15 Data Science (DS) Summer Programs for Middle School Students

Exploring data science summer programs for middle school students can be a smart way to get early exposure to a field that's only becoming more important. These programs often combine academic challenges with practical skills like coding, critical thinking, and data interpretation. For students not yet in high school, summer programs also offer an affordable way to explore interests before committing to more intensive or costly experiences later on. Many options emphasize hands-on projects, industry exposure, and collaboration, helping students connect with peers and mentors who share similar interests. Plus, some of these programs open doors to prestigious institutions and organizations, providing a first glimpse into real-world data science careers.

If you're a middle schooler intrigued by how data shapes the world around us, attending a summer program could be a valuable next step. To help you find the right fit, we've pulled together a list of 15 of the top data science summer programs for middle school students. This list includes programs that are known for being academically rigorous, providing mentorship and networking opportunities, offering full or partial funding, or being hosted by respected organizations.

15 Data Science (DS) Summer Programs for Middle School Students

1. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program – Data Science Tracks

Location: Remote

Program Dates: Multiple cohorts available each year, deadlines vary accordingly

Application Deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8

Cost: $2,400 (financial aid available)

The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an online, 1-on-1 research mentorship program designed for students in grades 6–8. Participants are paired with Ph.D. mentors from institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Oxford to explore academic topics through structured research projects.

Over an 8-week timeline, students first explore broad areas of interest, then dive deeper into a specific topic to create a research project. Students can choose from tracks including AI, Engineering, Psychology, and, of course, Data Science. The program offers mentorship, skill development in academic writing and critical thinking, and exposure to real-world research methodologies.

2. Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 300 participants selected from 700+ applications

Program Dates: Multiple cohorts available each year, deadlines vary accordingly

Application Deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8; no prior coding experience required

Cost: $1,990 (financial aid available)

Veritas AI's AI Trailblazers program introduces middle school students to the exciting world of artificial intelligence. With the current buzz and excitement regarding ChatGPT and other natural language models, this program is suited to meet modern needs and help students like you to build skills in this field from a young age.

With 100% financial aid available, this program is accessible for all admitted students. The curriculum involves AI fundamentals, ML, and data science. You will develop your fundamentals in hands-on projects, such as building simple AI models and exploring real-world AI applications. A strong point in the program is the collaborative environment, which promotes teamwork and creativity, and you’ll be able to present your work in a final showcase with your peers.

3. MehtA+ Machine Learning Bootcamp

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; group sizes vary

Dates: June 23–August 1

Application Deadline: June 11 or until filled

Eligibility: Students entering grades 8–12 (ages 13–18)

Cost: $1,990 (need-based scholarships up to $1,000 available)

The MehtA+ Machine Learning Bootcamp is a six-week virtual summer program designed for students in grades 8–12 who want to explore the intersection of computer science, data science, and artificial intelligence. You’ll start by learning core data science concepts including data preprocessing, statistical modeling, and data visualization using Python and its scientific libraries such as Pandas, Scikit-learn, and Matplotlib. Then, you’ll apply this foundation to build machine learning models and conduct full-scale interdisciplinary research projects. These projects, which are often connected to fields like medicine, linguistics, or economics, require students to work with real datasets, draw analytical insights, and develop predictive models. 

With a strong emphasis on applied data science, you’ll learn how to approach problems methodically, manage data pipelines, and communicate findings in the form of research papers and technical posters. The program ends with a virtual conference where students present their work to university faculty and STEM professionals. No prior experience is required, but students are expected to fully commit to the research-based and data-driven curriculum.

4. UCSD’s Sally Ride Science Academy: Introduction to Python Programming and Machine Learning

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment

Dates: Session dates vary; contact program for specific upcoming sessions

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Eligibility: Students currently in grades 6–8

Cost: TBD

Offered through UC San Diego’s Sally Ride Science Academy, Introduction to Python Programming and Machine Learning is a live online course designed for middle school students interested in coding, data science, and artificial intelligence. The course introduces core programming concepts such as math operations, conditional statements, loops, and functions using Python. Students gain practical experience by creating an image classifier model through Google’s Teachable Machine and learn how to integrate it into a web-based framework. In addition, participants apply their models on Raspberry Pi devices, gaining exposure to hardware integration and testing. 

The course emphasizes the rapid growth of machine learning in fields like robotics, self-driving cars, personal assistants, and data analysis. You engage with both theory and hands-on projects, helping them understand how algorithms and large datasets work together to power AI technologies. The program is intended to build foundational programming skills while introducing real-world applications of machine learning in an accessible format.

