In high school, summer is usually seen as a break from classes and deadlines. But it doesn’t have to be just that. You could use this time to try something new, explore different subjects, and learn beyond what school usually offers. It can help you grow, figure out your interests, and even add value to your college applications. One good way to do this is by joining a data science summer program.

You might work with real datasets, look for patterns, or build simple models that predict outcomes. Some programs introduce topics like statistics, machine learning, and data visualization. Others focus more on hands-on projects and practical learning. In some cases, you’ll receive hands-on learning experience in data to solve real-world problems.

Even if you’re new to data science, that’s completely fine. Many programs are designed for beginners. You’ll learn step by step, work with other students, and slowly get more comfortable with the subject. You will also explore how data science connects to fields like business, healthcare, and technology.

What kinds of data science summer schools are available for high school students?

Data science summer schools for high school students usually fall into three main types, depending on how you like to learn. First, there are beginner camps that focus on teaching the absolute basics of computer coding and how to organize simple numbers, which is great if you are completely new to the topic. 

Second, there are hands-on workshops where you spend your time building actual projects, like making colorful charts or teaching a computer to spot simple patterns. Finally, there are college-prep programs, which can be taken online or in a real classroom, that act like a test run to show you what studying data in a university is actually like.

To make things easier, we’ve narrowed down a list of 15 Data Science Summer Schools for High School Students. These are picked for their learning experience, practical exposure, and the different ways they introduce students to data science.

If you’re looking for more options, you can also have a look at online coding summer programs for high school students. 

15 Data Science Summer Schools for High School Students

1. Immerse Education’s Software Development & AI Summer School

Location: San Francisco, Toronto, Singapore, Sydney
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts; rolling admissions.
Eligibility: 15-18-year-old students worldwide 

Immerse Education’s Data Science Track allows high school students to explore the world of data science, AI, and software development. You’ll engage in immersive, hands-on learning experiences, participate in real-world coding exercises, and work on AI projects. You’ll receive one-on-one guidance and mentorships from industry experts and understand the real-world impact of software development and artificial intelligence.

You’ll gain knowledge about programming fundamentals and develop an in-depth understanding of important technology-related concepts. If you’re a high school student interested in preparing for a future career in the data science field and earning a recognizable certificate, this program could be a good option to consider. 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.

2. Stanford AI4ALL

Location: Stanford University and Online
Cost: Online: $4,120; Residential: $9,800; need-based financial aid is available
Dates: Online: June 15-26; Residential: July 19-31
Application Deadline: February 6th
Eligibility: Current 9th-grade students; open to international students

Stanford AI4ALL offers a two-week intensive learning experience to high school students and stands out as one of the most research-driven Data Science Summer Schools. You’ll attend computer science and AI lectures led by Stanford faculty, work on hands-on group research projects focused on the real-world impact of AI, and engage in problem-solving of practical challenges through artificial intelligence.

You’ll choose one Research project group from a range of options, including computer vision, robotics, medical AI, and natural language processing. You’ll also attend guest lectures, career workshops, receive expert mentorship, and develop the skills and tools to prepare for a career in STEM.

Why it stands out: It enables you to learn AI concepts through lectures and work on a hands-on group research project in areas like computer vision, robotics, or medical AI with guidance from Stanford mentors.

3. The University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute Summer Lab

Location: University of Chicago
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $5,600 stipend
Dates: June 15th – August 7th
Application Deadline: January 12th
Eligibility: Chicago-area high school students; open to international students

The University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute Summer Lab offers an eight-week summer research experience to high school students. You’ll engage in a paid learning opportunity through pairing up with data science mentors from a range of areas, including data science, social science, computer science, biomedical research, materials science, public policy, climate, and energy policy.

You’ll have the opportunity to develop and sharpen your research methodology skills while addressing real-world data science challenges. If you’re a high school student interested in exploring the positive social impact of data science research, this program could benefit you.

Why it stands out: You’ll work on real-world data science research with mentors across fields while developing research methods and tackling social impact challenges.

