10 Summer Data Science Programs for Middle School Students in Chicago
- Stephen Turban
- 4 hours ago
- 8 min read
Data science programs can help you build analytical thinking, coding, and problem-solving skills early while exposing you to real-world applications of technology, artificial intelligence, and statistics. By participating in a structured summer program, you can gain hands-on experience with tools and concepts that are increasingly important across industries like healthcare, business, engineering, and finance. These programs also allow you to explore academic interests outside the standard classroom setting, connect with mentors and peers who share similar interests, and strengthen your future academic profile.
If you are interested in data science, you should also consider online summer programs, since they often provide access to specialized mentors, flexible learning formats, and students from across the world. To help you identify the best opportunities, we narrowed down this list of top summer data science programs for middle school students in Chicago based on factors like academic rigor, networking opportunities, funding availability, selectivity, and institutional prestige. Some of these programs are hosted by leading universities and organizations, while others emphasize project-based learning and industry exposure. Whether you want to explore coding, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or data analytics, these programs can help you build a strong foundation early on.
In no particular order, here are 10 summer data science programs for middle school students in Chicago.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies | Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Program Dates: Eight weeks | Timing varies by cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program is a selective online research experience designed to help you develop advanced research, writing, and analytical skills at an early stage. You begin by choosing an area of interest, such as STEM, humanities, or social sciences, before being matched with a PhD-level mentor from a leading university. Throughout the program, you explore foundational concepts in your chosen field while learning how to evaluate sources, organize ideas, and approach research questions systematically. You then design and complete an independent research project centered on a real-world issue or topic that interests you. The program concludes with a formal research paper that showcases your findings and demonstrates your ability to think critically and communicate clearly. Because of its mentorship model and emphasis on independent work, this program is a strong option if you want an academically rigorous introduction to research and data-driven thinking.
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost: Tuition varies by course; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective enrollment based on academic readiness
Program Dates: Sessions offered June through August
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in spring and early summer depending on course availability
Eligibility: Advanced students in grades 6–12 who meet CTD qualification criteria
Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development (CTD) offers rigorous summer courses that allow you to explore topics like coding, statistics, data visualization, and computational thinking in an accelerated academic environment. You can choose between online and on-campus formats, making the program flexible if you are based in the Chicago area or prefer virtual learning. Courses are designed specifically for advanced learners, combining challenging coursework with structured academic support to help you build confidence in quantitative and analytical skills. Depending on the course you select, you may work with datasets, complete coding projects, and explore concepts related to machine learning and predictive analytics. Because CTD is affiliated with Northwestern University, you also gain exposure to a highly respected research institution and a more advanced learning environment than a typical middle school classroom.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies | Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small cohort model with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Program Dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks during the spring cohort or 25 hours over 2 weeks during the summer cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers program introduces you to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning through a structured, beginner-friendly online format. During the program, you learn core Python programming skills while exploring topics such as data analysis, regression models, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. The curriculum combines lectures with collaborative group sessions, allowing you to apply concepts through hands-on exercises and guided projects. With a low 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio, you receive individualized support from mentors with strong technical and research backgrounds. Past participants have developed projects like music genre classification systems and recommendation algorithms for educational resources, giving you exposure to practical machine learning applications.
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: Tuition varies by course; limited financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive enrollment with seminar-style classes
Program Dates: Summer sessions typically run June through July
Application Deadline: Applications generally close in spring
Eligibility: Middle and high school students meeting academic readiness expectations
The University of Chicago’s Young Scholars Program offers academically rigorous enrichment courses that allow you to explore advanced topics in a university-style learning environment. If you are interested in data science, you may find courses related to programming, quantitative reasoning, computational analysis, or data-driven problem-solving. Classes emphasize discussion-based learning and critical inquiry, encouraging you to analyze ideas deeply rather than simply memorize concepts. Depending on the course, you may work on collaborative projects and examine how data science connects to fields such as economics, technology, and social science research. The program reflects the University of Chicago’s strong emphasis on analytical thinking and interdisciplinary exploration, making it a good fit if you enjoy intellectually challenging coursework.
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL., and other campuses nationwide
Cost: Tuition varies by course and duration; no formal application fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment with limited class sizes
Program Dates: Weekly summer sessions available June through August
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment until sessions fill
Eligibility: Students ages 7–17
iD Tech Camps offer hands-on summer programs focused on coding, artificial intelligence, game development, and data science fundamentals in an interactive learning environment. Depending on the track you choose, you may learn Python programming, explore introductory machine learning concepts, and work with real-world AI applications through guided technical projects. The program prioritizes experiential learning over lecture-heavy instruction, allowing you to build practical skills by actively coding, testing, and improving projects throughout the session. Small class sizes also make it easier to receive individualized guidance from instructors during coding exercises and collaborative activities. In addition to technical instruction, you get opportunities to work alongside peers who share similar interests in STEM and technology.
