12 Data Science Summer Programs for High School Students in New York State
Data science is a dynamic and fast-growing field, and as a high school student, you can attend a summer program to explore it early. These programs combine technical training with exposure to practical applications, giving you a chance to understand how data shapes decisions in industries like healthcare, business, and technology. You also have the opportunity to learn from and connect with experienced mentors and professionals, helping you build your network.
In New York State, several universities and educational organizations offer specialized programs in data science and related fields like AI, machine learning, and computational research. Studying in a state that’s home to major tech hubs, research institutions, and global companies allows you to experience the field from both an academic and applied perspective. These programs allow New York students to explore local opportunities and university paths, while offering out-of-state students a firsthand experience of New York's academic and professional landscape.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of 12 data science summer programs for high school students in New York State.
If you're looking for more programs in New York State, check our blogs here and here.
1. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Stipend: $1,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~5%
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: Rising seniors who are at least 16 years old, are U.S. citizens/permanent residents, and have been nominated by their high school. Specific labs/mentors may have additional requirements
As a Simons Fellow, you’ll join a Stony Brook University research team to explore real-world scientific questions across disciplines like engineering, math, and data science. Working alongside faculty mentors, you’ll take part in projects that can include machine learning, algorithmic decision systems, or AI model training. Instead of simply observing, you’ll take ownership of a project, from designing the study to creating a written abstract and final research poster. Weekly faculty talks and workshops expose you to a range of research methods and technical skills. By the end of the program, you’ll have first-hand experience with how data-driven research unfolds in a professional academic setting.
2. Veritas AI's AI Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the AI Scholars program or have experience with Python
Veritas AI’s AI Fellowship centers on independent research and mentorship, giving you the chance to design and execute your own AI project over 12–15 weeks. Guided one-on-one by a mentor, you’ll start by identifying a research question and selecting an appropriate machine learning model. As the program progresses, you’ll analyze datasets, refine your model, and troubleshoot challenges with direct mentor feedback. The structure mirrors a real research process: exploration, ideation, execution, so you learn both technical and problem-solving skills. By the end, you’ll present your project and gain experience applying AI principles to a topic that genuinely interests you.
3. Columbia University Pre-College Programs—Data Science and Machine Learning
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY or Virtual
Cost: Varies by format (need-based scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Several sessions from June – August
Application Deadline: Residential: March 2 | Commuter/Online: April 2
Eligibility: High school students
Columbia University’s Data Science and Machine Learning courses introduce you to the core concepts, techniques, and tools used to analyze and model data. In the introductory course, you’ll explore how machine learning supports data-driven decision-making, learning Python-based coding and common algorithms used in modern analytics. The advanced section builds on that foundation, combining statistics, probability, and linear algebra to deepen your understanding of data modeling and visualization. Both courses emphasize responsible data use, communication of results, and critical evaluation of models. Through project work and practical exercises, you’ll gain hands-on experience applying computational and mathematical methods to real datasets.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program—Data Science Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Academically strong high school students
In the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, you’ll work closely with a PhD researcher to produce a formal research paper over 12 weeks. The program covers each stage of the research process, from topic selection and question formulation to writing, revision, and presentation. You can explore themes across fields such as data science, deep learning, economics, environmental studies, and more. The mentorship model encourages independence while offering consistent one-on-one feedback, helping you strengthen both your analytical and communication skills. By program completion, you’ll have developed a substantive research paper and practical insight into how data science connects to academic inquiry.
5. Syracuse University’s Data Visualization and Analysis Course
Location: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
Cost: Residential: $2,395 | Commuter: $1,908 (discounts and scholarships are available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 11
Application Deadline: Typically in May
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
In this data science summer program for high school students in New York State, you’ll learn how to transform raw data into meaningful visual insights using Excel and Tableau. The class begins with exploring how data is collected, cleaned, and structured, giving you an understanding of data quality and preparation. You’ll then move into visualization design, where you’ll practice creating dashboards, choosing appropriate charts, and communicating findings effectively. Emphasis is placed on storytelling with data and how visual choices shape interpretation and decision-making. You’ll gain hands-on experience through guided exercises and projects that mirror how data is used in business and research settings.
