12 Virtual Computer Science Research Programs for High School Students
Virtual research programs offer high school students a flexible and affordable way to explore computer science while gaining hands-on experience from home. These programs connect you with expert mentors, introduce you to real-world research projects, and help you build practical skills in artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and software engineering.
To help you navigate the options, we’ve curated a list of 12 virtual computer science research programs for high school students eager to deepen their knowledge and work on practical projects.
1. ASPIRE Program by Johns Hopkins University
Location: Virtual or in person at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: 10%
Application Deadline: February 15
Dates: June 24 – August 21
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors; At least 15 years of age by June 1; Minimum GPA of 2.8; Permanent residence in one of the following Maryland counties: Anne Arundel, Baltimore (County or City), Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s; one of the following Virginia counties/cities: Alexandria, Arlington, or Fairfax; or the District of Columbia
Johns Hopkins University’s ASPIRE Program introduces high school juniors and seniors to the real-world challenges of STEM careers through mentor-guided internships at the Applied Physics Laboratory. In this immersive experience, you'll collaborate with professionals and gain programming, engineering, and research-based problem-solving skills.
Projects in computer science may involve building interactive Java games, creating 3D models from drone footage, or designing AI systems to enhance robotic manipulation. These projects reflect how computer science supports innovation across industries. ASPIRE gives you an early, inside look at what it means to work in tech. While this program offers research-like experiences, it is structured as an internship rather than a formal research project.
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. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
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, created by Harvard graduate students, offers engaging programs for high schoolers passionate about artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program is ideal for beginners interested in AI, machine learning, and data science. This 10-session boot camp covers essential concepts and allows students to apply their knowledge through hands-on projects.
For more experienced students, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase provides an opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from leading universities on personalized research projects. Fellows also receive support from a dedicated publication team to help publish their work in high school research journals. Both programs allow students to explore real-world AI applications and build an impressive academic portfolio. Examples of previous projects are available on the Veritas AI website.
3. NASA OSTEM Internships
Location: Virtual / NASA centers across the country
Stipend: While most interns receive a stipend, some opportunities are unpaid.
Dates: Spring Session: Mid-January to Early May | Summer Session: Late May to August | Fall Session: Late August to Mid-December
Application Deadline: Summer: February 28 | Fall: May 16
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, full-time students (high school through graduate level) aged 16 at the time of application, with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) allows high school students to participate in research-focused internships centered around science, technology, engineering, and space exploration. As an OSTEM intern, you'll collaborate with NASA scientists and engineers on real-world projects, gaining hands-on experience in both research and engineering.
These internships are offered throughout the year, with part-time or full-time participation options, and can take place at NASA centers, facilities, or remotely. The program offers flexibility while immersing students in advanced, innovative fields — helping them build valuable skills and a solid foundation for careers in STEM.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Starting at $2,990 (financial aid is available)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June).
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility:
You must be currently enrolled in high school
Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive research initiative designed for high school students, offering personalized 1-on-1 mentorship across a wide range of academic disciplines. Participants are matched with Ph.D. mentors and work closely with them over a 12-week period to complete an independent research project. By the end of the program, students produce a full research paper.
Available research areas include subjects like psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. This program is ideal for students eager to dive deep into academic research and explore subjects in greater depth.
5. Girls Who Code: Pathways Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 16
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: Current 9th-12th graders, including Summer Programs alums and graduating seniors
The Girls Who Code: Pathways Program is a flexible, six-week learning experience for high school students interested in computer science. Through self-paced lessons, you’ll explore key areas like artificial intelligence, web development, data science, and cybersecurity.
The curriculum covers essential programming languages — HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python — alongside hands-on projects that build technical and analytical skills. You’ll also attend optional live sessions with industry professionals and collaborate with a peer community. The program highlights how research in CS powers innovation in fields like AI and digital security. While this is not a traditional research program, it can aid in skill-building that is helpful for research studies.
6. George Mason University’s 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
George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) allows high school students to conduct hands-on research alongside faculty mentors. Over the summer, you’ll work in cutting-edge labs on topics ranging from neuroscience and nanoscience to cybersecurity, machine learning, and data science for social good.
Projects span dozens of scientific disciplines, including areas central to computer science like game design, software engineering, and human-computer interaction. Many participants contribute to published research or present at scientific conferences. ASSIP allows you to explore real-world applications of CS research while building valuable skills and professional experience.
