers mentorship, training workshops, and exposure to cutting-edge technology, helping you to build both technical expertise and professional experience in the growing field of data science.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program—Data Science Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program. Full financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
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: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective research opportunity where you work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to design and complete an independent research project. Over 12 weeks or longer for extended options, you will learn how to conduct a literature review, design methodologies, and write a formal research paper. You’ll have the opportunity to explore topics like data analysis, machine learning, and more. During the program, you can work with data science tools such as Python and R, applying them toward a final research paper that highlights your results.
5. Data Science Institute (DSI) Summer Lab-University of Chicago
Location: University of Chicago, Hyde Park campus
Cost: Fully funded—participants receive a $5,600 stipend
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Program dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Current high school seniors who will begin college in the fall and live in Chicago are eligible to apply. International students are also welcome, provided they obtain U.S. work authorization and submit the necessary documentation to receive the stipend.
The UChicago Data Science Summer Lab is an eight-week program where high school and undergraduate students work on research projects in data science. You are paired with mentors from areas like computer science, medicine, climate science, public policy, and more. You’ll learn how to use data to solve real-world problems, build teamwork skills, and gain research experience. The program also includes weekly talks from experts, social activities with other students, and a final symposium where you present your project. No previous research experience is required, but some knowledge of coding is helpful.
6. NYU ARISE Program
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering in Brooklyn, NY.
Cost: $1,000 stipend upon successful completion of the program
Acceptance rate: Selective
Program dates: June 2 – June 27
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; Full-time NYC residents attending NYC schools in the upcoming school year
The program combines skill-building workshops with immersive research placements, allowing students to step into real university labs and contribute to ongoing projects. During the first few weeks, you will take part in evening workshops on topics such as scientific methods, coding, lab safety, and presentation skills. After this foundation, you will be matched with NYU faculty mentors and research teams in fields like robotics, computer science, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, and environmental studies. Over the summer, you will work side-by-side with graduate students and faculty, gaining practical experience with data collection, analysis, and experimental design.
7. NIST Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP)
Location: NIST campuses in Boulder, Colorado, or Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Program dates: Mid-June through mid-August.
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens who are high school juniors or seniors, or those who have just graduated but not yet started college, with a minimum GPA of 3.0
The NIST Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) is an 8-week, in-person program where high school students work with real scientists at NIST’s campuses in Gaithersburg, Maryland, or Boulder, Colorado. You get experience in research areas like physics, chemistry, engineering, and cybersecurity while learning how experiments are designed, results are analyzed, and findings are presented. Along with lab work, you will attend talks, receive mentorship, and showcase your projects in a final poster session. The program offers an opportunity to explore STEM careers, gain valuable research experience, and connect with mentors and peers before starting college.
8. Digital Scholars Program at the Discovery Partners Institute
Location: Chicago, hosted at DPI’s offices and the UIC campus
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate: Approximately 5%
Program dates: June 23 to Friday, August 1
Application Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: The program especially welcomes students from underrepresented backgrounds—including Black, Latinx, female, gender-expansive, and first-generation college students—from Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago area
The Digital Scholars Program is a six-week summer program for high school juniors, seniors offered in Chicago through the Discovery Partners Institute. The program is completely free and teaches you college-level subjects such as data science, electrical and computer engineering, computer science, and mobile app development using Swift. You choose one of five intensive courses and work closely on real projects. Every day begins with guest speakers from companies like Apple, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and IBM, giving insight into careers in tech and real-world applications. On Fridays, you will take part in hands-on workshops like building a personal brand, app development challenges, or entrepreneurship exercises, to sharpen both your technical and professional skills.
9. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program
Location: Hybrid format, available virtually and in-person in the Greater Seattle area
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate: Highly selective. Approximately 5%
Program dates: Approximately 6–8 weeks during the summer (typically June to August).
Application Deadline: April 22
Eligibility: Available to high school students in grades 9–12 (current school year). Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must reside in the U.S.
In the SPARK Summer Mentorship Program, high school students work closely with mentors from universities, research labs, and industries on real projects in fields like computer science, engineering, biology, and data science. Activities include designing and testing experiments, coding, building prototypes, analyzing data, or helping with ongoing research. You will also learn how to write research papers, present your work, and sometimes even attend conferences. Beyond technical skills, the program focuses on professional development, where you practice teamwork, problem-solving, and communication while exploring career paths in STEM.
10. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Long Island, New York
Cost: No tuition or application fees; however, participants must cover: campus housing, additional meals, and a student health services fee.
Acceptance rate: Approximately 5%
Program dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: Must be currently in 11th grade and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
The 8-week summer research opportunity for outstanding high school juniors. During the program, you are placed in real research labs where you assist with experiments, collect and analyze data, and gain hands-on experience using advanced equipment. Alongside lab work, you will attend weekly faculty lectures, enrichment workshops, and special events that introduce you to different areas of scientific research.
You will also meet peers from across the country who share the same interest in STEM. By the end of the program, you will prepare a written abstract and present your findings in a research poster session, similar to professional scientific conferences.
11. ASPIRE Program-Johns Hopkins
Location: APL in Laurel, Maryland (near D.C. area) — not JHU campus
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate: Approximately 10–20%—highly selective
Program dates: June 24–26 and poster showcase ~Aug 21
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Must be a high school junior or senior, at least 15 years old, and a U.S. citizen
The ASPIRE Program at Johns Hopkins APL gives high school juniors and seniors the chance to work side by side with real scientists, engineers, and researchers on exciting STEM projects. You will get matched with mentors and dive into hands-on activities such as programming, data analysis, robotics, electronics, laboratory experiments, and even research in areas like space, cybersecurity, and engineering design. You learn how to solve problems like professionals, practice teamwork, and build skills in communication and project presentation. The program also includes orientation sessions, career talks, and workshops to help students understand different STEM fields.
12. Meta Summer Academy Overview
Location: Menlo Park, CA
Cost: Free, and the stipend amount varies each year
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Program dates: June 16 to Friday, July 25
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Must be a high school sophomore and a US resident
The Meta Summer Academy is a six-week program that introduces high school students to careers in technology and professional development. During the program, you will take part in coding lessons, workshops on financial literacy, media, and art, as well as sessions on teamwork and communication skills. You will also attend weekly talks with guest speakers, meet Meta employees, and receive mentorship to guide your learning. In addition, the program includes career pathway activities that will help you explore future opportunities in technology.
13. Young Scholars NASA Data Science Analysis and Research Paper Program
Location: Primarily virtual, with optional in-person components at GMU’s Fairfax, Arlington, or Prince William campuses.
Cost: Need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate:50 students each summer
Program dates: June 14 to August 30
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school students (grades 9–12).
The Young Scholars NASA Data Science Analysis & Research Paper Program at George Mason University is a summer research program where high school students get the chance to work with real NASA data from missions like the James Webb Space Telescope and TESS. Over three months, you will learn how to use tools like Python, Jupyter Notebooks, and AstroImageJ to study stars and exoplanets, while also practicing advanced techniques such as data analysis, statistics, and coding. You will be assigned your own unique target to research, and with guidance from professors, you collect and analyze data, sometimes even using GMU’s 32-inch observatory telescope remotely during nighttime sessions. By the end of the program, you will write a full research paper, and many of these are published in GMU’s Journal of Astro-Scholars Research.
14. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $40 application fee and $850 participation fee
Acceptance rate: Highly selective and prestigious. Typically admits up to 25 students out of many applicants.
Program dates: June 16– June 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 9–12
The two-week online program is for high school students to explore the world of artificial intelligence and medicine. Each day, you will attend technical lectures about AI in healthcare, work in small teams on research projects, and take part in mentoring sessions with Stanford student leads and researchers. Alongside your project, you’ll join “Lunch and Learn” talks with experts from academia, industry, non-profit, and government who explain how AI is changing healthcare today. The program also includes fun social activities online, and ends with a Certificate of Completion for those who stay fully engaged.
15. Stanford AI4ALL
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,000
Acceptance rate: Highly selective.
Program dates: June 18-July 2
Application Deadline: January 24
Eligibility: 9th graders or rising 10th graders who are over the age of 14 by the start of the program.
Stanford AI4ALL is a two-week online summer program that introduces high school students to the world of artificial intelligence and its real-world applications. Through a combination of lectures, mentorship, and guided projects, you will explore key areas of AI such as machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and medical AI, all with a strong focus on using technology for social good. The program is designed to help you build both knowledge and practical skills. In small research groups, you’ll apply what you learn to projects, while also receiving guidance from Stanford researchers and industry professionals.
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