If you’re a high school student curious about artificial intelligence, it can feel both exciting and overwhelming. AI is shaping everything from healthcare and finance to art and transportation, but it’s not always easy to understand what studying AI actually looks like. Classroom learning often focuses on theory, while AI itself is deeply hands-on, interdisciplinary, and constantly evolving. That’s where AI summer programs come in.

Imagine building your first machine learning model, exploring how algorithms make decisions, or discussing the ethical implications of AI with instructors and peers who share your curiosity. These programs blend computer science, data analysis, and problem-solving with an immersive learning experience.

And even if you already have some coding experience, AI programs can help you see technology from a new perspective. You’ll start to understand how AI is researched, developed, and applied at the university level and beyond.

How do you choose the right AI summer programs for high school students?

We know what you might be thinking. Some are expensive, overly simplified, or focus more on buzzwords than learning. That’s why it’s important to look closely and identify programs that offer structured instruction, hands-on projects, and exposure to AI’s use cases.

Across universities and educational organizations, there are standout AI summer programs that introduce students to topics like machine learning, neural networks, data science, robotics, and ethical AI. Whether you’re a beginner or already exploring advanced concepts, these programs provide opportunities to learn from experienced instructors, collaborate on projects, and gain insight into future academic and career paths.

You’ll be challenged to think critically and work hard, but I’ll make the search easier. To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 AI Summer Programs for High School Students. They’ve been picked for their academic rigor, practical learning opportunities, and ability to spark genuine interest in artificial intelligence.

15 AI Summer Programs for High School Students

1. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Fully funded
Dates: July 8th – August 4th
Application Deadline: March 31st
Eligibility: U.S. high school students with a strong background in math and STEM

The Beaver Works Summer Institute at MIT is often considered one of the most challenging and advanced AI and engineering programs for high school students. The institute offers hands-on courses like “Autonomous RACECAR”, in which students write code for small-scale vehicles to race on intricate tracks, and “Cognitive Assistant”, an NLP-focused course.

The program is designed to be a bridge between abstract computer science and actual engineering. In fact, teamwork is essential as you will be required to collaboratively tackle complex technical ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌problems.

Why it stands out: This program is one of the few free, highly selective opportunities that offer deep, hands-on exposure to MIT’s engineering methodology.

2. Immerse Education’s Artificial Intelligence Summer School

Location: Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, San Francisco, New York, and Oxford
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: Multiple cohorts with rolling admissions
Application Deadline: 2 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school

The Academic Insights Program is widely recognised as one of the most academically structured AI summer programs for high school students, providing the opportunity to take undergraduate-level classes at universities around the world with academics from Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard in small groups of 4-10 students. They attend university-style lectures and 1:1 weekly sessions with their tutor.

The program includes exploring machine learning, neural networks, and AI ethics through hands-on coding projects, team challenges, and simulations led by Oxford and Cambridge tutors. By the end of the program, you will complete a personal project and receive written feedback and a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: It gives you structured, project-based AI training with expert mentorship, helping you build real machine learning and ethical AI understanding early.

3. Carnegie Mellon University AI Scholars

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free
Dates: June 20th – July 18th
Application Deadline: February 1st
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years of age and U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or registered with DACA can apply. No prior coding experience is required.

Carnegie Mellon’s AI Scholars program creates a fully funded opportunity for students to explore artificial intelligence through a combination of classroom instruction and group research projects.

You will attend lectures delivered by CMU faculty, learning the core concepts of machine learning, robotics, and computational thinking while working on team projects that address real-world challenges. The program also includes college preparation seminars and opportunities to connect with industry leaders in the tech field. 

Why it stands out: It stands out for its commitment to equity in STEM, offering a full scholarship experience at a top-tier university for computer science.

4. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,400
Dates: June 15th – June 26th; July 6-17
Application Deadline: February 20th
Eligibility: High school students aged 14 and older; must be residing in the United States

Hosted by the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging, this two-week internship focuses on the intersection of AI and healthcare. You will attend technical lectures on AI fundamentals and work in groups on research projects under the mentorship of Stanford researchers and student leads.

The curriculum is designed to spark interest in how AI can promote health equity and improve clinical outcomes, covering both technical skills and ethical considerations. 

Why it stands out: This program offers a rare opportunity to explore the specific niche of medical AI under the guidance of leading Stanford researchers.

5. Artificial Intelligence Academy

Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: $3,725 (Residential); $3,095 (Commuter)
Dates: June 7th – June 13th
Application Deadline: January 31st (Priority); April 15th (Final)
Eligibility: Current or rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors around the world with a minimum 2.0 GPA

Through lectures, guest lecturers, conversations, and practical projects, you may learn about the scientific underpinnings, ethics, regulations, and geopolitics of artificial intelligence at Georgetown’s Artificial Intelligence Academy.

