A summer program might be valuable to your application if you are an ambitious student looking to break into a career in data science.

In this post, we have curated a list of 10 data science programs. Programs on this list, such as CodeConnects or the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, are great research opportunities that will signal your passion for the subject and how you are actively exploring data science outside of classroom walls.

Other summer academies or camps, such as Stanford’s Introduction to Data Science or Wharton’s Data Science Academy, can give you exposure to the subject and allow you to explore potential career paths or research opportunities which you can pursue in the future!

Participating in a data science program or internship can allow you to network with researchers who are at the top of their field. You can later use these connections either for job opportunities or even letters of recommendation!

Programs are a great way to pick up skills and build networks, but becoming a data scientist will involve a lot more than that. Check out this great blog on ways to become a data scientist! Once you’ve built up some momentum, consider data science internships to take your skills to the next level.

However, while all the programs on this list provide great exposure and mentorship opportunities in data science, they can be expensive. If you are looking for more budget-friendly courses, you can take a look at Google’s ‘Data Science Foundations’, Udemy’s ‘Essentials of Data Science’, or Data Camp’s ‘Data Science for Everyone’!

1. Stanford University’s Introduction to Data Science

As a part of its Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes, Stanford conducts a 2-week course on data science. In the course, you are introduced to computer algorithms and the diversity of the models they can generate, each with its own pros and cons.

You will also gain the opportunity to use datasets from the natural and social sciences to answer real-world questions, pursuing questions and data relevant to your lives. Additionally, you will apply machine learning concepts through R programming exercises that are integrated into the course!

At the end of the program, you can expect to have developed a technical skill set that allows you to approach any dataset with strong coding abilities and a scientific approach.

Cost: $3,050

Location: Virtual

Application Deadline (Summer 2023): March 15th, 2023

Program Dates (Summer 2023):

• Session 1: June 19th to June 30th, 2023

• Session 2: July 10th to July 21st, 2023

Selection Rate: Highly Selection

Eligibility:

• Must be either a freshman, sophomore, or junior at the time of application.

• Must have completed AP Statistics or one computer science course.

2. Veritas AI programs

Veritas AI has a range of AI programs for high school students, starting from close-group, collaborative learning to customized project pathways with 1:1 mentorship. The programs have been designed and run by Harvard graduate students & alumni.

In the AI Fellowship program, students work with PhDs from top institutions to work on their own research projects. These research projects can be across fields that intersect with data science or artificial intelligence. Students in the past have worked on projects in AI & finance, AI & medicine, creating software for educational resources, applications of computer science in gaming, and more. Examples of more interesting projects students have worked on can be found here.

Cost: $1,490 for the AI Scholars program (The 10-week boot camp), $4,200 for the AI Fellowship (12–15 weeks, 1-1 mentorship). Need-based financial aid is available.

Location: Virtual

Application Deadline: The program runs in cohorts, applications can be found here!

Program Dates: Rolling - Cohorts during spring, summer, fall, and winter

Program Selectivity: Open Enrollment for the AI Scholars Program, Moderately selective for the AI Fellowship

Eligibility: High school students.

3. Wharton Global Youth’s Data Science Academy

Wharton’s Data Science Academy is a summer school that allows high school students to be taught by full-time professors at Wharton while also having the opportunity to work on their own projects!

You will explore essential data science techniques such as data visualization and wrangling. However, you will also be exposed to modern machine learning methodologies, all of which are essential for today’s AI field. You can apply these concepts in your final projects, which you will present to peers at the end of the program!

An added bonus is interacting with Wharton undergraduate and graduate TAs who will share their experiences with studying data science in university!

Cost: $9,099 (Scholarships available)

Location: Wharton Campus, Philadelphia

Application Deadline (Summer 2023):

• Priority Deadline: January 25th, 2023

• Final Deadline: April 5th, 2023

Program Dates (Summer 2023): July 16th - August 5th, 2023

Selection Rate: Selective

Eligibility:

• Must be in grades 10-11.

• Must have a strong background in math, coding, and data analytics (Note. Previous understanding of statistics is preferred)

• Must have a minimum of 3.3 unweighted GPA

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

The DSI Summer Lab by the University of Chicago is a 10-week, paid summer research opportunity for high school and undergraduate students that focuses on applied, interdisciplinary data science research.

