10 Online Machine Learning Summer Programs for High School Students

If you're a high school student interested in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), online summer programs can be an excellent way to delve into these fields without the high costs of in-person options. These programs provide exposure to college-level coursework, hands-on projects, and networking opportunities, making them a worthwhile experience. You can work on practical applications of AI, collaborate with mentors, and develop technical skills like Python programming, neural networks, and data analysis, all while enjoying the flexibility of remote learning.

To assist you in finding the most selective and prestigious online machine learning summer programs, we’ve curated a list of ten options. This selection focuses on factors such as program rigor, acceptance rates, funding availability, and networking opportunities, as well as affiliations with reputable organizations. The programs on this list are either fully funded or highly selective, ensuring you receive a quality experience.

1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Fully remote, available to students worldwide.

Application Deadlines: Varies by cohort – Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November).

Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year – Spring (March - June), Summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February).

Eligibility: Open to high school students demonstrating strong academic performance (typically a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3). No prior knowledge in the chosen field of study is required.

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a research opportunity designed for high school students looking to gain hands-on experience in academic research. The program offers one-on-one mentorship with Ph.D. mentors, allowing you to work independently on a project within your chosen subject area.

Throughout the 12-week program, you will participate in rigorous research. By the end of the program you will produce a polished independent research paper. Areas of study include psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.

2. Veritas AI

Location: Fully virtual.

Application Deadlines: Rolling basis – Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November).

Program Dates: 12-15 week cohorts available in spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Eligibility: Open to high school students worldwide. AI Fellowship applicants should have prior AI knowledge, either by completing the AI Scholars program or through experience with AI concepts or Python.

Veritas AI, founded and led by Harvard graduate students, offers specialized AI programs for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science.

The AI Scholars Program is a 10-session boot camp designed for beginners, covering fundamental AI and data science concepts through hands-on projects.

If you are seeking more advanced experience, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase provides one-on-one mentorship from top university researchers. You can work on an individual AI-driven project and have access to Veritas AI’s in-house publication team to assist with research journal submissions.

3. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) - Summer Research Internship

Location: Virtual.

Cost: $850 + $40 application fee.

Application Deadline: February 28.

Program Dates: June 16 - 27.

Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 14 and older. Student leads must be California residents, while student interns must reside in the U.S. Undergraduate students with a background in computer science can apply for student lead positions.

The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week program for 20 high school students interested in AI applications in medicine. You will engage with expert-led lectures, collaborate on research projects, and receive one-on-one mentorship from Stanford AI research engineers. The program also includes Virtual Career Lunch and Learns with guest speakers from academia, nonprofits, and government sectors, providing insights into various career paths. Although it does not offer academic credit, you will receive a certificate of completion at the end. 

4. Summer Research Program – Columbia University

Location: Virtual.

Cost/Stipend: To be announced.

Application Deadline: To be announced.

Program Dates: 5 weeks during the summer (exact dates TBA).

Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in data science.

The Summer Research Program at Columbia University offers high school students a hands-on opportunity to develop essential technical skills in data science. You will progress from a beginner to a proficient researcher by focusing on data analysis and visualization, web scraping and data cleaning, programming in R, research protocols, project development, and effective oral presentation techniques. Working as research assistants under the guidance of Columbia professors and Ph.D. candidates, you will contribute to ongoing research projects. Additionally, you will create your own research project and presentation, enhancing your college applications. This selective program is well-suited for students seeking practical research experience in data science. 

5. ASPIRE – Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Location: Virtual or in-person at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD.

Cost: Free for all accepted participants.

Application Deadline: February 15.

Program Dates: June 24 – August 21.

Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors (ages 15+) with a minimum GPA of 2.8. Applicants must be permanent residents of the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area.

