Today’s young people are growing up in a world that is increasingly focused on data and technology. This means that it can only benefit them to be exposed to these concepts at an early age. This earlier exposure will give students a foundational understanding of statistics, computer science, and data visualization that can benefit them regardless of their ultimate career path. Early and repeated practice with these concepts will also allow students to be more adaptable as new technologies and applications of data science arise. 

Let’s dive in to learn more about summer programs that help teach high school students more about data science and its uses, including NextGen Bootcamp’s data science summer camp in NYC and live online data science summer program

Types of Data Science Summer Programs for High School Students

There are many different types of summer programs that teach high school students the fundamentals of data science. One of the primary differences is the in-person vs. remote learning option. While some students prefer a traditional classroom environment because they feel they can focus better, virtual learning is a convenient option for students who live in more remote areas or struggle with larger groups of people. The courses also vary in length, meaning students with jobs or other commitments over the summer can still participate in a class.

Some programs cater to different comfort levels with data science. Some are focused on beginner-level concepts while others are more advanced. A final key difference between these courses is who provides them. Some are offered by private companies and others are available through universities. The pre-college programs are great for those who want to experience life on a college campus for a few weeks. The variety of available programs makes it so students can choose a schedule and a class that best fits their needs while still ensuring they learn a valuable new skill. 

#1: NextGen Bootcamp⁠ - Python for Data Science Summer Program

What is Taught in This Program?

NextGen Bootcamp’s Python Data Science Summer Program teaches students the basics of programming with Python while emphasizing concepts related to data science. In this course, students learn how to clean and organize data, create visualizations of their data in a way that others can understand, and learn algorithms to help with machine learning. Students end the course by presenting a final project to their instructors and fellow students. 

What Level of Difficulty is This Program?

This class is geared towards beginner-level students and prior experience with Python is not required. However, students should know basic computer skills prior to enrolling. 

Where Does This Program Take Place?

NextGen Bootcamp offers their summer Python programming in both in-person and live online formats. The campus is located in New York City near the New York University campus. Students who enroll in the virtual program will use Zoom to engage with their instructor and classmates. 

How Long Does This Program Last?

The in-person session of NextGen’s Python course lasts for two weeks with classes taking place Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The virtual session is three weeks long. In this version, sessions are from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. 

What is the Recommended Age Range?

This program is designed for students who are in high school or college. 

How Much Does This Program Cost?

The cost of NextGen’s Python program differs depending on whether you take the class in person or virtually. The live online version is $1,999 and the in-person class costs $2,495. These amounts are due in full before the course begins and includes a certificate of completion at the end of the program. Remote students are required to have their own PC or Mac computer as well. 

NextGen does not offer any financial support for these particular courses. To get the most out of your educational experience, you can look into combining the Python courses with others to get a reduced price. For example, these materials are also taught in the Computer Science Summer Certificate Program which also teaches the fundamentals of coding with Java

#2: Noble Desktop - Data Science Certificate

What is Taught in This Program?

Noble Desktop is a partner program with NextGen Bootcamps that offers additional Python training over the summer. One option is their Data Science Certificate. In this course, participants learn the fundamentals of programming with Python and how to harness the language’s versatile power to analyze complex datasets. The course also covers machine learning with scikit-learn and using Pandas to clean data.

What Level of Difficulty is This Program?

This certification is suitable for beginners with no prior Python experience. Being able to use a computer is the only requirement!

Where Does This Program Take Place?

All of the courses at Noble Desktop can be taken in-person or online. The campus is located in Manhattan and is near several public transportation options for students who need to commute. Students who choose the virtual option will use Zoom to interact with their peers and instructors.

How Long Does This Program Last?

This course is offered on both full- and part-time schedules. The full-time program lasts for three weeks and the part-time program takes three months to complete.

What is the Recommended Age Range?

High school juniors and seniors who are 18 or close to turning 18 are encouraged to enroll. 

