15 Summer Medical Programs for High School Students in Chicago

If you’re a high school student interested in medicine, a summer program can give you valuable experience in the field before college. These opportunities let you develop skills like taking vital signs, CPR, or working with lab equipment while exploring research methods and patient care. They’re a great way to see what careers in healthcare and biomedical science look like, and they can even strengthen your college applications by demonstrating your interest in medicine. With hospitals, universities, and research centers, Chicago has a wide range of summer programs in medicine designed for high school students. 

Here are 15 summer medical programs in Chicago to help you start exploring the field.

1. UChicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart

Location: University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Cohort size: 30 students
Stipend: $3,000
Program Dates: The program runs from the second full week of June to the first week of August
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years old when applying and residents of Illinois or Lake County, Indiana

The ResearcHStart program at UChicago Medicine gives you a chance to work on cancer research with scientists and doctors. You will learn how to use lab tools, study how cancer works, and explore ways to treat it. You will get to work in a lab full-time and learn skills like using lab equipment, analyzing data, solving problems, and thinking carefully about your results. You will explore topics like cancer biology, immunology, and drug development. At the end of the program, you will share your research with other students and staff at a special event. 

2. Ladder Internship Program

Cost: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November). 
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!

Ladder Internships is a selective program that connects high school students with hands-on virtual internships at innovative start-ups. For Chicago students interested in healthcare, the program offers placements in health tech, medical research support, and biotech start-ups. You’ll work closely with managers and a dedicated Ladder Coach, contribute to projects, and present your work to company leaders. The summer cohort is a great opportunity for Chicago high schoolers to gain exposure to the medical and healthcare start-up space without leaving home.

3. Northwestern University’s Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program

Location: Louis A. Simpson and Kimberly K. Querrey Biomedical Research Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Participation is free with a competitive stipend; students must arrange their housing and transportation to the Northwestern campus in downtown Chicago.
Program Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are at least 16 years old, as well as undergraduate students enrolled at an accredited college or university

The Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program at Northwestern University is a paid summer program for high school students who are interested in science. It lasts six to eight weeks and focuses on lung disease research. You will be matched with a research mentor and help with lab or clinical projects. You will learn how to ask research questions, collect data, analyze results, and share what you find. You will also take part in workshops that help you get ready for college and a future in science or medicine. At the end of the program, you will give a talk about your research at a special event.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a research program for high school students. The program offers 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. 

5. UChicago Medicine’s SHE in Oncology

Location: Virtual
Stipend: $500 taxable stipend upon completing the program
Program Dates: SHE is a part-time program lasting two weeks, typically held in the second half of July
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students who are residents of Cook, Lake, Will, or DuPage County in Illinois or Lake County in Indiana

The SHE (Summer Healthcare Experience) in Oncology is an online program for high school students who are interested in science and medicine. It is mainly for students who identify as women and are not often represented in science. The program helps you explore careers in cancer research and healthcare. You will work on a genetics research project and study a patient case to learn how cancer is studied and treated. Each day, you will listen to talks from doctors and scientists, join group discussions, and take part in workshops that teach you new skills. You will also share your research with other students and learn from their work. This program helps you build research skills, understand cancer, and connect with people who work in science and healthcare.

6. Rush University’s MedSTEM Explorers

Location: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 
Cost/Stipend: There is no fee to participate, and the program is a paid opportunity.
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Students in Chicago who are rising sophomores or juniors, have a 2.5 GPA or higher, and attend school at least 80% of the time.

Rush University’s MedSTEM Explorers is a six-week summer program for high school students who want to learn about science, healthcare, and different careers. You will take part in workshops, do research, and talk with doctors, nurses, and other professionals. You will study health problems in your own Chicago community. You will build soft skills like time management, problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. You will also learn healthcare skills and may earn certifications like CPR or first aid. You will also meet other students, take part in career panels, and help with community service. 

7. UChicago Medicine’s Chicago EYES (Educators and Youth Enjoy Science) on Cancer Program

Location: The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Participation is free; students arrange their own housing and transportation to the University of Chicago; $5,000 taxable stipend.
Program Dates: Summer sessions usually run from mid-June to early August, with exact dates shared each fall.
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are at least 16 years old by the program start and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents can apply

Chicago EYES on Cancer is a program for high school and college students who want to explore careers in science and medicine. You will work in cancer research labs full-time over two summers and get help from mentors, teachers, and scientists. You will learn lab skills, study cancer, and attend workshops to help with your future career. You will also take part in lectures and get support all year from staff and mentors. At the end, you will share your research at a special event. You will build skills like working with data, asking research questions, solving problems, and sharing your ideas clearly.

8. Rush University Medical Center - MedSTEM Pathways

Location: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL.
Cost: No cost. Students receive a stipend. 
Program Dates: June 16 - August 1.
Application Deadline: February 28.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates can apply. You must live in Chicago or in Oak Park and River Forest and have at least a 2.5 weighted GPA.

MedSTEM Pathways is a paid internship for high school students who want to learn about healthcare and science jobs. You will work at Rush University Medical Center or with partner groups, in a department that matches your career goals. You will get work experience, take part in classes that help with college and job skills. You will build skills like communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. You will also meet and learn from people who work in healthcare and science. The program gives you a chance to earn certifications in areas like ECG, nursing, and IT support.

