10 Computer Science Programs for High School Students in Chicago
If you’re a high school student interested in computer science, a well-structured program can help you move beyond the basics and start building skills. These programs often introduce topics such as programming, data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity while helping you strengthen problem-solving and analytical thinking. You may also learn from instructors, researchers, or mentors while exploring how computing is studied and applied in academic and professional settings.
Why should you attend a program in Chicago?
Chicago offers strong options through universities, nonprofit initiatives, and research institutions that prioritize access, skill development, and collaboration. Many programs in the city connect students with academic resources, technology communities, and research groups that support early learning in computer science. Both local out-of-state students can find opportunities that provide structured exposure to computing fields.
To help you get started, we've compiled 10 computer science programs for high school students in Chicago.
If you’re looking for STEM programs in Chicago, check out our blog here.
1. DSI Summer Lab
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $5,600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Chicago area high school students
The DSI Summer Lab is an immersive, full-time summer research program that places you into active data science research labs across a wide range of domains, including computer science, social science, public policy, climate and energy, materials science, and biomedical research. You are paired with experienced data science mentors and work collaboratively on applied research projects while developing core research and technical skills. The program emphasises teamwork, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and clear communication of research findings. You’ll receive professional development training and present your work through videos and an end-of-summer symposium modelled after a professional academic conference.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly 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 here.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. 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.
3. DPI’s Digital Scholars
Location: Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Applications open on February 16
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders, and incoming first-year college students
This program lets you enroll in one college-level computing course, such as data science, computer science foundations, electrical and computer engineering, or mobile app development, while engaging with hands-on projects and real-world applications. Beyond coursework, you’ll connect daily with professionals from Chicago’s tech ecosystem through talks, workshops, and industry engagement. The program also emphasises professional skills, including communication, teamwork, and personal branding, to prepare you for future academic and career pathways.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - Computer Science Track
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply here.
Eligibility: High school students
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 psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more.
5. After School Matters STEM Lab Internship (Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering & After School Matters)
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 6 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students who attend a Chicago Public School and are at least 16 years old by program start
The After School Matters STEM Lab Internship places students in research labs at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, where they work alongside faculty, graduate students, and research staff. The program begins with a research bootcamp that introduces students to the basics of scientific investigation and research practices, followed by several weeks of lab engagement in ongoing projects. Students participate in college‑level research tasks, develop science communication skills, and attend workshops designed to support professional and academic development.
6. UChicago Youth Internship Program
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend/Cost: Paid summer employment
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer (typically June – August)
Application Deadline: Varies (often spring; check program site)
Eligibility: Chicago Public School high school students who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program and authorized to work in the U.S.
The University of Chicago Youth Internship Program (YIP) is a paid summer internship opportunity designed to give Chicago public high school students work experience and career preparation. The program spans two summers: the first focuses on career and college readiness through workshops, seminars, and workplace tours, and the second places students in actual internship roles within university departments. YIP combines workplace experience with professional development activities to help participants explore potential career paths and gain insight into work environments at the University of Chicago and its partner organizations.
7. Northwestern University Research Program for High Schoolers (NURPH)
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL (12 miles from Chicago)
Stipend/Cost: $4,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from Chicago and Evanston area high schools
The NURPH program offers high school students from Chicago and Evanston the chance to participate in a seven‑week research internship at Northwestern University. Participants are placed in labs focused on materials science and engineering, where they gain hands‑on experience under the mentorship of graduate students and faculty. Throughout the program, students engage in research, data collection, and analysis, while also attending workshops designed to strengthen their scientific skills. At the end of the program, students present their research findings, providing them with a deeper understanding of scientific inquiry and technical skills relevant to fields like computational science and data analysis.
8. Quantum Quickstart
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $2,500; needs-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 26 – 31
Application Deadline: March 5
Eligibility: Current 9th or 10th grade students at least 14 years old
The program combines faculty-led lectures, theoretical discussions, and guided tours of world-class quantum research laboratories within the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. You’ll explore core concepts in quantum mechanics, quantum computing, and quantum information, learning how these technologies enable secure communication, advanced computation, and ultra-precise measurement. In addition to technical content, you’ll engage in sessions focused on STEM career preparation and gain insight into highly selective college admissions through meetings with UChicago admissions counsellors. The program focuses on full participation, interdisciplinary exploration, and engagement with the latest research, resulting in a certificate of completion instead of academic credit.
9. Cyber Operations - (BWSI)
Location: Virtually hosted by Beaver Works Summer Institute
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: July 7 – August 3
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (rising seniors) residing in the United States; students must complete the online prerequisite course to be eligible for the summer session
In this course, you’ll build from foundational topics, such as computer architecture, digital systems, and cryptography, to advanced areas including networking, reverse engineering, side-channel attacks, and adversarial machine learning. The curriculum emphasises hands-on learning through practical exercises that complement lectures, exposing you to real-world cybersecurity challenges across traditional and non-traditional environments, including cloud systems, IoT, industrial control systems, satellites, and quantum computing. A required online prerequisite course prepares you with essential skills in Python, Bash, and systems concepts before the summer session.
10. Girls Who Code Pathways
Location: Virtual; Optional in-person Industry Immersion Days are available for students in select cities
Cost: Free Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: June 29 – August 14 (7-week flexible program)
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: High school girls and non-binary students
In this program, you’ll choose from curriculum tracks such as game design, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and web development, completing hands-on projects at your own pace. Alongside technical learning, you’ll become part of a lively online community where you can collaborate with peers, participate in workshops, and engage in career panels and industry-hosted events. The program emphasizes practical problem-solving and encourages linking your personal interests with potential careers in technology. Additionally, Pathways offers an entry point into the expanded Girls Who Code alumni network, supporting your long-term growth in computer science and related fields.
Image source - Veritas AI