16 Computer Science Internships for High School Students in Chicago
If you are a high school student in Chicago interested in computer science, participating in internships allows you to apply classroom knowledge to practical scenarios, building technical skills like coding and data analysis. Computer science internships can help provide exposure to industry practices, helping you understand professional workflows in tech environments.
If you’re based in Chicago, you’re in luck! Chicago is home to several top universities and institutions, such as the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, which help you save on travel and housing costs owing to their being local. Computer science internships can also help you to form valuable connections with mentors and peers, which may lead to future opportunities in the field.
Computer science internships can also help enhance your resume, improving your chances of college admissions and early career prospects by demonstrating initiative and practical experience. If you are interested in computer science, exploring these internships can help you delve into areas like software development and AI.
We have curated a list of the 16 best computer science internships for high school students in Chicago, including virtual options for flexibility.
1. Data Science Institute Summer Lab
Location: John Crerar Library at the University of Chicago, Hyde Park campus, IL
Cost/Stipend: None / $5,600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective / 20-30 students
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Chicago-area high school students (including graduating seniors)
The Data Science Institute Summer Lab involves pairing with University of Chicago mentors for research in computer science-related domains such as data-intensive computing and machine learning applications. You learn research methodologies, including parallel programming in Python and techniques for scientific reproducibility under faculty guidance. The program encourages collaboration in teams, allowing you to explore advanced topics without prior experience. Mentors provide insights into real-world data science practices integrated with computer science principles. You develop skills in data management and visualization through hands-on tasks. At the program’s end, you present findings, building a foundation in computational research methods.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend:Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / 70-100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall (starts September 15), and Winter; upcoming Winter cohort starts December 8
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Winter cohort: November 16; apply here
Eligibility: High school students able to commit 10-20 hours/week for 8-15 weeks
Ladder Internships places you in tech startups where you tackle projects in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and software engineering domains. You collaborate with company teams, often led by alumni from institutions like Harvard, to implement code and solve technical problems. The structure emphasizes deliverables like algorithm development or app prototyping. Coached sessions help refine your approach to coding challenges and project management. Projects are tailored to your computer science interests, such as building scalable systems or data pipelines. You present final work to company leadership, gaining feedback on your technical contributions. The experience exposes you to startup dynamics in computer science applications.
3. Digital Scholars Program
Location: Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) offices and the Illinois Institute of Technology's Conviser Law Center, Chicago
Cost/Stipend: None / Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / 130+ students
Dates: June 23 – August 1; 6 weeks
Application Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: Rising 11th-12th graders or first-year college students, priority for underrepresented groups
The Digital Scholars Program delivers courses in data science, electrical and computer engineering, and computer science foundations using languages like Java or Kotlin. You design iOS apps with Swift and Xcode, potentially demonstrating them in professional settings like the Apple Store. Daily interactions include talks from Chicago tech professionals on topics such as artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship. Weekly workshops delve into machine learning models and code implementation strategies. You cultivate skills in technical communication and collaborative problem-solving through group projects. The curriculum integrates networking with industry experts to explore computer science career trajectories. Emphasis is placed on preparing for higher education in computing fields with diverse viewpoints.
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
5. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None / $300 needs-based grant available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive / Large cohort
Dates: July 7 – 18 (Round 1); July 28 – August 8 (Round 2); two-week sessions during the summer
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Current 9th-11th grade girls and non-binary students
The Summer Immersion Program covers game design fundamentals through live virtual classes on computer science concepts from beginner to intermediate levels. In this program, you investigate the game design lifecycle, incorporating user experience principles and prototyping tools. It also involves partner-hosted events that offer perspectives on industry standards in software development. Optional support hours assist with coding exercises and concept clarification. You network with tech leaders for guidance on college pathways in computer science. The program enables community building among participants and fosters peer learning in programming. It also equips you with foundational skills for advancing in tech-related pursuits.
6. After School Matters
Location: Three locations in Chicago, details here
Cost/Stipend: None / Stipend provided; details here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-competitive / Large cohort
Dates: Fall session: September 23 – December 13; Spring session: Late February – Mid-May; Summer session: Late June – Early August
Application Deadline: Varies as per session; Fall session: September 13
Eligibility: Students who are Chicago residents and attend a Chicago high school | At least 14 years old by a respective session’s start
After School Matters facilitates internships in STEM, such as information technology and industrial technology, where you engage with computer science tasks in professional environments. You will acquire technical competencies through hands-on projects involving network configuration or software troubleshooting. The program provides networking opportunities to connect you with community experts in computing fields. It also facilitates team collaborations under mentorship to develop your abilities in algorithmic thinking and data handling. The program examines career options in computer science and related STEM areas, and placements across Chicago sites provide varied exposure to tech applications. You earn compensation while building a portfolio of practical experiences.