4. Quinnipiac University: Data Sciences Lab

Location: Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut
Cost: Residential: $3,600; Commuter: $2,600; partial financial support is available based on a combination of financial need and academic merit
Dates: July 6-17
Application Deadline: June 1st
Eligibility: Current high school students, typically between 15 and 18 years of age at the start of the program; open to international students

The Quinnipiac University Data Sciences Lab is a two-week summer camp where you learn to use simple math and basic coding to solve real-world problems. You will explore important topics like big data, simple statistics, machine learning, and data ethics. To get hands-on experience, you will play games like Binary Bingo, write your first algorithm, create visual charts using Canva, and explore medical data.

You learn directly from visiting scientists and guest professors who show you exactly how these tools work in the real world. By the end, you will gain practical skills in spotting number patterns, using tools like Excel and R, and thinking critically about information.

Why it stands out: It takes a complex subject and makes it highly approachable and practical through everyday examples, even if you have absolutely no prior experience with coding.

5. NLM Data Science and Informatics (DSI) Scholars Program

Location: NIH Campus, Bethesda, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $2,530/month stipend
Dates: 8-12 weeks starting in June
Application Deadline: Rolling basis till January 15th
Eligibility: High school seniors who have completed coursework relevant to computer science, data science, informatics, mathematics, or related subjects; at least 17 years old by June 1st; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; minimum 3.0 GPA; not open to international students

NLM Data Science and Informatics (DSI) Scholars Program offers an 8-12 week summer learning experience to high school students. You’ll work on computational research projects, participate in seminars, attend professional development workshops, and develop skills in scientific communication. The program is focused on preparing a workforce skilled in innovation and scientific advancement.

You’ll receive one-on-one training and support from a mentor and work in an engaging research environment.The program culminates with the  NLM’s Summer Poster Day and the NIH-wide Summer Poster Day, where you’ll get to share your presentations.

Why it stands out: It allows high school students to perform one-on-one mentored research alongside world-class investigators at the intersection of artificial intelligence and medicine.

6. Carnegie Mellon University: Statistics & Data Science Camp

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Dates: June 22-26
Application Deadline: March 15th
Eligibility: High school students in Pittsburgh and surrounding school districts; not open to international students

Carnegie Mellon University: Statistics & Data Science Camp offers a free one-week learning experience to high school students. You’ll explore the world of data science and statistics, participate in hands-on demonstrations, and develop an understanding of data science fundamentals through presentations.

You’ll attend computer lab sessions and gain knowledge about the 10 basics of R, go on an educational field trip to organizations where data science is applied daily, and gain clarity on pursuing these fields in the future. The program is supported by the PPG foundations and allows you to earn a stipend.

Why it stands out: It allows you to explore data science and statistics through hands-on sessions, learn the basics of R in computer labs, and understand real-world applications through field visits.

7. Syracuse University Summer College Program: Data Visualization and Analysis

Location: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
Cost: Residential: $2,795; Commuter: $2,309; discounts and scholarships are available
Dates: July 19-24
Application Deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; open to international students

Syracuse University Summer College Program: Data Visualization and Analysis offers an on-campus, hands-on learning opportunity for high school students. You’ll gain knowledge about data capturing, data quality assessment, and learn to clean data. You’ll have the opportunity to engage in visual exploration of data, perform data cleanup and analysis, and gain data insights by applying statistics.

You’ll begin with Microsoft Excel and then proceed to more advanced tools like Tableau, and discuss design principles and storytelling methods through the use of data. The program offers a certificate of completion and has the opportunity to request a non-credit transcript from Syracuse University.

Why it stands out: It allows students to earn three official Syracuse University credits while gaining hands-on experience with professional-grade software like Tableau and Microsoft Excel to solve real-world business and social problems.

