11 Physics Summer Programs for High School Students in Illinois
If you are a high school student interested in physics, summer programs can help you explore the subject beyond what is typically covered in school. These programs often introduce advanced topics such as quantum mechanics, astrophysics, and engineering applications while helping you build skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and scientific reasoning. You may also engage with faculty, researchers, and peers, gaining exposure to how physics is studied and applied in academic and research settings.
Why should you attend a program in Illinois?
Georgia is home to universities and organizations that offer programs in medicine and related fields, creating a range of options you can explore. Depending on the program, you might study advanced scientific concepts, take part in research-focused projects, or develop skills such as data analysis, problem-solving, and scientific reasoning while learning from faculty and peers. These programs can be worth considering, whether you are a local student looking for opportunities nearby or an out-of-state student interested in exploring a new academic environment.
To help with your search, we have compiled a list of 11 physics summer programs for high school students in Illinois.
If you are looking for internships in Illinois, check out our blog here.
1. Fermilab PRISM – Program for Research Innovation and STEM Mentorship
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL (Fermilab, on-site)
Stipend: Paid internship; $500 weekly | Housing not provided (transportation assistance available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective program; cohort size varies
Dates: July 13 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 13 – March 1
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students; U.S. citizenship or work authorization required
PRISM gives students a chance to explore STEM fields while working alongside Fermilab scientists and engineers on hands-on research in particle physics and accelerator science. Through participation in real experiments and ongoing projects, students build technical skills, gain experience with specialized equipment and software, and develop collaborative research abilities. Participants are compensated hourly for their contributions and also have opportunities to connect with scientists, engineers, and graduate students in the field. Overall, the program provides a meaningful experience that supports future STEM pursuits and strengthens college applications.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual (Online via Zoom)
Cost: Varies by program type; need-based financial aid up to 100%
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: Rolling. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. UIUC Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program
Location: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free (housing, meals, monetary stipend provided)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; varies by track
Dates: June 17 – Aug 31
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising 10th - 12th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin
The Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign is a six‑week, in‑person summer research experience where students work directly with faculty and graduate researchers on STEM projects. Participants join research groups that may include physics and quantum mechanics topics, giving students exposure to experimental design, data analysis, and collaborative inquiry in advanced scientific settings. Over the course of the program, students engage in weekly seminars, professional development workshops, and discussions on research communication, culminating in a poster presentation of their work at a research symposium. The structured environment mirrors professional research workflows and provides sustained engagement with scientific exploration at a major research institution.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Physics Track
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. You can find more details about the application here,
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. 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 physics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and more.
5. University of Chicago – Quantum Quickstart
Location: The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: $2,500 base cost; Financial aid: ≤$120K = waived; ≤$65K = waived + travel
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 26 – 31
Application Deadline: March 12; More info here
Eligibility: Current 9th or 10th grade students who are at least 14 years old and enrolled in a U.S. high school
Quantum Quickstart is a residential, one‑week summer program that introduces high school students to foundational concepts in quantum physics, quantum engineering, and the emerging technological landscape of quantum science. Participants attend faculty‑led lectures, theoretical discussions, and tours of research facilities within the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, gaining exposure to quantum mechanics and its practical applications. In addition to scientific content, the program includes sessions on STEM career pathways and college preparation, offering a structured introduction to advanced topics in physics and engineering within a campus environment.
6. Exploring Mechanical Science and Engineering Camp [*EAGER]
Location: University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign, Champaign, IL
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $1,500 | Commuter: $750; scholarship options available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 19 - July 25
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders interested in mechanical engineering and related STEM topics
The Exploring Mechanical Science and Engineering Camp is a one‑week summer STEM experience where high school students dive into hands‑on mechanical engineering activities on the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign campus. During the week, participants work on projects such as building and programming robots, constructing 3D printers, and exploring how machines solve real‑world challenges. Campers also visit engineering labs and nearby research facilities to see professional engineering work in action and engage with faculty and student mentors. The program’s focus on practical design, teamwork, and problem‑solving offers sustained exposure to mechanical science principles and engineering workflows in a collegiate environment.
