10 Best AI Programs for High School Students
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is more than just a buzzword. It's a rapidly evolving field that's changing the way we live, work, and interact with technology. From self-driving cars and virtual personal assistants to medical diagnostics and financial analysis, AI is at the heart of countless innovations. And for high school students with a thirst for knowledge and a curiosity about the future, it's an exciting field to explore.
But where do you begin your journey into the world of AI as a high school student? With so many programs and opportunities available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right path. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide, highlighting 10 exceptional AI programs designed specifically for high school students. Whether you're a coding enthusiast, an ethics-minded student, or just someone eager to explore the possibilities of AI, there's a program here for you.
In the following sections, we'll delve into each program, providing detailed descriptions and insights to help you make an informed decision about which AI program aligns best with your interests and aspirations. So, if you're ready to embark on an exciting AI adventure and shape the future, read on to discover the perfect program for you.
Why Study AI as a High School Student?
You might be wondering why you should study AI in high school. Well, whether you're passionate about computer science or not, learning AI can equip you with valuable skills and demonstrate your enthusiasm for modern tools. Moreover, working on real-life AI projects can enhance your college application and set you apart from other candidates. Even if you're not planning to pursue computer science, understanding AI provides you with insights into how our world operates and equips you with the fundamentals of using data - all highly valuable for the college application process! Now, let's explore these 10 AI programs tailored for high school students.
Top 10 AI Programs for High School Students
1. Inspirit AI Scholars Program
Location: Virtual
Fee/Stipend: Fee - $1100 (all inclusive)
Application Deadline: Rolling (applications for the Winter Cohort close on December 11, 2023)
Program Dates: Rolling; sessions available year-round
Program Selectivity: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Ambitious and driven high school students; no previous experience required
The Inspirit AI Scholars Program is an intensive two-week project-based learning experience in computer science and artificial intelligence. Students will begin by learning the fundamentals of computer programming in Python before applying concepts of artificial intelligence to their topic of choice in small group projects. Previous project subjects have included COVID-19 genomics, criminal justice, autonomous driving, mental health, and algorithmic training. Additionally, many students who have participated in the AI+X Individual Research Mentorship have gone on to win prestigious awards at various science fair competitions!
The AI Scholars Program at InspiritAI is a unique offering that empowers high school students around the world to apply artificial intelligence and computer science to their work across disciplines. The program emphasizes project-based learning and encourages high schoolers to seize on their interests and conduct socially-impactful research in their field of choice. Previous students have covered topics ranging from software and electrical engineering to transportation and civil engineering.
Program instructors hail from premier universities such as Stanford, Harvard, and MIT and are available as mentors to participating students. By interacting with their instructors as well as peers of similar interests, high school students develop an understanding of how to make an impact in their field of choice using powerful tools such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
2. Stanford AI4ALL
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,000 (Financial aid available)
Application Deadline: To be announced for 2024
Program Dates: Tentatively June 25, 2024 - July 13, 2024 (based on last year’s schedule)
Eligibility: Open to current 9th-grade students who are eager to explore the world of AI and increase diversity in the field.
If you're looking for a deep dive into AI, the Stanford AI4ALL program is a top choice. Co-organized by the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI), this 3-week program, with a curriculum developed by AI4ALL, offers a profound understanding of AI. It's designed to increase diversity in the AI field, making it a great choice for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
In this program, you'll immerse yourself in AI research, explore AI ethics, and work on hands-on projects that challenge your problem-solving skills. One unique aspect of Stanford AI4ALL is its strong emphasis on increasing diversity in the AI field, so if you're from an underrepresented background, you're strongly encouraged to apply. The program provides a supportive and inclusive environment where you can develop AI expertise and make valuable connections in the AI community.
3. Harvard’s College Program
Location: Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) and online option for the Secondary School Program.
Fee/Stipend: Fee - $5,550 (pre-college program), $3,900–$14,250 (secondary school program, depending on the number of courses selected)
Application Deadline: February 14, 2024
Program Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August 2024
Eligibility: Students expected to graduate from high school in 2025 or 2026
Harvard's College Program offers a course on Mathematical Elements of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, recommended for AI enthusiasts. In this program, students delve into the mathematical aspects of modern data science algorithms and gain practical experience in Python. The program provides an understanding of how logic and mathematics are applied to teach computers to perform tasks and improve continuously, making it a solid foundation for AI exploration.
