14 Summer Programs in Chicago for High School Students
Summer provides an excellent opportunity for high school students to engage in practical learning in real-world environments. Summer programs for high schoolers allow you to build technical skills, connect with industry professionals, and explore your interests. These opportunities are offered by top universities, nonprofits, and cultural institutions, giving you exposure to a range of professional and academic settings. Participating in a summer program can also add to your college applications by showing admissions officers your interest in a field.
Chicago is home to prestigious institutions such as the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, alongside specialized facilities like the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). The city also has national research facilities like Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab. Many of these institutions allow students to take college-level courses for credit, participate in research, and explore specialized fields like STEM, art and design, and medicine. Below is a curated list of the top 14 summer programs in Chicago for high school students.
1. Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Location: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $500 weekly stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically, small cohorts
Dates: July 13 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school seniors or rising graduates enrolled in an Illinois high school and are U.S. citizens
The PRISM program at Fermilab is a four-week summer experience for high school seniors and recent graduates interested in exploring particle physics, quantum science, AI, and engineering through weekly thematic modules. You rotate through these topics by engaging in hands-on activities, working with researchers, and touring major scientific facilities to see how large-scale physics experiments are carried out. Throughout the program, you learn how computational tools and engineering principles are applied in modern research environments. Mentorship is a central component, with scientists and engineers guiding students through technical concepts and academic pathways. You develop a research abstract and a short final presentation.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full 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 start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. UChicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart Program
Location: Various universities in Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $3,000 taxable stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 30 participants
Dates: Second week of June – the first week of August
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16+) by the program’s start and reside in Illinois or Lake County, Indiana
UChicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart Program places students in full-time cancer research laboratories, allowing you to contribute to ongoing scientific studies in fields such as immunology, pharmacology, bioengineering, and health disparities. Over eight weeks, you’ll work directly with faculty and research staff, developing skills in experimental design, data collection, lab techniques, and scientific coding tools. The program integrates lectures and workshops that introduce emerging topics in cancer research and provide insight into medical and research careers. You also attend sessions that address the broader impact of cancer on Illinois communities, linking laboratory work with public health contexts. Throughout the summer, you receive mentorship that supports both technical development and professional growth.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically, 1:1 mentor-to-student ratio
Dates: Multiple sessions of varying lengths (12 weeks–1 year) available, including summer, fall, winter, and spring cohorts
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week academic research experience in which high school students work one-on-one with Ph.D.-level mentors to complete an independent research project. You choose from a wide range of fields–including psychology, economics, physics, chemistry, engineering, data science, international relations, and computer science–before narrowing your topic with mentor guidance. Throughout the program, you refine a research question, learn how to conduct academic literature reviews, and receive individualized support from a writing coach to prepare a formal research paper. Regular meetings ensure consistent progress and allow students to learn research ethics and methodology. By the end of the program, participants produce a complete research paper and become eligible for a UCSD Extended Studies credit.
5. Math Circles of Chicago – College Pathways Program
Location: Multiple locations in Chicago
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Need-based annual stipend of $150 (10 points or more), $300 (20 points or more)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Lottery system; typically, large cohorts
Dates: Year–round
Application Deadline: Varies for different pathways
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
Math Circles of Chicago College Pathways is a free program that gives high school students access to university-level mathematics through enrichment sessions, guided research, mentorship, and opportunities to explore math education. You’ll begin with math circle-style problem solving and can branch into specialized pathways focused on teaching or mathematical investigation. Students interested in education gain experience working directly with middle school math circles, including options for paid instructional roles. Those drawn to research can collaborate with mentors on advanced mathematical topics and structured projects that extend beyond typical school curricula. High-achieving seniors may apply to become MC2 Scholars, which includes a $2,000 scholarship and individualized guidance during the college application process.
6. Adler Planetarium Summer High School Internship
Location: Adler Planetarium
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 20 interns across roles
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12
The Adler Planetarium’s summer internship introduces high school students to the day-to-day operations of a science museum, with roles that may involve visitor engagement, exhibit development, or participation in high-altitude balloon experiments. You work full-time alongside museum professionals and collaborate with peers on tasks that support public programming and behind-the-scenes research activities. The program incorporates professional development sessions that highlight career paths in STEAM fields and help you build communication and problem-solving skills. Depending on the assignment, you may contribute to designing educational materials or assisting with community outreach events. Networking opportunities with staff and scientists further help broaden your understanding of STEAM-related careers.
7. Junior Economic Club of Chicago – Careers in Business (CIB) Internship Program
Location: Partner startups, firms, and organizations across Chicago; hybrid/remote options may be available
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies as per partner organizations
Dates: Typically, summer and academic year options)
Application Deadline: Varies by partner organisation; JEC membership required
Eligibility: High school students who are members of the Junior Economic Club of Chicago; selection based on academic performance and demonstrated interest in business or economics
The Careers in Business (CIB) Internship Program connects high school students with startups, investment firms, and small companies for projects involving business analysis, marketing, curriculum development, and operational support. Placements vary, but interns often assist with tasks such as market research, financial modeling, or product organization, depending on the needs of their host organization. Past partners have included Northwestern’s Zell Fellows Program, FinLit, and Dekos Capital, illustrating the range of entrepreneurial and financial environments students may encounter. You also gain access to the Junior Economic Club’s broader network, which includes alumni and professionals across business-related fields.
8. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Various locations across the U.S., including Chicago (the Leadership Summit is held in Washington, D.C.)
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 300 spots annually
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer, typically June – August; Student Leaders Summit: July 21 – 26
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who live in an eligible area and have not participated in the program before | Cannot be a Bank of America employee or immediate family member | Legally authorized to work in the U.S.
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program selects high school juniors and seniors for eight-week paid internships at local nonprofit organizations, allowing you to support community-focused operations such as budgeting, fundraising, project planning, and outreach. You’ll gain insight into how nonprofits allocate resources, manage programs, and address local needs through day-to-day administrative work. In addition to the local placement, all participants attend a fully funded national Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where workshops explore civic engagement, public policy, and cross-sector collaboration. During the internship, students are supervised by nonprofit staff members who provide feedback and professional guidance.
9. Mikva Summer Fellows Program
Location: Various offices across Chicago
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $17/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~50 students/year
Dates: Six weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: Typically late March or April
Eligibility: High school graduates between the ages of 16 and 22 by July 1 | Reside in Cook County (City of Chicago) or potentially Lake County, Illinois
The Mikva Summer Fellows Program places Chicago high school students in the offices of city, county, state, or federal officials for approximately 30 hours of weekly work between June and August. Fellows earn $17 per hour through the Illinois Department of Human Services Youth Investment Program while supporting tasks such as policy research, public communications, constituent outreach, and administrative work. You also participate in workshops that address civic leadership, public service, and workplace readiness, giving structure to the experience beyond the day-to-day responsibilities of the office. Weekly programming encourages reflection on civic participation and the impact of governmental decisions. In addition to the internship, Mikva Challenge partners with the Chicago Board of Elections to train and employ high school students as election judges.
10. Chicago Summer Business Institute
Location: Chicago
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 125 students each year
Dates: 6 weeks during the summer, between June – August
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors with a family income of $80,000 or less per year and who are residents of Chicago | GPA of B or 3.0
The Chicago Summer Business Institute offers paid internships that place high school students in professional environments across finance, law, accounting, marketing, and public-sector organizations. You’ll spend four days a week at your assigned workplace–often firms such as Cabrera Capital Markets or Siebert Brandford Shank, where you observe how budgeting, financial analysis, and economic research guide operational decisions. You contribute to daily tasks under staff supervision while gaining insight into how organizations manage resources and navigate economic conditions. Fridays are reserved for seminars covering professional expectations, resume preparation, financial literacy, and presentations from business leaders. The program also includes community service.
11. Art Institute Chicago – Summer Internship Program
Location: The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 South Michigan Avenue
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies as per internship
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Typically, May (via After School Matters)
Eligibility: Chicago high school students aged 16+ at the start of the internship
The Art Institute of Chicago’s Summer Internship gives high school students practical experience supporting events, programs, and visitor engagement at one of the city’s major cultural institutions. You work with museum staff to plan public events, assist with gallery tours, and contribute to workshops and community festivals that draw local and international audiences. The internship includes behind-the-scenes exposure to museum operations, including opportunities to meet staff members, connect with artists, and understand how exhibitions and programs are developed. Interns are encouraged to collaborate on creative initiatives that align with ongoing community outreach.
12. UChicago’s DSI Summer Lab
Location: University of Chicago
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: Chicago current high school seniors starting college in the fall
UChicago’s DSI Summer Lab is an eight-week paid research experience where high school students join research teams working in areas such as biomedical science, public policy, climate studies, computer science, or social science. It pairs you with a mentor and contributes to a data-centered project that involves coding, statistical analysis, visualization, or machine learning techniques. The program integrates technical workshops and a weekly speaker series that introduces you to data scientists across multiple disciplines. You also take part in professional development sessions that focus on research communication and career pathways in data-driven fields. Toward the end of the summer, you prepare and present your findings at a symposium modeled after academic research conferences.
13. Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) Digital Scholars Program
Location: Chicago
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 25 – 35 students per course
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 Discovery Partners Institute’s Digital Scholars Program is a six-week summer experience where high school students enroll in college-level courses in computing, data science, mobile app development, or electrical and computer engineering. You choose from tracks such as Data Science Discovery, which emphasizes working with real datasets in Python to practice analysis and visualization, or courses that introduce Swift-based app development and hardware–software concepts. Daily workshops support learning in areas like artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, communication, and collaboration, showing you how technical skills connect to workplace expectations. Industry speakers and networking sessions provide insight into Chicago’s technology ecosystem and how computing is applied across sectors.
14. UChicago Neubauer Phoenix STEM Summer Scholars
Location: Virtual and at the University of Chicago
Cost: $2,500; program fee waived for students with household income at or below $120,000 / For students with household income at or below $65,000, the program fee is waived, and domestic round-trip travel expenses are covered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 30 – 40 students
Dates: One-week session in late July or early August
Application Deadline: Typically, in April
Eligibility: Current 11th-grade students enrolled in a U.S. high school who are at least 15 years old
The UChicago Neubauer Phoenix STEM Summer Scholars program combines a preparatory virtual mathematics course with a one-week residential experience on the University of Chicago campus. After completing the online mathematics component, you participate in on-campus model classes led by faculty and hear from researchers and alumni working in fields such as molecular engineering, mathematics, and computer science. The residential week includes guided visits to major research facilities, including Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. You also engage with peers through collaborative academic activities and discussions that highlight interdisciplinary approaches to STEM.
Image Source - Fermilab Logo