Artificial intelligence (AI) may sound like a futuristic concept to a high school student, but many regularly interact with this technology in their everyday lives. Whether it’s asking Siri or Alexa a question or their TikTok algorithm recommending targeted content, AI is pervasive throughout a wide range of software programs and applications. Though creating AI programs is complicated, high schoolers who study this topic are setting themselves up for professional success.
Here, you’ll learn more about the different AI programs available for students over the summer, potential career paths, and other advantages associated with early exposure to this fascinating field.
Why Learn Artificial Intelligence During the Summer?
AI can and is unlocking all kinds of opportunities in every profession. Learning AI during the summer will provide a massive number of benefits, the first being a competitive edge in future careers. So far, AI has already transformed the technology, data science, healthcare, finance, marketing, energy, and cybersecurity industries. Soon, you’ll be able to find a way to apply AI knowledge to any career path you choose.
Some professions already utilizing AI knowledge are data scientists, software developers and programmers, radiologists, doctors, nurses, financial analysts, investment managers, and marketing and advertising specialists. New professions are also being created specifically around AI, such as machine learning engineers who design and implement AI algorithms and models and natural language processing (NPL) specialists who work on chatbots, virtual assistants, and translation systems to improve communication between humans and machines.
The full potential of AI in the workplace is basically untapped, allowing you to figure out exactly how you want to use it to shape your career, but how will you do that? What makes learning AI so versatile? It comes down to not only the amount of practical skills you’ll gain by learning AI, but the variety. The first skill you’ll develop is how to understand data value. Data is the foundation of AI, so you’ll learn how to understand it in your beginner classes. From there, you can learn how to program languages, communicate more effectively, problem-solve, think critically, or pick up some pretty helpful mathematical skills. Pick a path, and your AI skills will help shape your ideal career.
Types of Artificial Intelligence Summer Programs for High School Students
Choosing which summer AI program to attend can be challenging, with so many options available. Luckily, most students can find a program that meets their unique preferences. For example, most schools offer virtual learning through Zoom or similar teleconferencing platforms. Others have in-person classes available, which many students find more engaging. The available courses also range in length; some take just one week to complete, while others last up to a few months.
There are also options for a range of comfort levels related to AI. Beginner students have several options, but some schools offer programs designed for more advanced learners who wish to tackle more challenging concepts. Another notable difference between these programs is the type of agency that offers them. Some are conducted through private institutions while others are provided through summer programs at prestigious colleges or universities. These programs might be particularly appealing to high schoolers eager to get a taste of life on a college campus.
#1: NextGen Bootcamp - Python for Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
What is Taught in This Program?
NextGen Bootcamp offers a Python for Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning camp during the summer. Python is one of the most influential and versatile programming languages. Participants in this program can build on their existing Python programming skills while they develop a more advanced skill set. By the end of the course, students will understand how to use regression and validation tools to test their models and algorithms.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
To participate in this program, students must already be familiar with Python and some of its data science libraries, like NumPy and Pandas. NextGen’s Python for Data Science program is a prerequisite for this course.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
Students can attend this program in person at NextGen’s New York City campus or live online at the same time the class is taught (Eastern Standard Time).
How Long Does This Program Last?
This course is one week long with sessions taking place for three hours per day.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Students must be in high school or college to attend.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This summer program costs $1,299 per person. Because this is one of NextGen’s shorter programs, financial aid is not available. The tuition also covers supplemental take-home materials that students can reference as they continue their education. NextGen also allows students to retake the course for free within a year to solidify any challenging concepts.
#2: Noble Desktop - Data Science Certificate
What is Taught in This Program?
Noble Desktop offers a Data Science Certificate to students over the summer. Data science combines math, statistics, specialized programming, advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning with specific subject matter expertise to uncover insight hidden in an organization's data. This program is designed to prepare you for entry-level data science and Python engineering roles.
Students can expect to cover a variety of topics. First, you’ll learn how to manipulate databases and perform data analysis. Next, you’ll cover Python programming fundamentals and how to use Python’s main data science libraries to analyze data. You’ll learn to read and write complex database queries, prepare and clean data for analysis, and use Python to automate everyday tasks such as aggregating, updating, and formatting data. You’ll finish out the course learning how to use your data to build machine learning models and evaluate their performance, as we all build and present dynamic dashboards and other data visualizations.
To ensure you’re prepared for your career in data, this course not only teaches you the programming languages and libraries used by Data Scientists, but challenges you complete real-world projects to add to your portfolio and shoe employers. You’ll also receive assistance with your job search, resume, and portfolio development.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This course is geared toward beginners who already have basic computer skills.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
Students can attend this class in person at Noble Desktop’s NYC campus or remotely from wherever they are located. Virtual participants will need their own computer, but Noble Desktop staff members will assist students with computer setup before the class begins.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This course is available on a full-time or part-time schedule. The full-time version takes four weeks to complete, while the part-time version lasts 20 weeks.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Noble Desktop’s classes are for students 18 and up.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This certification is priced at $3,995. Noble Desktop has payment plans and financing options available. Because these skills are in such high demand, some students can also discuss tuition reimbursement with their employers. Noble Desktop also allows students to retake the course within one year at no additional cost.
