15 College Programs for High School Students in Illinois
If you're a high school student looking to explore academic interests beyond what's available during the school year, a structured program can be a good option to explore. These programs often combine coursework, research, or project-based work with mentor guidance, helping you build skills, gain exposure to new material, and develop connections. Whether your interests lie in the sciences, humanities, business, or the arts, these programs can help you test out a field before deciding to pursue it further.
Why should you attend a program in Illinois?
Illinois offers high school students access to university-hosted programs across research, technology, medicine, mathematics, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Depending on the program you choose, you could conduct biomedical research, study data science, or build a creative portfolio project. Whether you live in Illinois or are coming from out of state, you can find a program suited to your interests and experience level.
To help narrow your search, we’ve selected 15 college programs for high school students in Illinois.
If you’re looking for free programs in Illinois, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span data science, biomedical research, cancer biology, astronomy, computing, mathematics, entrepreneurship, visual arts, game design, and film production, so students with a wide range of academic interests can find a relevant college program in Illinois.
Several programs are free or offer substantial stipends, including UChicago DSI Summer Lab ($5,600 stipend), Chicago EYES on Cancer ($5,000 stipend), UChicago ResearcHStart ($3,000 stipend), UIUC Young Scholars (paid), and the Space Explorers Program (free), while others, such as UChicago Collegiate Scholars and DPI Digital Scholars, are free for eligible Chicago students.
Many programs specifically prioritize Chicago residents or Illinois students, including UChicago DSI Summer Lab (Chicago area), ResearcHStart (Illinois residents), Space Explorers (Chicago Public Schools), EYES on Cancer (Cook, Lake, Will, or DuPage counties), and Collegiate Scholars (Chicago Public Schools, first-generation priority), so local students should take note of these targeted opportunities.
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from one-week intensives, such as Woodson Summer Scholars and DePaul Game and Animation Academy, to multi-year sustained programs, such as Space Explorers and EYES on Cancer (two summers plus year-round sessions), so students can choose based on their schedule and depth of interest.
Application deadlines for the most competitive programs fall early, including UChicago DSI Summer Lab (January 12), EYES on Cancer (mid-January), ResearcHStart (mid-to-late January), and Space Explorers (mid-to-late February), so students should begin researching options in the fall.
1. University of Chicago DSI Summer Lab
Location: University of Chicago Hyde Park Campus, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $5,600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 22 students per cohort
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: High school students in the Chicago area; familiarity with programming and coursework in computer science, statistics, or math preferred
At DSI Summer Lab, you’ll spend eight weeks working on applied data science projects alongside university researchers and mentors. Projects span public policy, social science, computer science, healthcare, and quantitative research, so your work connects technical methods to real-world questions. You’ll learn how to organize datasets, interpret results, and communicate findings while participating in a collaborative research environment. Group meetings and mentorship are built into the experience, which gives you a clearer sense of how research teams operate at the university level. You’ll leave with experience in both technical work and in presenting ideas clearly to others.
2. University of Chicago – ResearcHStart
Location: University of Chicago; University of Illinois Chicago; University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign; Northwestern University; Rush University
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 30 students annually
Dates: Second week of June – First week of August
Application Deadline: Typically mid-to-late January
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program and residents of Illinois
ResearcHStart is an eight-week summer research experience that places students in cancer research labs across multiple universities and medical institutions in Illinois. You’ll work with faculty mentors on active projects while building familiarity with scientific methods, experimental design, and research communication. Research topics vary and may include immunotherapy, molecular oncology, bioengineering, and computational approaches in medicine. Alongside lab work, the program includes workshops, lectures, and professional development sessions that introduce different pathways in biomedical research. One thing that stands out is that the experience combines full-time research with structured support across multiple institutions rather than limiting students to a single campus.