The ASPIRE Program at Johns Hopkins University provides high school juniors and seniors with hands-on experience in STEM fields before they choose a college major. You will collaborate with lab staff on real-world research projects, developing technical and problem-solving skills while exploring various career pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Most of the work is completed online, though some in-person activities, such as onboarding and equipment setup, are required. Students can select a primary area of interest, with project opportunities available in computer science, engineering, information technology, cybersecurity, and mathematics and data analysis. This program offers a competitive and practical experience in STEM research, serving as a valuable stepping stone for students pursuing STEM-related careers. The program has an acceptance rate of 15-20%!

6. Stanford AI4ALL

Location: Online.

Cost: $4,000.

Application Deadline: January 24.

Program Dates: June 18 – July 2.

Eligibility: Open to rising 10th graders (must be at least 14 years old by the program start date); preference given to students with strong math or computer science skills.

Stanford AI4ALL is a two-week immersive program aimed at increasing diversity and accessibility in artificial intelligence. You will be introduced to key AI topics such as robotics, computer vision, medical AI, and natural language processing through hands-on research projects, expert mentorship, and interactive learning experiences. Mentorship from professionals at the Stanford AI Lab provides you with first-hand exposure to AI research and its societal impact. The program also features career development workshops, helping you build a strong foundation for future academic and professional opportunities in AI.

7. AI4ALL Open Learning

Location: Virtual.

Cost: Free.

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions.

Program Dates: Self-paced (typically completed in 3-6 months).

Eligibility: Open to all high school students worldwide.

The AI4ALL Open Learning Program is a self-paced, project-based initiative aimed at introducing high school students, particularly those from underrepresented groups, to artificial intelligence and its societal impact. The curriculum aligns with NGSS Engineering, ISTE, Common Core ELA/Literacy, and CSTA standards, providing a solid foundation in AI concepts. You will engage in real-world AI projects, exploring both the technical and ethical dimensions of AI while learning how it can address social challenges. This flexible and accessible learning experience is well-suited for students who want to gain AI knowledge at their own pace, without the constraints of application deadlines or program costs.

8. MIT’s Day of AI

Location: Virtual.

Cost: Free.

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions.

Program Dates: May 13.

Eligibility: Open to all K-12 students.

Organized by MIT’s Media Lab, the Day of AI is a free annual program designed to introduce K-12 students to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence. The program explores key AI concepts, including its benefits, risks, and real-world applications, through an interactive curriculum. For high school students, the "High School CS" track offers a more technical experience, making it suitable for those with prior coding knowledge. This track covers block-based programming, Python, data visualization, image classification, and data activism. As a low-pressure and accessible learning opportunity, the Day of AI provides a practical introduction to AI, serving as a strong starting point for those interested in the field.

9. NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute (DLI)

Location: Virtual.

Cost: $195 for virtual programs.

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions.

Program Dates: Self-paced.

Eligibility: Open to all.

The NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute (DLI) offers self-paced courses aimed at making AI, deep learning, and accelerated computing accessible to learners of all levels. The program covers both fundamental and applied AI concepts, including image classification, natural language processing, and autonomous machines. You will gain hands-on experience through interactive labs that utilize NVIDIA’s advanced GPU technology, allowing you to build and experiment with AI models in real-world scenarios. Upon completing courses and demonstrating mastery of the subjects, you can earn certifications to showcase your expertise. With its flexible format and cutting-edge curriculum, NVIDIA DLI is a solid option for students interested in deep learning and AI-driven technologies.

10. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program

Location: Virtual.

Cost: Free; $300 need-based stipends available for eligible students.

Application Deadline: April 11.

Program Dates: Round 1: July 7 - July 18; Round 2: July 28 - August 8.

Eligibility: Open to female and non-binary high school students in grades 9-11.

The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is a two-week intensive experience aimed at closing the gender gap in technology by introducing female and non-binary students to computer science and game design. You will explore UI/UX design, web development, and intermediate coding concepts while working on hands-on projects in a collaborative virtual classroom. Sponsored by major tech companies like MetLife and Logitech, the program provides mentorship from industry professionals, networking opportunities, and a supportive learning environment. This program offers valuable exposure to STEM careers and fosters a diverse and inclusive community for students passionate about technology.

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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