12 Internships for High School Students in Illinois
In Illinois, where opportunities span industries from business to healthcare and engineering, an internship can give you hands-on skills and a first taste of the professional world. Whether you’re interested in tech, marketing, or environmental science, internships for high school students in Illinois can help you sharpen your talents, build a network, and look more impressive when you apply to colleges. Having some work experience shows colleges and future employers that you’re serious, driven, and ahead of the curve.
In this blog, we’ve curated a list of internships for high school students in Illinois to help high school students who want to beef up their resumes, explore career paths, and kickstart their future. Whether you’re looking to dive into STEM or try out the world of business, these internships for high school students in Illinois are your gateway to something big!
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starting from $2,490 (financial aid available)
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10 – 20 hours/week
Application Deadline: Varies based on the cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! As a participant, you’ll get to work with high-growth start-ups that offer internships across various industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. During the program, you’ll work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and eventually present your work to the company.
Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. As an intern, you will be offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other valuable skills. You’ll also attend group training sessions with other interns in your cohort.
2. UChicago Medicine’s SHE (Summer Healthcare Experience) in Oncology
Location: University of Chicago campus, Chicago, Illinois
Stipend: $500
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a passion for science or medicine; must be available for the full two weeks (weekdays, 4 hours/day)
Application Deadline: March (tentatively)
Dates: Two weeks, typically the second half of July
If cancer research and patient care fascinate you, this two-week crash course will give you a front-row seat to the world of oncology. During the SHE in Oncology program, you will work on a genetics-based research project and a patient case study project. The point of this is to give you the chance to explore key facets of cancer science and care. You can also expect to attend daily lectures, panels with experts, and workshops that help you build key skills. You’ll walk away with a solid understanding of cancer science, all while connecting with like-minded students and seasoned mentors.
3. Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, Illinois
Stipend: $500 weekly
Eligibility: High school seniors in the current academic year who are U.S. citizens and enrolled in Illinois high schools. Proof of health insurance and eligibility to work in the U.S. is required
Application Deadline: Opens on January 15 and closes on March 15
Dates: July 14 – August 8
The Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM) is a four-week program for high school seniors and recent graduates that lets you explore STEM and connect with Fermilab STEM professionals. As a participant, you will get the chance to engage with concepts like particle physics, quantum science, engineering design, and artificial intelligence through hands-on activities and informative lectures. The program gives recent high school graduates the chance to explore a potential future in STEM, build a supportive network, and prepare for future academic endeavors.
4. UChicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart
Location: University of Chicago campus, Chicago, Illinois
Stipend: Taxable stipend of $3,000
Eligibility:
- High school junior or senior at the time of application
- Must be at least 16 years old at the start of the program
- Strong interest in pursuing a career in scientific research or medicine
- Ability to commit to 8 full weeks of programming, at 40 hours per week
Application Deadline: January 20
Dates: June 16 – August 8
ResearcHStart is a full-time summer program that places you directly within the laboratories of esteemed researchers, providing hands-on experience in innovative fields like cancer immunology, bioengineering, experimental cancer therapeutics, and addressing cancer disparities.
Throughout the program, you will dive deep into cancer research, collaborating with experts and acquiring practical skills that are essential in this domain. The program places a strong emphasis on mentorship, offering access to a comprehensive network of university faculty, research professionals, program staff, and peers. It also includes targeted career development and skill-building workshops aimed at equipping you with the knowledge and tools essential for a future in cancer research and beyond.
5. Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) by the American Bar Association
Location: Illinois
Stipend: $2,000 (housing and transportation not included)
Eligibility: High school seniors and undergraduates
Application Deadline: January 10
Dates: May – June (minimum of 6 weeks)
The Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) provides exclusive internships for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds in the legal profession. These selective positions allow you to gain firsthand experience within the judicial system by working alongside state or federal judges. You will conduct substantial judicial research and writing, contributing directly to legal proceedings.
Beyond practical legal training, you will participate in comprehensive orientations and networking receptions in your respective cities. These events often include local law firms, enhancing networking opportunities. You will also get to observe court proceedings, offering a valuable glimpse into the judicial process.
Location: University of Chicago campus, Chicago, Illinois
Stipend: $4,800
Eligibility: High school students located in the Chicago area. It is recommended that applicants have some familiarity with at least one programming language
Application Deadline: January 12
Dates: June 16 – August 8
The DSI Summer Lab at the University of Chicago offers a 10-week, paid summer research experience for high school and undergraduate students passionate about data science. As a participant, you will work closely with experienced mentors, gaining hands-on experience in various domains such as computer science and climate policy.
Throughout the program, you will learn essential data science methods, engage in practical projects, and collaborate with peers to tackle real-world challenges. The experience culminates in a professional presentation of your research findings, allowing you to showcase your work and receive feedback. This opportunity not only enhances technical skills but also prepares you for future academic and professional pursuits in data science and related fields.
