As a high school student fascinated by the potential of artificial intelligence, the field can feel both incredibly exciting and slightly elusive. Free AI summer programs for high school students offer a meaningful way to explore what artificial intelligence involves beyond sci-fi tropes or basic coding tutorials you see online. AI is a vast discipline that integrates advanced mathematics, ethical philosophy, and complex problem-solving alongside core computer science, and structured summer programmes help bring these elements together in a practical, engaging way.

Picture yourself on a world-class university campus, collaborating with a global cohort of peers to design autonomous systems, analyse healthcare datasets, or debate the ethical implications of emerging technology with leading professors. By spending your summer studying AI, you develop advanced skills and gain first-hand experience of university life before graduating from high school.

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

It can be difficult to decide which path is best for your goals. Some programs might focus solely on introductory coding, while others dive straight into university-level research. That is why guidance is important to help you identify programs that act as a foundation for your college journey and give you a global perspective on university education.

Various universities and research institutions now offer AI summer programs that are rigorous, hands-on, and grounded in real-world applications. You will explore neural networks, natural language processing, computer vision, and the social implications of algorithmic bias. You will learn through university-style lectures, 1:1 sessions with mentors, and collaborative projects. These programs range from introductory bootcamps to intensive research fellowships that help you build a strong work profile.

Regardless of your starting point, these opportunities help you make important decisions: Which majors work for you? What sort of college experience do you want to build? To help you find your footing, we’ve drawn up a list of 15 free and prestigious AI summer programs for high school students. They have been selected for their academic depth, networking opportunities, and strong reputations.

15 Free AI Summer Programs for High School Students

1. Carnegie Mellon University’s AI Scholars

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Cost: Free (Fully funded)
Program Dates: June 20th – July 18th
Application Deadline: February 1st
Eligibility: High school juniors (16+ years old) who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients.

Known as one of the most rigorous free AI summer programs for high school students, Carnegie Mellon University’s AI Scholars program places you on a world-leading computer science campus for four weeks of intensive coursework and team-based research, offering deep exposure to machine learning, neural networks, and data-driven decision-making.

You will attend lectures from renowned CMU faculty, collaborate with peers to design an AI project that addresses a real-world issue, and present your technical findings at a concluding symposium. The curriculum also includes vital discussions on ethics, equity in STEM, and the broader social implications of algorithmic bias. This program acts as a definitive preview of the undergraduate experience at a top-tier technical university.

Why it stands out: It offers a rare, fully funded residential experience at the university that established the first-ever Bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence in the U.S.

2. Immerse Education’s Artificial Intelligence Summer School

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

The Immerse Education Artificial Intelligence Summer School lets you dive into the world of AI and machine learning while living and studying in small classes at leading global universities. You will learn from expert tutors through interactive workshops, team challenges, and real-world coding projects that introduce core concepts like neural networks, algorithms, and the ethical implications of AI.

You may find yourself collaborating with peers to solve practical problems, exploring how AI is applied in industries today, and sharpening your analytical and creative thinking skills. By the end of the programme, you’ll complete a personal project, receive written feedback from your instructors, and earn a certificate of achievement reflecting your growth and experience. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: It immerses you in AI theory and applied machine learning projects, helping you understand how intelligent systems are built and used in real-world contexts.

3. Princeton University’s AI4ALL

Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
Cost: Free (Fully funded)
Program Dates: July 9th – July 30th
Application Deadline: April 9th
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors who live in the U.S. or Puerto Rico and qualify as low-income

The AI4ALL program at Princeton is a three-week residential experience that blends technical training with a deep dive into how AI shapes modern society. As a participant, you will attend specialized lectures led by Princeton professors and receive direct mentorship from graduate students while working in small research groups. These groups tackle projects that connect AI with real-world challenges in areas such as criminal justice, healthcare, and privacy.

A unique feature of this program is an educational trip to Washington, D.C., where you will meet with policymakers to discuss the legal and social aspects of emerging technologies. You will also participate in professional development sessions that help you navigate future academic pathways in STEM. The program concludes with a public showcase where you present your research findings to university faculty and peers.

Why it stands out: It focuses heavily on the policy and social justice aspects of AI, providing a unique bridge between computer science and the humanities.

4. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)

Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Program Dates: Summer cohort starts June 16th
Application Deadline: May 1st – June 1st
Eligibility: High school students from around the world (primarily 10th and 11th graders) with a GPA above 3.67

Horizon Academic is a trimester-long research program where you will collaborate with a Ph.D. mentor to develop a 20-page, university-level research paper in fields like machine learning or data science. You have the flexibility to choose between quantitative tracks, such as analyzing large datasets using Python, or qualitative tracks involving literature reviews and theoretical exploration.

Throughout the summer, each draft you submit undergoes a rigorous review process, providing you with high-level feedback to refine your technical arguments. By the end of the program, you will have produced a publication-ready paper that demonstrates your ability to engage with advanced scholarly sources. This program is particularly beneficial for students wanting to demonstrate independent research capabilities on their college applications. You also receive a letter of recommendation based on your performance and academic growth.

Why it stands out: It allows students to conduct 1:1 research with scholars from top-tier global universities, resulting in a tangible, university-level academic product.

5. MIT’s Beaver Works Summer Institute

Location: Virtual and in-person at MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 6th – August 2nd
Application Deadline: March 30th
Eligibility: U.S. citizens entering their senior year of high school.

Often cited as one of the most demanding free AI summer programs for high school students, MIT’s Beaver Works Summer Institute is a four-week, project-driven experience that requires strong preparation and delivers hands-on AI learning through advanced, research-level challenges. During the residential program, you will work in teams on ambitious projects such as analyzing satellite imagery for disaster response or building autonomous racing systems.

You receive technical instruction and direct mentorship from MIT Lincoln Laboratory researchers and graduate students who are experts in AI ethics and emergency response. Collaboration is the cornerstone of the experience, and the summer culminates in a high-stakes final project showcase. This program provides an authentic look at the “Mens et Manus” (Mind and Hand) philosophy that defines an MIT education.

Why it stands out: The “autonomous RACECAR” and “Medlytics” tracks are world-famous for their rigor and use of actual industry-grade hardware and datasets.

6. Simons Summer Research Program

Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
Cost: Free (Stipend provided)
Program Dates: June 29th – August 7th
Application Deadline: February 6th
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old; must be US citizens and/or permanent residents

The Simons Summer Research Program offers a competitive opportunity to join a professional research team and contribute to original projects in STEM, including AI and data science. Under the mentorship of a Stony Brook faculty member, you will gain hands-on exposure to advanced research methods, ranging from algorithmic coding to experimental design and data visualization.

The program structure includes weekly faculty lectures, professional development workshops, and opportunities to shadow graduate researchers in active labs. You are expected to behave as a full member of the laboratory, participating in meetings and contributing to the lab’s overall scientific goals. At the end of the six weeks, you will prepare a research abstract and a formal poster to present at a concluding symposium. This program is highly regarded for helping students transition from being consumers of knowledge to creators of it.

Why it stands out: With an acceptance rate of approximately 5%, it is one of the most prestigious and selective research-based summer programs in the United States.

7. NYU ARISE Program

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Cost: Free ($1,000 Stipend provided)
Program Dates: June 1st – August 14th
Application Deadline: February 21st
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are New York City residents

As one of the longest-running free AI summer programs for high school students, NYU’s ARISE program offers a 10-week immersion into engineering and machine learning research, beginning with foundational training and progressing into extended, lab-based investigation. Once prepared, you will spend the final six weeks embedded in an NYU Tandon lab, collaborating directly with faculty and doctoral students on projects involving machine learning, automation, or data science.

Throughout the summer, you will complete approximately 120 hours of lab work and eventually present your findings at both an NYU colloquium and a poster session at the American Museum of Natural History. This program also provides specific guidance on the college application process and networking opportunities within the NYC tech ecosystem. It is an ideal path for local students looking to gain elite research experience without leaving the city.

Why it stands out: It uniquely bridges the gap between academic lab work and public science communication through its partnership with the American Museum of Natural History.

8. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA (Remote and Hybrid options available)
Cost: Free ($25 application fee)
Program Dates: June 18th – August 12th
Application Deadline: February 15th
Eligibility: Students must be at least 15 years old for remote internships and 16 years old for in-person/hybrid internships; international students are accepted

The ASSIP at George Mason University allows high school students to spend eight weeks contributing to genuine research projects in fields like artificial intelligence and computational modeling. You are matched with a faculty mentor based on your specific interests, allowing you to work on projects that could range from developing diagnostic AI tools to modeling complex biological systems.

In addition to technical training, you will participate in workshops focused on scientific ethics, professional communication, and the nuances of scientific writing. This program places a high value on student output, frequently providing opportunities for interns to co-author papers or present their work at professional conferences. It serves as a strong foundation for students intending to pursue a career in high-level research.

Why it stands out: It provides an unusually long (8-week) internship period, allowing for deeper project development and the potential for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

9. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
Cost: Free ($750 Stipend provided)
Program Dates: June 22nd – August 7th
Application Deadline: February 16th
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (at least 17 years old) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a highly selective residential research experience that pairs 12 exceptional students with faculty mentors across various disciplines, including computer science and AI. Over seven weeks, you will conduct hands-on research that contributes to the mentor’s ongoing professional work, gaining an intimate look at the daily realities of academic inquiry.

Beyond the lab, the program includes a structured series of weekly seminars, field trips, and social activities designed to broaden your perspective on the role of research in society. Living on campus allows you to experience the independence of university life while collaborating closely with a cohort of highly motivated peers from across the country. The program concludes with the submission of a formal research report and an oral presentation. 

Why it stands out: With only 12 spots available annually, this is one of the most intimate and prestigious all-expenses-paid research internships in the country.

10. University of Chicago DSI Summer Lab

Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
Cost: Free ($4,800 Stipend provided)
Program Dates: June 15th – August 7th
Application Deadline: January 12th
Eligibility: High school seniors starting college in the fall who reside in Chicago.

The Data Science Institute (DSI) Summer Lab is an eight-week paid research program where students are embedded into teams applying data science methods to high-impact social and scientific problems. Depending on your team placement, you might use Python and machine learning to analyze climate datasets, study social policy, or improve computer security. You will be paired with a dedicated mentor and contribute directly to the team’s research goals, learning to visualize data and present results in multiple formats, including video and written reports.

The curriculum includes technical workshops on advanced coding skills as well as professional development talks from experts in both industry and academia. The summer concludes with a formal symposium designed to replicate a professional academic conference, complete with poster presentations and Q&A sessions. This program provides a high-level bridge for seniors transitioning from high school to a university research environment.

Why it stands out: The substantial stipend and the focus on “Data Science for Social Good” make it one of the most socially impactful AI internships for young scholars.

11. Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) Digital Scholars

Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 23rd – August 1st
Application Deadline: May 2nd
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-grade students from Chicago Public Schools and Chicago-area districts

At the Digital Scholars Program, you engage in university-level coursework that explores the intersections of computing, data science, and entrepreneurship. One of the primary tracks, Data Science Discovery, focuses on using Python to manipulate and visualize real-world datasets, building the technical fluency required for modern AI research. Other tracks allow you to explore mobile development or the hardware-software interface in computer engineering, providing a broad overview of the digital landscape.

In addition to technical sessions, the program hosts workshops on AI ethics and career readiness, helping you connect your classroom learning to professional pathways in the tech industry. Networking sessions with founders of Chicago-based startups offer a unique window into the world of venture capital and tech innovation. This program is ideal for students who want to see how AI skills are applied in the fast-paced world of business and startups.

Why it stands out: It offers a rare “entrepreneurial track” that teaches students how to turn an AI project into a viable business concept or startup.

12. Kode with Klossy Summer Camps

Location: Virtual and various in-person locations across the USA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Multiple two-week sessions (June – August)
Application Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: Girls, gender non-conforming, and trans students (ages 13-18) from all around the world

Kode With Klossy’s two-week summer camps provide an inclusive environment to explore machine learning and data science through collaborative, project-based learning. In the AI-focused track, you will dive into topics like natural language processing, neural network training, and the logic of algorithms while coding primarily in Python. Other available tracks cover web development and mobile apps, allowing you to see how different programming languages interact.

