15 Engineering Summer Programs for High School Students in Illinois
As a high school student, an engineering program is a good way for you to explore problem-solving, design, and applied STEM innovation during the summer. These programs often mirror the structure of university-level engineering courses and research labs, giving students early exposure to technical tools, design processes, and project-based learning. These programs also allow you to collaborate with like-minded peers, learn from faculty or working engineers, and develop connections that can guide future academic or career decisions.
Why should you attend a program in Illinois?
Illinois offers an environment for engineering enrichment, thanks to its combination of major research universities, strong public institutions, and access to engineering-driven industries. Hosted by organizations such as the Illinois Institute of Technology and DePaul University, these programs help you build foundational engineering skills, expand your academic interests, or gain insight into potential majors. Whether you are an Illinois resident looking for accessible options close to home or an out-of-state student hoping to explore engineering programs in a new region, Illinois hosts a diverse set of opportunities you can benefit from.
To help you navigate these opportunities, we’ve narrowed down a list of 15 engineering summer programs for high school students in Illinois.
If you are looking for internships in Illinois, check out our blog here.
1. SMASH Illinois
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL (Residential, 5-week summer sessions)
Cost/Stipend: Free; no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small cohort admitted annually
Program Dates: Five-week summer residential program each year of the three-year sequence
Application Deadline: Varies; applications typically open during the academic year
Eligibility: Students starting the summer after 9th grade; priority for students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM
SMASH Illinois is a multi-year, residential STEM enrichment program designed to support high school students from underrepresented communities as they build the academic foundation and confidence needed for STEM careers. During each five-week summer session, you will live on IIT’s campus, take project-based computing and engineering courses, and participate in workshops focused on problem-solving, design, and collaboration. The program also includes college-readiness sessions, professional mentorship, and exposure to STEM faculty and industry leaders. You will remain part of the SMASH community for three consecutive summers, creating a sustained, supportive environment for academic growth. The cohort model fosters strong peer networks, and alumni often pursue competitive STEM majors. SMASH is one of the most comprehensive free STEM programs available to high school students in Illinois seeking long-term engagement with engineering and technology.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies by program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small-group and 1:1 mentorship formats
Program Dates: Multiple 12–15 week cohorts offered in spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions with seasonal cycles (January, May, September, November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants must have completed AI Scholars or demonstrate experience with AI or Python
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with 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 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, students get a chance 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. E-CADEMY
Location: Holy Angels Catholic School, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free; Chicago high school students receive a stipend through After School Matters
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots; competitive rolling admissions
Program Dates: October 4 – June 13
Application Deadline: Rolling; early application strongly encouraged
Eligibility: Middle and high school students (grades 6–12); Chicago residents prioritised
E-CADEMY uses the nationally recognised Project Lead The Way curriculum to introduce students to core engineering practices. You will learn how to identify real-world problems, apply engineering design processes, and use industry-standard software to test solutions. The program combines team-based activities with independent work, allowing you to explore technical problem-solving, prototyping, and communication skills. Weekly sessions focus on foundational engineering concepts while preparing you for future STEM coursework at the college level. You will also build a portfolio of engineering projects that can support applications to specialized programs or STEM-focused universities.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote; open to students worldwide
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 1:1 mentorship model
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts offered in summer, fall, winter, and spring; programs range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort with multiple deadlines throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students demonstrating strong academic performance
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers a structured, rigorous pathway for high school students to conduct independent research under 1:1 mentorship from Ph.D.-level researchers. In the Engineering Research Track, you will work closely with a mentor to design and execute a project in mechanical engineering, robotics, electrical engineering, materials science, or computer engineering. The program emphasises research design, literature review, analytical methods, and iterative project development, mirroring the structure of an undergraduate research experience. Over the course of the program, you will produce an original research paper that reflects your findings and methodologies. You will gain experience with engineering frameworks, problem-solving techniques, and technical writing while working on a topic of your choice.