7. Girls Who Code: Summer Immersion Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 16
Dates: July 7 – July 18 (U.S. only); July 28 – August 8 (U.S. and International students)
Eligibility: Current 9th-11th graders
Girls Who Code’s Summer Immersion Program is a free, two-week virtual course for high school students interested in computer science and game design. You’ll explore programming, user experience design, and game creation through live instruction and project-based learning. Whether you’re just starting or looking to deepen your skills, this program supports learners at different levels.
Sponsored by major tech companies, the program also connects you with mentors who explain how computer science research shapes innovation. You’ll collaborate with peers, develop a game, and gain exposure to real-world tech environments. It’s a great way to build skills and expand your network.
8. Kode With Klossy
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: The program waitlist is open until the beginning of August
Dates:
June 2 – June 13
July 7 – July 18
July 21 – August 1
August 4 – August 15
Eligibility: Women and gender-expansive teens aged 13-18
Kode With Klossy is a free, two-week coding-intensive summer camp for high school students of underrepresented genders in STEM. You’ll choose one of four exclusive tracks — Web Development, Machine Learning, Mobile App Development, or Data Science — and gain real programming experience using languages like JavaScript, Python, or Swift. Through hands-on projects, you’ll build functional websites, train AI models, develop mobile apps, or analyze real-world data.
The program also explores topics like algorithmic bias, responsive design, and user experience, connecting your skills to fundamental research and ethical considerations in computer science. You’ll leave camp with a finished project and a strong peer network to support your growth. While not a traditional research program, it offers valuable project-based learning experiences that introduce you to real-world computer science applications.
9. Dartmouth's EDIT AI High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 15
Dates: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students; familiarity with basic programming concepts
The EDIT AI Internship Program at Dartmouth Cancer Center gives you the opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare. Over the course of the summer, you'll work on projects involving cancer detection, pathology text prediction, and multi-omics data analysis.
Depending on your skill level, you'll be placed in one of three tracks — Skills, Advanced, or Peer Mentor — each combining technical learning with real research exposure. You'll use R, Python, and high-performance computing resources to analyze large, complex datasets. You'll also gain access to IRB-approved data and cutting-edge virtual lab tools alongside mentorship and lectures. While not solely a research program, EDIT AI combines technical learning with authentic exposure to healthcare-focused data science and research practices.
10. Summer Research Internship at the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee
Cohort Size: 25
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: High school students entering 9-12 grade in the Fall; over the age of 14 by the start of the program; strong math and/or computer programming skills and/or experience with a healthcare project
The AIMI Summer Research Internship, offered by the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging, is a two-week online program created for high school students who have a solid background in mathematics, programming, or statistics. This immersive experience explores how artificial intelligence is used in the medical field through beginner-friendly and technical lectures, collaborative research projects, and guidance from Stanford researchers.
Students also join Lunch and Learn sessions highlighting different career paths through guest talks by professionals across industries. Those who finish the program earn a Certificate of Completion, and highly motivated students may be able to continue with independent research.
11. Building-U Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: 3 months or longer, opportunities are available year-round
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
The Building-U Internship Program invites high school students to join collaborative teams solving real-world challenges across tech, media, and education. As part of the coding team, you’ll explore web and database development using tools like Laravel, React, PHP, and HTML. You'll contribute to website migration and game design projects while learning how research supports strategic problem-solving.
Beyond coding, other teams focus on resource R&D, video editing, marketing analytics, and blog content creation. Each team directly addresses a business need within the organization, helping shape content that informs and supports fellow students. This internship builds practical experience and introduces you to real applications of computer science research and digital design.
12. Stanford AI4ALL
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,000
Application Deadline: January 24
Dates: June 18 – July 2
Eligibility: 9th graders or rising 10th graders in the summertime, over the age of 14 by the start of the program
Stanford AI4ALL is a two-week online program that introduces you to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and its real-world impact. You'll explore topics such as Robotics, Computer Vision, and Medical AI through lectures, hands-on research projects, and mentoring sessions. Hosted by the Stanford AI Lab, the program connects you with AI practitioners and fellow students, fostering a strong peer and mentor network.
You’ll also gain insight into how AI research drives innovation across fields. With a focus on inclusion and ethical applications, the program supports your growth in both technical knowledge and career development. A background in math or programming is recommended.