15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Illinois
Looking to make your summer both fun and meaningful? Illinois offers a wide range of summer programs for high school students, covering fields from STEM research and environmental science to zoology, museum studies and creative arts. Summer in Illinois is the perfect time to learn from mentors, collaborate with others and make your break both productive and inspiring.
Whether you are looking to build your skills, find your tribe or simply explore your passions and discover your new interests, there is something here for everyone. We have curated a list of 15 programs for high school students in Illinois that will help you make the most of your summer – and set you up for success ahead.
If you want to check out other summer programs, here’s a list of free leadership programs & here’s a list of some STEM-specific internships!
1. Fermilab — High School Student Programs
Location: Batavia / Fermilab campus (near Chicago), IL.
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Cohort sizes are modest
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Many Fermilab high-school programs require U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency
Fermilab offers high school students an opportunity to spend their summers in cutting edge scientific research in one of the top particle physics laboratories in the country. Depending on your track, you may be placed in technical groups and labs to work on research, instrumentation, computing, and STEM outreach. You will collaborate with scientists and engineers, attend technical seminars, and present your findings through posters and presentations at the end of the program. Applicants are selected through a competitive process based on academic performance, work samples, and recommendations.
2. Argonne National Laboratory — College-Bound Research Program & Seasonal Camps
Location: Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL (Chicago area)
Cost/Stipend: Many Argonne high-school offerings provide paid internships or free residential camps
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by program
Dates: June 9- August 1
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: US citizen, age 18
The Argonne National Laboratory allows high school students to team up with Argonne scientists to work on research projects from start to finish. You’ll work in a laboratory or research office, contributing directly to ongoing scientific investigations. Under the mentorship of scientists and engineers at Argonne, you’ll learn how experiments are designed, and discoveries are made. By the end of the program, you’ll experience what it is like to work in a national laboratory and be a part of a scientific discovery.
3. Field Museum — High School Science & Digital Learning Internship
Location: Field Museum, Chicago, IL.
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed; cohort sizes vary by internship posting
Dates: Summer internship cycles
Application Deadline: Varies by internship
Eligibility: Typically high-school students / teens in the Chicagoland region
The Field Museum’s summer program for high school students in Illinois lets the students explore the world of science, research and museum education. You’ll be placed in areas such as research, digital learning, collections management, and public engagement, gaining first-hand experience in how a museum operates. Throughout the program, you’ll work closely with museum professionals, helping with museum collections, and producing digital educational content. Along the way, you’ll build skills in STEM communication, research and communication, culminating in a final presentation or portfolio.
4. Shedd Aquarium — Teen Internships & Shedd Academy
Location: Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL.
Cost/Stipend: Some Shedd teen programs are paid or provide program fee waivers/scholarship support; details vary by program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Summer sessions and multi-week programs
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Teen programs target high-school-age youth; some internships require a high-school diploma
Shedd offers high school students an opportunity to dive into aquatic science and conservation through a variety of teen-focused internships and programs. You’ll design conservation projects, create educational programs, and collaborate with aquarium staff to make a real impact. Some positions are volunteer-based, while others include a stipend or scholarship support. Shedd also offers access to youth scholarship programs.
5. Museum of Science & Industry (MSI) — RISE Teen Program
Location: Museum of Science & Industry, Chicago, IL.
Cost/Stipend: MSI offers no-cost teen engagement (RISE) and paid roles for youth internships
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by program
Dates: October-January
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: High-school students (grades 9–12 for RISE)
The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) in Chicago connects high-school students with the exciting world of STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art, and math – through its RISE program and other teen opportunities. RISE (Recognizing Inspiration in Science and Engineering) gives the students access to STEAM learning, mentorship, and paid leadership roles within the museum. Participants gain hands-on experience supporting exhibits, leading activities, and working with visitors while learning about STEAM careers and museum operations. MSI also offers paid seasonal teen staff positions and scholarships for youth participants.
6. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA)
Location: IMSA campus, Aurora, IL
Cost/Stipend: Program fees apply, but a number of full need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by program
Dates: Multiple sessions in summer
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Students by grade. Scholarships available to reduce cost for qualifying families.
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) offers a range of STEM-focused summer camps and residential programs designed to inspire curiosity and innovation. These programs combine classroom work, labs, and team projects, giving high school students experience in areas such as engineering, biology and coding. Several programs focus on research and advanced STEM topics, allowing you to dive deeper into areas that match your interests. IMSA offers a number of need-based full scholarships and fee reductions, making the participation free for qualifying applicants.
7. University of Illinois — Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research (UIUC)
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), Champaign, IL.
Cost/Stipend: Program reports no cost to participants other than travel; housing, meals, and fellowship payment provided for admitted students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; example cohorts 30 lab spots
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Typically spring
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders (check current program eligibility and geographic restrictions)
The University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (UIUC) Young Scholars program lets high school students step into the world of university-level research. You’ll work with faculty and graduate students in STEMM fields – science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. You’ll conduct research in labs and attend workshops on experimental design and scientific communication, under the guidance of University faculty. The program covers housing and meals and at times provides fellowship payments, reducing cost barriers. It’s competitive and best suited for students keen on lab work and scientific exploration.