How Much Does This Program Cost?

The tuition for this program is $3,495. This price includes 84 hours of instruction, a certificate of completion, and the opportunity to retake the class for free within a year. Additionally, students receive 1-on-1 mentoring sessions with their instructor. They can use this time to punch up their resumes and portfolios or discuss tips to find lucrative employment. Noble Desktop also offers payment plans and other financing options to help students manage their tuition with the least amount of stress possible.

#3: Noble Desktop - Python Programming Bootcamp

What is Taught in This Program?

If an intensive certification doesn’t fit your summer schedule, Noble Desktop’s Python Programming Bootcamp might be a great choice. 

Learn data science with hands-on projects at the top coding bootcamp for high schoolers. In-person in NYC or live online from anywhere

What Level of Difficulty is This Program?

Beginners are welcome in this program as long as they possess basic computer skills. 

Where Does This Program Take Place?

This course can be taken either virtually or in-person at Noble’s New York City campus. Virtual classes take place live so students are still able to engage with fellow students and ask questions in real-time. 

How Long Does This Program Last?

This bootcamp lasts for one week. Classes take place Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm EST.

What is the Recommended Age Range?

High school students who are already 18 or turning 18 in the near future are eligible to enroll. 

How Much Does This Program Cost?

This course costs $1,495 per person. While financial aid is not available, students can retake the course for free within one year. This is extremely beneficial for students who need to brush up on core concepts or want to complete more complex projects under the guidance of an experienced instructor. 

#4: Digital Media Academy - Data Science with Python

What is Taught in This Program?

Digital Media Academy offers a Data Science with Python class as part of its summer curriculum. This course helps students learn more about the tools that data scientists use every day! This program teaches students how to make database queries using SQL and builds familiarity with Python libraries like NumPy and pandas. The program encourages students to build their confidence in understanding data by learning to ask the right questions to get the information they need. 

What Level of Difficulty is This Program?

This course is for advanced students who have familiarity with Python. Specific required prerequisites can be found on the course website. 

Where Does This Program Take Place?

This class is only taught virtually. 

How Long Does This Program Last?

Digital Media Academy’s Python class lasts for 10 weeks. Classes are two days a week from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm PST or 7:00 pm 8:30 pm EST.

What is the Recommended Age Range?

This course is recommended for students between the ages of 13 and 18.

How Much Does This Program Cost?

This class costs $2,250 per student. Digital Media Academy does offer a limited number of scholarships. These scholarships will cover 100% of the tuition but do not cover outside costs such as buying a computer or purchasing additional software. 

#5: UMass Amherst Pre-College - Foundations of Data Science

What is Taught in This Program?

There is a Foundations of Data Science program offered by the University of Massachusetts (UMass). This program teaches Python for data science through real-world applications and concepts students are already familiar with, like the spread of COVID-19 or the financial crisis of 2008. Students work on group projects to organize and understand large sets of data. 

What Level of Difficulty is This Program?

This course is aimed at students with no previous experience with data science. 

Where Does This Program Take Place?

Though this class is part of a pre-college summer program, it is offered exclusively online. 

How Long Does This Program Last?

The summer session at UMass is two weeks long. Classes meet for two hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and one hour on Tuesday and Thursday. Students will spend additional time on their assignments outside of the sessions as well. 

What is the Recommended Age Range?

In order to register for this course, students must be entering the 10th-12th grade. 

How Much Does This Program Cost?

This summer program costs $1,848 per student. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. 

#6: NYU Tandon School of Engineering - Machine Learning

What is Taught in This Program?

New York University's Tandon School of Engineering offers its Machine Learning course over the summer. Here, students learn from experienced NYU professors to learn the basics of both machine learning and artificial intelligence. The curriculum covers other important topics like regressions, neural networks, and data modeling. 

What Level of Difficulty is This Program?

A level of difficulty is not explicitly mentioned on the course’s website, but there are no prerequisites listed. 

