Harvard Computer Society
AI Bootcamp
Winter 2025
Learn cutting edge AI/ML research taught by top-tier Harvard grad-level researchers and undergraduates.
About the Program
The AI Bootcamp is a 5-day intensive program for talented high school students, developed and taught by top-tier Harvard grad-level researchers and undergraduates, with upcoming cohorts this Winter. This program collects 20+ years of AI research experience from instructors and will cover the topics at the cutting edge of AI/ML research at Harvard. Step into the shoes of a Harvard student, fast-track to the latest developments in generative AI, and build your own mini-research project. This program is designed to prepare talented high school students for college and AI research beyond.
The AI Bootcamp Winter Program offers two tracks: Intro and Advanced. The Introductory Winter Program is designed for high school students comfortable with Python and rigorous mathematical reasoning, though no AI/ML experience is required. The Advanced Winter Program requires comfort with AI/ML or some familiarity with PyTorch, as this track will dedicate more time toward cutting-edge independent research projects.
The program schedule of events currently shows the times for the most recent August cohort which ran each day from 7:00 - 9:45 PM ET online via Zoom. Cohorts may also run at different times to accommodate different students' schedules.
The program is run by the Harvard Computer Society AI Group, a student-run organization at Harvard College.
Eligibility
Eligibility for the AI Bootcamp Winter Program is limited to high school students. Students should have strong familiarity with mathematics, experience with Calculus preferred. Due to the fast pace and nature of the bootcamp, programming skills in Python are a requirement to apply. Exceptions for younger/older students may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
For more information, visit the Program Schedule and FAQ. Additional questions can be directed via email.
Schedule
You can view the schedule for the Winter 2025 AI Bootcamp by clicking here.
Testimonials
YP
11th Grade
I'm satisfied with the AI Harvard boot camp because it struck the right balance between theory and application. The challenging yet rewarding homework assignments pushed me to apply concepts in real-world scenarios. The overall experience, including engaging discussions and networking opportunities, surpassed my expectations. I'd wholeheartedly recommend this program to a friend seeking a top-notch AI education.
DS
9th Grade
I really enjoyed this program. It was incredibly insightful and enjoyable. I specifically liked the guided approach to all the subjects. This allowed me to understand the topic much better than if I was just trying to learn it on my own. I also really liked the coding sections of the program. It allowed me to utilize the topics I learned in the lecture in actual code, which I thought was very helpful for knowing where and when to apply these topics. Every teacher was incredibly helpful, kind, and knowledgeable.
ID
11th Grade
I really enjoyed the program and I felt that every aspect of it was very well planned, well presented, and that the entire week of activities were well executed. Each of the speakers were really friendly and shared specific advice about their experiences which I found really helped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the Harvard Computer Society AI Bootcamp
General
The AI Bootcamp, Winter Session, is a 5-day intensive educational program designed for high school students. It is developed and taught by top-tier Harvard graduate level researchers and undergraduates, providing participants with a unique opportunity to delve into the latest developments in AI and machine learning. The Winter Session is designed to be accessible to high school students with strong mathematical background.
The program will be held online through Zoom, and is currently planned for this December with exact dates to be announced.
The bootcamp is open to high school students with strong mathematical skills, preferably including experience with calculus. Proficiency in Python programming is a requirement. Exceptions for younger or older students may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until seats are filled. After the standard deadline, subsequent applications will be subject to Final Priority pricing until the application closes.
Introductory Track: suitable for students with a good grasp of Python and mathematical reasoning, even if they have no prior experiences in AI/ML. Advanced Track: suitable for students comfortable with AI/ML or PyTorch and will focus on cutting-edge independent research projects.
Certificates and Recognition
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion upon successfully finishing the program. Additionally, outstanding participants may be eligible for a Certificate of Honor or a Certificate of Distinction to recognize their achievements.
Other
Based on internal feedback, previous students have rated the program 4.43/5 on 300+ reviews, with 97% indicating high satisfaction/would recommend to peer.
You can contact us via email for any inquiries or concerns not covered in this FAQ.
Program Content
The bootcamp covers the latest developments in generative AI, AI/ML research, and offers participants the opportunity to work on their own mini-research project. Detailed information about the curriculum can be found on our schedule.
The program includes a mix of lectures, hands-on coding exercises, group projects, and mentorship from Harvard graduate-level researchers and undergraduates. You'll have the chance to explore AI research at Harvard and build your skills.
Registration
Applications will open in the coming month.
We accept payments via Stripe, which provides secure and convenient processing for online transactions. All major credit cards are accepted. For other payment methods, please contact us at ai@hcs.harvard.edu.
Full payment for the program will be due 5 days after notification of acceptance to secure a position, except when notified in the decision otherwise.
We aim to provide satisfactory services for all students. Full refunds will be provided for requests received no later than two weeks prior to the start of the program, after which refund requests will only eligible for partial refunds of 50%. We address refunds by case, please reach out to ai@hcs.harvard.edu should questions or concerns arise.
Financial aid is provided to a limited number of students. If you would like to apply for financial aid, please email us after filling out the form. Please note that financial aid will be reviewed on a need-basis, first come first served, and you should file your inquiry at your earliest convenience following your application submission.
We encourage collaborative learning with friends and/or peers. If you refer another student and they include your name in the application, both will receive a referral discount of $100 on the program fee, subject to application acceptance and enrollment in the same cohort.