15 Technology Programs for Teens
- Stephen Turban
- 16 hours ago
- 12 min read
If you're interested in technology and thinking about studying it after high school, a technology program is a great place to start. Technology programs introduce students to areas such as computer science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, software development, and data science through structured learning and projects. These programs often go beyond what a school curriculum can cover. You might spend your time writing code, building robots, analyzing data, designing apps, or learning how emerging technologies are used to solve problems.
Why should I participate in a technology program as a teenager?
Technology programs help you explore different areas before choosing a college major or career path. Instead of focusing on just one field, they introduce you to a range of disciplines, making it easier to discover what interests you most. They also provide practical experience that can strengthen future college applications. Whether you're planning to study computer science, engineering, data science, or another STEM field, these programs allow you to build projects, develop technical skills, and gain exposure to university-level learning.
To help you get started, we've compiled a list of 15 technology programs for teens!
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span AI and machine learning, software engineering, data science, robotics, cybersecurity, computational research, and engineering design, so students with a range of technology interests can find a relevant option in person or online.
Several programs are free, including MITES Summer, CMU AI Scholars, Princeton AI4ALL, Stony Brook Simons Summer Research, Texas Tech Clark Scholars, Georgia Tech STEP, Georgia Tech SEI, Georgia Tech Summer Institute, and UChicago DSI Summer Lab (which also provides a stipend), making highly competitive technology experiences accessible without financial barriers.
Programs vary significantly in depth and format, from short exploratory workshops, such as Chemeketa CTE Exploration Week and Georgia Tech SEI (one week), to six-week research placements and intensive residential programs, such as MITES Summer, Clark Scholars, and Simons Summer Research, so students can choose based on their experience level and schedule.
Several programs produce tangible academic outputs, including Lumiere Research Scholar Program (independent research paper), Veritas AI (published AI project), Texas Tech Clark Scholars (research paper and presentation), and Simons Summer Research (research abstract and poster), which can directly strengthen college applications.
Application deadlines for the most selective programs fall early, including UChicago DSI Summer Lab (January 12), MITES Summer and CMU AI Scholars (February 1), Columbia SHAPE (March 2), and Georgia Tech STEP (March 1), so students should begin preparing materials in the fall.
Acceptance rate: Selective
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Location: NIST laboratory at Gaithersburg, MD, or Boulder, CO
Cost: None
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and U.S. citizenship
NIST’s Summer High School Intern Program places you in a federal research environment where technology, measurement science, and applied innovation intersect. You work with a NIST scientist or engineer on active projects that may involve advanced computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, materials science, or data analysis. As an intern, you may be involved in coding, software testing, computational modeling, or assisting with technical experiments. The program also includes seminars and training sessions that help you understand how research is designed and how technical standards are developed. By the end, you present your work through a formal poster presentation.
Acceptance rate: Selective
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application deadline: Rolling. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Microsoft’s offices in Atlanta, GA, or Redmond, WA
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Atlanta: July 6 – 31 | Redmond: July 13 - August 7
Application Deadline: Opens in early February; Rolling
Eligibility: Rising first-year students of a bachelor’s degree program (graduating high school seniors) who live around Redmond, Washington, or Atlanta, Georgia, who have an interest in technology; Must have completed pre-calculus or an equivalent course by the start of the program
The Microsoft Discovery Program introduces you to the range of careers that contribute to building technology products at a major company. Through hands-on learning, you explore foundational coding concepts in languages such as Python and JavaScript while also learning about software engineering, UX design, and product management. Team-based projects are a central part of the experience, helping you understand how technical ideas move from planning to design to execution. Mentorship from Microsoft employees gives you insight into workplace expectations, collaboration, and different pathways in tech. The program also includes professional development workshops.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Location: Most internships are conducted in Seattle, WA
Stipend: Scholarship of up to $40,000 ($10,000 per year)
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Opens in the fall
Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors with a 2.3+ GPA who demonstrate financial need; Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)
This technology program for teens by Amazon supports students interested in computer science or engineering by combining long-term academic support with exposure to real-world technology work. As part of the program pathway, you gain access to a paid internship experience where you may contribute to projects involving cloud computing, artificial intelligence, large-scale software systems, or retail technology. Working with Amazon teams helps you see how technical products are developed, tested, improved, and maintained across a major organization. Mentorship from engineers also gives you a closer look at problem-solving, product development, and collaboration in a fast-paced tech setting.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Varies depending on the placement
Stipend: Hourly wage of $11.50 per hour
Dates: July 6 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are U.S. residents
HighTech Bound gives you hands-on exposure to software, hardware, and network technologies in a professional lab setting. You work in teams on technical projects that may involve system testing, coding, FPGA design, protocol troubleshooting, or other tasks connected to real infrastructure. Mentors guide you through the work, helping you understand both the technical process and the reasoning behind different systems and standards. The program is a strong option if you are interested in how devices, networks, and communication technologies function behind the scenes. Alongside project work, site visits, and conversations with engineers can help you explore possible career paths in computer science, engineering, and information technology.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Coded by, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: $500/week
