Is Veritas AI a Good Tech Program? Our Review
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly expanding field with applications across numerous sectors, including healthcare, finance, and creative industries. For high school students aiming to gain early exposure to AI, participating in structured programs can provide practical experience, deepen academic understanding, and strengthen college applications.
While internships and academic programs are valuable, supplementing them with independent research or real-world projects can give you an even more significant advantage. An AI program could be a good opportunity to develop technical skills, collaborate with experts, and work on a research project. Beyond learning AI concepts, participating in a structured academic program signals to college admissions officers that you are committed to your field and capable of tackling independent research.
In this article, we’ll examine one such program, Veritas AI, covering its offerings, structure, eligibility, mentors, application details, pros and cons, and whether it is worth applying to.
What is Veritas AI?
Veritas AI is an educational initiative founded and run by Harvard graduate students, designed to make AI accessible to high school and middle school students. The program combines structured learning with personalized mentorship, enabling students to work on AI-based research projects across various disciplines such as astronomy, medicine, finance, and the arts.
Many students find AI difficult to approach due to its complexity, but Veritas AI aims to break down barriers by offering a guided learning experience with mentors from top institutions like Harvard and MIT. By participating, students can learn AI fundamentals and apply their knowledge to real-world problems, often culminating in projects that can be showcased in college applications or even published in research journals.
Program Structure
Veritas AI offers several tracks tailored to different experience levels and interests:
1. AI Scholars Program (Beginner to Intermediate)
Who is it for? High school students new to AI or with some coding experience
Structure: 10-week virtual boot camp
Curriculum: Fundamentals of AI & data science, coding in Python, and real-world AI applications
Mentorship: Small group sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio
Project Work: You will apply AI techniques to a field of your choice, such as medicine, finance, or creative arts
Cost: $2,290 (financial aid available)
2. AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase (Advanced)
Who is it for? High school students with prior AI experience or those who have completed the AI Scholars program
Structure: 15-week research-focused fellowship
Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from AI experts
Project Work: You will work on an individual research project combining AI with a field of your choice, with potential for publication in high school journals
Cost: $5,400 (financial aid available)
3. AI Internship Program (Real-World Industry Experience)
Who is it for? High school students with prior AI/ML experience
Structure: 8-week virtual internship
Mentorship: Direct collaboration with professionals from leading tech companies.
Project Work: Interns collaborate with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects
Certification: You will receive a completion letter from the company you intern with
Cost: $2,490
4. AI Trailblazers (For Middle School Students)
Who is it for? Middle school students (Grades 6-8)
Structure: 25-hour virtual program (over 10 weeks during the spring or 2 weeks in the summer)
Curriculum: Basics of AI, Python programming, data analysis, and AI ethics
Project Work: You will build your own AI-based projects (e.g., classifying music genres, AI-powered educational tools)
Cost: $1,790 (financial aid available)
Application Deadlines and Program Dates
Veritas AI accepts applications on a rolling basis, with multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter sessions. Specific application deadlines and program start dates vary by cohort. Prospective students should consult the Veritas AI website for the most current information.
Location & Format
All Veritas AI programs are conducted online, making them accessible to students worldwide. Sessions are live and interactive, facilitating engagement with mentors and peers.
Is it Prestigious?
Veritas AI offers personalized mentorship and focuses on real-world applications. While acceptance rates are not publicly disclosed, the program's association with mentors from institutions like Harvard, MIT, Google, and Microsoft adds to its credibility. The AI Fellowship and Internship programs are selective, requiring prior AI knowledge or completion of the AI Scholars program.
The AI Fellowship program allows you to conduct independent research and publish in high school journals. Additionally, the AI Internship program allows you to work on AI/ML projects for VC-backed startups. Unlike research internships restricted to specific schools or districts, Veritas AI is open to students worldwide, increasing competition.
However, as a paid program, it may not have the same prestige as fully funded initiatives. Despite this, the combination of mentorship, projects, publication opportunities, and startup exposure makes Veritas AI worth considering for students looking to build a foundation in AI.
Pros and Cons of Veritas AI
Pros:
Expert Mentorship: Veritas AI provides 1:1 mentorship from AI researchers and professionals from institutions like Harvard, MIT, Google, and Microsoft, ensuring you receive high-quality guidance.
Hands-On Research and Projects: You will gain experience working on real-world AI/ML projects through independent research (AI Fellowship) or internships with VC-backed startups.
Publication Opportunities: The AI Fellowship program includes access to an in-house publication team, which increases the chances of your work being published in high school research journals. This is a substantial advantage for college applications.
Networking and Industry Exposure: The AI Internship program allows you to work closely with startup leadership and network with professionals from major tech companies, providing a head start in the field.
Flexibility and Accessibility: The program is virtual, making it accessible to students worldwide. With multiple cohorts throughout the year, you can choose a schedule that fits your availability.
College Application Boost: Alumni of this program have been accepted to Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Chicago, and other Top 20 colleges, demonstrating the program’s value in college admissions.
Cons:
High Cost: Program fees may be prohibitive for some. While need-based financial aid is available for some programs, the cost may still be a barrier for many students.
Selective Admission: Advanced programs require prior experience, limiting accessibility for beginners.
Not a Traditional Research Internship: While the AI Fellowship offers research opportunities, you are expected to work independently on your projects, and it does not guarantee placement in university-affiliated research labs.
Time Commitment: The programs require significant time and effort, especially the 15-week AI Fellowship and 8-week AI Internship, which may be challenging for students balancing schoolwork and extracurricular activities.
Our Review – Should You Apply?
Veritas AI provides a solid opportunity for high school students interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning. With expert mentorship, research, and publication opportunities, the programs are well-structured to help you build a strong foundation in AI while boosting your college applications. If you are looking for guided AI research or industry exposure through internships, Veritas AI is a good choice.
However, its high cost and selective admissions process may be limiting factors. It is best suited for high school students interested in AI, coding, and research, particularly those seeking a rigorous academic challenge and one-on-one mentorship. On the other hand, students who prefer free alternatives can check out programs like MIT’s Introduction to AI or Google’s AI for Everyone.
Ultimately, if you can afford the program or secure financial aid, Veritas AI provides a great opportunity to gain AI expertise, conduct research, and enhance your college profile. If you are serious about AI and willing to commit the time and resources, Veritas AI is definitely worth considering.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!