Where Does This Program Take Place?

This machine learning program is taught in person on the NYU campus. 

How Long Does This Program Last?

This class lasts for two weeks. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. 

What is the Recommended Age Range?

Students must be in high school to be eligible to attend this program. 

How Much Does This Program Cost?

This program is priced at $2,100 plus a non-refundable $25 application fee. For students who enroll, $1,000 is due within five days of acceptance to secure your place and the additional $1,100 is due the week before the program starts. This program does not have any available financial aid, but Tandon offers other free STEM programs for grades K-12 if you’d like to check those out.

#7: iD Tech - Intro to Python Coding for Machine Learning 

What is Taught in This Program?

iD Tech teaches an Intro to Python Coding for Machine Learning course. In this program, students learn basic Python programming skills through a combination of logic games and take-home projects. This course also covers neural networks and other advanced machine learning concepts. 

What Level of Difficulty is This Program?

This is an introductory course designed for beginners, but those who already have some experience with Python can still learn plenty of new concepts. 

Where Does This Program Take Place?

iD Tech has schools located in dozens of states. If the locations of these programs aren’t convenient for you, their courses can be taken virtually instead. The school uses Zoom to teach their remote classes so be aware that a computer with a camera and a microphone are required. 

How Long Does This Program Last?

This course lasts for one week. 

What is the Recommended Age Range?

iD Tech accepts students between the ages of 13 and 17; students who are 12 can apply as long as they turn 13 before the end of the calendar year. 

How Much Does This Program Cost?

This program costs $1,099 per person. This price includes an iD Tech t-shirt, a transcript, and a diploma that can be added to your college application packets. iD Tech does offer some scholarships to students and they also offer promotional discounts on their website, though these change frequently. 

#8: iD Tech– Machine Learning: Coding Deep Neural Networks

What is Taught in This Program?

iD Tech also offers a teen program called Machine Learning: Coding Deep Neural Networks. In the context of coding, neural networks are computer programs designed to locate patterns and solve problems in a way that resembles a human brain. This course teaches students how to create a neural network using TensorFlow and train their models to think and learn. The program also explores Python and machine learning techniques. 

What Level of Difficulty is This Program?

This course requires no prerequisites and welcomes beginners. However, those with prior experience with Python or have other coding skills will still learn a great deal of new information.

Where Does This Program Take Place?

Unlike iD Tech’s other programs, this class is only offered in-person in the following states: California, Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Washington. 

How Long Does This Program Last?

The course takes two weeks to complete. 

What is the Recommended Age Range?

iD Tech programs accept students between the ages of 13 and 18. Students who are 12 can enroll as long as they are turning 13 by the end of the calendar year. 

How Much Does This Program Cost?

This in-person course is priced at $4,549. This price includes meals and housing for the duration of the program, as well as an iD Tech diploma and official course transcript. There are scholarships available for this course and discount codes on iD Tech’s website, but these are regularly updated. 

#9: Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes - Introduction to Data Science

What is Taught in This Program?

Introduction to Data Science is offered to high school students through the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes. Students will generate a variety of algorithms throughout the course and use them to locate patterns in real-world datasets. They will also engage in programming exercises using R and learn more about the application of machine learning skills. 

What Level of Difficulty is This Program?

To be successful in this course, students should have either taken AP statistics or be familiar with a computer programming language. 

Where Does This Program Take Place?

This summer program takes place online only. Live classes are held for two hours a day, but students are also assigned additional lectures, reading, and group assignments outside of class time. 

How Long Does This Program Last?

Stanford’s program takes two weeks to complete. 

What is the Recommended Age Range?

Students are required to be in grade 9, 10, or 11 at the time of their application. 

How Much Does This Program Cost?

Tuition for this program is $2,700. Financial aid is available, and students who feel that tuition is a barrier to their attendance are encouraged to apply. 

Why Learn Data Science During the Summer?