Dates: June 23 – August 15; June 9 – August 15
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current 10th-12th graders in Philadelphia
Coded by’s technology program for teens gives you practical experience in building technology-driven startup ideas from the ground up. You work with peers in small teams and choose a role connected to product management, software development, or UI/UX design. Throughout the program, mentors and industry professionals help you move from ideation to validation to prototype development. A major part of the experience is building a minimum viable product, which gives you a clearer understanding of how technical products are planned, designed, and presented. The program also covers workshops and site visits, helping you connect technical skills with entrepreneurship, collaboration, and real-world product thinking.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: America On Tech sites in New York, NY, Los Angeles, CA, Miami, FL, and Atlanta, GA (virtual + in-person sessions)
Stipend: $500
Dates: Two sessions per site in June–July (dates vary by site and session)
Application Deadline: Priority Deadline: May 3 | Final Deadline: May 24
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, ages 15 – 19, attending New York City (all boroughs), Los Angeles County, Miami-Dade/Broward County, or Atlanta high schools
America On Tech’s TECH360 introduces you to computer science and artificial intelligence through a mix of technical lessons, ethical discussions, and project-based learning. You work with tools such as HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap while exploring concepts in machine learning, predictive AI, and generative technology. The program also encourages you to think critically about how AI systems are built, how they affect users, and why issues like bias and responsible deployment matter. Through collaborative work, you apply these ideas to a website or AI-powered solution designed around a real problem. The final project component helps you practice both technical development and presentation skills in a formal setting.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Location: Menlo Park, CA
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 15 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores who are year-round residents of Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, East Palo Alto, or Redwood City and hold a minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA
Meta Summer Academy gives you early exposure to the operations of a major technology company while helping you build both technical and workplace skills. Through workshops, mentoring, and project-based activities, you explore areas such as coding, digital media, communication, and collaborative problem-solving. This technology program for teens also introduces you to different career paths within a large tech organization, showing how technical, creative, and business teams contribute to product and platform work. Sessions with Meta employees help you better understand day-to-day roles and professional expectations in the industry.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $2000
Dates: June 1–August 14
Application Deadline: Student App: Feb 20 | Recommendations: Feb 27
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors residing in New York
ARISE gives you a comprehensive introduction to university-level STEM research, with several pathways connected to technology and engineering. The program begins with training in research methods, lab safety, scientific writing, communication, and data analysis before you join an NYU research lab. Depending on your placement, you may work on projects involving robotics, machine learning, biomedical engineering, materials science, or computer and data science. Working with faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral mentors helps you understand how research questions are developed and tested in a lab setting. The program concludes with formal research presentations.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; national cohort of 40–50 students
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: None
Dates: June 20 – July 18
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors who are 16 or older and are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or registered with DACA
Carnegie Mellon’s AI Scholars program is designed for students who want a deeper introduction to artificial intelligence, computing, and the academic pathways connected to tech. Before the on-campus portion begins, you complete a virtual Python course that helps build the programming foundation needed for the main curriculum. During the program, you study core AI and computer science concepts through faculty-led instruction, collaborative activities, and exposure to research. Group projects allow you to apply AI ideas to practical problems, helping you move beyond theory into problem-solving. The technology program for teens also includes college readiness sessions, mentorship, and a final symposium where you present your work.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Fall: 16 weeks (late August/early September – mid-December); Spring: 16 weeks (mid-January – early May); Summer: 10 weeks (late May/early June – August)
Application Deadline: October 10 – January 10 (summer cohort)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens at least 16 years of age with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0
The AFRL Scholars Program places you in a government research setting where technology is used to address aerospace, defense, and advanced engineering challenges. As a participant, you may work alongside scientists and engineers on projects involving artificial intelligence, sensors, data science, satellite systems, atomic physics, or software development. Your specific responsibilities depend on your site and placement, but they can include running models, analyzing data, supporting experiments, or assisting with technical systems. Mentorship is built into the program, giving you insight into how researchers approach complex, high-stakes problems.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Location: Various Department of the Navy laboratories across the country
Stipend: $4000–$4500
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens and in grades 10-12 who are 16 years old by the start of the program
SEAP allows you to work on active STEM projects inside a U.S. Department of the Navy research laboratory. Depending on your lab assignment, your work may involve computer simulations, electronics testing, materials analysis, environmental monitoring, or other technology-related research tasks. You work under the supervision of professional scientists and engineers, which helps you gain a realistic understanding of technical research in a federal lab setting. The program also exposes you to how technology supports naval systems, engineering applications, and applied science projects.