7. UChicago Youth Internship Program
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago
Cost/Stipend: None / Paid, Chicago minimum wage per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / 75-100 interns
Dates: June 23 – July 31; 6 weeks
Application Deadline: April 24
Eligibility: High school students and recent graduates | At least 16 years old by the program’s start | Residents of Chicago | Eligible to work in the U.S.
The Youth Internship Program offers Year 2 positions in computer sciences after completing Year 1, placing you in University units for technical work. You will perform tasks in computing environments, such as system maintenance or data processing in IT services. The program’s six-week schedule includes workshops on college preparation and professional seminars. It provides mentorship that supports your exploration of computer science intersections with health sciences or information technology. The program targets public high school students for skill development in computational areas. Upon completion, you acquire experience valuable for future tech roles.
8. Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Location: Batavia, IL (near Chicago)
Cost/Stipend: None, but does not provide housing / $500/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / Not specified
Dates: July 13 – August 7; 4 weeks
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Illinois high school seniors and recent graduates who are U.S. citizens | Have a valid medical insurance
The PRISM program immerses you in a four-week summer school focused on STEM, with computer science applications in particle physics and artificial intelligence research. You engage in hands-on projects, such as coding simulations for quantum science or analyzing experimental data, guided by Fermilab professionals. Weekly themes explore computational modeling, engineering design, and AI algorithms. Exclusive facility tours and expert-led lectures deepen your understanding of computer science in scientific contexts. You collaborate with mentors to develop technical skills like data processing and programming. The program fosters a supportive network for building your STEM identity. Presentations at the end showcase your computational skills towards cutting-edge research.
9. NASA OSTEM Internships
Location: Virtual or on-site at NASA centers nationwide (Chicago-area projects at Illinois Space Grant Consortium, Urbana, IL)
Cost/Stipend: None / Paid based on their academic level and session duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very competitive / Over 2,000 high school interns selected annually
Dates: Year-round (Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions)
Application Deadline: September 12 (Spring); February 27 (Summer); May 22 (Fall)
Eligibility: High school students | U.S. citizen | At least 16 years old at the time of application | 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
NASA internships encompass projects in technology and space exploration, with computer science tasks like software for missions. You'll work alongside NASA scientists and engineers on real-world problems in aerospace engineering, planetary science, data science, and systems design, contributing to STEM initiatives involving coding for data processing or simulation models. Mentors will oversee your work on practical applications in aeronautics computing. The program supports full or part-time commitments, allowing flexibility in technical contributions. It also involves webinars for career development in computer science. The program has placements at nationwide facilities that offer diverse environments. You’ll learn to navigate collaborative workflows in high-stakes scientific environments.
10. AEOP High School Internship
Location: Multiple University or Army research labs
Cost/Stipend: None / Paid, varies by site
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive / More than 300 interns across locations
Dates: 5-10 weeks in May – August
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students (or graduating seniors not attending college) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Site-specific requirements may apply
The AEOP Apprenticeship immerses you in lab settings for STEM research, including cybersecurity and computational science projects. You conduct hands-on activities with mentors, utilizing tools for algorithm development and network analysis. You get access to state-of-the-art facilities that support experiments in data modeling. The program cultivates lab techniques and resilience in technical problem-solving. You also receive support for creating resumes and career planning in computer science. The program involves projects that may blend biology or materials science with computing elements. Preparation for STEM trajectories is strongly emphasized through structured mentorship.
11. Field Museum High School Science and Digital Learning Program
Location: Chicago
Cost/Stipend: None / $16.50/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective / 15 students
Dates: Late June – Early August; 5 weeks
Application Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: High school students graduating between the application year and 3 years after | Residents of the Chicagoland region
The Field Museum High School Science and Digital Learning Program is a paid summer internship that selects 15 high school students from the Chicagoland area to work as scientists for the summer. It matches you with experts for science projects emphasizing digital media and technology in computer science contexts. You create digital content using tools for data visualization and interactive explanations of scientific concepts. Professional development sessions cover portfolio creation and resume skills. Mentorship focuses on applying computer science to museum education and research dissemination. The internship integrates tech with science for practical experience. Completion yields insights into digital applications in educational settings.