3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program
Location: University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Champaign, IL
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 5%; about 30 placements
Dates: June 17 – July 31
Application Deadline: Early April
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders from Illinois
The Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program places high school students into faculty-guided research groups across science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. You’ll spend the summer contributing to an active project while learning how university research operates day-to-day. Research areas vary and may include neuroscience, immunology, bioengineering, and computational approaches. Alongside lab work, the program includes workshops on scientific writing, interpreting results, and communicating ideas clearly. You’ll work inside an actual university research environment rather than completing pre-designed classroom activities. The program ends with a poster presentation where you share your work with faculty and peers.
4. University of Chicago Space Explorers Program
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 30 students annually
Dates: Multi-year schedule (specific dates not specified)
Application Deadline: Mid-to-late February
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 attending Chicago Public Schools with a minimum GPA of 3.0
The Space Explorers Program is designed as a longer-term STEM experience centered on astronomy, physics, and scientific inquiry. You’ll participate in hands-on activities, visit research spaces, and work with university staff and researchers across multiple years rather than during a single summer session. Alongside academic activities, the program includes tutoring, college planning support, and workshops that help you think through future education pathways. The structure provides you with repeated exposure to scientific thinking rather than a short introduction. One thing that makes this program different is its sustained engagement over several years, which allows you to build relationships and deepen your interests.
5. Discovery Partners Institute Digital Scholars Program
Location: Discovery Partners Institute, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 25–35 students per course
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-graders from the Chicago area
Digital Scholars is a six-week in-person program focused on computing and engineering pathways. You’ll choose a track such as computer science, data science, mobile app development, or electrical and computer engineering and spend the summer building foundational technical skills. Coursework is paired with workshops that focus on communication, collaboration, and professional habits. Guest speakers and industry exposure are built into the schedule so you can see how technical skills connect to different careers. You’ll work inside one subject area long enough to move beyond introductions and complete meaningful projects. The program may especially appeal if you want structured exposure to technology before committing to a college major.
6. University of Chicago Collegiate Scholars Program (CSP)
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 50 students per cohort
Dates: Three-year, year-round program (includes a summer intensive session and academic year activities)
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Current 9th-grade students attending a Chicago public high school; priority given to low-income and first-generation students.
The Collegiate Scholars Program combines summer coursework with year-round programming to introduce students to more advanced academic expectations before college. You’ll take classes taught by university faculty and graduate students across subjects such as science, math, humanities, and social sciences. During the school year, the program continues through workshops and enrichment activities focused on leadership and college readiness. The experience is designed to build habits that support long-term academic growth rather than focusing on a single subject area. Because the program spans multiple years, you have time to develop academic confidence gradually instead of compressing everything into one summer. You’ll also work alongside peers who are navigating similar college planning decisions.
7. Chicago EYES (Educators and Youth Enjoy Science) on Cancer
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 10 new students each year
Dates: 8 weeks for two consecutive summers (June–August) plus monthly academic-year sessions
Application Deadline: Mid-January
Eligibility: High school sophomores–seniors (16+) residing in Cook, Lake, Will, or DuPage counties in Illinois or Lake County, Indiana
Chicago EYES is a long-term biomedical research experience for students interested in cancer science and laboratory research. You’ll spend two summers working full-time in university labs and continue meeting throughout the school year through workshops and academic sessions. Research areas include basic science, clinical research, translational work, and population health studies. The program also introduces topics like research ethics, scientific communication, and career exploration in medicine and science. This is one of the few programs on this list that combines multiple summers of research with continued mentorship during the academic year. You’ll finish the experience by presenting your work at a formal symposium.
8. Woodson Summer Scholars @ University of Chicago
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $2,500; waived for students having household income at or below $125,000; for students with household income at or below $60,000, fee is waived + domestic roundtrip expenses are covered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: July 12–17
Application Deadline: March 12
Eligibility: 11th-grade students, ages 15+, enrolled in U.S. high schools and engaged in Black or African American communities
Woodson Summer Scholars is a residential academic enrichment program that brings students together for a week of university-level discussion and exploration. You’ll attend interdisciplinary classes taught by faculty and spend time connecting academic questions to contemporary social issues and community experiences. Beyond coursework, the schedule includes college application support and opportunities to explore university spaces across campus. The short timeline means the days are fairly structured and discussion-heavy. The program emphasizes broad intellectual exploration and conversation across subjects. It can work well if you want exposure to a university environment without committing to a longer summer session.