In this program, you will be paired with a data science mentor in various domains, including - data science, computer science, climate and energy policy, and more! Your research mentor will engage and hone your skills in research methodologies, practices, and teamwork. You will develop an understanding of fundamental data science methodologies and be given specialized training within the application areas.

The program culminates with a presentation of your final videos - a video created by you that outlines your research findings throughout the summer. These videos will be presented in a professional conference format where you can interact with your peers and field questions on their projects and vice versa!

Cost: No cost; stipend provided ($6,000)

Location: University of Chicago Campus, IL

Application Deadline (Summer 2024): While the application deadline has not been specified, you can check their website in the fall-winter 2023 for updates.

Program Dates (Summer 2023): June 12th - August 18th, 2023

Selection Rate: Selective

Eligibility:

• Open to all high school students.

• Familiarity with at least one programming language and relevant coursework (e.g., computer science, statistics, and math) is preferred.

Note: International students are welcome to apply but are responsible for gaining authorization to work in the U.S. and providing all the necessary documentation to earn their stipend.

5. Code Connects Summer Research Program (with Columbia University)

Code Connects Summer Research Program at Columbia is a 5-week research program where students develop their skill sets in data science and apply them as research assistants to Ph.D. researchers!

The program is split into two components. The first two weeks are spent on courses where you receive intensive training in data science. You will learn skills such as coding skills in R, data visualizations, data cleaning, data analysis, and more! The last weeks are spent putting these concepts into action by assisting PhD researchers with their real-life research projects.

An added bonus is the possibility of publication in academic journals, depending on your findings!

Cost: $3,995

Location: Virtual (with live instruction)

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Program Dates (Summer 2023): July 5th - August 4th, 2023

Eligibility: Open to rising sophomores and recent graduates.

6. University of Washington’s A14ALL

Hosted by the Taskar Center for Accessible Technology at the University of Washington, A14ALL is a 2-week introductory course on data science and artificial intelligence. You will learn how to understand, analyze, interpret, and discuss real-world applications of data science and machine learning to understand impactful technology decisions.

A key focus of this program is to enable dialogue and learning in small-group settings. The Center focuses on anti-bias in AI teachings on non-ableist AI, bringing a disability studies lens to interrogate bias and fairness in AI.

Note. If you are interested in pursuing a non-STEM major in university, this is still a great option, as a critical focus of the program is the interdisciplinary applications of data science! Plus, it also focuses on the ethical use of technology, which is a significant debate across STEM and non-STEM areas.

Cost: No cost

Location: Virtual

Application Deadline: April 15th, 2023 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s schedule)

Program Dates (Summer 2023): August 08, 2023 - August 28, 2023 (tentatively, based on the last year’s schedule)

Eligibility:

• Students must be rising juniors, seniors, or recently graduated.

• Must be from an underrepresented background

7. Syracuse University’s Data Visualization and Analysis Course

This course by Syracuse University is a hands-on course centered around taking raw data and converting it into visuals. You will learn how data is captured, how to assess the quality of data, and how to clean data.

Additionally, you will use tools such as Microsoft Excel and Tableau, where you will have discussions on design principles on dashboards and the science behind choosing charts.

The course objectives for the Summer 2023 sessions are:

• Understanding what to do first when an unknown data set is presented.

• Visually explore data.

• Perform data cleanup and get it ready for analysis.

• Perform basic statistics to generate insights from data.

• Present the data to stakeholders to make decisions quickly and in an informed manner.

Apart from the lectures, you will spend your afternoons participating in group activities and labs!

Cost: $2,020 (Residential), $1,543 (Commuter)

Location: Syracuse University Campus, NY

Application Deadline: May 1st, 2023

Note. There is an application extension until May 15th, 2023. Also, the financial aid and scholarship deadline is March 1st, 2023!

Program Dates (Summer 2023): July 16th to July 21st, 2023

Eligibility:

• Students must be rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recent graduates.

8. Columbia’s Pre-College Program - Data Science Track

Columbia University conducts a summer immersion program in data science and machine learning, called “Big Data, Machine Learning, and their Real World Applications”.

In this program, you will be taught by esteemed faculty to explore the advancement of data, cloud computing, and machine learning, and how they have had impacts on various industries.