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost: $450
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited spaces available
Program Dates: One-week summer sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment until spots fill
Eligibility: Students ages 13–15
AI and Code is a project-based summer camp that introduces you to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, coding, and data science through hands-on learning activities. During the one-week program, you work with expert instructors to learn core technical concepts such as natural language processing (NLP), data analysis, data visualization, and face and voice recognition systems. Rather than focusing only on consumer AI tools, the camp emphasizes understanding how AI models are built and applied in real-world contexts. You also complete an independent research project based on a topic that interests you, giving you the opportunity to apply your new skills creatively and present your work at the end of the session. The program’s short format makes it accessible if you want an introductory but immersive experience in AI and coding without committing to a longer summer course.
Location: University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, Chicago, IL
Cost: Tuition varies by course selection
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment with limited session sizes
Program Dates: Multiple summer sessions available
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment until sessions fill
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–8
The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools’ Summer Lab program offers a wide range of enrichment opportunities for middle school students, including STEM-focused courses such as AI Gaming and Machine Learning. Through these classes, you can explore foundational concepts in artificial intelligence, coding, and computational thinking while participating in hands-on projects and collaborative activities. The program emphasizes creativity, experimentation, and teamwork, giving you opportunities to apply technical concepts in interactive settings rather than relying only on traditional instruction. Because Summer Lab includes students with diverse academic and creative interests, you also benefit from a dynamic learning environment that encourages interdisciplinary exploration and collaboration. In addition to classroom activities, the broader program includes leadership development opportunities and community-building experiences that help you strengthen communication and problem-solving skills.
Location: Loyola Water Tower Campus, Chicago, IL
Cost: $2,400 standard tuition | $1,600 for students who participated in the MathCON Online Test
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective admission based on competition participation and demonstrated interest in mathematics
Program Dates: June 15–19
Application Deadline: Applications open later in the year
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 who registered for the MathCON Online Round
MathCON Summer Camp is an intensive academic program designed for mathematically advanced middle and high school students who want to strengthen their quantitative reasoning and problem-solving abilities. During the week-long program, you explore advanced topics such as number theory, combinatorics, algebraic expressions, geometry, and mathematical problem-solving through focused instruction and collaborative learning. While the camp is primarily mathematics-focused, the analytical thinking and quantitative skills you develop are highly relevant for future work in data science, computer science, and artificial intelligence. The program also helps prepare you for competitive exams like the AMC 8 and AMC 10, exposing you to higher-level mathematical reasoning often used in technical STEM fields. In addition to rigorous coursework, you participate in team activities, networking opportunities with other high-achieving students, and community-building experiences around Chicago
Location: School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: Tuition varies by course; financial assistance available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment with limited class sizes
Program Dates: Three two-week sessions running from June through August
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment until courses fill
Eligibility: Students ages 10–13
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers immersive summer courses that allow you to explore creative technology, animation, design, and digital media in a professional art school environment. While the program is primarily arts-focused, several courses incorporate digital tools, animation software, modeling techniques, and creative problem-solving skills that overlap with computational thinking and technology-based learning. You learn through studio-based instruction, collaborative projects, and hands-on experimentation, with guidance from practicing artists and experienced faculty members. The program also integrates regular visits to the Art Institute of Chicago, giving you opportunities to connect classroom projects with real-world artistic and cultural influences. Because courses emphasize creativity, innovation, and design thinking, this can be a strong option if you are interested in combining technology with visual storytelling or digital creation.
Location: Virtual and in-person locations nationwide, including Chicago-area partner sites
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment
Program Dates: Offered year-round, including summer sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling registration
Eligibility: Students in grades 3–12
Girls Who Code Clubs provide a free and flexible way for you to explore coding, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking in a collaborative environment. Designed for students of all experience levels, the program allows you to learn through hands-on projects, self-guided tutorials, and interactive activities focused on real-world problem-solving. Middle school participants can explore topics such as artificial intelligence, game design, web development, and introductory coding through project-based lessons and emerging technology modules. The curriculum also includes AI literacy activities that introduce you to concepts like machine learning, data patterns, and ethical technology use in an accessible format. One of the program’s biggest strengths is its emphasis on mentorship and community-building, helping you connect with supportive peers and role models in technology.
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.