Acceptance rate/cohort Size: Highly selective
Location: John Crerar Library at the University of Chicago, Hyde Park campus, IL
Cost: None
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Current high school seniors starting college in the fall and residing in Chicago; Applicants familiar with at least 1 programming language are preferred
The University of Chicago’s technology program for teens places you in an active research environment where data science is used to study real-world problems across computing, public health, social science, climate policy, and other fields. You work with a mentor and research team, gaining experience with analytical methods, coding, research workflows, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Professional development sessions, guest speakers, and cohort activities help you see the broader career landscape in computing and applied research. By the end, you communicate your work through a symposium-style presentation, strengthening both your technical and presentation skills.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Various companies across Boston, MA
Stipend: Minimum $15/hour
Dates: 6-7 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Boston Public School students
Boston Tech Apprenticeship places you in a paid workplace role where technology skills are connected to real business needs. Depending on your placement, your projects may involve programming, web design, helpdesk support, quality assurance, social media, or video production. The experience helps you understand how technical tasks function inside companies across different industries, not just within traditional tech firms. You may also participate in company tours, workshops, job-shadowing opportunities, or sessions with guest speakers, which can broaden your understanding of possible IT and computer science pathways.
Frequently asked questions
What technology programs are available for high school students?
Options include AI and machine learning programs, such as Veritas AI, CMU AI Scholars, Princeton AI4ALL, and Veritas AI, research-based programs, such as Lumiere, Clark Scholars, Simons Summer Research, and UChicago DSI Summer Lab, engineering and robotics programs, such as MITES Summer, Columbia SHAPE, and Georgia Tech STEP, coding and data science programs, such as UGA Code and Cognition, and introductory exploration programs, such as Georgia Tech Summer Institute and Chemeketa CTE Exploration Week.
Are there free technology programs for high school students?
Yes, MITES Summer, CMU AI Scholars, Princeton AI4ALL, Texas Tech Clark Scholars, Stony Brook Simons Summer Research, UChicago DSI Summer Lab (which includes a stipend), Georgia Tech STEP, Georgia Tech SEI, and Georgia Tech Summer Institute are all free to attend.
Which technology programs are best for students interested in AI and machine learning?
CMU AI Scholars, Princeton AI4ALL, Veritas AI, UChicago DSI Summer Lab, and UGA Code and Cognition all focus specifically on AI and machine learning, while MITES Summer and Lumiere Research Scholar Program also allow students to pursue AI-related projects through their broader STEM curricula.
Which programs are open to students outside the United States?
Lumiere Research Scholar Program and Veritas AI are fully virtual and open to students anywhere in the world, while Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes and Columbia SHAPE also accept international applicants.
Which technology programs lead to research papers or publications?
Lumiere Research Scholar Program guides students through producing an independent research paper with a PhD mentor, Veritas AI supports students in publishing AI projects through an in-house publication team, Texas Tech Clark Scholars concludes with a formal research paper and presentation, and Stony Brook Simons Summer Research produces a research abstract and poster.
When should I apply to technology programs for high school students?
UChicago DSI Summer Lab closes January 12, MITES Summer and CMU AI Scholars close February 1, Georgia Tech STEP closes March 1, Columbia SHAPE closes March 2, and MIT Beaver Works closes March 30, so students should begin researching options in the fall and preparing materials over winter break.
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 in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.