8. Harvard University: Data Science in Action

Location: Hybrid: Part 1 is online (via Zoom), and Part 2 is in-person at the Countway Library on Harvard’s campus in Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipends are available for students from low-income families who maintain full attendance and successfully complete the course
Dates: Online self-paced instruction: June 29th – July 3rd; In-person camp: July 6-17
Application Deadline: April 1st
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen through seniors who have a basic understanding of algebra; open to international students

In one of the most prestigious Data Science summer schools, Harvard’s free summer program lets you study the basics of Python programming, simple statistics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Throughout the camp, you will work with a team to write actual code, take photos of everyday objects to build a dataset, and train a neural network to recognize those pictures.

The most unique feature of the experience is that you get to construct a real, miniature car that drives itself using the exact algorithms you create. You will also get to eat lunch with real data science professionals and ask them questions about their daily jobs.

Why it stands out: It bridges the gap between software and hardware by having you actively apply your newly learned Python and machine learning skills to train a neural network that physically navigates a self-driving toy car.

9. Wharton Data Science Academy

Location: The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $10.599 + $100 nonrefundable application fee; scholarships are available
Dates: June 21st – July 11th; July 12th – August 1st
Application Deadline: March 18th
Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 10-11 with a strong background in math and coding; minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA; open to international students

Wharton Data Science Academy offers a three-week learning opportunity to high school students. You’ll gain foundational knowledge in statistics, along with developing critical thinking and empirical skills. You’ll begin with exploring a range of fundamental concepts, including core modeling (simple/multiple regression, data wrangling and visualization, confidence intervals, classification, fundamental probability and statistics, and more.

You’ll attend guided lab sessions, participate in live demos, and gain hands-on experience through working on real-data sets. You’ll attend enrichment sessions and receive mentorship from Penn undergraduate and graduate TAs. The program culminates with a Capstone project and a Data Science Live (DSL) showcase.

Why it stands out: It combines rigorous Ivy League instruction in R programming and machine learning with the unique “Wharton edge,” focusing on how data-driven insights solve complex, real-world business and financial problems rather than teaching coding in a vacuum.

10. University of the Pacific’s Artificial Intelligence Boot Camp

Location: University of the Pacific’s Northern California campuses, CA
Cost: $3,800; limited need-based scholarships are available; Pacific employee and registration of more than one student discounts ($500) are also available
Dates: June 16-26
Application Deadline: May 24th
Eligibility: Rising high school students who have a minimum 3.0 GPA; open to international students 

The University of the Pacific’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Boot Camp is a residential summer program designed to provide high school students with a rigorous introduction to machine learning, neural networks, and the ethical implications of AI.

You’ll develop fundamental programming skills in Python, understand the reading, processing, and transformation of data, and work on developing pattern recognition systems. You’ll gain real-world knowledge in data visualization and storytelling and learn the basics of predictive modeling. You’ll explore a range of topics including data visualization, machine learning, Python, and machine learning. 

Why it stands out: It goes beyond basic coding to offer students a rare opportunity to work directly with university faculty on real-world datasets and “Black Box” ethics

11. Columbia University: Data Science and Machine Learning 1

Location: Columbia University (Morningside Campus), New York, NY
Cost: Three-week Residential: $12,838; Three-week Commuter: $6,381; One-week Commuter: $2,883; need-based scholarships are available
Dates: Summer Session A: June 29th – July 17th; Summer Session B: July 21st – August 7th
Application Deadline: April 2nd
Eligibility: Current high school students (grades 9-12); open to international students

In this beginner-friendly Columbia University course, you will learn the basics of data science and machine learning without needing any past coding experience. During the program, you will practice writing simple Python code, use popular computer algorithms, and explore how these tools solve everyday problems.

You will also analyze real information and figure out how to share your findings ethically and clearly. The program deeply focuses on how these two tech fields work together to change human behavior. By the end, you will build a solid foundation in programming and gain the skills needed to tackle more advanced technology classes.

Why it stands out: It takes complex technical concepts and makes them accessible to absolute beginners while strongly emphasizing the ethical impact of data on our daily lives.

