15 Best Data Science Programs + Internships for High School Students
If you’re a high school student interested in data science, structured programs and internships can help you understand how data is actually used to study patterns, make predictions, and inform decisions. Many of these opportunities introduce core concepts such as statistics, programming, data visualization, and machine learning through guided projects and real datasets. Instead of only learning theory, you may write code, analyze data, or collaborate with peers to solve practical problems in areas like healthcare, economics, environmental science, or artificial intelligence.
Why should you attend data science programs and internships?
Data science programs and internships are especially valuable because they combine technical learning with applied experience. Depending on the format, you might build predictive models, create visualizations, or contribute to research projects while receiving mentorship from instructors, researchers, or industry professionals. These experiences can help you decide whether fields like data science, computer science, or applied mathematics align with your interests.
With a growing number of options available, we've narrowed the list to the 15 best data science programs and internships for high school students.
If you’re looking for online STEM research programs, check out our blog here.
1. University of Chicago Data Science Institute Summer Lab
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $5,600
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Program Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: High school students (freshmen through seniors) who reside and attend school in the Chicago area
The University of Chicago Data Science Institute Summer Lab offers high school students the opportunity to engage in applied data science research with faculty mentors. Students participate in real-world research projects across disciplines such as computer science, public policy, engineering, and biomedical data analysis. The program includes hands-on training, collaborative work with other students, and exposure to the tools and methodologies used in data science research. Students also attend weekly seminars and lectures from industry professionals, allowing them to develop technical, professional, and communication skills. The experience culminates in a final presentation of their research findings.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; middle school students may be considered with prior coding experience.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in 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 have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity 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. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 100 students
Program Dates: 6 weeks in June – August
Application Deadline: December 10 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with strong academic performance in STEM fields; U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required
The Research Science Institute at MIT is one of the most prestigious summer research programs for high school students worldwide. RSI provides a complete research experience, from literature review to presenting findings in conference-style formats. You begin the program with a week of advanced STEM seminars taught by leading faculty in biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, physics, and humanities. The core of RSI is the five-week research internship, where you work one-on-one with experienced researchers at MIT or nearby institutions on an individual project. Data science participants might work on computational biology, machine learning applications, statistical modeling, or mathematical research with computational components. The final week focuses on preparing written research papers and professional academic oral presentations.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Data Science Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply here
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students with a demonstrated 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. 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.
5. MIT PRIMES
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~50 students
Program Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and sophomores living in the U.S. (outside Greater Boston)
MIT PRIMES pairs high school students with MIT graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to work on advanced mathematics and computational biology projects. The program is divided into four distinct phases, beginning with an advanced reading period in January and culminating in a final research paper and conference presentation by year's end. After admission, you're assigned a mentor who recommends readings to prepare you for your research project. You then move into active research, dedicating at least 10 hours per week to your project during the academic year. Topics in applied mathematics include theoretical computer science and computational biology, with students tackling unsolved problems using data-driven and computational approaches. Sophomores work on group projects, while juniors may work individually or in teams. Your final research paper is published on the PRIMES website and may be submitted to national competitions or professional journals.
6. NLM Data Science and Informatics (DSI) Scholars Program
Location: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Cost: Paid stipend, based on NIH Intramural Research Training Award rates
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: 8 – 12 weeks, starting in June
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; must be at least 18 years old by program start; high school seniors, incoming college students, or current undergraduates; preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher.
The NLM Data Science and Informatics Scholars Program is a competitive summer internship that brings high school and undergraduate students into computational health and biology research at the National Library of Medicine. As a DSI Scholar, you work one-on-one with a research mentor on computational projects in the biological sciences. Your work might involve analyzing biomedical datasets, developing predictive models, applying machine learning techniques to health data, or contributing to informatics research in areas like genomics or public health. You dedicate 40 hours per week to research and attend professional development workshops throughout the summer.
7. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Pre-College: CS Scholars Program
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Fully funded (tuition, housing, and meals covered)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; small cohort (varies by year)
Program Dates: 4 weeks in June – July
Application Deadline: March 1 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program; U.S. citizens or permanent residents only
The Computer Science Scholars program at Carnegie Mellon University is a fully funded residential summer program designed to introduce high school students to the foundations of computer science. Over four weeks, participants take part in intensive coursework, collaborative projects, and faculty-led lectures that explore topics such as programming, algorithms, and computational problem-solving. Students gain hands-on experience with programming languages such as Python while developing analytical and debugging skills. The program also includes mentorship, industry exposure, and sessions on preparing for college and careers in computing. By the end of the program, students complete a technical project that demonstrates their understanding of core computer science concepts and their ability to apply them to real-world challenges.
8. ASPIRE at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Location: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD
Cost: Unpaid internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Less than 10%
Program Dates: June 23 – August 21
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors with a minimum 2.8 GPA; permanent residence in select Maryland, Virginia counties, or Washington, D.C.
The ASPIRE program at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory offers high school students an intensive research internship experience in one of the nation's leading STEM research facilities. ASPIRE is highly competitive and pairs you with APL staff mentors to work on real technical projects across various STEM fields, including data science, computational research, and applied mathematics. You’ll work on-site on projects that involve data analysis, programming, algorithm development, or computational modeling. The experience culminates in the ASPIRE Student Showcase in August, where you present your research to the APL community.
9. Young Scholars NASA Data Science Analysis and Research Paper Program
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: Program fee applies; email for details. Need-based scholarships are provided.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 50 students
Program Dates: June 13 – August 29
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: High school students interested in astronomy, data science, and statistical analysis.