Location: Varies by internship; virtual options are also available
Stipend: Most internships are paid; some are unpaid volunteer opportunities
Eligibility: Full-time students (high school through graduate level) who are at least 16 years old at the time of application; U.S. citizens; must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Application Deadline: Summer: February 28 | Fall: May 16
Dates: Varies; based on program
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement offers a diverse range of internship opportunities across its facilities nationwide. Whether you’re near a NASA center or prefer working remotely, the agency ensures students can find suitable placements. Their online database features internships tailored specifically for high school students. Some internship opportunities include space missions, satellite communications, aerospace engineering, and more. As a NASA intern, you’ll get to work side-by-side with NASA mentors on various projects and gain hands-on experience. This program is great for students looking to explore future careers in aerospace and technology.
8. American Psychological Association (APA) Internships
Location: Remote
Stipend: Some internships are paid, others offer academic credit
Eligibility: High school students eligible to work in the U.S. and residing in states where the APA is a registered employer (check for excluded states). Students under 18 must submit an official District of Columbia Work Permit with their application.
Application Deadline: Varies based on available positions
Dates: Internships available year-round (spring, summer, fall, winter)
The American Psychological Association (APA) offers fully remote internships for high school students in select states. As an intern, you will gain insight into psychology and its practical applications while exploring diverse career paths in various departments, such as research, policy, communications, financial services, and operations.
During the internship, you will apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects, understand workplace dynamics, perform daily tasks, attend meetings with mentors and supervisors, and participate in workshops, discussions, and group projects. You will also receive valuable support for research, networking opportunities, university applications, federal advocacy, and guidance on resume and cover letter preparation.
9. U.S. Department of State’s Pathways Internship Programs
Location: Remote
Stipend: Varies, depending on the position
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old, U.S. citizens, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0
Application Deadline: Varies based on the position
Dates: Varies by position. The Internship Experience Program (IEP) is aligned with the student’s academic schedule and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP) is available during seasonal or holiday breaks or throughout the year
For high school students keen on federal careers, the U.S. Department of State’s Pathways Internship Program offers an excellent starting point. As a participant, you can choose between the Internship Experience Program (IEP) or the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP) based on availability.
The types of internships available can vary by application time, Still, you can anticipate opportunities in law, space operations, cyber operations, environmental protection, administration, trade, energy, health and medicine, veterinary science, and agriculture. Be sure to check which internships offer remote work options before submitting your application.
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; a stipend is provided
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of registration for the program
- Not reside in a U.S. embargoed country
- Be authorized to work in their country of residence throughout the program's duration
Application Deadline: Typically early April
Dates: May – September (based on last year’s dates)
Google Summer of Code (GSoC) offers a unique chance for students to join open-source projects and acquire practical experience through a 12-week coding project with one of approximately 150 participating open-source organizations, all while receiving guidance from experienced mentors.
The program is perfect for you if you want to engage in open-source software development, assist projects in attracting new developers, and expose new contributors to real-world scenarios in open-source development. Upon completion, the code produced by GSoC participants will be accessible for public use, ensuring that it becomes a valuable reference when you apply for future jobs and internships.
Location: Remote
Stipend: Unpaid
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, or seniors who have completed at least one honors science or honors English course and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates:
- Half-time internships: 2 to 8 weeks during the summer, working approximately 20 hours weekly
- Quarter-time internships: 1 to 9 months, working about 8 hours per week, available year-round
EnergyMag offers virtual research internships tailored for high school and college students eager to explore the renewable energy sector. As an intern, you will engage in comprehensive company research, technology assessments, and market analysis, all while honing your research and analytical skills.
Your tasks will involve conducting thorough research, connecting with experts, synthesizing information, and drafting an analysis report that will include your name and be published on the company’s site after proper editing. You will have a dedicated mentor to guide you through the process. If you create a publishable report, you’ll receive an Internship Letter of Accomplishment, recognizing your contributions and the organization's appreciation for your work.
12. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute
Location: Remote and in-person options available
Stipend: Paid and unpaid internships available
Eligibility: High school students authorized to work in the U.S.
Application Deadlines: Opens on February 3 for the summer term
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year; June – August for the summer term
The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) offers a competitive internship program tailored for motivated high school students interested in international relations. This program aims to enhance skills related to foreign policy while fostering critical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork abilities. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to engage with professionals in the foreign relations community and participate in weekly seminars featuring guest speakers.
Internship roles include research intern, special events intern, and operations intern. You can also work on a research paper, which may be published on FPRI's Intern Corner, providing an excellent platform to showcase your insights and contribute to the field.
You can find more information on the program here.