8. University of Illinois Springfield — Academic Summer Camps
Location: UIS (Springfield), IL
Cost/Stipend: Many UIS camps are low-cost or provide financial assistance; scholarship availability varies by camp
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by camp
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High-school students
The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) offers a variety of short academic camps for high school students to explore new interests. Camps cover a range of subjects, from public policy, and environmental field work to AI workshops, and reading and writing strategies. These camps are designed to spark curiosity, build confidence and help you to discover subjects that excite you the most. The programs are short in duration, making them an ideal way to dip your toes into college-level learning and get a taste of life on the campus.
9. Chicago Botanic Garden — Teen Programs & Internships
Location: Glencoe / Chicago Botanic Garden, IL
Cost/Stipend: paid, scholarship/fee-waiver support available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by program
Dates: Summer programs and internships
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: High-school teens
The Chicago Botanic Garden runs teen internships and stewardship programs that provide high school students practical experience in horticulture, ecology, conservation, and public engagement. As an intern, you’ll work alongside horticulturists and scientists, gaining practical skills in research, and science communication. Many programs include opportunities to design and showcase your own projects at the end of the season, highlighting what you have learnt.
10. Chicago Zoological Society / Brookfield Zoo — Teen Leadership & Internships
Location: Brookfield Zoo (near Chicago), IL
Cost/Stipend: free to participants, some internships provide travel/expense assistance
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Dates: Summer sessions
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Eligibility: High-school students
The Brookfield Zoo offers a variety of teen volunteer programs, internships, and leadership pathways that introduce high school students to the world of animal science, conservation biology, and public education. As a volunteer, you’ll work closely with zoo professionals and animal care staff, learning about animal behaviour, picking up real-world skills and getting an insider's view of how a modern zoo operates. Some programs include stipends for project work and scholarship support.
11. Chicago Public Library / City Youth Summer STEM Initiatives
Location: Chicago, IL (citywide)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Dates: Summer; many short camps (1–4 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Youth high-school age
The City of Chicago, in partnership with public libraries, community centers, and nonprofit organizations, offer a variety of summer programs for teens focused on STEM, digital skills and community impact. These programs include maker labs, coding camps and conservation projects, so you can develop real-world skills while contributing to the community. Because these programs are largely publicly or grant-funded, they’re accessible to students across the city irrespective of their backgrounds.
12. Lincoln Land Community College
Location: multiple community colleges across Illinois
Cost/Stipend: free or scholarship-supported
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Usually open enrollment with limited seats
Dates: Short summer camps
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Middle & high-school students
Illinois community colleges collaborate with local school districts to offer free summer camps that introduce students to robotics, coding, and engineering in a fun, hands-on way. Programs such as RoboQuest camp, a partnership between Beardstown Junior High and Lincoln Land Community College, make it possible for students to design, build and program robots. These camps focus on team-work, creativity and problem-solving, helping you develop both technical skills and collaboration skills while exploring future pathways in STEM.
13. University of Chicago — Youth Programs & Research Opportunities
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Program fees often apply but generous financial aid / fee waivers for qualifying students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies widely by program
Dates: Multiple summer programs (one- to several-week programs and research internships)
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: High-school students (many programs are open to domestic/international applicants; financial aid available to reduce cost)
The University of Chicago runs a variety of summer academies, academic intensives, and research placements that welcome high school students from across the U.S. and around the world. These programs let you dive into advanced coursework, research experiences, or project work across STEM and social sciences – all taught by UChicago faculty and researchers. UChicago’s summer programs offer an opportunity to experience college-level learning and contribute to real research in one of the nation’s top universities.
14. Loyola University Chicago — Summer Research & Paid Internships for Teens
Location: Loyola University Chicago, multiple campuses in Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Specific internships may be paid or include funding supports; offerings change year to year
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies per program
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High-school students
Loyola partners with community organizations and research labs to offer summer internships and research placements and internships for local high school students interested in science and public service. These opportunities provide real-world experience in fields such as biomedical research, environmental science, and public health. You’ll work alongside faculty mentors and professional researchers on projects that make an impact. Some positions are paid or offer stipends and travel support, making it easier for students to participate in the programs.
15. After School Matters STEM Lab Internship (PME / UChicago)
Location: Chicago, Illinois — Greater Chicago area (must attend a Chicago high school) Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; stipend / pay for hours worked (20 hrs/week) with lab exposure; includes bootcamp
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unpublished
Dates: 6 weeks in summer— 20 hours/week plus 1-week bootcamp at start
Application Deadline: Applications open in spring
Eligibility: Chicago high school students; must be at least 16 years old by program start or meet age/grade criteria; attend school in the Chicago area
The After School Matters STEM Lab Internship, hosted by the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) at the University of Chicago, gives the high school students in the Chicago area an opportunity to work part-time in research labs. The program begins with a bootcamp that covers research basics, lab safety, and experimental methods, preparing you to contribute meaningfully once you enter the lab. As an intern, you’ll do research, gain experience in science communication, and receive mentorship and professional development support—including guidance on college applications and STEM career pathways. Because it is a paid local opportunity, this internship makes it possible for Chicago students to gain lab experience without needing to leave the city or pay high fees.
Image source - Fermilab logo