9 Best AI Research Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 4 hours ago
- 5 min read
Middle school students interested in artificial research can choose from a range of programs in the field. As a growing industry, there is scope for AI research. So, many programs are available that allow you to learn and conduct research in AI.
Conducting research during middle school is a solid way for you to gain specialized knowledge and practical skills. It also sets you up for college education and helps you stand out from the crowd. We have compiled a list of programs that help you delve into AI.
9 Best AI Research Programs for Middle School Students
Location:Â Virtual
Cost:Â Varies, financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size:Â Highly selective
Dates:Â 8 to 16 weeks, varies by cohort
Application Deadline:Â Varies by cohort
Eligibility:Â Students in grades 6 to 8
Middle schoolers looking to pursue research can opt for Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program. The program pairs you with PhD mentors from prestigious universities, such as Harvard, Oxford, MIT, and Princeton. These mentors guide you throughout the research process whereby you will learn to read and interpret academic literature, build research questions, and create outputs such as a high school-level research paper or case study. Individualized feedback helps you progress toward your goals, and writing-coach sessions develop your scientific communication skills. Lumiere also offers a Junior Research and Publication Program if you wish to publish your research in academic journals.
Location:Â Online
Cost:Â From $2,699
Acceptance rate/cohort size:Â Cohorts of 6 students
Dates:Â July 14 to August 1
Application Deadline:Â Rolling basis
Eligibility:Â Students aged 12 to 18 who have basic knowledge of Python
Berkeley’s data science program emphasizes AI. It teaches you Python and data analysis through interactive lectures. You maintain a coding notebook that remains with you even after the program for reference. During the program, you will visualize data, build machine learning models, and develop AI applications, thereby accumulating practical skills. In small cohorts of 6 students, you will interact with peers and conduct original research while receiving personalized support. By the end, you will have a portfolio as well as a certificate of completion.
Location:Â Virtual
Cost:Â Varies, financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size:Â Not specified
Dates:Â 25 hours over 10 weeks on weekends during spring, 25 hours over 2 weeks on weekdays during summer
Application Deadline:Â Rolling deadlines
Eligibility:Â Students in grades 6 to 8
Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers program is a foundational program for middle schoolers interested in technology. You can expect to learn the basics of AI and machine learning. Over 25 hours of programming, you will discover topics like Python, data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. Thereafter, you apply your learnings to a practical project. In this component, you are required to apply technology to solve a real-world challenge in any field of your choice. Past students have built a machine-learning model to classify music genres and a machine-learning algorithm to provide a custom list of educational resources based on selected specifications.
Location:Â Virtual
Cost/Stipend:Â None
Acceptance rate/cohort size:Â Not specified
Dates:Â National showcase runs from July 17 to July 19
Application Deadline:Â Submission window opens in February
Eligibility:Â All students
Responsible AI for America’s Youth is a free program for you to explore AI and discover its applications. With online lessons designed according to your grade, you can study at your pace. The curriculum also includes videos, guides, and other resources. You can participate in the America's Youth AI Festival. The festival looks at how AI creates an impact in diverse fields, including art, civics, sports, health, and climate. This program is a way for you to not only gain a theoretical understanding of AI but also become a responsible user.
Location:Â Cornell University
Cost/Stipend:Â To be announced
Acceptance rate/cohort size:Â Not specified
Dates:Â July 12 to July 31
Application Deadline:Â March 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 8 who meet the gifted student criteria as specified here.
This hands-on program introduces you to the use of AI for social good. You will learn Python programming and its application in AI. Some of the featured projects are sketch recognition and disaster relief using AI. Through these projects and activities, you gain an understanding of how computers use data to solve complex problems. By the end of the program, you will develop practical skills in problem-solving, coding, and creative thinking.
Location:Â Online or in person in various locations
Cost/Stipend:Â None
Acceptance rate/cohort size:Â Not specified
Dates:Â Self paced
Application Deadline:Â Open enrollment
Eligibility:Â Varies by course
Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience with AI, AI for Good offers several programs in the field. These programs are designed by different organizations and delve into either specific AI topics or take a broad approach. You can choose from online or in-person options. Some programs also provide a certificate upon completion. Thus, this is a flexible program that you can personalize as per your level and objectives.
Location:Â Online or in-person
Cost/Stipend:Â None
Acceptance rate/cohort size:Â Not specified
Dates:Â Vary by club
Application Deadline:Â None, registration required
Eligibility:Â Students who identify as females in grades 3 to 12
These clubs are free to join for students. They enable you to learn coding and computer science in a supportive environment. The schedules are decided by the club members, so you can start a club that focuses on AI. As part of the program, you will build projects that use industry tools and solve real-world challenges. The curriculum offered by the program includes web development, cybersecurity, game design, and artificial intelligence (AI).Â
Location:Â Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost:Â 499 dollars per week, scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size:Â Not specified
Dates:Â July 14 to 18, tentative
Application Deadline:Â First come, first serve
Eligibility:Â Students in grades 6 to 8
Computer engineering is the basis of AI. This week-long program by Rice University introduces you to computer engineering concepts. You will learn about Arduino, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programming, and rapid prototyping. Through hands-on activities, you explore the real-world applications of STEM topics. You use robotics and microelectronics to create prototypes to take back home. Manufacturing techniques are taught with an emphasis on rapid prototyping and 3d printing.
Location:Â UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Cost:Â 1,550 dollars, financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size:Â Selective
Dates:Â June 22 to 26 for session 2, July 6 to 10 for session 3, July 20 to 24 for session 5, July 27 to 31
Application Deadline:Â Varies by session
Eligibility:Â Students entering grades 7 to 9
This program blends engineering and design because each is an inseparable part of the other. You will complete hands-on engineering challenges and build projects that solve real-world problems. A fundamental understanding of engineering and problem-solving abilities are crucial to build a career in AI. You learn the engineering process of testing and improving upon ideas. Professional engineers also speak to you about their career trajectory and experience.Â
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.
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