Interested in artificial intelligence or machine learning? You don’t have to wait until college to start building models or exploring cutting-edge tech. There are several summer programs designed specifically for high school students — and many offer hands-on projects, expert mentorship, and exposure to real-world applications.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your skills, these AI & ML opportunities can help you explore future careers while solving real problems. Here are 11 standout programs that will jump-start your journey into the world of AI.
1. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute
Focus: STEM research and project-based learning in areas like autonomous vehicles, AI, cybersecurity, and more
Location: MIT Campus, Cambridge, Massachusetts (with an online prerequisite component)
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (primarily juniors and seniors) with strong STEM backgrounds
Deadline: Applications typically open in late fall or early winter; specific 2026 deadlines will be posted on the website
MIT PRIMES is a year-long research program in which high school students collaborate closely with MIT mentors to carry out research in mathematics, computer science, and computational biology. Students begin with an advanced reading phase to develop core knowledge, followed by hands-on research projects that include issue creation, data analysis, and collaboration with teachers and peers. They produce detailed reports, discuss their findings, and may submit their work to professional journals or contests, acquiring valuable research experience.
2. Carnegie Mellon University AI Scholars (AIS) Pre-College Program
Focus: STEM fields, computer science, artificial intelligence, and college readiness
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's Carnegie Mellon University
Eligibility: Rising seniors in high school (current juniors), who must be at least 16 years old when the program begins; Citizens, DACA recipients, or permanent residents of the United States
Deadline: Usually, applications are submitted by March 1st, and decisions are made in early April.
High school students can immerse themselves in the field of artificial intelligence for four weeks during the fully funded AI Scholars (AIS) program. College-level coursework, practical research projects, and seminars on financial aid, personal growth, and college admissions are all part of the program. The curriculum gives students a thorough understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and its practical applications by covering subjects like computer vision, neural networks, and natural language processing. In order to support students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM, the program places a strong emphasis on inclusivity.
3. RISE Global
Location: Online
Program Dates: Flexible, year-round enrollment with customized timelines based on student needs.
Cost: $2,000 (publication included)
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students (grades 8–12) from any country.
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Scholarships: Merit-based
RISE Global provides high school students exclusive one-on-one mentoring, helping them to create research projects that lead to esteemed publications. RISE helps students succeed academically and stand out on college applications by matching them with mentors from prestigious international universities like Harvard, Columbia, and Cambridge. RISE alumni have gained unique talents by pursuing a variety of fields, including psychology, economics, sustainability, and artificial intelligence.
4. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program (SIP) 2025
Focus: Computer Science, Game Design, UX Design, Career Exploration
Location: Fully virtual (open to U.S. and international students)
Eligibility: High school students who identify as girls or non-binary
U.S. students: Current 9th–11th graders
International students: Ages 14–18
Deadline: Applications for the waitlist are still being accepted; the general application deadline was April 11, 2025.
Through practical projects in game and user experience (UX) design, high school students are introduced to computer science through the free, two-week Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program (SIP). Attendees learn practical skills and career insights from tech professionals in live, virtual classes sponsored by top companies in the industry. Peer and instructor collaboration and mentorship are encouraged in the program's supportive community. A $300 needs-based grant is available to qualified U.S. students to help fund their involvement.
5. Penn Summer High School Programs
Focus: Interdisciplinary studies including science, math, humanities, and social sciences
Location: Campus of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (with a few options available online)
Eligibility: Students presently enrolled in grades 9–11 in high school (specific programs may vary)
Deadline: Program-specific; applications normally open in late fall and are due in early spring.
Academically driven high school students have the chance to experience college life and coursework at an Ivy League university through Penn Summer High School Programs. Participants interact with Penn faculty, investigate complex subjects in a range of fields, and hone their critical thinking abilities.
6. Integem AI + Robot Design + AR Summer Camp
Focus: Design, Augmented Reality, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
Location: Several campuses in the U.S. and online options available
Eligibility: Students aged 14–18 (high school level)
Deadline: Rolling admissions; because there are only a few seats available, early application is advised.
Through the combination of AI programming, robotics, and AR design, Integem's AI + Robot Design + AR Summer Camp gives high school students the opportunity to investigate cutting-edge technology. Students learn how to construct and program intelligent robots and produce augmented reality experiences using tools such as NVIDIA Jetson. Through practical projects, the camp fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and practical tech application.
7. UIS Academic Summer Camps
Focus: STEM, healthcare, technology, leadership, and creative arts
Location: University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), Springfield, Illinois
Eligibility: Middle and high school students (varies by camp)
Deadline: Camps usually operate in June and July, though this varies by camp.
A range of in-person programs are available at UIS Academic Summer Camps to encourage students to explore career options and gain practical experience. The topics covered in camps include astronomy, technology, cybersecurity, healthcare, and leadership development. Under the direction of UIS faculty and professionals, these camps blend fun, learning, and skill development in an academic environment. Many free or low-cost camps focus on future-useful skills.
8. MIT J-Clinic High School Summer Bootcamp
Focus: Biotechnology, Healthcare, and Artificial Intelligence
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts’s MIT Campus
Eligibility: Students in high school (exact age range not specified)
Deadline: Applications typically open in spring; check the site for exact dates
High school students explore the connection between artificial intelligence and healthcare through the demanding MIT J-Clinic Summer Bootcamp. Through lectures, hands-on projects, and mentorship from MIT researchers, students learn how machine learning is transforming biotechnology and medicine. The curriculum encourages teamwork, innovative problem-solving, and the useful application of cutting-edge technologies. Ideal for students with a keen interest in STEM, AI, and health sciences.
9. Harvard AI Bootcamp
Focus: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Social Impact
Location: Online (organized by Harvard College students)
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
Deadline: Applications typically open in spring; limited spots available
High school students are introduced to the principles of artificial intelligence and its practical applications through the student-led Harvard AI Bootcamp program. Students study important AI and machine learning concepts over several days, work in groups on projects, and investigate how AI can help with global issues. Lectures, workshops, and mentoring from Harvard undergraduates who are enthusiastic about technology and impact are all part of the boot camp. Even for students who have never coded before, it is made to be user-friendly.
10. Georgetown University Artificial Intelligence Academy
Focus: Ethics, Machine Learning, and Ethics
Location: Campus of Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: 14-18 year old high school students
Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and early submission is advised.
Georgetown's AI Academy offers high school students more information about artificial intelligence, including its technical foundations and ethical implications. Through project-based learning, guest lectures, and interactive classes, students gain knowledge of AI concepts such as neural networks, computer vision, and natural language processing. The program emphasizes responsible innovation and gives participants a taste of college-level coursework at a renowned university. Prior coding experience is not required.
11. Stanford CARE AI Summer Program for High School Students
Focus: Leadership, Data Analysis, Healthcare and Artificial Intelligence
Location: California’s Stanford University Campus
Eligibility: Incoming sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school who are at least 14 years old
Deadline: The Summer 2025 cohort application period is now closed; the program website will announce future deadlines.
High school students who are enthusiastic about enhancing health outcomes in Asian communities and beyond can participate in the exciting two-week Stanford CARE AI Summer Program in person. Learn the basics of statistical data analysis, examine important health issues impacting Asian populations, and analyze health datasets using AI tools like ChatGPT. Along with emphasizing teamwork and leadership, the program gives students a thorough understanding of AI's application in healthcare.