9. School of the Art Institute of Chicago Early College Program Summer Institute
Location: School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), Chicago, IL
Cost: $1,908 (1 week) | $3,816 (2 weeks) | $7,632 (4 weeks) + Housing/Meals: $655 to $2,620; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 12–16 students per class
Dates: 5 separate two-week sessions between June 15 and July 31
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students ages 15–18 who have completed their sophomore year prior to the program
SAIC’s Summer Institute gives you the chance to spend one to four weeks working in an intensive studio setting while exploring disciplines such as animation, fashion, drawing, photography, or design. Most of your time is spent making work, receiving critique, and refining ideas through guided studio practice. Depending on the course, you may also spend time outside the classroom studying art across Chicago. The pace is closer to a college studio course than a recreational camp, with assignments and project expectations built into the schedule. You’ll create substantial portfolio material while getting a clearer sense of what art and design study looks like at the college level.
10. Northwestern University IN FOCUS Seminars — Future Founders: Become a Startup CEO
Location: Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
Cost: $3,625 commuter | $5,235 residential + $60 application fee; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: June 21 – July 3
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA
This seminar introduces entrepreneurship through a structured, project-based format that mirrors how early-stage teams develop ideas. You’ll work with classmates to identify problems, test solutions, collect feedback, and revise concepts across the two-week session. Instead of focusing heavily on lectures, the course emphasizes collaborative work, presentations, and iteration. You’ll also discuss communication, leadership, and how teams make decisions under constraints. A useful part of the experience is that you build and evaluate an idea from multiple angles rather than simply learning business vocabulary. The program also includes sessions focused on preparing for college life and building community with peers.
11. Summer at UChicago – Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS)
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $15,200 + $75 application fee; need-based partial financial aid is available on a first-come, first-served basis financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; small and capacity-limited
Dates: June 15 – July 10
Application Deadline: March 12
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th graders (15+) who have completed high school biology
RIBS is a four-week laboratory experience designed for students who want to spend most of their summer doing experimental science. You’ll begin with training in foundational lab techniques before moving into more advanced work involving genetics, molecular biology, and related areas. As the program progresses, you’ll apply those methods to an independent project while documenting results and discussing scientific literature. The schedule includes long stretches of lab time and expectations similar to introductory university research experiences. You’ll spend significantly more time conducting experiments than sitting in traditional classroom sessions. The program concludes with a research forum where students present their work.
12. Illinois Tech Elevate College Prep Summer Programs
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL
Cost: $500–$4,500 depending on program; limited specific need-based aid scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 15–30 students
Dates: June 15 – July 31 (varies by track)
Application Deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Rising freshmen through seniors, ages 14–17
Illinois Tech’s Elevate programs allow you to choose from different academic tracks across STEM, entrepreneurship, design, and technology. Depending on the course, your days may include labs, coding sessions, design challenges, collaborative projects, and instructor-led workshops. The experience is intended to help you explore an area in more depth while spending time on a university campus. Because there are multiple formats and subject areas, the experience can look different from student to student. The flexibility of choosing a specific track makes this program more customizable than many subject-specific summer offerings. You’ll also get exposure to project-based learning that resembles college coursework.
13. Columbia College Chicago – Summer at Columbia
Location: Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: $3,698; merit-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: June 29 – July 24
Application Deadline: May 22
Eligibility: High school students ages 15–18 entering junior or senior year
Summer at Columbia gives you the chance to take a focused pre-college course in areas such as film production, fashion, photography, game development, creative writing, or visual arts. Courses are structured like college classes and center around creating projects rather than listening to lectures. Depending on your track, you may produce original work, revise it through feedback cycles, and present a final portfolio or finished project. You’ll spend time collaborating with classmates while getting exposure to creative workflows and expectations. The experience is especially useful if you want to test whether studying a creative field at the college level actually fits your interests. You’ll leave with completed work that reflects several weeks of sustained effort.
