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Extracurriculars for a Career in Data Science

Data scientists use statistics and code to find patterns in large datasets. Math competitions, coding programs, and research internships give high schoolers a strong foundation.

79
programs
25
online or hybrid
11
open enrollment, no application
14
states with in-person programs

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Showing 79 of 79 programs

Programs for a Career in Data Science

MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology · Cambridge, MA · Hybrid
HybridHighly SelectiveGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Mathematical modeling and problem-solving skills developed through rigorous STEM coursework prepare students for data-driven careers.

Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)
Boston University · Boston, MA · In-Person
In-PersonSelectiveRising 12th grade
Apply by February 4, 2027

Why it fits: Practicum track explicitly offers structured research in data science alongside computational methods.

MathILy
Bryn Mawr College · Bryn Mawr, PA · In-Person
In-Person

Why it fits: Mathematical modeling and problem-solving skills developed are core to data science work.

Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Stanford University · Stanford, CA · Hybrid
HybridHighly SelectiveGrades 10th - 12th

Why it fits: Mathematical modeling and advanced quantitative reasoning are essential tools for data science work.

Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Girls Who Code · Virtual · Virtual
VirtualOpen EnrollmentGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Participants gain hands-on experience in data science through the program's curriculum and projects.

Clark Scholars Program
Texas Tech University · Lubbock, TX · In-Person
In-PersonHighly SelectiveGrades 11th - 12th

Why it fits: Research projects involving data collection and analysis develop skills central to data science work.

Wharton Global Youth Program
The University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, PA · Hybrid
Hybrid

Why it fits: Data science is explicitly listed as one of the program's main study topics.

Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)
PROMYS Foundation · Boston, MA · In-Person
In-PersonHighly SelectiveGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Strong mathematical foundations from number theory and modeling are essential for statistical and computational work.

Stanford Math Tournament
Stanford University · Palo Alto, CA · In-Person
In-PersonHighly Selective

Why it fits: Mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills developed through competitive mathematics transfer to data analysis and modeling work.

Carnegie Mellon CS Scholars
Carnegie Mellon University · Pittsburgh, PA · In-Person
In-PersonHighly SelectiveGrades 10th - 11th

Why it fits: Covers computational thinking and mathematical modeling foundational to data science.

Stanford AI4ALL
Stanford University · Stanford, CA · Hybrid
HybridHighly SelectiveGrades 9th

Why it fits: Students engage in rigorous academic study and research using data-driven approaches to solve real-world AI challenges.

Georgia Tech Summer Institute
Georgia Institute of Technology · Atlanta, GA · In-Person
In-PersonSelectiveRising 11th grade

Why it fits: Advanced STEM academic enrichment and technical exploration prepare students for data-driven science careers.

Cornell Tech Summer Innovation Intensives
Cornell University · Ithaca, NY · In-Person
In-Person

Why it fits: Data science is explicitly featured as a main program track alongside AI and product innovation.

Cornell Precollege Studies Online Program
Cornell University · Ithaca, NY · Virtual
Virtual

Why it fits: Math and science coursework builds analytical and quantitative reasoning skills essential for data science work.

International Quant Championship (IQC)
WorldQuant BRAIN · Multiple
Highly Selective

Why it fits: Develops predictive models and analyzes financial datasets using quantitative tools and algorithms.

Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory · Batavia, IL · In-Person
In-PersonSelective12th grade and recent graduates

Why it fits: Research projects involve analyzing data and presenting findings through abstracts, posters, and final presentations.

DSI Summer Lab
Data Science Institute (DSI) at the University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · In-Person
In-PersonSelectiveGrades 9th - 12th (Chicago-area high school students eligible)

Why it fits: Students engage in applied, interdisciplinary data science research with mentors across multiple domains.

QuarkNet Summer Internship
Fermilab / University of Notre Dame · Notre Dame, IN · In-Person
In-PersonGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: The Masterclass program has students analyze real high-energy physics data using computational methods.

Technovation Girls
Technovation · Multiple · Hybrid
HybridOpen Enrollment

Why it fits: Students use tech and data-driven approaches to identify and solve real-world community problems.

USA Computing Olympiad (USACO)
USA Computing Olympiad · Virtual · Virtual
VirtualHighly SelectiveGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Computational problem-solving and algorithm optimization are core to data science.

USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO)
Mathematical Association of America
Highly SelectiveGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Strong foundation in mathematical modeling and logical reasoning applicable to data analysis and algorithm development.

American Invitational Mathematics Examination
Mathematical Association of America · Multiple · In-Person
In-PersonHighly SelectiveGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: AIME builds the mathematical modeling and analytical thinking essential for data science work.

American Regions Mathematics League
American Regions Mathematics League · Multiple · In-Person
In-PersonHighly SelectiveGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Mathematical modeling and analytical problem-solving in ARML competitions build foundational skills for data science work.

Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
George Mason University · Fairfax, VA · Hybrid
HybridHighly SelectiveGrades 9th - 12th (and undergraduate)

Why it fits: Interns develop skills in data mining, data science for social good, and computational analysis across research projects.

Student Research Internship Program
Scripps Research Translational Institute · In-Person
In-PersonHighly SelectiveGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Program emphasizes statistics and computational science skills applied to health sciences research projects.

National Youth Science Camp
National Youth Science Academy · Davis, WV · In-Person
In-Person

Why it fits: Interdisciplinary science program develops foundational research and analytical skills for STEM careers.

Canada/USA Mathcamp
Canada/USA Mathcamp · Burlington, VT · In-Person
In-PersonSelectiveGrades 8th - 12th

Why it fits: Advanced mathematical reasoning and modeling skills from Mathcamp underpin data science analysis and algorithm development.

American Computer Science League
American Computer Science League · Virtual · Virtual
VirtualOpen EnrollmentGrades K-12

Why it fits: Competition testing covers fundamental CS concepts including number systems and Boolean algebra relevant to data work.

Imagine Cup
Microsoft · Multiple · Hybrid
HybridHighly SelectiveGrades 9th - 12th and college/university, 18+

Why it fits: Winners use Azure Data Explorer and AI services to analyze and solve real-world problems.

Canadian Computing Competition
Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing, University of Waterloo · Ontario, Canada · In-Person
In-PersonOpen EnrollmentGrades 9th - 12th
Apply by February 11, 2027

Why it fits: Students practice logical reasoning and algorithm design applicable to data analysis and computational problem-solving.

MIT PRIMES (Program for Research in Mathematics, Engineering and Science for High School Students)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology · Cambridge, MA · Hybrid
HybridSelectiveGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Applied mathematics projects include computational work in theoretical computer science and data analysis.

Purple Comet! Math Meet
Unknown · Multiple · Virtual
VirtualGrades 6th - 12th

Why it fits: Competitive math develops quantitative reasoning and analytical problem-solving skills foundational to data science.

Tapia STEM Camps
Rice University · Houston, TX · In-Person
In-PersonSelectiveGrades 8th - 12th

Why it fits: Campers explore how algorithms shape real-world decisions and investigate data center impacts.

Research Program for HS Students – Summer 2026
University of Texas at Dallas, Computer Science K-12 Outreach · Dallas, TX · Hybrid
HybridHighly SelectiveGrades 10th - 12th

Why it fits: Workshop curriculum emphasizes data analysis skills and applying them to real-world research problems.

Academy for All
University of Texas at Austin Department of Computer Science · Austin, TX · In-Person
In-PersonOpen EnrollmentGrades 11th - 12th

Why it fits: Machine Learning Edition covers understanding data, implementing ML concepts, and systems concepts.

Stanford Summer College
Stanford University · Stanford, CA · In-Person
In-PersonGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Math and Data Science courses include probability, statistics, data mining and analysis with real-world applications.

Appalachian STEM Academy - High School
Oak Ridge Associated Universities · Oak Ridge, TN · In-Person
In-PersonGrades 10th - 12th

Why it fits: Students engage in guided science and math projects involving analysis and applied research methodologies.

Exemplary Student Research Program
Argonne Laboratory · Argonne Laboratory, Illinois · In-Person
In-PersonGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Students analyze experimental data from synchrotron research, developing quantitative analysis and interpretation skills.

SHAD Canada
SHAD Canada · Multiple · In-Person
In-PersonSelectiveGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Heavy emphasis on STEAM education with artificial intelligence exposure builds foundational skills for data science work.