12. Seattle University – AI for Equity

Location: Seattle University, Seattle, WA
Cost: $1,500; scholarships are available
Dates: July 12-17
Application Deadline: April 25th
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (grades 11-12); minimum 3.0 GPA; open to international students

AI for Equity allows high school students to explore criminal justice and artificial intelligence. You’ll gain knowledge about the relationship between machine learning and AI, learn the ethical challenges related to artificial intelligence, and learn how AI is being applied in the field of criminal justice.

You’ll work on developing AI solutions to real-world social problems, listen to guest speakers, and participate in the evaluation of machine learning techniques. The program is a good opportunity to learn from Seattle University professors and form a meaningful and supportive peer community while earning two college credits.

Why it stands out: It moves beyond standard coding to teach students how to audit algorithms for fairness, ensuring that the next generation of tech leaders prioritizes human rights and ethical data practices.

13. University of Minnesota: Under the Hood – Machine Learning and AI

Location: University of Minnesota – Twin Cities Campus, Minneapolis, MN
Cost: $125 for Week 1 and $175 for Week 2
Dates: Week 1 (Beginner): July 13-17, 2026; Week 2 (Advanced): July 20-24, 2026
Application Deadline: April 13th
Eligibility: High school students entering the 11th or 12th grade in the fall; open to international students

In this two-week program, you will learn the basics of Python coding, machine learning, computer vision, and the rules of AI ethics. The step-by-step classes are designed for a complete beginner with ambitious plans, allowing you to jump right in and build actual prediction models using real sports data.

During the camp, you will also program moving robots, create fun projects to recognize simple images, and talk to real university scientists. You also get to spend time working directly inside the university’s advanced Keller and Tate science labs. By the end, you will learn how to write computer programs, use professional technology tools, and understand the math behind how artificial intelligence makes decisions.

Why it stands out: It goes beyond basic coding by letting students work directly inside the university’s premier research labs with real-world data and autonomous robots.

14. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Data Science Summer Camp

Location: Prescott, Arizona (Embry-Riddle Campus)
Cost: $1,600; limited scholarships are available
Dates: July 5-10
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served until full
Eligibility: High school students between 14 and 18 years old; open to international students

In this beginner-friendly summer camp at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, you will learn to use simple math and computer code to find hidden patterns. The classes cover the absolute basics of Python programming, MATLAB software, machine learning, and real-world system simulations.

During the week, you will decode real DNA data, build your very first machine learning models to make predictions, and use computer programs to clearly visualize the famous butterfly effect. You get to live in actual college dorms in Arizona while using the exact same tools that older engineering students use. By the end, you will learn how to write basic code and solve logic problems.

Why it stands out: It allows complete beginners to easily use professional engineering software while experiencing what it is really like to live on a university campus.

15. Princeton AI4ALL

Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: None
Dates: July 9-30
Application Deadline: April 9th
Eligibility: Low-income rising 11th-grade students living in the US or Puerto Rico; more information here; not open to international students

Princeton AI4ALL offers you a three-week opportunity to explore the world of artificial intelligence. You’ll gain hands-on experience working with AI models, address and solve real-world challenges, and connect with a community of like-minded peers and professionals. You’ll attend classes, gain knowledge about the positive social impact of AI, and learn from experienced instructors.

You’ll understand the use of Natural Language Processing (NLP) to detect fake news, go on field trips, learn about AI governance and policy, and work on final presentations. If you’re a high school student interested in exploring data science and AI through hands-on activities, this program could benefit you.

Why it stands out: It uniquely focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence and public policy, specifically aiming to empower low-income students to guide the ethical and equitable future of AI technologies.

Where Data Science Could Take You Next

A strong summer experience can change how you see a subject, turning data science from something interesting on paper into something active, relevant, and worth exploring further.

That is what makes the 15 Data Science summer schools listed here so useful, because they let you test your interest through real questions, practical tools, and applied thinking.

By the end, you are not just leaving with new knowledge, but with a clearer sense of what you enjoy, what you do well, and what could come next.

Curious where these skills could take you next? Our Career Exploration blogs can help you discover careers that match your interests, strengths, and future goals.