#3: NextGen Bootcamp - Python Data Science & AI Machine Learning Live Online
What is Taught in This Program?
NextGen Bootcamp offers Python Data Science & AI Machine Learning Live Online during the summer. This course is a great introduction to programming and computer science. Python is the leading language programmers use because it is powerful and easy to learn. This course will cover the fundamentals of Python programming and its application in data science and machine learning.
In the first half of the course, students can expect to learn the principles of Python code then transition into more complicated programming tasks. The second half of the course focuses primarily on data science using Pandas, Matplotlib, and Sci-Kit Learn, which will teach students how to input, analyze, and graph data.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This course is designed for beginners who are just starting their journey with AI and program languages. Prior coding or programming experience is not required, but students must be comfortable with computer basics.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This is a live online class, which means lessons will be live-streamed with students having the ability to ask questions and interact with their instructor in real time. You will need your own Mac or PC, but NextGen will provide assistance with any software setup prior to the start of class. There is not an in-person classroom option offered for this particular course.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This course is one week long with sessions taking place for three hours per day.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
This program is ideal for high school and college-age students with a strong interest in coding.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
Right now, this course is being offered at an “early bird discount” for $1,999 per person with class offerings starting in June. The tuition covers supplemental take-home materials that students can reference as they continue their education as well as a verified digital certificate of completion. NextGen also allows students to retake the course for free within a year to solidify any challenging concepts.
#4: Stanford Pre - College Summer Institute - Artificial Intelligence
What is Taught in This Program?
Stanford’s Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes offers an Artificial Intelligence course as part of its summer program. The course covers mathematical concepts like algebra, calculus, and statistics while using Python to analyze datasets from real-world examples. By the end of the course, students will be able to design AI systems that can ethically address some of today’s most impactful issues.
This course offers a variety of methods in modern artificial intelligence including supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning algorithms. Students will learn to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of these algorithms and learn not only how bias enters data and algorithms, but also what can be done to mitigate this bias.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This is an advanced course. Students must already be proficient in one or more programming languages and have completed the equivalent of a pre-calculus course to attend.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This summer program is offered exclusively online. Live classes meet on weekdays for two hours. In addition to the live sessions, students must complete tasks like assigned readings, reviewing pre-recorded lectures, and group projects with their peers.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This program takes two weeks to complete. Summer session one is offered in June, while session two is offered in July.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Students must be in either 10th or 11th grade when they submit their application.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
The tuition for this course is $3,050 per person. Financial aid is available for students with a demonstrated need. The course website emphasizes that applying for this support does not impact your chances of admission.
#5: World Scholars Academy - Coders Academy
What is Taught in This Program?
During the summer, students may want to attend the Coders Academy through World Scholars Academy. This program covers various topics, such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and coding with different programming languages. One unique aspect of this program is that it also discusses potential career paths available to students with these skills.
As a student in Coders Academy, you’ll study skills for Software Engineers, get an overview of coding languages, learn the structures of coding, get an introduction to artificial intelligence, machine learning and neural networks, cryptography and code breaking, cover the economic of teck, explore careers in software engineering, discuss the future of tech, and take place in an app design challenge.
This is the perfect program for anyone who needs help deciding which focus to pursue when selecting a college major or career path.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
Although this program is beginner-friendly, there is an application process that students must complete.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
World Scholars Academy is located in Hawaii. While this specific program is only available online, the school offers several in-person classes to local students.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This program takes two weeks to complete. The live online sessions last from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Pacific Standard Time.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Students should be between the ages of 15 and 18 to attend classes at World Scholars Academy.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This summer course costs $2,795. In addition to the web-based lessons, the tuition covers take-home exercises and lifetime access to recordings for students to reference as often as they’d like. You’ll also receive a course completion certificate. Top performers in the program also receive a letter of recommendation that can be added to college applications.
#6: NYU Tandon School of Engineering - Machine Learning
What is Taught in This Program?
The Tandon School of Engineering at New York University offers Machine Learning to high schoolers over the summer. This summer program introduces students to the computer science, data analysis, mathematical techniques, and logic that drive the fields of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Lessons cover fundamental knowledge behind video and image recognition technologies, interactive voice controls like Siri or Alexa, autonomous vehicles, diagnostic medical tools, and other technologies that are a part of our daily lives.
Students will learn core principles in ML, such as model development through cross-validation, linear regressions, and neural networks. You will also develop an understanding of how logic and mathematics are applied to teach a computer to perform specific tasks and how to improve continuously along the way. A strong emphasis is put on students learning the principles of engineering problem-solving and how that skill can be used to deal with everyday challenges.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This program is open to high school students who have had some programming experience in any language. It is recommended that students have completed Algebra 2 and Trigonometry as a foundational requirement. It is also preferred that students possess prior experience with Precalculus. These guidelines ensure that participants have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle the rigorous scientific curriculum and ensure students have the most enriching and rewarding experience possible with the program.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This summer program is only taught in person on the NYU campus.