In this program, you'll have the opportunity to work with Harvard faculty, gaining insights into the latest AI developments. The Mathematical Elements of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence course covers essential mathematical concepts and their application in AI and data science. This includes single-variable calculus, three-dimensional geometry, elementary statistics, and coding in Python. By participating in this program, you'll not only acquire valuable AI knowledge but also earn university credit for your academic achievements.
4. Beaver Works Summer Institute, MIT
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024
Program Dates: July 8, 2023 - August 4, 2023
Eligibility: High school students with a demonstrated aptitude for STEM.
The Beaver Works Summer Institute offers project-based courses, including "Serious Games and Artificial Intelligence," which focuses on applying modern methods in machine learning and game-like modeling. Students explore applications of AI to socially relevant technology and policy questions. This program provides students with a unique opportunity to learn about AI through hands-on projects and real-world problem-solving.
In this program, you'll have the chance to work with MIT faculty and researchers, gaining insights into cutting-edge AI developments. The "Serious Games and Artificial Intelligence" course challenges students to apply modern machine learning methods to analyze socially relevant technology and policy questions. For example, you'll work on a project like tactical routing for self-driving ambulances, where you'll build an analysis framework in Python to study the technical, moral, and strategic opportunities presented by new technologies in that application. This program equips you with practical AI skills and offers a deep dive into the world of AI research.
5. RAISE at MIT
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by course
Application Deadline: Varies by course
Program Dates: Vary by course
Eligibility: High school students for select programs, with some programs open to middle school students.
Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education (RAISE) offers tutorials and apps to help students expand their AI knowledge. Students can explore topics like robotics, Arduino programming, and image classification. RAISE focuses on ethical AI and anti-bias perspectives, preparing students for a future in AI with a strong ethical foundation. The self-learning aspect of RAISE makes it a flexible option for high school students.
In this program, you'll have the opportunity to work on projects that apply AI in real-world contexts. One example is the "Doodle Bot," a robot-based Creative AI learning platform designed for high school students. It introduces you to robotics, hardware, Arduino programming, and machine learning. You'll gain hands-on experience in these areas and apply your knowledge to real-world challenges. Another exciting opportunity through RAISE is the "Personal Image Classifier: PICaboo" tutorial, where you'll learn about the role of AI and machine learning in image classification. This hands-on experience will teach you how to create a "Peekaboo" game using your own Personal Image Classification (PIC) model. By participating in RAISE, you'll gain practical AI skills and develop a strong ethical foundation for your future AI endeavors.
6. NYU’s Summer Program on Machine Learning
Location: New York University (New York City, NY)
Cost: $4000 (+additional fees for housing/meal plan)
Application Deadline: Opens December 15, 2023
Program Dates: Sessions run from June 10 - August 9
Eligibility: High school students aged at least 15, with some programming experience.
NYU's summer program focuses on core machine learning principles, providing students with insights into how logic and mathematics are applied to teach computers to perform tasks. With a focus on developing an understanding of machine learning, students gain valuable experience in cross-validation, linear regression, and neural networks, which are foundational concepts in AI.
In this program, you'll work with NYU faculty and researchers to dive deep into machine learning principles. You'll explore core concepts like model development through cross-validation, linear regressions, and neural networks. The program is designed to help you understand how logic and mathematics are applied to teach a computer to perform specific tasks and improve continuously. You'll work on projects that challenge your problem-solving skills and develop your AI expertise. The program is ideal for high school students eager to delve into machine learning and gain a strong foundation in AI principles
7. Pre-College AI Scholars at Carnegie Mellon University
Location: Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
Fee/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Program Dates: June 22, 2024 - July 20, 2024
Eligibility: Applicants must be rising high school juniors.
Carnegie Mellon's AI Scholars program combines project-based learning, lectures on computing and artificial intelligence, and group projects, offering students a comprehensive introduction to AI. Participation in this program is not only educational but also valuable for college applications and networking in the AI field. Students will also work on a group project that can be integrated into their academic portfolio, enhancing their college admission prospects.
In this program, you'll work with top-notch AI researchers and experts in the field. You'll engage in project-based learning and attend lectures that cover various aspects of computing and artificial intelligence. The program also emphasizes teamwork, as you'll collaborate with your peers on a group project. At the end of the program, you'll present your project to the cohort and instructors. This experience not only enhances your AI skills but also provides you with valuable insights and connections for your future AI endeavors.