9. UChicago - 3 Week Immersion: Medicine Track

Location: The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
Cost: Residential: $8,900. Need-based financial aid is available. 
Program Dates: June 14 - July 4 (Session 1), July 7 - July 26 (Session 2)
Application Deadline: Priority: January 22, Regular: March 5, Extended: April 15.
Eligibility: High school students in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade can apply. You must be at least 14 years old.

The University of Chicago’s 3-Week Immersion program lets high school students take college-level classes for three weeks. You will earn a grade and college credit while learning from teachers, researchers, and professionals. If you are interested in medicine, you can study subjects like molecular biology, neuroscience, biotechnology, infectious diseases, and how the mind grows and changes. You will build skills like critical thinking, research, writing, and teamwork through classes, group work, and projects.

10. NM GCM Grosvenor Discovery Program

Location: Multiple locations. Click here for details.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Session begins on November 15
Application Deadline: September 9
Eligibility: You must be at least 15 years old and entering 10th or 11th grade; have at least a 3.0 GPA

The NM GCM Grosvenor Discovery Program is for students who are interested in healthcare. The program helps you learn about different healthcare jobs through tours, guest speakers, group talks, and fun activities. You will build skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication. You will also take part in community service, meet healthcare workers, and learn how to grow as a student and future professional. Meeting times and topics may change. You will also work with a local community group through your chapter. There are six chapters in the program. Each chapter is a little different. Most are one year long, but the Central Chapter is two years. Your chapter depends on the county of your school or your home if you are homeschooled. Sometimes, chapters may join together for activities if schedules allow.

11. SciHigh Summer Program — NUGoKidney / Northwestern Medicine

Location: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 16th - July 18th
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students entering 12th grade with a strong interest in STEM and research; have taken basic and intermediate science classes like biology and chemistry. AP or IB is preferred if offered at your school.

The SciHigh Summer Program at Northwestern University is for high school students who are excited about science and want to learn more. The program helps you build research skills and get ready for a future in science or research. You will take part in a research internship where you work on science projects with the help of expert scientists. You will learn how to use lab tools, collect data, and think like a scientist. You will be matched with a mentor and a lab that fits your interests and goals, so you can learn and grow in a way that works best for you.

12. Pathways at the American Academy of Dermatology Association

Location: Two locations for the program: Chicago, IL, and Washington, D.C.
Cost: For details on costs or stipends, refer to the official program website
Eligibility: High school seniors and college students.
Application Deadline: May 2
Program Dates: Chicago: June 10 - June 14 and D.C.: June 24 - June 28

The Pathways program at the American Academy of Dermatology Association is for high school seniors who want to learn about careers in skin care and medicine. It focuses on supporting Black, Latino, and Indigenous students. In this five-day program, you will practice skincare procedures, join sessions with dermatologists, and attend talks by medical students and residents. You will learn skills like patient care, communication, and problem-solving. You will also get advice on how to apply to medical school and plan your path to a career in medicine.

13. UChicago’s Research in Biological Sciences (RIBS)

Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $14,490
Program Dates: June 14th - July 12th
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: 10th Grade, 11th Grade

This four-week training program teaches you many lab skills used in research today. You will learn molecular, microbiology, and cell biology techniques and experience what it is like to work in a lab. The program uses a project-based approach, starting with basic lab skills and moving to methods in cell biology, genetics, developmental biology, and cancer biology. After that, you will work on your own research project. Most of your day will be in the lab, with lectures to explain the science behind your work. You will build skills like keeping a lab notebook, reading scientific articles, writing about your research, and presenting your ideas clearly. You will also join group presentations and attend weekly talks by research faculty. The program ends with a research forum where you will share your project results.

14. Illinois Institute of Technology’s Elevate College Prep—Biomedical Engineering: Drug Delivery Innovations

Location: Illinois Institute of Technology (Mies Campus), Chicago, IL
Cost: Not Specified. You can send them an email at  precollege@iit.edu.
Program Dates: Not Specified
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 can apply. You must be at least 15 years old to join the residential program.

Illinois Tech’s Biomedical Engineering: Drug Delivery Innovations is a two-week program for high school students who want to learn how math and science are used in biomedical engineering. In the first week, you will study drug delivery systems like hydrogels, beads, and nanomaterials. In the second week, you will learn how to measure and study the body’s signals, such as heart activity, muscle movement, and brain activity, using special equipment and software. You will build skills like preparing hydrogels, measuring proteins and other molecules with spectroscopy, collecting and studying physiological data with electrodes, and presenting your work to others. 

15. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS)

Location: Virtual or in-person at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology, East Baltimore Campus, Baltimore, MD
Stipend: $15/hour over 8 weeks. Transportation assistance is also provided. Virtual interns do not receive a stipend but receive a certificate of completion.
Program dates: Not specified
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from across the US

The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) lets you explore neuroscience research with experts in neurology and neurosurgery. You can join an 8-week in-person internship where you will do research, work with a mentor, and build career skills, or a 5-week online program where you will learn basic lab techniques and research skills. Both options include workshops on professional growth, college preparation, and networking. If you choose the in-person program, you will finish by presenting your research to others, building skills in communication and scientific thinking.

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