You will focus on the strategic use of data and innovative technologies used to derive business insights. You are also introduced to different technologies used for data analytics and gain familiarity with programming technology.

At the end of the program, you will:

• Develop a strong foundation in data-driven thinking for solving real-world problems.

• Become experienced with importing, exporting, manipulating, transforming, and visualizing data.

• Learn how to use statistical summaries and machine learning models.

• Implement common machine-learning techniques and develop and evaluate analytical solutions.

Cost: $12,449 (3-week residential), $6,300 (3-week commuter), $2,825 (1-week commuter)

Note. The fees have not been finalized for Summer 2023. The fees listed above are from the previous term. You can look here for updates!

Location: Columbia University Campus, NY

Application Deadline: Rolling basis

Program Dates (Summer 2023): There are multiple sessions for both residential and commuters:

Residential

• 3 Weeks - Session 1: June 26 - July 14, 2023

• 3 Weeks - Session 2: July 18 - August 4, 2023

• 6 Weeks - Sessions 1 & 2: June 26 - August 4, 2023

Commuter

• 3 Weeks - Session 1: June 26 - July 14, 2023

• 3 Weeks - Session 2: July 18 - August 4, 2023

• 1 Week - Session 3: August 7 - August 11, 2023

• 6 Weeks - Sessions 1 & 2: June 26 - August 4, 2023

• 4 Weeks - Sessions 1 & 3: June 26 - July 14 and August 7 - August 11, 2023

• 4 Weeks - Sessions 2 & 3: July 18 - August 4 and August 7 - August 11, 2023

• 7 Weeks - Sessions 1, 2, & 3: June 26 - August 11, 2023

Selection Rate: Selective

Eligibility:

• Open to all students between grades 8-12.

Note. Residential programs are only available to students who are 16 or older. Younger students must choose the commuter or online option to be eligible.

9. Quinnipiac University’s Data Science Summer Camp

Quinnipiac University conducts a 2-week program where you will be introduced to the field of data science. You will get the opportunity to learn foundational data science theory from experienced Quinnipiac faculty and apply these concepts by working on hands-on data science projects.

In the program, you will:

• Develop a foundational knowledge of Big Data and data science theory and methodology.

• Analyze data sets to uncover patterns and solve problems.

• Gain exposure to career possibilities within the data science field.

• Understand how data scientists use their skills and knowledge to solve problems across diverse industries.

Cost: $3,360 (Residential), $2,400 (Commuter)

Location: Quinnipiac University Campus, CT

Application Deadline (Summer 2023): May 1st, 2023

Program Dates (Summer 2023): July 10th to July 21st, 2023

Eligibility:

• Open to all high school students (ideally between 15-18 years of age).

10. NextGen DATA Leadership Camp

NextGen DATA Leadership Camp fosters interest in information science and data science within local communities and aims to develop the next generation of leaders within these fields through their interactive camps.

This 5-day camp will allow you to explore data analytics and technological advancement under UNT faculty and PhD. students who currently conduct research in the fields of Information and Data Science. Additionally, the program also focuses on key principles such as leadership, teamwork, and social inclusion.

Some prospective topics discussed in the camp are:

• Basic concepts of data science

• Interaction with AI/Chatbots

• Human-technology interaction

• AMVR

• And Fake news.

Cost: $350

Location: Frisco Landing, TX

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Program Dates: July 24th to July 28th, 2023

Eligibility:

• Open to rising freshmen to high school seniors.

Bonus program + internship:

Ladder Internships

Ladder Internship is a selective program for high school students to work with startups.

Ladder Startups work in fields including technology, data science, machine learning and A.I., finance, environmental science and sustainability, healthcare and medicine, business and marketing, media and journalism, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form.

As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship - the Ladder Coach serves as a second mentor and a sounding board, guiding students through the internship and helping them navigate the startup environment.

Note that as a Ladder Intern, you will engage in a coaching+work-based model - a component that sets it apart from most internships in this list. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.

Cost: $1490 (Financial Aid Available)

Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.

Application Deadline: April 16 and May 14

Program Dates: 8 weeks, June to August

Selection Rate: Selective

Eligibility: Students who can work 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

Image Source: Code Connects logo