15 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in Illinois
Summer programs are a great way for high school students to gain practical experience, build new skills, and connect with mentors. These opportunities expose you to problem-solving and industry-focused projects that can strengthen your applications to college and future jobs. Many are hosted by respected universities, research centers, and community organizations that design their programs to help you explore potential career paths in a supportive environment.
Illinois offers a wide range of opportunities for high schoolers through its institutions, such as the University of Chicago, Northwestern Memorial and Lurie Children’s Hospital, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Field Museum. These programs allow you to explore diverse fields and prepare for the academic rigor of college. To help you identify strong options, we’ve compiled a list of 15 free summer programs for high school students in Illinois, focusing on program quality, accessibility, and the value they offer.
1. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~5%; about 30 research placements available
Dates: June 17 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders from Illinois
The Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program offers high school students the chance to engage in faculty-guided research across STEMM fields. You will spend the summer working in an assigned laboratory, learning techniques in areas such as cancer immunology, neuroscience, AI applications, or bioengineering. Throughout the program, you will participate in workshops focused on scientific writing, experimental planning, and data interpretation. Weekly seminars expose you to current research questions and interdisciplinary perspectives. The program concludes with a poster session where you present your project to peers and faculty.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: 100% financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 – 25%; 70 – 100 students
Dates: Multiple 8–12 week cohorts offered in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students able to commit 10 – 20 hours per week for 8 – 12 weeks
Ladder Internships offers students the opportunity to work directly with high-growth start-ups across sectors such as AI/ML, deep tech, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. You will collaborate with a founder or team lead on defined projects, gaining experience in tasks like data analysis, product research, content development, or market strategy. The program pairs you with a dedicated Ladder Coach who provides guidance on workflow, communication, and deliverables. It also emphasizes professional development through regular check-ins and structured project presentations. With up to full financial aid available, the program remains an accessible option for students seeking a rigorous remote internship experience.
3. ResearcHStart
Location: University of Chicago; University of Illinois at Chicago; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Northwestern University; Rush University
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $3,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~30 students per year
Dates: Second week of June – First week of August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years of age at the start of the program and are residents of Illinois
ResearcHStart immerses high school students in full-time cancer research at major universities and medical centers across Illinois. You will work with a faculty mentor in an assigned laboratory, contributing to ongoing projects in areas such as immunotherapy, bioengineering, molecular oncology, or experimental therapeutics. The program includes structured sessions that introduce essential lab skills, data analysis methods, and coding for research. You will attend scientific lectures and professional development workshops that highlight different career pathways in biomedical science. The experience culminates in a formal research symposium where you present your findings to peers and faculty.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small cohorts per cycle
Dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts offered in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students who are typically from low-income families
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation provides fully funded access to individualized research for high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. You will work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor, developing an independent research project in fields such as psychology, engineering, economics, chemistry, international relations, data science, and more. The program mirrors the structure of the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, emphasizing deep subject exploration and rigorous academic writing. Over the 12-week cycle, you will learn how to frame a research question, conduct literature reviews, and apply discipline-specific methods. Regular meetings with your mentor help you refine your analysis and progress toward a polished research paper and a possible UCSD credit.
5. Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program
Location: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; around 25 – 35 participants
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors; must be at least 16 years old by May 31
The Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program allows students to participate in active research focused on lung biology and disease. You will join a basic or clinical science laboratory, contributing to ongoing investigations under the mentorship of Northwestern University researchers. The program introduces you to experimental workflows, data interpretation, and foundational scientific writing. You will also take part in workshops covering topics like college preparation, résumé development, and professional communication. Throughout the program, you’ll interact with faculty and lab teams to gain a deeper understanding of biomedical research environments. The experience concludes with a formal symposium where you present your project findings.