5. Digital Scholars Program – Pritzker Tech Talent Labs
Location: Downtown Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free; CTA transit support available for students with demonstrated need
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 150 students total; ~30 students per course; competitive
Program Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 28 - May 2
Eligibility: Current 11th and 12th graders, and rising freshmen; open to all students, with a focus on Black, Latine, women, gender-expansive, and first-generation students in the Chicagoland area
The Digital Scholars Program is a six-week, pre-college summer experience designed to help high school students build strong foundations in computing, engineering-related tech fields, and college/career readiness. You will choose one of five intensive courses: Data Science Discovery, Exploring Electrical and Computer Engineering, Foundations in Computer Science & Coding, iOS App Design, or Programming in Swift, each structured around hands-on projects and real-world applications. No prior computer science experience is required, making this a strong entry point for students exploring tech and engineering for the first time. A typical day includes a talk from a guest speaker working in Chicago’s tech ecosystem, followed by focused coursework in your chosen track. On Fridays, you will attend themed workshops on topics such as AI and machine learning, entrepreneurship, data science, and professional skills, including networking and personal branding.
6. Engineering Bridge Program
Location: City Colleges of Chicago (Harold Washington, Truman, Olive-Harvey, Daley, and Wilbur Wright Colleges)
Cost/Stipend: Free; students receive a stipend for participation.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited seats; first-come, first-served
Program Dates: Summer Bridge cycle (math- and chemistry-focused preparation); dates released each cycle
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school seniors or students completing a high school equivalency; current City Colleges students with no prior college credits; minimum GPA 1.5; ALEKS score below 76
The Engineering Bridge Program supports students transitioning from high school into community college engineering and computer science pathways through a structured, math-intensive summer preparation curriculum. You will take foundational coursework designed to eliminate up to two years of remedial classes, allowing you to begin your college engineering sequence earlier and with greater confidence. The program includes chemistry-infused instruction, collaborative learning activities, and integrated academic support to strengthen core STEM skills. You will be paid for completing the program, providing both academic value and financial support. You will learn in a cohort model, which fosters peer bonding and encourages strong study habits before beginning community college coursework. Upon completion, you also become eligible for structured transfer pathways leading into four-year engineering degree programs.
7. Quantum Quickstart
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL (Residential)
Cost/Stipend: Program fee applies; full fee waived for household income ≤ $120,000; fee + domestic travel covered for household income ≤ $65,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive with limited seats
Program Dates: July 27 – August 1
Application Deadline: Varies; applications reviewed until the course reaches capacity
Eligibility: Current 9th and 10th-grade students (minimum age 14) enrolled in a U.S. high school
Quantum Quickstart introduces motivated high school students to quantum mechanics and quantum engineering through a week of lectures, demonstrations, and lab facility tours at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. You will explore quantum bits, quantum computing fundamentals, and the physical mechanisms behind entanglement and precision measurement technologies. Hands-on activities—including quantum board games and interactive demonstrations—help connect abstract concepts to emerging technologies and real-world engineering applications. You will also receive guidance on STEM career pathways and attend admissions workshops led by UChicago staff. The program is fully residential, giving you access to campus resources and opportunities to collaborate closely with peers during discussions and project-based sessions.
8. Illinois Tech Pre-Engineering Summer Programs
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology
Cost/Stipend: Varies by course; no stipend listed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; limited by course enrollment
Program Dates: Summer sessions; dates announced annually
Application Deadline: Opens each spring; details released before registration
Eligibility: High school students interested in engineering and STEM enrichment
Illinois Tech’s Pre-Engineering Summer Programs introduce high school students to engineering concepts through hands-on activities, lab sessions, and structured instruction led by faculty and trained staff. You will explore foundational topics across fields such as mechanical engineering, computer engineering, civil engineering, and design, depending on the courses offered during the summer. Programs are hosted at both the historic Mies Campus in Chicago and the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Campus in Wheaton, giving you access to different engineering facilities and learning environments. Coursework often includes project-based modules, demonstrations, and guided applications that mirror college-level engineering workflows. These programs are part of the broader Elevate College Prep initiative, which focuses on experiential learning and building pathways toward college readiness.
9. Grainger Engineering Summer Camps
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies by camp; no stipend listed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; spaces limited by track and session
Dates: Mid-June – early August (one-week sessions across multiple tracks)
Application Deadline: Applications open February 1 and remain open through February
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7–12; most high school tracks are open to students entering grades 9–12, with some limited to grades 10–12 or 11–12
Grainger Engineering Summer Camps offer a structured way to explore multiple engineering disciplines at a top engineering school through one-week residential, commuter, and day camp formats. You can start with Survey of Engineering options like Exploring Your Options (EYO) to sample 10+ engineering majors, or choose 3-D (Deeper Dive into a Discipline) camps in areas such as aerospace, civil and environmental, chemical, electrical and computer, mechanical, materials, nuclear, bioengineering, or cybersecurity. Throughout the week, you will participate in lab tours, demonstrations, classroom sessions, and hands-on projects that mirror real engineering workflows. You will work in teams to tackle design challenges, interact with current engineering students and faculty, and get exposure to campus resources and research spaces. Residential sessions also provide a preview of college life, including living in residence halls and navigating a large research university campus.