Throughout the two weeks, you will work with a team to build a “final project” that addresses a social issue or personal interest, such as a sentiment-analysis chatbot or a data visualization tool. By the end of the session, you will have a functional technical project to add to your portfolio and a community of supportive peers.

Why it stands out: Founded by supermodel Karlie Kloss, it is a high-energy, community-focused program that successfully demystifies complex AI topics for a non-traditional audience.

13. Girls Who Code Summer Programs

Location: Virtual
Cost: Free (Grants available for eligible students)
Program Dates: July 7th – July 18th (Immersion) | June 30th – August 8th (Pathways)
Application Deadline: February 28th (Early) | April 16th (General)
Eligibility: High school girls and non-binary individuals worldwide (Grades 9-12).

Girls Who Code offers two distinct paths for high schoolers to build their technical fluency in a supportive, virtual environment. The Summer Immersion Program is a two-week, instructor-led experience that focuses on the fundamentals of game design and the basics of UX design while introducing key computer science concepts. For those seeking more advanced or specialized topics, the self-paced Pathways Program offers tracks in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science over a six-week period.

Both programs emphasize real-world application, allowing you to work on projects using languages like Python, JavaScript, and HTML. Participants also gain access to exclusive industry-led events and virtual tours of major tech companies like Meta and Apple. This program is a globally recognized way to build a foundation in tech while joining a massive network of like-minded students and professionals.

Why it stands out: It is one of the largest and most established networks for underrepresented genders in tech, offering long-term career support and alumni resources.

14. AI4ALL @ University of Washington

Location: Virtual (Typically)
Cost: Free
Program Dates: 20-week workshop
Application Deadline: July 31st
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, and college freshmen from around the globe

The University of Washington’s AI4ALL program, hosted by the Taskar Center for Accessible Technology, offers a unique 20-week deep dive into data science and machine learning. You will explore how AI tools are used to solve real-world problems, with a specific and vital focus on disability studies and universal accessibility. The curriculum combines technical lectures on machine learning algorithms with small-group discussions on fairness, bias, and the ethical implications of data collection.

A major component of the program involves geographic information science (GIS), where you use data to analyze urban spaces and advocate for more equitable city planning. This long-term format allows for a much deeper understanding of the material than a typical two-week camp. It is an excellent choice for students interested in the intersection of data science, civil rights, and social advocacy.

Why it stands out: It is one of the only AI programs for high schoolers that integrates “Disability Studies” and “Accessibility” as core components of the technical curriculum.

Here is the updated entry for the EDIT AI internship at Dartmouth, written and formatted in the “Immerse” style with the bolding requirement included.

15. EDIT AI High School Summer Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Starts June 15th
Application Deadline: April 15th (Interviews conducted February–April)
Eligibility: U.S. high school students with a demonstrated ability in computer science and basic familiarity with machine learning pipelines.

The EDIT AI Summer Internship is a research-intensive program where you work directly with scientists from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center on machine learning projects connected to clinical pathology and dermatology. Participants apply advanced coding skills in Python and R to high-dimensional modalities, including metagenomic sequences, electronic health records, and gigapixel medical images.

Opportunities exist to develop algorithms for cancer detection and virtual staining while utilizing high-performance computing to handle complex clinical datasets. Beyond technical development, the program emphasizes the communication of findings to a medical audience and provides a pathway for students to spearhead potential research publications. You will attend a series of lectures and seminars that explore the ethical challenges of AI in clinical contexts and the intersection of deep learning and patient care. 

Why it stands out: It provides high schoolers with a rare chance to work on IRB-supported basic research and potentially co-author papers in a professional medical school laboratory.

Preparing for an AI-Shaped World

Exploring artificial intelligence early helps you understand how technology shapes society, research, and careers, while building confidence in complex problem-solving and ethical thinking.

Through free AI summer programs for high school students, you gain hands-on experience with machine learning, mentorship from experts, and insight into how universities approach advanced technical study.

These programs encourage curiosity, responsibility, and collaboration, helping you decide which pathways suit you and how innovation can be used thoughtfully and creatively.

To keep learning beyond summer, explore our Educational Innovation blogs for resources on emerging trends, teaching approaches, edtech insights, and guidance shaping future-focused education worldwide.