7. Northwestern REACH (Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA)
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost/Stipend: $2,500 Core; +$1500 REACH Further | Partial or full tuition aid via The Brinson Foundation | Day program only, no housing; free CTA transit passes provided.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 50–55 students per summer
Dates: Core Session 1: June 15 – July 2 | Core Session 2: July 6 – 24 | REACH Further: July 6 – August 14
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: All levels; no prior astronomy or programming experience needed
The REACH program at Northwestern’s Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics gives high school students hands‑on experience with astronomy research and computational methods over three weeks in the summer. Participants begin with intensive training in the Python programming language and scientific data analysis, then apply those skills to mini projects and real research questions developed by CIERA scientists, such as studying stellar velocities, planetary systems, or cosmology. In addition to project work, the schedule includes lectures, solar observing events, career panels, and opportunities to present findings. Students who complete the Core program can opt into REACH Further, a limited extension where they conduct independent research under a CIERA mentor.
8. University of Chicago – Physics of Stars: An Introduction
Location: The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL (residential); field trip to Yerkes Observatory, Wisconsin
Cost/Stipend: $9,300 | Financial aid: ≤$120K = waived; ≤$65K = waived + travel
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – 23
Application Deadline: March 12 | More info here
Eligibility: 9th –11th graders
This is a three‑week, residential summer course that explores the physical principles governing how stars form, shine, evolve, and die. The curriculum covers foundational physics concepts, including gravity, pressure, radiation, and how these forces interact within stellar interiors. Students analyze real astronomical data, including star temperatures and luminosities, with Python programming integrated into the coursework. The class also includes a field trip to Yerkes Observatory in Wisconsin, offering students hands‑on experience with observational astronomy and historical scientific methods. Throughout the session, participants engage in seminar‑style lectures and coding assignments that mirror collegiate physics instruction and build skills relevant to advanced study in physics and astrophysics.
9. UIC Engineering Summer Camp – Track 3
Location: University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $500/week | Lunch, materials, t-shirt included | After-care: $32/day
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited per track
Dates: July 27 – 31
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 10 –12 graders
Track 3 of UIC’s Engineering Summer Camp (Applying Engineering and College Prep) is designed for students ready to apply foundational science, math, coding, and engineering skills to more advanced problems and real‑world scenarios. Over the course of five days on the University of Illinois Chicago campus, participants engage in hands‑on engineering projects that require them to formulate and solve well‑defined problems, evaluate multiple design alternatives, and analyze data to inform decisions. The curriculum also incorporates teamwork, leadership, and technical communication, while introducing students to college‑level expectations and engineering career pathways. Activities emphasize both technical creativity and college readiness, including insight into what engineering study at the college level looks like.
10. University of Chicago – Neubauer Phoenix STEM Scholars
Location: Chicago, IL (on-campus residential)
Cost/Stipend: $2,500 | Financial aid: ≤$120K = waived; ≤$65K = waived + travel
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 26 – 31
Application Deadline: March 12; More info here
Eligibility: Current 11th-grade students who are at least 15 years old and enrolled in a U.S. high school
The Neubauer Phoenix STEM Summer Scholars program at the University of Chicago is a hybrid STEM enrichment experience that begins with a preparatory online mathematics course followed by a one‑week residential session on the UChicago campus. During the residential week, students attend model classes and lectures by university faculty and alumni across fields such as molecular engineering, mathematics, and computer science. Participants also visit research facilities and academic centers such as Fermilab, Argonne National Laboratory, and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation to see how scientific ideas and technologies are developed. The program is structured to broaden students' understanding of STEM research and careers while providing exposure to university research environments and interdisciplinary learning.
11. University of Chicago – Gravitation to Levitation: Physics from Supernova to Superconductor
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Cost/Stipend: $9,300 | Financial aid: ≤$120K = waived; ≤$65K = waived + travel
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 - July 2
Application Deadline: March 12; More info here
Eligibility: 9-11 graders; pre-calculus completion required
Gravitation to Levitation is a three‑week, residential summer physics course that examines how universal physical laws account for phenomena from stellar processes to superconductivity. Participants engage in seminar-style lectures and interactive discussions covering gravity, electromagnetism, particle physics, and quantum mechanics, using these principles to connect concepts such as supernovas and condensed-matter physics. The curriculum includes coding assignments and problems rooted in pre‑calculus, offering sustained academic engagement that reflects collegiate physics instruction and research‑driven inquiry.
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