Days include lab sessions, off-site trips, and a capstone project where you evaluate AI models and come up with solutions. Academic sessions run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. You develop practical skills in AI tools and simulations while analyzing ethical frameworks, global governance, and real-world application cases.

Why it stands out: It immerses you in Georgetown’s interdisciplinary approach, combining AI science with policy and ethics in a one-week residential format on a top university campus.

6. University of Toronto DEEP Summer Academy

Location: Toronto, Canada
Cost: Approx. $1,600 CAD per week (varies by course)
Dates: July 6-31
Application Deadline: Early April
Eligibility: Domestic and international high school students in grades 9-12

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP) at the University of Toronto provides a range of specialized courses, among which are those dedicated to machine learning and artificial intelligence.

You will be exposed to the university-level lectures and will also engage in practical laboratory sessions, which are usually led by PhD candidates and graduate students from the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. The program is centered around the engineering design cycle; thus, it exhorts students to employ the AI theory taught in the class to solve the engineering problems of a real-world ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌nature. 

Why it stands out: This program stands out for its direct connection to Canada’s premier engineering faculty and its focus on advanced STEM topics.

7. NYU Tandon Machine Learning Summer Program

Location: New York, NY
Cost: $3,050 (Tuition); Housing ~$308/week (Optional)
Dates: June 16th – June 27th; July 7th – July 18th; July 28th – August 8th
Application Deadline: April 21st
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA, completion of Algebra 2, and coding experience; international students are accepted

This two-week intensive course at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering introduces you to the computer science, mathematical techniques, and logic that drive artificial intelligence. You will learn fundamental concepts, including model development, cross-validation, linear regressions, and neural networks, through a combination of lectures and hands-on laboratories.

You will “teach” computers to carry out particular tasks in collaboration with Tandon faculty and graduate mentors, culminating in weekly projects that strengthen your technical abilities. Despite being non-credit, the program provides a solid basis for further research in automation and data science. The curriculum is intended to assist you in examining how AI affects contemporary life, from medical diagnostics to driverless cars.

Why it stands out: A distinct feature of this program is its focus on engineering problem-solving, where you learn to apply machine learning models to address real-world societal challenges.

8. Oxford AI and Machine Learning Pioneers Summer School

Location: Oxford, UK
Cost: £8,995
Dates: July 19th – August 1st
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 16-18

This​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ program, organised by the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, is aimed at students eager to learn the impact AI has on business and society.

With top-notch professors, you will discuss and debate the major issues raised by AI, such as the ethical use of AI, bias in algorithms, and how machine learning can be utilized in industries like medicine and banking. The program also offers practical coding sessions and team challenges to enhance your skillset and create tangible evidence of your ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌work.

Why it stands out: This program provides an official certificate from the University of Oxford, validating your engagement with high-level academic discourse.

9. Duke Pre-College Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Location: Durham, NC
Cost: Not specified
Dates: July 13th – July 24th
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Current students around the globe in grades 9-11 with a minimum 3.0 GPA (3.5 recommended)

This two-week residential program combines the development of technical skills with ethical investigation to provide a thorough introduction to the quickly developing subject of artificial intelligence. While acquiring hands-on experience with Python programming, you will investigate the fundamental ideas of artificial intelligence, such as machine learning methods, neural networks, computer vision, and natural language processing.

Beyond theory, the curriculum pushes you to create and apply your own AI models to tackle hard real-world issues. Your final project will involve presenting your AI ideas to peers after participating in seminars given by Duke faculty and professional practitioners. You receive a written assessment from your instructor, which can be a useful addition to your college applications, even though no college credit is given.

Why it stands out: This course emphasizes the “human” side of AI, requiring you to critically analyze the societal, political, and ethical implications of automated decision-making.

10. Princeton AI4ALL

Location: Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Dates: July 9th – July 30th
Application Deadline: April 9th
Eligibility: Rising 11th graders from the U.S.

Princeton AI4ALL is widely recognised as one of the most impactful AI summer programs for high school students, offering a three-week residential experience with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, policy, and social responsibility.

While studying the basics of AI technology, you will also explore its social side effects, like bias, safety, and governance. The program comprises lectures with Princeton faculty, a research project that is practical, and a mentoring program by undergraduates and graduate students in the field.

Why it stands out: This program is distinctive for its strong emphasis on “AI for Social Good,” encouraging you to think critically about the ethical implications of technology.

11. UChicago Data Science Institute (DSI) Summer Lab

Location: Chicago, IL
Cost: No tuition; $5,600 stipend provided
Dates: June 15th – August 7th
Application Deadline: January 12th
Eligibility: Current high school students who reside and attend school in the Chicago area

You will work with a research team at the University of Chicago to address interdisciplinary data science challenges during this engaging eight-week paid internship. To work on applied projects in disciplines like computer science, social science, biomedical research, and climate policy, you will be matched with a faculty mentor. The curriculum places a lot of emphasis on professional development, requiring you to hone your skills in research methodologies, data ethics, and teamwork without any prior experience.