5. Brown University’s STEM for Rising 9th and 10th Graders

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; most 2025 waitlists are full

Dates: July 13–July 25

Application Deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: Students completing grades 8 or 9, ages 13 to 15 by June 15

Cost: $5,788

Brown University's STEM for Rising 9th and 10th Graders program offers middle school graduates a two-week academic experience focused on hands-on research, experiments, and design challenges across the STEM fields. Students select a specialized course that blends lectures, lab or field work, and a research project or design focus. Throughout the program, you will collaborate closely with peers, engage in afternoon academic sessions, and receive mentorship from Brown graduate students. The experience emphasizes independent learning without formal grades, culminating in a final presentation to showcase students' work. You will also experience residential life on Brown’s campus and benefit from structured support from Resident Assistants and staff. A digital certificate and course performance report are awarded upon successful completion. 

6. Lawrence Hall of Science Summer Teen Research Program – Coding and Engineering Nano-Satellites for Space Exploration

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment

Dates: June 23–June 27; July 7–July 11; July 21–July 25

Application Deadline: Rolling until full

Eligibility: Students entering grades 7–9

Cost: $1,465 (day program); $2,720 with residential add-on for June session

Hosted by UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science, Coding and Engineering Nano-Satellites for Space Exploration is a hands-on summer research experience for teens entering grades 7–9. You can learn block-based coding and engineering principles as they design and program their own model satellites for deep space exploration. Teens with prior coding experience can work in Python or JavaScript for advanced challenges. 

The program emphasizes iterative design, problem-solving, and deepening knowledge of both computer programming and astronomy. You’ll also experience lab tours, meet guest speakers, and join STEM career exploration through daily College Pathways programming. Projects are showcased in a final presentation for families, and you’ll receive a certificate of completion. 

7. CDC National Center for Health Statistics’ Data Detectives Camp

Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 30–36 students per session, highly selective

Dates: July 7–July 11 (Atlanta); August 4–August 8 (College Park)

Application Deadline: April 11

Eligibility: Students entering 6th or 7th grade in the upcoming school year

Cost: Free

The Data Detectives Camp hosted by CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is a free, week-long day camp aimed at students entering 6th and 7th grades who want to develop skills in statistics and data science. You’ll be able to participate in hands-on activities focused on asking research questions, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting your findings. The program builds critical thinking, teamwork, and STEM confidence by exposing students to real-world data science challenges. You’ll also learn directly from NCHS scientists and professionals from other federal agencies, universities, and science organizations. Each session accepts about 30–36 students from a highly competitive pool of applicants. After this program, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of data science and its role in solving public health and societal issues.

8. Ohio State University’s Data Science Summer Camp

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; priority for Ohio residents

Dates: July 7–July 11

Application Deadline: March 30

Eligibility: Students entering grades 7–9 in the fall; must attend school in Ohio

Cost: Free

Hosted by the Translational Data Analytics Institute at Ohio State University, the Data Science Summer Camp is a free, week-long program for students entering grades 7–9. You’ll work in teams with mentors to build analytical thinking and problem-solving skills while exploring real-world applications of data science across industries like healthcare, city planning, and education. Each day features lessons from data science professionals, hands-on projects, and Q&A sessions with college students studying STEM fields. The camp is designed to introduce middle school students to the field of data analytics in an accessible and supportive environment. You’ll get to finish the program with a deeper understanding of how data drives decision-making and future career opportunities. Preference is given to Ohio students, especially those from Columbus City Schools.

9. South Dakota State University Data Science Camp

Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 students

Dates: June 23–June 26

Application Deadline: June 4

Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 

Cost: Free

South Dakota State University’s Data Science Camp is a free, four-day residential program for students entering grades 9–12, designed to introduce basic statistics, R programming, and hands-on data analysis projects. You’ll learn foundational skills in data science by working with real-world datasets, developing projects on topics like COVID-19 trends, crime data, and video game sales. The camp includes activities like analyzing claims with statistics, using artificial intelligence for basic programming tasks, and creating interactive web apps. Campers also participate in campus activities such as climbing at the wellness center and exploring SDSU’s facilities. The program aims to make data science accessible and engaging, while offering a glimpse into campus life and potential STEM careers. On the last day, you’ll showcase your final projects during a presentation session for peers and instructors.

10. NASA’s Collaborative Interactive Data Science Academy

Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 students selected by teacher nomination

Dates: June 16–June 20

Application Deadline: Nominations required; timeline not specified

Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12

Cost: Free (includes room, board, and materials)

The Collaborative Interactive Data Science Academy is a free, week-long residential summer program designed for high school students interested in data science, robotics, and NASA research. Hosted by Meharry Medical College and Fisk University, the program introduces participants to coding, geospatial data, and the use of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality to control robotic systems. In fact, you’ll engage in real-world simulations inspired by NASA missions, program robots to complete navigation challenges, and meet scientists and professionals working in aerospace and data fields. The academy combines technical skill-building with inspiring talks from figures like Dr. Sian Proctor, the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft. You’ll be able to live in college dorms at Fisk University, gaining an early experience of residential college life while participating in astronomical observations and hands-on labs.

