13 Tech Programs for High School Students in Chicago
Tech programs can be a strong option if you’re a high school student interested in exploring fields like computer science, artificial intelligence, and engineering. They allow you to build technical skills while learning how different technologies are applied across areas such as software development, data science, and emerging technologies. You can also gain exposure to mentorship and collaborative work, which can help you better understand your academic interests and potential career paths.
Why should you attend a program in Chicago?
Chicago is home to universities, research institutions, and organizations that offer a wide range of tech-focused programs you can explore. Depending on the program, you might study topics such as programming, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or data science while working on projects, conducting research, or participating in technical workshops. These opportunities can be worth considering, whether you are a local student looking for programs nearby or an out-of-state student interested in exploring a new academic environment.
To make your search easier, here’s a list of 13 tech programs for high school students in Chicago.
If you’re looking for programs in Chicago, check out our blog here.
1. After School Matters STEM Lab Internship
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free; A stipend is paid.
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Application opens in March
Eligibility: Chicago high school students; Minimum age: 16 years
The After School Matters STEM Lab Internship is a six-week research learning opportunity for high school students. The program will allow you to engage in 20 hours of laboratory research each week, receive mentorship from PME researchers and staff, and access valuable resources for your college applications. You will receive training in science communication, understand the fundamentals of authentic research through a one-week research bootcamp, and have the opportunity to share your work in different settings. The problem will help you understand the work of science and engineering professionals in a collaborative, innovative environment.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
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. If you are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science, you would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, you are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that you have access to the in-house publication team to help you 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. The University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute Summer Lab
Location: University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Cost/Stipend: Free; $5600 stipend is paid
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: High school students who are residents of the Chicago area; familiarity with at least one programming language (Python, Java, C++, etc.) is preferred
The University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute Summer Lab is an 8-week immersive summer program for high school students. You will be paired with a data science mentor in a range of areas, including computer science, biomedical research, material science, climate and energy policy, social science, and public policy. You will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills in research methodology, teamwork, and research practices. You will receive specialized training in a specific area of research, explore and prepare for a future career in computing and data science through professional development and training, and share your research findings through final videos at a symposium conducted on program completion.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program- Technology Track
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
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.
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 computer science, technology, engineering, psychology, physics, economics, data science, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. SparkShop’s High School Summer Internship Program
Location: SparkShop, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free; a $20/hour stipend is paid
Dates: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Current high school students ages 16 and above; Must be based in Chicago
High School Summer Internship Program by SparksShop allows you to work on independent and group projects in a range of areas based on your interests, including engineering, communications, business, and non-profits. You will have the opportunity to develop professional skills, including teamwork, project planning, and critical thinking, and address real-world challenges in tech. You will learn from industry professionals, interact and work with peers, and participate in skill-building activities. The program aims to inspire the next generation of engineers, entrepreneurs, manufacturing experts, and innovators.
6. Fermilab’s Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL (43 minutes away from Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free; $500/week
Dates: July 13 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school seniors and recent graduates in Illinois; Must be US citizens.
Fermilab’s Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM) is a four-week learning opportunity for high school students. You will gain STEM knowledge, interact with STEM professionals, and receive mentorship. You will attend lectures, engage in hands-on activities, and explore a range of topics including engineering science, physics, artificial intelligence, and quantum science. Every new week will be focused on a specific theme, allowing you to gain in-depth knowledge about STEM careers. You will visit research facilities at Fermilab, engage in professional development opportunities, and prepare for a future in STEM.
7. Discovery Partners Institute – Digital Scholars Program
Location: IL Tech Law Center, Conviser Building, 565 W. Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Rising 11th-12th grade students
Discovery Partners Institute- Digital Scholars Program is an intensive summer learning opportunity for high school students. The program will allow you to attend weekly workshops on a range of topics, including data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship. You will have the opportunity to develop computing skills, improve career readiness, and network with the Chicago tech community. The program aims to encourage participation from first-generation, female, gender-expansive, black, and Latinx students. You will choose one out of the five courses offered through the program, including data science recovery, iOS app design, exploring electrical and computer engineering, programming in Swift, and foundations of computer science and coding.
8. Illinois Institute of Technology’s SMASH
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
Dates: July 11 – 31
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: 10th-11th grade students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. More information here
Illinois Institute of Technology’s Summer Math and Science Honor (SMASH) is a no-cost, intensive STEM program for high school students. You will participate and network with STEM professionals and facilitators, and develop technical skills in computer science. The program will prepare you to pursue careers in STEM fields, build self-confidence, and develop your unique voice. The program offers a great opportunity to explore a range of tech topics, including artificial intelligence, programming, cybersecurity, and machine learning.
9. Griffin MSI RISE Program
Location: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
Dates: Vary by sessions
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Chicago high school students
The Griffing MSI RISE Program allows high school students to explore STEAM pathways. You will engage in hands-on activities and experiences, and develop a range of competencies, including self-efficacy, self-confidence, and self-awareness. The program offers structured and drop-in sessions, where you will work on projects connected to civic engagement initiatives, go on field trips, and interact with program facilitators and fellow students. You will also have the opportunity to participate in meetups organized by youth in Out-of-School-Time (OST) programs across Chicago.
10. Illinois Tech Cybersecurity Bootcamp
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology (Mies Campus), Chicago, IL
Cost: $1,500
Dates: July 27 – 31
Application Deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th-grade high school students
Illinois Tech Cybersecurity Bootcamp is an overnight residential learning opportunity for high school students. You will explore the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including ethical hacking, incident response, network security, and threat analysis. You will have the opportunity to engage in simulated learning experiences. You will gain practical knowledge of vulnerability assessment and defensive techniques to protect digital systems. You will work on collaborative projects, engage in hands-on learning, and participate in campus activities through the program.
11. Illinois Tech Rocket Engineering 101
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology (Mies Campus), Chicago, IL
Cost: $1,500
Dates: July 27 – 31
Application Deadline: May 8
Eligibility: High school students
Illinois Tech Rocket Engineering 101 offers an immersive learning experience to high school students interested in aerospace and engineering. You will learn the fundamental principles of engineering and rocket science and participate in design challenges and guided experimentation. The program includes hands-on construction and combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications to develop a deeper understanding of aerospace engineering.
12. SHARP! (Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program)
Location: University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Chicago, IL
Cost: $3,500
Dates: 11-month program (6-week summer lab from June 15 – July 24 + an August–April academic year component
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors; Minimum age: 16 years
SHARP! (Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program is an 11-month intensive research program for high school students. The program offers three components: a six-week summer research program, a school-year component, the annual Biomed Breakthrough Challenge, and a community service component. Through these components, you will have the opportunity to attend lectures, work on biomedical engineering projects, engage in career mentorship, attend coaching seminars focused on translational/clinical thinking, and technical execution and biodesign methodology. The Summer Research experience will culminate in a SHARP! Symposium where you can present your research.
13. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,400 + $45 Application fee; Limited need-based financial aid available
Dates: Session A: June 15 – 26; Session B: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: December 15 – February 21
Eligibility: High school students in the US ages 14+. More information here
Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual learning opportunity for high school students. You will be introduced to the role of AI in health and medicine, receive mentorship, attend lectures, and engage in collaborative research. You will gain knowledge about the applications of AI in clinical and research settings, and learn from Stanford researchers and clinicians. You will work on hands-on projects, listen to guest speakers from healthcare and tech industries, and participate in community and social engagement activities. You will earn a recognized certificate from the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging (AIMI) upon program completion.
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