Top AI & STEM Programs for High School Students in 2026
This new wave of AI programs for high school students isn’t just about coding. It’s about giving young people the tools to think critically, collaborate on complex problems, and shape the future they’ll inherit.
The Influence of AI on Education and Careers
AI is already embedded in how students study, how teachers personalize instruction, and how schools approach assessment. Tools like ChatGPT are helping students review course material, explore topics in greater depth, and complete assignments more efficiently—all while raising important questions about originality and responsibility.
As students explore how AI can help them study smarter, they’re also becoming more aware of the broader impact of technology on education. Classrooms are shifting to include adaptive tools and intelligent tutoring systems, and that change brings new learning opportunities along with new challenges.
This shift is also transforming how students think about their futures. Many teens are already adjusting their academic plans in response to how AI and tech are changing career choices, exploring fields like ethical hacking, algorithm auditing, and AI-driven healthcare. Understanding how AI works—and how to work with it—is becoming a fundamental skill, not a niche interest.
MIT Introduction to Deep Learning
This free, weeklong course is hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and introduces the concepts of deep learning and neural networks to students. It’s built on a combination of interactive lectures and hands-on labs, giving exposure to real-world AI applications. The program ends with a group project so students can apply and demonstrate what they’ve learned.
NSHSS Partner: Inspirit AI Scholars
Founded by Stanford and MIT alumni, Inspirit AI runs live, online programs where high school students learn core AI concepts while exploring social and ethical issues in the field. Students work on projects like AI for disease detection or climate modeling, often in small groups mentored by current graduate students. The program also helps students articulate their experiences in a way that supports future college and scholarship applications.
AI4ALL Summer Programs
Studying AI goes beyond just the technical skills it requires. The topic comes with considerations about inclusion and representation, as well as what ethical use of AI looks like. The AI4ALL summer camps partner with universities to teach about algorithmic bias, AI in criminal justice, and similar topics. Students have access to faculty and guest speakers throughout the program, and will conclude by completing a capstone project.
NSHSS Partner: Ladder Internships
For students that prefer hands-on experience and want to dive into a real startup or research team, Ladder Internships is a great option. This program offers remote placements for high schoolers, with options in software engineering, biotech, and more. Students in these programs get practical, collaborative experience in the real-world.
NSHSS Partner: The Intern Group
If a student is interested in traveling as a part of their summer experience, The Intern Group offers remote and in-person placements in places like London, New York, and Madrid. Once accepted, interns are placed in STEM-related fields like data analytics and engineering, and they get exposure to both their field and cultural differences.
Stanford Pre-Collegiate AI Programs
The pre-college division at Stanford now offers several courses on the topic of artificial intelligence, ranging from ethics to data science. These summer courses are a good combination of technical training and bigger-picture discussions around things like privacy, social behavior, and decision-making around AI. Students leave the program understanding both the code behind AI and the consequences it can have.
AI Ethics Open Learning Course
Open Learning is a great option for students who like to work at their own pace. Their flexible introduction to responsible AI design, covering topics like fairness, bias, and algorithmic accountability. All of these topics are beginner-friendly, but still prepare students for more advanced study in their future, especially when paired with more project-based programs.
Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)
CSSI is a three-week program designed for graduating high school seniors planning to study computer science in college. Though not AI-specific, it introduces students to core programming concepts using Python and helps them explore applications of technology across sectors. The program emphasizes access and equity, making it a great option for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
There are also plenty of ways for students to explore these interests beyond formal programs. Since AI platforms are already integrated into much of academic life, learning to use them responsibly is the next evolution of the skill.
Even educators are using AI-powered tools for assessment and planning—something students can learn more about if they’re interested in the intersection of education and technology.
Programs that include writing, presenting, or self-reflection often align well with college prep. Students who want to build their communication skills alongside technical work may benefit from resources like this guide to writing with confidence, which applies across academic levels.
Finding the Right Fit
Each student brings different goals to these programs. Some want to explore potential college majors. Others are building a project portfolio, searching for mentorship, or just figuring out where their interests lie. There’s no one-size-fits-all program—students should consider format (in-person vs. online), time commitment, project structure, and areas of focus.
Some programs are free, while others have tuition with scholarships available. Application timelines also vary, with most summer programs opening in late fall or early winter.
Build Your Future with NSHSS
These AI summer programs for high school students are a product of a shift in how we train future leaders. Waiting until college isn’t necessary to gain real-world experience anymore, when high school students can learn through projects, internships, and mentorship.
NSHSS is proud to support this next generation of STEM innovators and changemakers through its own resources, student programming, and partnerships with trusted organizations. Explore opportunities through NSHSS to take your first (or next) step toward a future shaped by curiosity, compassion, and bold ideas.