14. University of Chicago Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $250–$1,000 based on household income; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: June 29 – July 24
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Mathematically talented 7th–12th graders in the greater Chicago area
YSP is a math-focused summer experience built around discussion, exploration, and solving unfamiliar problems rather than accelerating through the school curriculum. You’ll attend faculty-led sessions and work closely with undergraduate mentors while tackling mathematical ideas through conversation and collaborative reasoning. The program places less emphasis on memorization and more on understanding how mathematical arguments are built. Expect to spend time explaining your thinking, comparing approaches, and revisiting problems from different angles. The pace can feel different from traditional math classes because the goal is depth of understanding rather than covering more material. If you enjoy open-ended problem-solving, this format may feel especially rewarding.
15. DePaul University Game, Cinema & Animation Summer Academy
Location: DePaul University, Chicago, IL
Cost: $900; partial scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: First-come, first-served basis; cohort size not specified
Dates: July 13–17
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least their freshman year by July 1
This one-week academy introduces you to creative production through specialized tracks in filmmaking, game design, animation, screenwriting, and sound. You’ll spend most of your time working on collaborative projects while learning how creative teams develop ideas and move them into finished work. Depending on your track, your schedule may include editing, prototyping, scripting, animation, or production planning. The experience emphasizes making and revising rather than passive instruction. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how creative and technical roles connect during production workflows. It can also help you decide whether you want to explore these subjects more seriously in college.
Frequently asked questions
1. What college programs are available for high school students in Illinois?
Options include data science and computing programs, such as UChicago DSI Summer Lab and DPI Digital Scholars, biomedical and cancer research programs, such as ResearcHStart, EYES on Cancer, and UIUC Young Scholars, mathematics programs, such as UChicago Young Scholars Program, arts and creative programs, such as SAIC Summer Institute, Columbia College Summer, and DePaul Game and Animation Academy, entrepreneurship programs, such as Northwestern Future Founders, and multi-year academic preparation programs, such as UChicago Space Explorers and Collegiate Scholars.
2. Are there free or paid college programs for high school students in Illinois?
Yes, UChicago DSI Summer Lab pays a $5,600 stipend, EYES on Cancer pays $5,000, ResearcHStart pays $3,000, UIUC Young Scholars is paid, and UChicago Space Explorers, Collegiate Scholars, and DPI Digital Scholars are free for eligible students. UChicago Young Scholars Program uses an income-based sliding scale, and Woodson Summer Scholars waives fees for students below a specified household income threshold.
3. Which Illinois programs are best for students interested in biomedical and cancer research?
ResearchStart places students in cancer research labs across multiple Illinois universities, EYES on Cancer offers two summers of full-time lab research with year-round support, and UIUC Young Scholars offers placements in neuroscience, immunology, and bioengineering research at a major research university.
4. Which programs are open to students outside Illinois?
Veritas AI is fully virtual and open to students anywhere in the world, UChicago RIBS and SAIC Summer Institute accept applicants from outside Illinois, and Northwestern Future Founders and Illinois Tech Elevate also welcome out-of-state students.
5. Which programs are best for students interested in creative fields and design?
SAIC Summer Institute offers intensive studio courses in animation, photography, fashion, and design; Columbia College Chicago Summer focuses on film, game development, creative writing, and visual arts, and DePaul Game and Animation Academy introduces filmmaking, game design, screenwriting, and animation through one-week project-based tracks.
6. When should I apply to college programs for high school students in Illinois?
UChicago DSI Summer Lab closes January 12, EYES on Cancer and ResearchStart close in mid-to-late January, Space Explorers closes in mid-to-late February, and Woodson Scholars and RIBS close March 12, so students should begin researching options in the fall and preparing applications over winter break.
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