6. University of Illinois - Summer Science Internship Program
Location: University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, Rockford, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~5 interns selected every year
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ by May 1 from Rockford and surrounding communities | Must be from eligible high schools
This internship introduces you to biomedical research through placements in active laboratories at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford. You will work alongside scientists on projects related to cancer biology, vaccine development, pharmacology, and other biomedical topics. The program begins with an orientation and structured lab training to familiarize you with essential research methods. You will gain experience in data management, experimental techniques, and scientific communication. Additionally, workshops in résumé building, interviewing, and professional development help prepare students for future academic paths. The program concludes with a Summer Science Forum, where you will share your findings through oral and poster presentations.
7. Exemplary Student Research Program (ESRP)
Location: Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; one student–teacher team per school
Dates: Year-long program beginning in the summer
Application Deadline: July 1
Eligibility: One student at a participating Chicagoland high school, selected by their participating high school teacher
The Exemplary Student Research Program gives high school students the chance to participate in authentic scientific research alongside Argonne National Laboratory scientists. You will work as part of a school-based team, guided by a certified science teacher and an Argonne mentor, to design and carry out an original research project. You will gain access to major user facilities, including the Advanced Photon Source and the Center for Nanoscale Materials, to conduct experiments and gather data. The program spans the summer and school year, allowing students to integrate lab work with classroom learning. Throughout the experience, you will develop skills in proposal writing, data analysis, and scientific communication.
8. MedSTEM Explorers
Location: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 30 students
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Rising sophomores and juniors from Chicago with a weighted GPA of 2.5 or higher and who have 80% attendance
MedSTEM Explorers is a six-week paid summer program designed to introduce Chicago high school students to careers in healthcare and STEM. You will participate in lab-based activities, research, and structured skills workshops, gaining familiarity with scientific practices and clinical environments. The curriculum includes sessions with healthcare professionals, team-based learning exercises, and college readiness support. You will also earn CPR and first aid certifications as part of the experience. Throughout the program, the focus is on building analytical skills, professional habits, and confidence in STEM pathways. High-performing participants may be invited to continue in the MedSTEM Pathways internship for more advanced research and clinical engagement.
9. University of Chicago - After School Matters (ASM)
Location: The Michael and Karyn Lutz Center; Gallery 37 Center for the Arts; ASM at Gately Park (Chicago, IL)
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, more details here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-competitive; typically large cohorts
Dates: Multiple cohorts; Upcoming session is Fall between September 23 – December 13; summer sessions also available
Application Deadline: Varies as per session; Fall session: September 13; Summer: typically April or May
Eligibility: Fall Program: Chicago high school students who are at least 14 years old by the first day | Summer program: Chicago high school students who are at least 16 years old by the first day
After School Matters offers a structured summer experience where students can explore fields such as STEM, business, the arts, and technology through paid apprenticeships and internships. You will be placed in a program track, apprenticeship, assistantship, or internship, based on your age and prior experience. You will work on collaborative, instructor-led projects and may also pursue independent tasks depending on your placement. While the focus varies across programs, some tracks incorporate research elements, including data collection or evaluation projects tied to organizational needs. The experience emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and exposure to professional practices. By the end of the session, you will have completed a paid summer program with tangible project experience and mentorship.
10. Discovery Partners Institute - Digital Scholars Program
Location: Discovery Partners Institute, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 25 – 35 students per course
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders or those who will graduate in the application year | Students must attend a mandatory virtual orientation with a parent or guardian
The Digital Scholars Program provides a six-week, in-person introduction to advanced computing and engineering fields. You will enroll in a focused track, choosing from computer science, data science, mobile app development, or electrical and computer engineering. Each course combines technical instruction with workshops on communication, collaboration, and other professional skills. You will attend daily sessions led by faculty and industry partners, gaining exposure to real-world applications in Chicago’s tech ecosystem. Guest talks and networking opportunities help you understand pathways into technology careers. The program emphasizes broad access, with a commitment to supporting students from groups historically underrepresented in STEM.
