12 AI Programs for High School Students in Illinois
If you're a high school student interested in artificial intelligence, participating in an AI program can help you build technical skills and explore how AI is applied across different fields. Many programs combine coding, data science, research, and problem-solving activities to introduce students to core AI concepts. These opportunities can help you develop a stronger understanding of AI while exploring potential academic and career interests.
Why should you attend an AI program in Illinois?
Illinois is home to universities, research institutes, and national laboratories that offer AI and data science opportunities for high school students. Students in these programs conduct research, analyze datasets, build machine learning models, learn programming, and explore the societal impact of emerging technologies. Whether you're interested in research, software development, data science, or the broader applications of AI, Illinois offers a range of programs that support different interests and experience levels.
To help you get started, we’ve curated 12 AI programs for high school students in Illinois.
If you’re looking for science programs in Illinois, check out our blog here.
1. Data Science Institute Summer Lab – University of Chicago
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Paid research experience (students receive a stipend)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly available
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Chicago-area high school students able to commute to campus
The Data Science Institute Summer Lab is a research program where you work alongside university researchers on interdisciplinary data science projects. Participants are paired with graduate students or faculty mentors who guide them through research tasks, including analyzing datasets, designing computational experiments, and interpreting results. Projects often span fields such as public policy, energy systems, healthcare, and the social sciences, all of which rely heavily on data science and machine learning methods. Throughout the program, you will also attend speaker sessions that introduce current research and professional pathways in data science and artificial intelligence. The program concludes with a symposium where you present your research findings to peers and mentors.
2. Veritas AI – AI Scholars & AI Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies according to program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines depending on cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; Fellowship applicants should have prior experience with Python or completion of the AI Scholars program
Veritas AI offers two structured programs that help you explore artificial intelligence through guided instruction and research. In the AI Scholars program, you will learn foundational AI concepts, including Python programming, data analysis, and neural networks, through a series of live online sessions. You will also work in small groups to develop a capstone project that applies machine learning techniques to a real-world problem. Students who want a deeper research experience can apply to the AI Fellowship, where they will collaborate one-on-one with a mentor from a leading university to develop an original research project. Many students use their projects for competitions, publications, or academic portfolios. The small cohort structure allows for individualized feedback as you build technical and research skills in artificial intelligence.
3. PRISM (Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship) – Fermilab
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL (on-site and off-site; no housing provided; transportation assistance available)
Cost: Free; $500 per week stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified; competitive
Dates: July 13 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens currently enrolled in an Illinois high school as rising seniors, or recent high school graduates; proof of medical insurance required; no STEM prerequisites required
PRISM is a four-week paid summer program at Fermilab, a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory, where high school seniors and recent graduates explore STEM fields alongside Fermilab scientists and engineers. Each week focuses on a different scientific theme, with topics spanning particle physics, quantum science, engineering design, and artificial intelligence, delivered through hands-on activities, expert-led lectures, and exclusive facility tours. Students complete a research abstract, poster, and final presentation by the end of the program. Mentorship and professional development run alongside the technical curriculum throughout the four weeks.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – AI Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies according to program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on cohort
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic performance
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program allows you to conduct independent research under the guidance of a PhD-level mentor. In the AI track, you will explore machine learning concepts while developing a research question related to artificial intelligence or data science. Over several weeks, you will learn research methodologies, analyze existing academic literature, and apply programming or analytical tools to investigate your topic. Mentors guide you through designing experiments, interpreting results, and communicating your findings clearly. Many students complete a formal research paper or presentation by the end of the program. This experience is particularly valuable if you are interested in pursuing academic research in AI or related fields.
5. Digital Scholars Program – Discovery Partners Institute (DPI)
Location: Discovery Partners Institute, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; first-year college students
The Digital Scholars Program introduces you to computing and emerging technologies through college-level coursework and collaborative projects. During the six-week experience, you can enroll in courses such as Data Science Discovery, Computer Science Foundations, iOS App Design, or Programming in Swift. Workshops and group projects also introduce you to artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts, allowing you to apply coding and data analysis skills to practical computing problems. Classes typically run in the mornings, allowing time for other commitments in the afternoon. Throughout the program, you will interact with instructors and technology professionals while building practical skills in coding, data analysis, and project communication.
