14 Online Data Science Summer Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in data science, a summer program is a great opportunity to learn more about the field. Online data science programs are a great option for high school students, offering flexibility and access to high-quality learning experiences regardless of where you live. Many universities and organisations offer such programs, making them accessible and attractive for students looking to expand their horizons without incurring a financial burden. These programs can also provide early exposure to coding, machine learning, data analysis, and more.
We’ve narrowed down a list of the top 14 online data science summer programs tailored for high school students.
1. Girls Who Code Pathways
Cost: None
Deadline: April 11
Program Dates: June 30 — August 8
Eligibility: Current high school students who identify as female or non-binary
Girls Who Code Pathways is a six-week program focused on developing your computer science skills. You’ll progress through the material at your own pace, covering topics such as web development, cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence. The program includes instruction in programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python. Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to participate in live sessions with professionals, providing insight into the field and a chance to connect with others interested in technology.
2. Veritas AI
Cost: Varies based on program type
Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Program Dates: Multiple 12–15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
If you are looking to get started with artificial intelligence and data science, the AI Scholars program provides an introduction to these topics. The program takes place over 10 sessions and covers foundational concepts in Python, machine learning, and data analysis. You will also complete a small project using real-world data and coding tools. If you already have some background in AI, you may consider the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. In this program, you work individually with a mentor from a university on a focused research project in AI or data science. Projects have previously explored areas such as healthcare, finance, and computer vision. At the conclusion of the fellowship, you will have the opportunity to prepare your work for submission to high school research journals with support from Veritas’s publication team. You can also view examples of past student work here.
3. Google Summer of Code
Cost: No cost. Stipend provided.
Deadline: April 8
Program Dates: May 8 — September 1
Eligibility: Individuals who are at least 18 years of age, are eligible to work in their country of residence, are an open-source beginner or student, have not been accepted as a GSoC Contributor/Student in GSoC more than once, and must reside in a country that is not currently embargoed by the United States
Google’s Summer of Code is a program that helps beginners get involved with open-source software development. Initially, you’ll familiarise yourself with the community and the project you will contribute to. Then, you’ll spend 12 weeks working on coding tasks for a chosen project, some of which may involve data-related work. During the program, you will receive guidance and support from experienced mentors within the open-source community.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Cost: Varies based on program type
Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June — August), Fall (September — December), Winter (December — February), and Spring (March — June)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students with a 3.3 GPA. No prior field knowledge required
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program lets you do your research project with one-on-one guidance from a PhD mentor. If you’re interested in data science, this program gives you the chance to explore topics like machine learning, statistics, or deep learning. You’ll work with real datasets, ask your research question, and learn how to analyse and explain your results. The program lasts 12 weeks and is fully online. You can apply for summer, fall, winter, or spring cohorts. Past students have worked on data science projects in healthcare, economics, education, and more. You’ll end the program with a research paper that you can use for college applications or future opportunities. Apply here.
5. UCLA’s Python for Economics and Finance Summer Institute Program
Cost: $2,611. California-based students may apply for financial aid.
Deadline: June 13
Program Dates: July 14 — August 1
Eligibility: 9th — 12th grade students in Spring
This three-week introductory course focuses on Python programming with an emphasis on applications in data science. You’ll learn how to work with data through examples drawn from finance and economics. The curriculum covers fundamental topics such as data types, loops, functions, and flow control, as well as tools like NumPy for numerical computing and pandas for data manipulation. You’ll also be introduced to basic analytical techniques, including regression and time series analysis. The course includes instruction from UCLA faculty and support through interactive sessions led by UCLA Economics Peer Learning Facilitators.
6. Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Virtual Track — Data Science Courses
Cost: $1,236 + $25 application fee
Deadline: June 2
Program Dates: May 5— August 9
Eligibility: High school students who have completed 10th or 11th grade by summer, plan to continue in the fall, have a B average (3.0), and are at least 16 years old by June 22
Berkeley offers several pre-college online courses such as Statistics for Data Science, among others. This course introduces key statistical concepts such as exploratory and descriptive analysis, probability, and basic statistical modelling. You’ll study methods like hypothesis testing and linear regression, which are widely used in data-focused fields. In addition to academic content, the program includes college preparation workshops and guidance from Berkeley staff. Upon completing the course, you’ll earn college credit and receive a letter of recognition from the Dean of Extended Education.
7. Stanford University’s Introduction to Data Science
Cost: $3,080. Financial aid is available
Deadline: March 20
Program Dates: June 16–27 (session 1) | July 7–18 (session 2)
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 at the time of application
Stanford University’s Introduction to Data Science provides a foundational overview of data science concepts. In this course, you’ll study computer algorithms and the models they generate. Using datasets from fields like natural and social sciences, you’ll learn to address questions. The program uses R programming, allowing you to apply machine learning techniques to analyse data. Through practical exercises, you’ll build your coding abilities and gain experience using scientific methods to interpret and work with data.