As a research assistant, you will take part in weekly workshops and lectures before sharing your findings with colleagues and industry experts. The program provides unmatched access to professional mentorship and the day-to-day realities of an academic career, even if no course credit is given.

Why it stands out: This program is a rare, paid research position where you contribute to active university studies rather than just simulating them.

12. Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program 

Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost: $750
Dates: June 21st – August 6th
Application Deadline: February 16th
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 17 by the start date and are U.S. citizens/permanent residents

The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a highly selective, faculty-mentored research experience that places you in a university research setting for an extended summer term. You are paired one-on-one with a Texas Tech faculty mentor and conduct original, hands-on research in a chosen field, which may include artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, or related disciplines. The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ program focuses heavily on research methodology, academic writing, and independent inquiry through an extended lab or project work.

Besides research, you engage in weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips that help you understand how academic research is linked to real-world issues. You live on campus, allowing you to experience the structure, expectations, and pace of residential university life. The program culminates in a formal written research report and presentation of your findings. 

Why it stands out: This is one of the few long-duration, low-cost residential programs that offer direct faculty mentorship and a complete introduction to the undergraduate research process.

13. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program

Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: Free
Dates: June 29th – August 7th
Application Deadline: February 5th
Eligibility: Students in their junior year of high school (11th grade) who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program. Must be US citizens and/or permanent residents.

The Simons Summer Research Program places you in a faculty-led research group to conduct original STEM research, including projects in artificial intelligence and data science. You work closely with a Stony Brook faculty mentor, gaining hands-on experience with research methods such as coding, data analysis, visualization, and experimental design.

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ program consists of weekly lectures and professional development workshops that familiarize the participants with the culture and the expectations of academic research. During the summer, you create a research abstract and make a poster to present your research at a formal symposium. A stipend is given to the participants after they complete the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌program.

Why it stands out: This program is highly recognized for its significant focus on genuine student research of the kind usually done by undergraduates and also on the guidance of the faculty members, which is one-on-one at a major public research university.

14. Build Your Future with Generative AI Summer Institute

Location: Syracuse, NY
Cost: $4,995 (Residential); $4,024 (Commuter)
Dates: July 5th – July 17th
Application Deadline: No information available
Eligibility: Rising juniors, seniors from all over the world; students aged 15 and above

This is a one-week, on-campus pre-college course that introduces rising high school juniors and seniors to the fundamentals and creative potential of generative artificial intelligence. You participate in a variety of interactive lectures, practical workshops, and group projects that investigate how AI systems use machine learning models and neural networks to create creative content, including tales, music, code, and websites. In order to help you understand responsible use and current controversies in the area, the curriculum also includes discussions regarding the ethical, societal, and cultural aspects of AI.

You use generative AI techniques to develop and produce creative projects that represent practical uses of emerging technologies through peer cooperation and instructor mentorship. Living and studying on the Syracuse campus exposes you to college culture, academic standards, and innovative problem-solving settings. You can acquire a Syracuse University non-credit transcript to assist with future academic planning after completing the institute and receiving a certificate of completion.

Why it stands out: It blends critical investigation of ethical and societal challenges with practical generative AI practice, providing you with both technical knowledge and intellectual context for how AI fits into future academic and career trajectories.

15. Meta Summer Academy

Location: Meta Headquarters, Menlo Park, CA
Cost: Students will receive a stipend
Dates: June 16th – July 25th
Application Deadline: February 14th
Eligibility: High school sophomores with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 who reside full-time in East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City are invited to apply

Meta Summer Academy is a paid, cohort-based program that introduces you to applied computer science and artificial intelligence within a large technology organization. You spend the summer working approximately 30 hours per week on structured coding projects that introduce concepts in machine learning, deep learning, and software development.

Part​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ of the program is guidance from Meta experts, giving you a peek into the nitty-gritty of how AI systems are built, verified, and rolled out in actual products. Besides skill-building, you get involved in debates about data ethics, digital responsibility, and the social consequences of ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌technology.

Why it stands out: This program stands out for combining early technical skill-building with firsthand exposure to how AI is developed and evaluated in an industry setting.

Teaching Tomorrow’s Technologies Today

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how knowledge is created, applied, and shared across disciplines. Learning AI early helps students understand not just technology, but how innovation influences society.

AI summer programs for high school students offer structured opportunities to explore this shift through hands-on projects, ethical discussions, and real-world problem-solving guided by experienced instructors.

By experimenting with models and questioning outcomes, students develop adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking skills that support future learning.

To explore how education continues to evolve alongside technology, discover our Educational Innovation blogs for insights into emerging trends, edtech tools, and forward-thinking teaching approaches.