6. Young Scholars Summer Research Program – UIUC Grainger College of Engineering
Location: University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free; housing, meals, and a stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly available
Dates: June 14 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade students from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin
The Young Scholars Summer Research Program immerses you in a university research environment for several weeks. Participants work closely with faculty mentors and research teams across fields such as artificial intelligence, engineering, neuroscience, and data science. You will typically spend much of your time conducting research activities, analyzing results, and discussing your findings with your mentor. Professional development seminars introduce you to topics like research ethics, communication, and graduate study pathways. Because the program is residential, you will live on campus while working closely with other students and research teams. The program concludes with a research presentation or symposium where participants share the results of their work.
7. Data4All High School Bridge Workshop – University of Chicago Data Science Institute
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: Program Dates: Weekly Saturday sessions (dates vary by cohort)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Chicago high school students in grades 10–12 who have completed Algebra I
The Data4All High School Bridge Workshop introduces you to data science and computational thinking through guided projects and collaborative research activities. Over several weeks, you will learn the fundamentals of Python programming and explore how datasets can be used to answer real-world questions. Instructors guide you through topics such as data visualization, statistical reasoning, and problem-solving with computational tools. You will typically work in teams to investigate questions using real datasets and present your findings at the end of the program. Because the workshop emphasizes inquiry-based learning, you will practice both technical coding skills and communication skills.
8. SHARP! Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program – University of Illinois Chicago
Location: University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: $3,500 tuition; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: June 15 – July 24 (summer research component)
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: High school students age 16+; application requires transcripts and recommendation letters
SHARP! is a multi-month research apprenticeship that begins with an intensive summer laboratory experience at the University of Illinois Chicago. During the summer research phase, you will work with faculty mentors in fields such as biomedical engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Participants spend time conducting experiments, learning laboratory methods, and analyzing research data alongside university researchers. The program also includes seminars that introduce topics such as engineering design, research ethics, and scientific communication. After the summer component, students continue meeting throughout the academic year as they prepare for the program’s final research challenge. This structure provides extended exposure to research practices used in engineering and AI-related laboratories.
9. LEAP Camp – Learning Electronics, AI & Programming (UIUC WYSE)
Location: University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL
Cost: $1,500 residential | $750 commuter | scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited cohort; admission by application
Dates: July 19 – 25
Application Deadline: There is no information available
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th-grade students interested in electronics and programming
LEAP Camp introduces you to electronics, programming, and artificial intelligence through hands-on engineering projects. During the week-long program, you will build a portable weather-monitoring system using sensors, microcontrollers, and software tools. Participants learn how hardware devices collect environmental data and how programming tools can analyze those datasets. Instructors also teach AI concepts by showing how machine-learning models analyze data collected by the system. The project-based format allows you to experiment with both circuit design and coding in a collaborative environment.
10. IMSA AI Credential Program – Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Location: Virtual (Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy)
Cost/Stipend: There is no information available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: June 1 – June 26
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until cohort fills
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
The IMSA AI Credential Program introduces you to the fundamental concepts that power modern artificial intelligence systems. Through online modules and guided assignments, you will explore topics such as machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, and the ethical implications of AI technologies. The course is designed to be accessible even if you are new to artificial intelligence, and it allows you to complete coursework at your own pace during the semester. Weekly lessons include readings, videos, and coding exercises that reinforce key ideas. Optional office hours provide opportunities to ask questions and receive support from instructors.
11. Understanding AI: AI Through a Technical, Socio-Ethical, and Career Development Lens – University of Chicago Summer Session
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $8,900 residential program fee; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: July 7 – 23
Application Deadline: Early spring application cycle; exact deadline varies
Eligibility: Rising 9th–11th grade students
This three-week residential course examines how artificial intelligence systems are changing communication, media, and information exchange. During the program, you will attend seminars led by University of Chicago instructors and participate in discussions about generative AI tools and large language models. Coursework explores both the technical foundations of AI systems and the social questions surrounding their use. You will analyze case studies that examine how AI tools influence writing, digital media, and public communication. Small seminar groups allow you to collaborate with other students while developing a final project on an AI-related topic.
12. Northwestern University – Center for Talent Development AI and Data Science Courses
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, and virtual options
Cost: Tuition-based program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; admission based on academic readiness
Dates: Summer and online sessions throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by course session
Eligibility: Academically advanced high school students
Northwestern’s Center for Talent Development offers advanced courses in fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. In these courses, you will study topics like algorithm design, Python programming, and statistical analysis. Classes are designed for academically motivated students and emphasize analytical thinking and technical problem-solving. Coursework often includes coding assignments and projects that require you to apply computational methods to practical datasets. Because the program is hosted by Northwestern’s academic enrichment division, you will engage with material that reflects university-level expectations.