Ross Mathematics Program
Ross Mathematics Program · Multiple · In-Person
In-PersonSelective

Why it fits: Mathematical thinking and logical reasoning developed here are foundational to data science work.

Broad Summer Scholars Program
Broad Institute · Cambridge, MA · In-Person
In-PersonSelectiveGrades High school

Why it fits: Students gain exposure to computational techniques and work on computational biology research projects.

Data Science Academy
Wharton Global Youth Program · Philadelphia, PA · In-Person
In-PersonGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Core program focus on machine learning and data science tools directly prepares students for this role.

Moneyball Academy
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, PA · In-Person
In-PersonGrades 11th - 12th

Why it fits: Core focus on using data and statistical analysis to make discoveries and informed decisions in sports.

Native American Science and Engineering Program (NASEP)
University of Arizona · Tucson, AZ · Hybrid
HybridSelectiveGrades 11th - 12th

Why it fits: STEM focus with research projects and professional networking at tech companies like IBM and Raytheon.

KEYS Research Internship
BIO5 Institute · Tucson, AZ · In-Person
In-PersonGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: KEYS includes data science techniques training alongside bioscience research methodologies.

Carnegie Mellon Informatics and Mathematics Competition (CMIMC)
Carnegie Mellon University · Pittsburgh, PA · In-Person
In-PersonOpen EnrollmentGrades High school and below

Why it fits: Mathematical modeling and algorithmic problem-solving in competition mirrors data science analytical work.

Modeling the Future Challenge
The Actuarial Foundation · Multiple
Open EnrollmentGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Students apply mathematical modeling and data analysis to solve real-world problems for companies and governments.

BioGENEius Challenge
Biotechnology Institute · New York City, NY · In-Person
In-PersonHighly SelectiveGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Students use AI, computational bioinformatics, and neural networks to analyze biotechnology research data.

National Science Bowl®
U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science · Multiple · In-Person
In-PersonGrades 6th - 12th

Why it fits: Students develop mathematical reasoning and analytical skills through rapid problem-solving in quantitative domains.

North American Computational Linguistics Open Competition
NACLO · Multiple · In-Person
In-PersonSelectiveGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Students analyze language patterns and apply logic skills to solve complex linguistic puzzles.

Presidential AI Challenge
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education · Multiple
Open Enrollment

Why it fits: Students apply AI and analytical thinking to identify and solve community challenges with data-driven approaches.

Kaggle Data Science Competitions
Kaggle · Virtual · Virtual
VirtualOpen Enrollment

Why it fits: Kaggle competitions directly simulate real data science work: exploratory analysis, model building, and predictive accuracy evaluation.

Pioneer Research Institute
Pioneer Academics · Virtual · Virtual
VirtualHighly SelectiveGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Mathematical and statistical research projects build analytical and problem-solving foundations for data-driven careers.

HMMT (Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament)
Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology · Multiple · In-Person
In-Person

Why it fits: Advanced mathematical modeling and problem-solving are core competencies for data science.

International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
International Mathematical Olympiad · Multiple · In-Person
In-PersonHighly Selective

Why it fits: IMO develops the rigorous mathematical reasoning and pattern recognition essential for statistical analysis and data modeling work.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · New York, NY · In-Person
In-PersonGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Computational biology summer program option develops technical skills for data-driven biological research.

InspiritAI AI Scholars Program
InspiritAI · Virtual · Virtual
VirtualGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Students analyze data and build models for real-world problems including job exposure and stock sentiment analysis.

US TechGirls Summer Exchange Program
U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs · Multiple · In-Person
In-PersonHighly SelectiveGrades 10th - 11th

Why it fits: Program covers STEM career exploration including data and algorithms as tools for solving real-world problems.

Digital Scholars Program
Discovery Partners Institute · Chicago, IL · In-Person
In-PersonGrades 11th - 12th and first-year college

Why it fits: The Data Science Discovery track teaches data analysis and visualization using real-world datasets.

Neubauer Phoenix STEM Summer Scholars
University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · Hybrid
HybridSelectiveGrades 11th

Why it fits: Mathematics course combined with research exposure develops quantitative and analytical foundations for data-driven work.

Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab (BAIR) High School Summer Program
Lawrence Hall of Science · Berkeley, CA · In-Person
In-PersonSelectiveGrades 10th - 12th

Why it fits: Students learn AI research methods and data-driven problem solving from Berkeley scientists and experts.

Caribou Mathematics Competition
Caribou Contests Inc. · Virtual · Virtual
VirtualOpen EnrollmentGrades K - 12th

Why it fits: Students apply logical reasoning and pattern recognition to solve complex mathematical puzzles similar to data problem-solving.

AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp
Stanford University · Stanford, CA · Virtual
VirtualSelective

Why it fits: Students gain technical foundations in data analysis and model evaluation applied to medical imaging datasets.

SEES High School Summer Intern Program
University of Texas Center for Space Research · Austin, TX · Hybrid
HybridHighly SelectiveGrades High school

Why it fits: Interns focus on data analysis and visualization across multiple NASA mission datasets.

SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers and Community College Students
Stanford Compression Forum · Stanford, CA · In-Person
In-PersonSelectiveGrades 11th - 12th

Why it fits: Program emphasizes science of information and communication with real research lab experience in data-driven domains.

High School Research Academy (HSRA)
University of Texas at Austin College of Natural Sciences · Austin, TX · In-Person
In-PersonSelectiveGrades 10th - 12th

Why it fits: Data analytics is listed as one of the primary research fields available to HSRA participants.

Academy for Machine Learning
University of Texas at Austin · Austin, TX · In-Person
In-PersonOpen EnrollmentGrades 10th - 12th

Why it fits: Students implement ML concepts, test model performance, and analyze data through practical projects.

Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
NYU K12 STEM Education · Brooklyn, NY · Hybrid
HybridSelectiveGrades 11th - 12th

Why it fits: Exposure to machine learning labs, data analytics, and computational research methodologies.

California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)
University of California · Multiple · In-Person
In-PersonHighly SelectiveGrades 8th - 12th

Why it fits: Program emphasizes mathematical modeling and advanced science topics relevant to data-driven research.

SAGE Camp at SLAC
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory · Palo Alto, CA · In-Person
In-PersonSelectiveGrades High School

Why it fits: Students develop analytical and observation skills applicable to data-driven research careers at national laboratories.

The Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics
Hampshire College · Amherst, MA · In-Person
In-PersonHighly SelectiveGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Advanced mathematical training underpins statistical modeling and data analysis in data science.

Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Lumiere Education · Multiple · In-Person
In-PersonSelectiveGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Research projects involve analyzing data and advancing knowledge in STEM fields.

SDSU Training Astronomy Research Scholars (STARS)
San Diego State University · San Diego, CA · In-Person
In-PersonSelectiveGrades 11th - 12th

Why it fits: Students manipulate and analyze galaxy data from SDSS-IV using Python programming and data analysis tools to answer research questions.

MDI Biomedical Bootcamp 2024
MDI Biological Laboratory · Bar Harbor, ME · In-Person
In-PersonSelectiveGrades 11th - 12th

Why it fits: Students use bioinformatics tools to examine DNA sequences and learn to manage and analyze big data from molecular biology experiments.

Joaquin Bustoz Math-Science Honors Program (JBMSHP) Summer Program
Arizona State University · Arizona State University, Arizona · In-Person
In-PersonHighly SelectiveGrades 11th - 12th

Why it fits: Calculus and mathematical modeling coursework builds quantitative foundations for data science work.

Experiences in Research
Berkeley Lab · Berkeley, CA · Hybrid
HybridSelectiveGrades 10th - 12th

Why it fits: Students work on data science projects involving coding and non-coding analyses in a professional lab setting.

Adler Planetarium Far Horizons Teens
Adler Planetarium · Chicago, IL · In-Person
In-PersonSelectiveGrades 9th - 12th

Why it fits: Students collect and analyze light pollution data to create scientific posters and presentations for research community.

Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Horizon Inspires
Highly Selective

Why it fits: Program emphasizes data analysis and machine learning applications across diverse research domains.

Oxford Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Oxford Institute for Interdisciplinary Research · Oxford, United Kingdom · Virtual
VirtualHighly SelectiveGrades 8th - 12th

Why it fits: Example projects include predictive modeling using Python and statistical analysis of large datasets like social media data.

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