11. Berkeley Coding Academy’s Data Science to AI 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; average cohort size is 6 students

Dates: July 14–August 1

Application Deadline: Rolling until filled

Eligibility: Students ages 12–18; cohorts grouped by age and coding background

Cost: $2,975

Data Science: The AI Journey by Berkeley Coding Academy is a three-week online summer program that trains middle and high school students in Python programming, data science, and machine learning. You’ll work through interactive lectures and small cohort groups to build coding notebooks, create data visualizations, and develop machine learning models using libraries like Pandas, Matplotlib, Seaborn, Sklearn, and Keras. You’ll also complete an independent AI project that can be used for college or internship applications. 

The program emphasizes live instruction, personalized 1-on-1 support, collaborative coding sessions, and strong portfolio development. You’ll receive lifetime access to curriculum materials, including coding videos, problem sets, and lecture notes. When you complete the program, you’ll earn a Data Science Scholar Certificate, highlighting your technical skills and project achievements.

12. The Harker’s School’s Summer Institute Middle School – Introduction to Data Science

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment

Dates: June 16–June 27 or June 30–July 11

Application Deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–8; laptop required

Cost: $825 (June session) | $745 (July session)

The Introduction to Data Science course at The Harker School’s Summer Institute for Middle School offers students in grades 6–8 the chance to develop critical data analysis and coding skills. Over two weeks, you’ll learn to ask meaningful questions about real-world issues, collect and organize data, and visualize your findings using the Pyret programming platform. The curriculum covers essentials like building tables, understanding the data cycle, and using probability and inference, leading to student-designed data exploration projects. The course emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, making it ideal for students curious about how data informs everything from sports to business to climate science. Final presentations allow you to showcase your findings, boosting confidence and practical communication skills. No prior coding experience is needed, though students must bring a laptop to participate fully.

13. University of New Hampshire’s TechSplorers

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; early application encouraged

Dates: July 7–July 11 (Session A); July 14–July 18 (Session B)

Application Deadline: May 1 or until filled

Eligibility: Students entering grades 5–8

Cost: $700 (financial aid available)

Part of UNH’s broader Tech Camp offerings, TechSplorers is a week-long, hands-on STEM program for students entering grades 5–8. Each day introduces you to a new STEM topic, which may include coding, forensic science, circuit building, freshwater ecology, kitchen chemistry, and more. 

The program is structured around dynamic, exploratory activities designed to build problem-solving skills, creativity, and STEM literacy, with no prior experience required. You’ll engage in collaborative projects and interactive experiments, with an emphasis on making STEM accessible and fun. TechSplorers is part of a larger mission at UNH to broaden access to science and technology education across diverse student populations. Scholarships are available for those with demonstrated financial need, and both sessions focus on offering an inclusive environment for students at all levels.

14. MST@MSU: Mathematics, Science, and Technology at Michigan State University

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; rolling admissions

Dates: June 23–June 27 | July 7–July 11

Application Deadline: May 9

Eligibility: Students currently in grades 7–8; requires test scores, teacher recommendation, and essay

Cost: $1,300 (commuter) | $1,775 (residential)

MST@MSU is a one-week commuter or residential summer program at Michigan State University for academically talented students currently in grades 7 or 8. The program allows you to engage in three intensive STEM classes daily, with options covering topics like drone missions, lasers and optics, number theory, nuclear astrophysics, game AI strategy, and web-based game design. Each track is designed to offer enrichment and exploration beyond the standard school curriculum, without accelerating grade-level coursework. You work collaboratively, apply STEM tools to real-world problems, and experience interdisciplinary learning in a college environment. 

Admission is based on academic performance, standardized test scores or IQ test results, teacher recommendation, and a student essay. MST@MSU provides students with early exposure to rigorous STEM fields while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and research skills.

15. UCLA’s Applied Data Science with Python

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment for qualified students (gifted criteria apply)

Dates: June 29–July 18

Application Deadline: Rolling until full

Eligibility: Students currently in grades 6–8; must meet gifted program standards

Cost: $6,299

The Applied Data Science with Python course at UCLA, offered through Summer Discovery’s Gifted Programs, is a three-week academic experience for middle school students interested in coding and data science. You’ll learn the basics of programming, including binary computation, algorithms, object-oriented design, and the use of data types, while building real-world applications using Python. 

The course also introduces students to data visualization, machine learning concepts, and interdisciplinary applications across fields like business, technology, and public policy. Emphasis is placed on hands-on coding, project-based learning, and the development of a professional portfolio. Students complete the program with a Course Completion Certificate and a Letter of Recognition. 

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD 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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