8 Data Science Internships for High School Students
- Trisha Malhotra
- Apr 27, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Feb 14
For ambitious high school students interested in a future in data science, data science internships can be a valuable step before college applications. These internships demonstrate your enthusiasm about exploring data science beyond classroom studies and offer hands-on learning experiences.
Here, we’ve curated a list of 8 data science internships tailored for high school students. While not all are traditional internships, they are structured in a similar fashion (with a project and mentorship component) and provide a chance to explore data science and research. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Through the 8-week internship, students have the opportunity to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. Students work directly with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more.
This program is a great opportunity for students who have prior experience with AI/ML and are looking to gain real-world exposure to a career in the field. Students get a chance to network with industry professionals, work closely with company leadership, and receive a letter of completion from the company at the end of the internship. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) offers an internship focusing on the application of data science innovation in the medical field. This internship allows students to work with a research mentor on a computational research project in biological sciences. You will have access to seminars and professional development workshops aimed at enhancing scientific communication skills. The culmination of the program is the presentation of your research project at NLM’s Summer Poster Day. There’s also a possibility of presenting the poster at the NIH-wide Summer Poster Day.
Location: NIH Campus, Bethesda, MD
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Program Dates: Starts in June and runs for 8–12 weeks. Start dates and internship durations are flexible.
Eligibility: Be at least 17 years of age by the internship start date, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, be accepted into an accredited college, university, or professional program for the fall, and have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagements offers internship opportunities at its facilities across the United States. If you’re located near a NASA facility, you can pursue an internship at a nearby research center. Alternatively, virtual internships are available if you're not near a NASA site. One recommended internship for those interested in data science is the Antarctic Study with Satellite Observations internship. In this program, you will utilize big data analysis and machine learning techniques to study Antarctic clouds and blowing snow, along with their interaction with the surface. Leveraging data from NASA satellites, you will gain insights into long-term observations and contribute to research in climate science.
Location: Varies, different for each internship offered
Cost: No cost; stipend provided
Application Deadline: Varying from internship to internship
Program Dates: Varies from internship to internship but should be in one of these three cohorts -
Fall — from late August/early September to mid-December (16 weeks)
Spring — from mid-January to early May (16 weeks)
Summer — from late May/early June to August (10 weeks)
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens and have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
The Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) offered by NIST is for high school students who have completed their junior or senior year and exhibit a keen interest in scientific research. Participants in this program have the opportunity to engage in research at NIST, collaborating with staff scientists and engineers. The SHIP program encompasses six NIST laboratories, each focusing on distinct areas. For students interested in data science, we recommend selecting the Information Technology Laboratory. Here, interns contribute to research aimed at supporting the development and advancement of measurement science, standards infrastructure, and computer technology.
Location: Varies from lab to lab.
Cost: No participation cost (but students must cover housing and transportation costs)
Application Deadline: February 13
Program Dates: 6–8 weeks from June to August
Eligibility: Rising senior or recent graduate, must be eligible to work in the U.S., a minimum of a 3.0 GPA should be maintained.
SparkSIP offers applicants the flexibility to choose 5–6 projects that align with their interests. This program provides the chance to engage in real-world applications of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data visualization concepts. Participants also have the opportunity to interact with and learn from industry leaders, university professors, and mentors. Among the topics covered in data science for the previous cohort are “Power Grid Resilience to Extreme Weather Conditions” involving data modelling and “Data Engineering and AI” which will explore systems to verify and validate structured and unstructured data!
Location: Greater Seattle Area, WA
Cost: No cost, stipend provided ($500)
Application Deadline: Variable deadlines based on the project selected!
Program Dates: 6–8 weeks, June to August. However, specific dates will depend upon the selected internship.
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. Citizen or have permanent resident status and can commit to working for 40 hours/week for 8–12 weeks.
6. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging’s Summer Research Internship
The two-week virtual internship provides a valuable opportunity for individuals interested in exploring the technical and clinical aspects of AI in healthcare. This program combines lectures on the fundamentals of AI in healthcare with research projects and mentoring sessions by Stanford researchers. Participants have the option to pursue an extended independent research internship if desired! In addition to applying as a regular intern, you can also apply for the ‘Student Lead’ role. In this capacity, you will have the chance to assist with project leadership under the guidance of an AIMI mentor.
Location: Virtual
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: 2 weeks in June
Eligibility: Summer Research interns must be high school students over the age of 14 by the start of the program and must reside in the U.S. Student leads must be California residents and must be students over the age of 14.
The DSI Summer Lab at the University of Chicago offers a 10-week paid summer research opportunity for high school students interested in applied, interdisciplinary data science research. You will be matched with mentors across various domains, including data science, computer science, climate and energy policy, and more. Mentors will guide you in research methodologies, practices, and teamwork. The program culminates with the presentation of final research findings through videos. These videos are presented in a professional conference format, providing an opportunity for interaction with peers and the chance to field questions on your project.
Location: University of Chicago Campus, IL
Cost: No cost; stipend provided ($4,800)
Application Deadline: January 16
Program Dates: June to August
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. 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.
The Young Scholars Research Program offers an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in data analytics from a biology or medical science perspective. In this program, you will collaborate with George Mason University faculty on team projects alongside fellow high school or undergraduate students. You will use R or Stata research methods, engage in data visualization using QGIS or ArcGIS, and explore network visualization using Gephi. Projects are assigned based on your preferences. You are expected to produce a final paper, which will be published on the Center for Biomedical Science and Policy website and in a special issue of their online journal.
Location: Virtual + George Mason University, NY (Note: There is a 1-week site lab research at multiple locations such as the National Science Foundation, The Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, and more)
Cost: The fees have not been mentioned (they have asked interested students to reach out to execed@gmu.edu for the free structure); need-based scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (open to the first 35 students)
Program Dates: 6 weeks, June-August (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Eligibility: Open to all high school students!
One other option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program for high school students, founded by researchers from Harvard and Oxford universities. This exclusive program offers a structured research experience, pairing participants with full-time researchers to develop independent projects in their chosen disciplines. With a competitive acceptance rate, last year saw over 4000 applicants vying for one of the 500 slots available.
For data science enthusiasts, there’s the unique opportunity to work with a PhD mentor in the field. If you aspire to immerse yourself in a comprehensive and selective research program, seize this chance to apply. Apply now through this application form.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Trisha Malhotra, an Ashoka University alumna, has 5 years of experience being a freelance writer and currently writes for Lumiere Education. She is passionate about music, reading, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as well as a devoted cat parent.
Image Source: NASA logo