The Young Scholars NASA Data Science Analysis and Research Paper Program at George Mason University provides a comprehensive introduction to space data science with practical analysis of NASA mission data. This program focuses on statistical analysis, Python programming, and the development of research papers using real NASA TESS and James Webb Space Telescope datasets. You’ll work on an individual research project analyzing exoplanet candidates from NASA's TESS mission, applying professional statistical techniques to validate potential planetary discoveries. The program teaches you to use Python, Jupyter Notebooks, GitHub, and specialized astronomy software such as AstroImageJ to perform data analysis. The program includes weekly synchronous sessions, asynchronous lectures, and small-group virtual telescope-observing sessions in which you control George Mason University's telescope remotely.
10. Digital Scholars Program
Location: University of Illinois Chicago and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 30 students per course
Program Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: Applications open February 16
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders, plus incoming college freshmen; intentionally serves Black, Latine, female, gender-expansive, and first-generation students from Chicago Public Schools and Chicago-area districts.
The Digital Scholars Program builds computing skills and connects Chicago-area high school students to the city's dynamic tech community. You’ll enroll in one of five college-level courses, including Data Science Discovery, which focuses on data analysis and visualization using real-world datasets. In this track, you’ll explore how to extract insights from data, apply statistical methods, and create visualizations that effectively communicate findings. The program teaches you to work with data in practical contexts, developing skills applicable across industries and academic disciplines. Beyond coursework, you’ll meet with Chicago tech entrepreneurs, technologists, business strategists, and civic leaders to build meaningful professional relationships.
11. The Coding School National High School Research Program – Data Science Track
Location: Virtual with optional in-person events
Cost: Free for up to 100 students in Maryland, New York, Southern California, Washington D.C., Virginia (DMV region), and rural communities; select students receive a $750 stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Up to 100 scholarship students
Program Dates: June 29 – July 24
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Upcoming 9th–12th graders and recent high school graduates; military-connected students strongly encouraged to apply.
The National High School Research Program provides high school students with the opportunity to engage in college-level data science research while being mentored by experts from top institutions such as Columbia University's Data Science Institute, Harvard Medical Center, MIT, Google, RAND Corporation, and Princeton. In the first two weeks, participants undergo intensive technical training in core data science concepts, equipping them with essential skills for college-level research. This includes mastering data analysis, statistical techniques, visualization methods, and research procedures. In weeks three through five, you conduct virtual research alongside a mentor from government, industry, or academia. You apply your technical skills to develop your own research project using real-world datasets, with mentors providing personalized feedback throughout.
12. Data Science in Action: Machine Learning for Self-Driving Cars
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small cohort
Program Dates: Virtual: June 29 – July 3 | In-person: July 6 – July 17
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising freshmen through seniors in high school; students from low-income backgrounds are encouraged to apply
The Data Science in Action program is offered by Harvard's Translational Data Science Center for a Learning Health System (CELEHS), providing an engaging, hands-on project to introduce you to statistics, machine learning, and programming. The program kicks off with a week of self-paced virtual Python instruction, building a solid base for applying statistical and machine learning techniques. In the subsequent two-week in-person phase, participants collaborate in teams on progressively more challenging programming projects, starting from basic coding to advanced image classification algorithms. Each team is provided with a laptop, a Raspberry Pi, and materials to build a toy car. For the final demonstration, you take pictures of physical objects and train your own classification algorithms, including neural networks, to recognize them.
13. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,400. Need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 50 students per session
Program Dates: Session A: June 15 – 26 | Session B: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 must be at least 14 years old by the program start date.
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship brings together high school students to explore how artificial intelligence and machine learning are applied to medical challenges. You’ll participate in lectures covering AI fundamentals in healthcare, including machine learning basics, medical imaging AI, clinical applications, dataset design, model evaluation, and responsible AI development. The program emphasizes practical application, placing you in small teams with Stanford student leads and research mentors to work on a focused health AI project. Through this collaborative work, you learn to frame research questions, explore healthcare datasets, and communicate findings effectively. The Meet-the-Expert speaker series features professionals from academia, healthcare, industry, nonprofit, and government sectors who share real-world perspectives on AI applications and career pathways in the field.
14. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) – Data Science Projects
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: $1,299. Need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students; must be 15+ years old by June 18
ASSIP at George Mason University provides transformative research opportunities where you’ll work one-on-one with faculty researchers using state-of-the-art technology across many STEM disciplines. Among the diverse research areas available, the program includes data science-focused projects in machine learning, data mining, data science for social good, computer modeling, and computational research. You’ll work on an individual research project under direct faculty mentorship, developing both technical skills and scientific communication abilities. The program includes discussion forums and meetings with STEM professionals that help you explore potential career paths in data science and related computational fields.
15. Wharton Data Science Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $10,599. Need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 75 students
Program Dates: Session 1: June 21 – July 11 | Session 2: July 12 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 18
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 10–11 with a strong math and coding background.
The Wharton Data Science Academy is an intensive three-week residential program that mirrors the rigor of upper-level Wharton undergraduate courses while remaining accessible to motivated high school students. Taught by Wharton professors who are data science experts, the program builds from foundational concepts to modern machine learning and artificial intelligence, emphasizing both technical mastery and responsible data use. You begin with data wrangling, visualization, and fundamental probability and statistics, including distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. The curriculum progresses to core modeling techniques such as regression, classification, and model assessment, then advances to modern machine learning topics, including neural networks and large language models. The program concludes with a capstone project where you identify a significant real-world challenge, develop a data-driven solution, and present your findings at the Data Science Live showcase to peers and mentors.
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