8. Coding School’s National High School Research Program
Cost: $3,995. Financial aid and a $750 stipend for students in specific areas!
Deadline: Not specified
Program Dates: July 7 — August 8
Eligibility: Rising 9th — 12th graders and recent high school graduates
The Coding School’s National High School Research Program introduces data science concepts to students who are just getting started in the field. During the first two weeks, you’ll focus on building foundational skills in coding, data analysis, and logical problem-solving. In the following three weeks, you’ll work on a data science project with support from a mentor who has experience in either academia or industry. Throughout the program, you’ll use tools such as Python and data visualization to explore and interpret data. The structure is designed to help you apply what you’ve learned in a practical context. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a project that demonstrates your understanding of key data science techniques.
9. Stanford AI4ALL
Cost: $4,000. Financial aid is available.
Deadline: January 24
Program Dates: June 18 — July 2
Eligibility: 9th or rising 10th graders who will be over 14 years old by the start of the program and have math and/or computer skills
Stanford’s AI4ALL program is a three-week course that introduces high school students to core areas of artificial intelligence. You’ll study topics such as robotics, computer vision, medical applications of AI, and natural language processing. The program includes lectures, group discussions, and project-based learning, giving you a chance to apply AI concepts. As part of the experience, you’ll contribute to a research project with guidance from the Stanford AI Lab. The program also includes sessions focused on career paths in AI and mentorship from professionals working in the field.
10. Syracuse University’s Fundamentals of Data and Database Programming
Cost: $1,995
Deadline: May 1
Program Dates: July 7–25
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors, or recent graduates
Syracuse University’s Fundamentals of Data and Database Programming course introduces the principles of database design and management. You’ll learn how data is structured, how relational databases function, and how to write SQL queries. The course covers topics such as data models, entity-relationship diagrams, and the logic behind organising data efficiently. As part of the coursework, you’ll complete projects involving table creation, triggers, functions, and views. These activities are designed to help you understand how to build and manage relational database systems. At the end of the course, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion and have the option to request a non-credit transcript from the university.
11. Columbia Pre-College Programs: Data Science and Machine Learning 1
Cost: $3,965 per session + $80 application fee
Deadline: April 20
Program Dates: July 7–18 or July 21 — August 2
Eligibility: Students who will be enrolled in grades 9–12 in the fall, and students currently enrolled in grade 12
Columbia’s Data Science and Machine Learning 1 course is designed for students new to programming. You’ll begin by exploring the basics of data science and machine learning, along with examples of how these fields are used in business, healthcare, and technology. The course covers key topics such as data collection, data cleaning, and using Python to analyse data and build machine learning models. Throughout the course, you’ll complete coding exercises and small projects that help you practice these skills. By the end, you’ll have a basic understanding of how to analyse data, create machine learning models, and communicate your results responsibly.
12. Harvard Secondary School Program Online: Intensive Introduction to Computer Science and Data Structures
Cost: $4,050 (4 credits) or $7,900 (8 credits). Financial aid is available.
Deadline: April 9
Program Dates: June 21 — August 9
Eligibility: Students who will graduate from high school and enter college in the next three years, and are at least 16 years old by June 21, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31
Harvard offers a seven-week online course called Intensive Introduction to Computer Science and Data Structures, which introduces fundamental concepts in data science. Early in the program, you’ll cover topics such as data types, conditional statements, loops, and recursion. Later, the focus shifts to important data structures including lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs. The course involves problem-solving and programming exercises primarily using Java. It requires about 20 hours of work per week and aims to help you build a strong foundation in computer science. The program also includes virtual activities, and upon finishing, you can earn college credit.
13. Brown’s Introduction to Computational Mathematics and Big Data Visualization
Cost: $6,238
Deadline: May 9
Program Dates: June 16 — July 25
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12 who are aged 14 to 18 by June 15
Brown’s Introduction to Computational Mathematics and Big Data Visualisation course offers an overview of key concepts in numerical analysis, data visualisation, and parallel computing. You’ll study how mathematical methods and programming techniques can be used to address problems in science and engineering. Topics are designed to strengthen your ability to approach complex problems using a combination of math and computation. Through this program, you’ll build foundational skills that are relevant to fields such as data science, engineering, and technology.
14. Cornell’s Probability and Statistics: Modeling and Data Science
Cost: $1,840/credit hour
Deadline: 14 calendar days before the start date of your class
Program Dates: May 27 — July 7
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who have completed MATH 1910 and 1920.
Cornell’s Probability and Statistics: Modelling and Data Science course introduces fundamental concepts in probability and statistics. You’ll learn to analyse data and apply probability models in various contexts. The program involves practical use of software tools for statistical inference. Topics covered include random variables, probability distributions, expectations, estimation techniques, hypothesis testing, experimental design, quality control, and regression analysis. Throughout the course, you’ll gain experience working with data and statistical methods to understand better and interpret information.