6. NYU’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: $350 (fee waivers available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 5 – August 4 (tentative)
Application Deadline: Applications open March 1
Eligibility: New York State residents enrolled in grades 8–12 who meet state-determined income eligibility requirements
NYU’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) helps you build the foundational STEM and research skills that prepare you for college-level study and careers in science and technology. You’ll take enrichment classes in math, ranging from algebra through calculus, to strengthen your analytical thinking and quantitative reasoning. In the research component, upper-level students conduct supervised projects in NYU labs, sometimes in data-driven STEM fields such as computational science or applied mathematics. The program also offers workshops on scientific writing, college preparation, and career exploration, all designed to support academic growth in a structured environment.
7. Computer Science and Informatics Summer Research Experience Program (CSIRE)
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: $3,300 (tentative; not including residential costs)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Early January
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 14 years old with programming or data analytics knowledge
This data science summer program for high school students in New York State allows you to spend six weeks working on research that merges computer science and biomedical informatics. You’ll join a university research lab, collaborating with faculty or Ph.D. mentors on topics such as data science, visualization, IoT, security, or machine learning. The program emphasizes practical, lab-based learning, so you’ll not only analyze data but also see how computational methods drive real research. Seminars introduce you to cutting-edge areas like biomedical informatics and computer graphics, and lab visits let you observe ongoing university projects. You’ll also practice communicating your work by presenting research findings mid-program and at a final symposium.
8. GSTEM
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: $5,750 + $3,840 (housing + meal costs) + $50 application fee; financial aid and fee waivers are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approx. 40 students
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising seniors with an aptitude for STEM who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents
GSTEM is a six-week summer research program at NYU’s Courant Institute that introduces you to hands-on scientific research while developing technical and analytical skills. After an initial orientation week, you’ll spend five weeks working with a mentor on an independent STEM research project, which may involve programming, data analysis, or mathematical modeling, depending on your placement. Workshops and seminars help you strengthen skills in scientific writing and presentation, and weekly field trips offer insight into real-world applications of STEM work. The program also hosts discussions with women in science who share their experiences and research paths. By the end, you’ll have experience conducting and communicating your own research project.
9. Girls Who Code Pathways
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: You can fill out the interest form to be notified when the application opens
Eligibility: 9th to 12th grade students
Girls Who Code offers summer programs for high school students designed to help you develop practical coding and problem-solving skills in areas like web development, data science, and artificial intelligence. Through self-paced video tutorials, projects, and live events, you’ll explore how technology is used to address real-world challenges while learning programming languages such as Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The program emphasizes project-based learning, so you’ll build tangible applications while deepening your understanding of data analysis and machine learning fundamentals. Whether you’re new to coding or building on existing experience, this program offers a flexible, structured way to apply data science concepts to creative projects.
10. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute—Remote Sensing
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free for students with a family income under $150,000; $2,350 otherwise
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – August 2/3. The online prerequisite course opens on February 3
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Students who live and attend high school in the U.S. and have completed the online prerequisite course will receive the application
This data science summer program for high school students in New York State introduces you to the use of data science in disaster response and humanitarian work. You’ll analyze open-source imagery collected from drones, satellites, and aircraft to identify and classify geographic features. You’ll start with an online module that covers Python, Git, GIS, and basic machine learning for image processing. The four-week summer course then expands on these skills through lessons on geospatial data analysis, multispectral imaging, and classification models. As you progress, you’ll transform raw visual data into insights that can guide real-world decisions, learning how spatial data informs crisis management and environmental monitoring.
11. Berkeley Coding Academy—Data Science: The AI Journey
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,699 – $4,897
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective
Dates: Varies by package
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school and middle school students aged 12–18; the core course assumes basic Python knowledge
In this data science program for high school students, you’ll gain practical experience in Python programming, machine learning, and data visualization while working on projects related to artificial intelligence. Lectures combine concept learning with active coding sessions, allowing you to create your own annotated notebooks and experiment directly with model code. Small-group cohort sessions help you apply new techniques, collaborate with peers, and develop an independent research project. Over the course of the program, you’ll build visualizations, train machine learning models, and compile your findings into a final portfolio project.
12. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes—Introduction to Data Science
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,080 (need-based financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 16 – 27 | July 7 – 18
Application Deadline: Typically February/March
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 who have a working knowledge of statistics and exposure to a computer programming language
This Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes course focuses on how data science and computational models can be used to explore real-world questions. You’ll work with datasets from natural and social sciences, learning to build and test algorithms that uncover patterns and relationships. Instruction centers on R programming, with guided exercises that teach you how to manipulate data, construct models, and evaluate outcomes. Ethical data handling and critical thinking are emphasized throughout, encouraging you to approach problems with both technical and scientific reasoning. By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills to investigate complex data questions independently using programming and statistical techniques.
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