11. DSI Summer Lab
Location: Ryerson Laboratory, University of Chicago, Hyde Park Campus
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $5,600 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 20 – 50 students
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: High school students from the Chicago area
The DSI Summer Lab offers an eight-week research placement focused on applied data science across multiple disciplines. The program pairs you with a mentor, and you work on a defined project in areas such as computer science, social science, climate and energy, health research, or public policy. The program centers on hands-on data work, including coding, statistical analysis, and introductory machine learning techniques. Collaboration and communication are emphasized, with regular group meetings and guidance from UChicago researchers. You will learn how to interpret real datasets, build analytical models, and present technical findings clearly. The experience concludes with a professionally produced video presentation showcasing each student’s research contributions.
12. Cancer Health Equity Summer Scholars (CHESS)
Location: University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $3,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 17 – 20 students
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors residing in Cook County
The CHESS program is an eight-week opportunity designed to introduce students from underrepresented communities to careers in cancer research and health sciences. You will join a research group at the University of Illinois Cancer Center, working with a faculty mentor to develop and complete an independent project. You will gain experience in laboratory techniques, data collection, and scientific problem-solving. The program also includes workshops, lectures, and professional development sessions offered through UIC’s Urban Health Program. These sessions provide insight into academic pathways, health equity issues, and biomedical careers. At the end of the summer, you will present your research at a formal symposium attended by peers, faculty, and program staff.
13. Chicago EYES (Educators and Youth Enjoy Science) on Cancer
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $5,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 20 – 30 students
Dates: Two consecutive 8-week summers (June – August) plus monthly academic-year sessions (2 – 4 hours/month)
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores–seniors (16+), who are residents of Cook, Lake, Will, or DuPage counties (IL) and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Chicago EYES on Cancer is a two-year research training initiative that immerses students in cancer science across basic, translational, clinical, and population research. You will work full-time in a research lab for two summers, gaining experience under the mentorship of University of Chicago investigators. The program includes a structured lecture series focused on cancer biology, professional development workshops, and year-round support from faculty and research staff. You will build technical skills while also learning about data interpretation, research ethics, and lab communication. The academic-year component, consisting of monthly meetings, helps maintain continuity and deepen engagement with the research community. The program concludes with a research symposium where you will present your findings to peers and mentors.
14. Chicago Public Schools - Health Science Pathways
Location: Various Chicago Public High Schools
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not applicable; typically large cohorts
Dates: Integrated into the high school academic year
Application Deadline: Varies by school enrollment timelines
Eligibility: Chicago Public School students interested in healthcare
Health Science Pathways provides CPS students with structured exposure to healthcare fields through coursework, skill-building, and career exploration. You will study core subjects such as medical terminology, anatomy, safety procedures, and basic clinical skills, with some schools offering specialized tracks in biomedical science, allied health, or medical assisting. Depending on the program, you may earn industry-recognized credentials, including EMT, Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, or Patient Care Technician certifications. The pathways also incorporate practical learning through site visits, guest speakers, job shadowing, and partnerships with local healthcare organizations. These experiences help you understand real-world healthcare environments while preparing for postsecondary training or entry-level clinical roles.
15. Northwestern Medicine - Sci-High Program
Location: Louis A. Simpson and Kimberly K. Querrey Biomedical Research Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 6 – 12 students
Dates: 7 – 8 weeks during summer; between June and August
Application Deadline: Typically mid-March
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from Chicago high schools or neighboring Illinois suburbs; completion of biology and chemistry required (AP/IB preferred) | Must meet Northwestern’s COVID-19 vaccination and booster requirements
The Sci-High Program provides rising seniors with a focused introduction to laboratory research at Northwestern University. The program matches you with a faculty mentor, and you join an active research group, working on a project in biology, chemistry, biomedical science, or related fields. You will receive guidance in research design, data interpretation, and scientific problem-solving through weekly workshops and seminars. The program emphasizes professional communication, helping you learn how to explain scientific methods and results effectively. Throughout the session, you gain experience with laboratory techniques and collaborative research practices. The program concludes with a formal symposium where you present your findings to peers, mentors, and faculty.
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