12. Google Summer of Code
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None / $750–$6,600 depending on project size and participant location
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / 1,000 participants yearly
Dates: January 27 - November 19 (tentative); 12-22 weeks
Application Deadline: April 8
Eligibility: High school students with minimal open source experience | Contributors aged 18 or older with beginner or student-level experience in open source | Not be a resident of an United States embargoed country
The Google Summer of Code program engages you in contributing to open source software projects selected by mentoring organizations. You will work on coding tasks ranging from 90 to 350 hours, focusing on specific features or improvements in computer science domains. Mentors will provide guidance through regular communication and code reviews. You learn version control, software engineering practices, and domain-specific technologies. Projects cover areas like algorithms, web development, or machine learning. The virtual format allows participation from anywhere across the globe. Upon successful completion, you will earn a stipend based on project size and evaluations.
13. Chicago Public Schools Career and Technical Education: Information Technology Pathway
Location: Multiple CPS high schools across Chicago
Cost/Stipend: None / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-competitive / Large cohort
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling; usually align with CPS enrollment cycle
Eligibility: High school students in Chicago Public Schools
The Information Technology Pathway of the Chicago Public School system’s CTE initiative offers specific pathways in Networking, Game Programming, Programming, and Web Development and Design, focusing on practical, project-oriented learning. You will develop skills in designing and maintaining networks, creating games and mobile applications, and programming using OOP languages. You will also explore physical computing devices like micro:bits, raspberry pis, and programmable drones. The program includes instruction on system analysis, visual design, and the use of development frameworks, with additional tools for audio and video editing in web development. Throughout the three-year program, you can earn multiple industry certifications, which also provide college credit.
14. Northwestern University Research Program for High Schoolers
Location: Northwestern University campus, Chicago
Cost/Stipend: None / $4,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / 5 students
Dates: June 23 – August 8; 7 weeks
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students grades 10-12 from the Chicago Math and Science Academy, Northwestern Academy, and Holy Trinity High School
The Northwestern University Research Program for High Schoolers (NURPH) allows you to engage in faculty-led projects across disciplines, including computer science areas like algorithms and systems. You will conduct experiments using programming languages to model problems or analyze datasets. The program provides mentorship involving weekly meetings to discuss methodology and results interpretation. You will take up projects that may involve software design or computational simulations in collaborative settings. You will learn research ethics and data integrity principles. The program culminates in presentations of your findings and builds foundational skills for advanced study in computing.
15. Illinois Tech - Summer Programs
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; ranges from $300 (virtual short programs) up to $6,500 for longer overnight stays / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment / Not specified
Dates: Multiple sessions in summer 2025, generally ranging from one week to four weeks, between June 16 to August 1
Application Deadline: Typically May
Eligibility: High school students (typically ages 12 to 17)
The Illinois Tech Summer Programs for high school students offer an exciting opportunity to dive deep into STEM subjects at a leading tech-focused university in Chicago. You will explore topics such as coding and programming, robotics, sustainability, and human sciences, giving you hands-on experience in current and future technologies. Throughout the program, you will engage in activities like building robots, designing coding projects, conducting sustainability experiments, and collaborating on research initiatives. You will hone critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, which are invaluable not only for academic success but also for future careers in science and technology.
16. College Bound Research Program at Argonne National Laboratory
Location: Argonne, IL (near Chicago)
Cost/Stipend: None / $500 per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive / Small cohort
Dates: June 9 - August 1
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Graduating high school students from Illinois | Aged 18+ | Minimum 3.75 GPA | U.S. citizen or legal permanent residents
The College Bound Research Program at Argonne National Laboratory is a prestigious, paid summer research opportunity specifically for a select group of graduating high school seniors from Illinois. It places you in research settings for STEM projects, incorporating computer science in areas like simulation and data modeling. You will assist scientists with computational tasks using software for scientific calculations. The program provides mentorship and emphasizes method development and code optimization. You may be part of projects that focus on high-performance computing or AI applications in lab experiments. You will also document processes and contribute to team reports. The program fosters skills in research and software engineering.
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