Skip to main content

A one month summer intensive program intended for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in data science and computing.

About the program

The course will teach programming in R, basic statistics, develop high school students’ statistical programming, computational thinking and problem solving skills.

  • Students receive instruction for three hours a day, four days per week (Monday – Thursday), in the form of lectures and lab work
  • Students complete and present group research projects as the culmination event at the end of the program
  • Direct mentoring by Biostatistics PhD students
  • Support and guidance with college applications and career counseling

StatStart began in 2015, and is hosted by the Biostatistics Department at the Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health. It is overseen by a Faculty Director, but developed and taught by Biostatistics PhD students.

Eligibility requirements

  • High school student (rising freshman – rising senior)
  • Priority given to first generation or low-income students
  • Interest in applying to college with a focus in STEM
  • Basic algebra
  • Completed application form
  • One letter of recommendation (two preferred)
  • Can commute to Boston

Program dates & application information

Program dates: July 1 through July 25

Additionally students will also need to be present on Friday, July 26 to present their group research projects.

Schedule: Monday-Thursday from 10 am-2 pm

Application deadline: May 24