Although data science is a career that typically requires a degree, learning the foundational components over the summer can build valuable skills regardless of your ultimate career path. Research shows that earlier exposure to math and science has two important outcomes—it typically leads to more students pursuing an education in STEM fields when they go to college, and it helps young people develop the confidence to continue learning even when the material becomes more challenging. Early data science training also allows students to build crucial soft skills that are applicable in any job. For instance, data scientists must be able to collaborate and communicate well with others. Being a valuable member of a team is an important attribute for almost any job. 

Data science emphasizes important concepts like calculus, computer science, and statistics. Taking a data science course over the summer will prepare you for an Advanced Placement course in high school like Statistics or Computer Science. Being able to demonstrate these skills on a college application is likely to make you stand out amongst your peers and increase your chances of admission.

Which Data Science Summer Program is Right for Me?

After reviewing the available summer data science programs, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the different options. There are several factors to consider when selecting which program is right for you. If finances are your main concern, you’re certainly not alone. Courses through Stanford and iD Tech offer some financial aid or other promotional discounts. 

However, when looking at the prices of these courses, the most accurate way to compare is actually to figure out how much they cost per hour. If you’re looking for a virtual program suitable for beginners, you might choose the data science course at UMass based on its lower price. However, this course provides 16 hours of live instruction while the class at NextGen offers 45 hours. Though the NextGen course costs a bit more overall, the price per hour is significantly lower.

Understanding where and how you learn best is another important factor to consider. Virtual learning is convenient for those who live in more remote areas or have busy schedules and lack the spare time to commute, but some people find it too distracting to study in their home environment. If you prefer a more traditional classroom environment, consider attending a course through iD Tech since they have the most locations. If you’re on the East Coast, the NextGen Bootcamp is another great option since the school’s proximity to public transportation makes commuting easier.

Finally, it's important to recognize your current comfort level with data science and other related concepts. Enrolling in a course that caters to your current level of experience ensures that you’ll be challenged without being overwhelmed. Most of the programs listed above are appropriate for beginners. Advanced students might be interested in the program at Digital Media Academy since they work with students who have more familiarity with Python and data science. The Stanford Pre-College program is another solid option with students who have already had some exposure to coding.

The available data science summer programs can clearly meet a range of academic and financial needs. Narrowing your search for a course can take a lot of time, but spending this time ensures you’ll get the most out of your experience. Whatever you choose, learning data science skills over the summer is a great way to invest in your future and make new friendships.

Can high school students learn data science?

While data science is a sprawling and large field with an intimidating depth, it’s more than learnable for most high school students! That’s because, at its core, it uses simple concepts (such as spreadsheet management and basic arithmetic) to create more complex ideas and mechanics. That makes it far more approachable than you might think and something you or your teenager might get a good handle on by taking a data science summer class.

Should high school students attend a data science summer program?

High school teens serious about the tech industry will undoubtedly find a lot to enjoy about data science summer programs. These courses typically take just a few weeks to teach important lessons, including data-science coding languages and other fundamental concepts. Importantly, these courses immerse teens in important concepts and prepare them for a rewarding college and professional career by teaching important beginner-level concepts.

Which data science summer program is best for high school students?

NextGen Bootcamp provides Python Data Science & AI Machine Learning Program NYC for students who live in the New York area. This course takes just two weeks to prepare your teen for various skills, such as inputting, outputting, graphing, and analyzing data using Python and other coding languages. If you don’t live in New York City and think your teen would like this class, they can take it virtually with Python Data Science & AI Machine Learning Live Online.

Is it worth attending a data science summer program as a high school student?

The data science market grows rapidly yearly and provides an amazing diversity of potential careers for you or a high school student. For example, you could learn the skills needed to work in cloud storage and the techniques for managing these massive and important fields of knowledge. Just as importantly, you can use data science in a pretty shocking number of seemingly unrelated fields, such as banking and finance, to get great results for your career.