How Long Does This Program Last?
Classes are held for two weeks in the summer. Sessions take place Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Students who have completed Algebra 2 or equivalent and have some programming experience must be 14 years or older on the day the program begins. You must be 15 or older to obtain housing arrangements for this course.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This program is priced at $2,750 per person, which includes course fees, material fees, program fees, service fees, and event fees. Housing and meal plan options are also available for additional fees. Unfortunately, there is no financial aid option available for this course. A 30% deposit is due the week of acceptance to hold your spot, with the remaining balance due one week before your session start date. The tuition deposit is non-refundable.
#7: iD Tech - Python Camp: Intro to Coding & AI
What is Taught in This Program?
iD Tech has anexciting Python course available during the summer! Python Camp: Intro to Coding & AI is an immersive in-person camp for those looking to jump into the world of coding and AI. As a student you’ll start with the basics by building logic-based programs and completing coding challenges in Python. You’ll discover the basics of machine learning and solve artificial intelligence puzzles with the help of leading industry tools, and you’ll expand your knowledge by learning how to use technologies like ChatGPT to design customized AI systems.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This is a beginner-intermediate camp designed with beginners in mind. However, students who are already comfortable working with Python can still learn new skills and feel challenged by the material.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
Sessions for this summer camp will be held in person in a lab on an inspiring university campus! View all locations where the Python camp is being offered by clicking the view locations button on the main course page.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This camp is part of a weeklong summer course running Monday through Friday. Day and overnight options are available based on location.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Python Camp is offered to those 13 to 17 years of age.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This program is priced at $1,149 per student. The tuition covers an iD Tech t-shirt, a course transcript, and an official diploma that many students add to their college application packets. Some scholarships are available to qualified students, and iD Tech also has a handful of promotional discounts on their website, though these change frequently.
Which Artificial Intelligence Summer Program is Right for Me?
Now that you’ve reviewed just a small handful of the artificial intelligence summer programs, it’s time to narrow your options. Each student has unique needs that are important to consider when attending one of these programs. It’s common for students to say that their primary concern is finances, which is entirely understandable. If you feel that cost is a barrier to attending a summer class, you may want to focus on those that offer financial aid or scholarships, like Stanford or Noble Desktop. Looking at the cost per hour rather than the overall price of each program is another helpful way to see which class will give you the most value for your money.
It’s also smart to consider your learning preferences before enrolling in a class. Many of today’s students are comfortable with virtual learning, but that doesn’t mean it’s everyone’s first preference. If you know you perform better in a traditional classroom, you can focus your search on programs that offer in-person courses, like iD Tech.
Finally, you’ll want to pay attention to the difficulty level of the course you attend. Since AI is a more advanced topic, some courses will require previous programming experience. If you’re a beginner, you’ll need to target your search to courses without prerequisites. On the other hand, students familiar with Python and other related concepts will need to search for more advanced classes. This ensures that they won’t be bored or be wasting their time paying for an education in subjects they already know.
The range of summer AI programs can cater to a wide range of educational and financial needs. Deciding which program is best for you can be an overwhelming prospect, but spending time reflecting on your individual needs and goals will allow you to invest in a suitable education. Whatever class you choose is sure to prepare you to enter whichever career you’d like.
Can high school students learn artificial intelligence?
As one of the most important innovations in recent history (everything from programming to marketing has been affected), AI is a strong field for teens to study. It might seem over the heads of some high school students, but it is surprisingly not as complex as you might think. It’ll require extensive coding and computer science studies, but it is approachable for teens if they start slow, work through their classes, and take the time to understand everything.
Should high school students attend an artificial intelligence summer program?
Do you want to join a constantly growing field that will only continue exploding and expanding in the future? Are you interested in staying on the cutting edge of technology and think that AI is where everybody is headed? Is tech fascinating, and do you have good ideas for improving artificial intelligence? If you or your teen answered “yes” to even one of these questions, you should seriously consider a high school AI summer program.
Which AI summer program is best for high school students?
The best summer classes for artificial intelligence last only a few weeks, immerse teens in this fascinating subject, and help them understand it better. Python Data Science & AI Machine Learning Program NYC teaches teens how to use Python to automate critical tasks and even master machine-learning concepts. Python Data Science & AI Machine Learning Live Online (also available from NextGen Bootcamps) covers the same subjects in a virtual environment.
Is it worth attending an AI summer program as a high school student?
Any high school student who loves technology should consider an artificial intelligence summer course for their learning experience. AI is simply the world's future, and giving your teen the chance to join in the fun early could result in higher-earning jobs and a fascinating career. Sure, it might initially seem costly and even challenging for your teen, but completing a course could give them the support they need to join a rewarding AI college program and advance further.