8. UCSD’s and SDSC’s Annual Research Experience for High School Students (REHS)
Location: UC San Diego campus (San Diego, CA)
Cost: $1,500 for the program with a research project (free without a project)
Application Deadline: Tentatively in March for 2024
Program Dates: June to August
Eligibility: Open to high school students; course-specific eligibility requirements may apply.
Hosted by UC San Diego and the San Diego Supercomputer Center, this 8-week program allows students to work closely with mentors on a research project, providing an excellent opportunity to apply AI knowledge to real-world projects. This experience involves formulating hypotheses, conducting computational experiments, and drawing conclusions from the results. It's a valuable learning experience that will help high school students understand the practical application of AI.
In this program, you'll have the opportunity to work with mentors who guide you through the research process. Whether you're interested in AI or other fields, you can choose AI as your research area and gain hands-on experience. This program is ideal for high school students looking to apply their AI knowledge to real-world projects and develop valuable research skills. You'll learn how to formulate and test hypotheses, conduct computational experiments, and draw conclusions from those experiments, all of which are essential skills for anyone interested in the application of AI.
9. UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program
Location: Mix of virtual and in-person
Cost: $4,700 (commuter option) or $6,599 (residential option)
Application Deadline: March 15, 2024
Program Dates: June 17 - August 2, 2024
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and outstanding 9th graders on a case-by-case basis.
UC Santa Barbara's program offers students deep research opportunities, where they spend substantial time working with research mentors. This unique program allows students to be exposed to a wide variety of interdisciplinary research topics and then select projects that align with their interests. Students get hands-on experience working with a research mentor to conduct university-level research, which is beneficial for those looking to understand how AI applies across different fields and disciplines. The program also includes courses on research presentation techniques and an introduction to research, making it an excellent opportunity for high school students to gain research and AI experience.
In this program, you'll work closely with research mentors, who can be graduate students, postdocs, or faculty members. You'll spend 30-40 hours per week working on a research project and building a research presentation. The program provides university credit and additional courses on research presentation techniques and an introduction to research, enhancing your research and presentation skills. This program is unique because it allows students to choose from a wide range of research topics and work with mentors from various disciplines. It's a valuable experience for high school students interested in exploring AI's application in different fields and gaining hands-on research experience.
10. AI4All at University of Washington
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Application Deadline: July 1, 2024 (based on previous year)
Program Dates: July 18, 2024 - September 5, 2023 (based on last year’s schedule)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, high school seniors, or college freshmen from underrepresented backgrounds.
Hosted by the Taskar Center for Accessible Technology at the University of Washington, AI4All is a 2-week introductory course on data science and artificial intelligence. The program focuses on teaching students how to understand, analyze, interpret, and discuss real-world applications of data science and machine learning. A key highlight of this program is its commitment to enabling small-group dialogue and learning, with a focus on anti-bias in AI education. Students explore the ethical use of technology, making this program valuable for those pursuing non-STEM academic paths as well.
In this program, you'll delve into the world of data science and artificial intelligence. The curriculum covers fundamental concepts and real-world applications of data science and machine learning. You'll learn how to understand and analyze the impact of technology decisions, with a particular focus on anti-bias in AI education. This program offers valuable exposure to AI and machine learning in a way that can be applied across various disciplines, making it a fantastic choice for students interested in both STEM and non-STEM academic paths. By participating in AI4All, you'll gain essential skills for ethical technology use and explore the interdisciplinary applications of AI.
Conclusion
As high school students, the world of artificial intelligence is at your fingertips, and these 11 programs are the keys to unlock its vast potential. From prestigious institutions like Stanford and Harvard to hands-on experiences at MIT and UCSD, these programs cater to a wide range of interests and backgrounds, making AI accessible to all.
Studying AI isn't just about coding or building models; it's about understanding how AI shapes the world around us. Whether you dream of developing the next breakthrough in AI research or simply want to explore the exciting possibilities of AI, these programs offer a gateway to a world of knowledge and opportunity.
By participating in these programs, you'll gain valuable skills, build real-world projects, and create a portfolio that will impress college admissions. But more than that, you'll embark on a journey to comprehend the intricacies of AI and its profound impact on our lives.
Remember, AI isn't just about the future; it's about shaping it. With these programs, you can take your first step towards mastering artificial intelligence, and who knows, you might be the one to lead the AI revolution of tomorrow. So, get ready to embark on your AI journey and be part of the exciting world of AI innovation and discovery!
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