10. Introduction to Engineering Camp
Location: DePaul University, Loop Campus, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: $200; five fully funded scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; admission based on application and academic performance
Program Dates: June 23 – June 27
Application Deadline: Applications open May 2; scholarship and admission confirmations by June 9; payment due June 18
Eligibility: Current high school students
DePaul University’s Introduction to Engineering Camp exposes high school students to engineering design principles with a focus on intelligent systems and robotics. You will work with full-time faculty from the School of Computing to learn foundational concepts in embedded systems, including sensors, motors, and control mechanisms. The camp emphasises hands-on learning, giving you the chance to prototype with tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters while experimenting with real hardware. One of the core activities involves programming an mBot robot to navigate an obstacle course using the engineering design process. The curriculum is designed to provide early exposure to the problem-solving and iterative design methods found in college engineering programs.
11. SHARP! – Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program
Location: University of Illinois Chicago Medical Campus & Surgical Innovation Training Laboratory (Chicago, IL)
Cost/Stipend: $3,500 tuition for 10-month program; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; competitive application with an interview requirement
Program Dates: June 15 – July 24 (summer component), followed by school-year commitments through March
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students aged 16+ at program start; official transcript, two recommendations, and parental consent required; must commit to Ambassador responsibilities
SHARP! is a 10-month apprenticeship-style program that introduces students to biomedical engineering, robotics, and medical research through a combination of summer lab work and school-year engineering challenges. During the six-week summer session, you will conduct daily research in UIC laboratories under a scientist mentor while completing workshops in biomedical engineering, robotic surgery skills, bench techniques, and emergency medical procedures. The experience culminates in a research presentation at the SHARP! Symposium. Students who continue into the school year lead BioDesign teams for the Biomed Breakthrough Challenge, supported by monthly seminars with UIC faculty. You will also complete a community outreach component by designing and teaching hands-on engineering lessons for 6th-grade students. The program is designed to build research skills, leadership experience, and a deeper understanding of biomedical innovation.
12. Engineering, Math & Science Academy
Location: Kishwaukee College, Malta, IL
Cost/Stipend: Engineering Track cost estimated at $3,680; no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: selective early-college dual enrollment
Program Dates: Fall and spring semester coursework with an optional summer term
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by school district; applications must be submitted through high school counsellors
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; must have a “B” or better in high school chemistry and pre-calculus, place into college-level math and English, and provide a counsellor recommendation
The EMSA Engineering Track allows high school juniors and seniors to begin their college-level STEM coursework early by completing a full year of calculus and physics while still enrolled in high school. You will take Calculus II and Fundamentals of Physics I during the fall term, followed by Calculus III and Fundamentals of Physics II in the spring. An optional summer course in Differential Equations allows you to extend your mathematical preparation further. Students who complete the program earn 23 transferable college credits, giving them a substantial head start toward degrees in engineering, physics, chemistry, or computer science. Enrollment requires placement into college-level coursework, completion of required application steps, and attendance at a mandatory orientation.
13. PREP – Pre-Freshman Program in Engineering & Science
Location: Chicago State University, Chicago, IL (may operate virtually if required)
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; application includes interview and documentation requirements
Program Dates: Six-week summer program
Application Deadline: Currently accepting applications; reviewed on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12; must submit a transcript/report card, standardised test scores, and two recommendation letters
The PREP Program at Chicago State University is a six-week academic and experiential summer program designed to introduce high school students to engineering and strengthen their preparation for college-level STEM coursework. You will take structured classes in science, mathematics, and communication while participating in hands-on engineering projects that reinforce classroom concepts. Field trips to engineering organisations and labs expose students to professional pathways and real-world applications of engineering disciplines. The program’s curriculum emphasises both academic readiness and awareness of engineering career opportunities, encouraging students to pursue advanced high school STEM courses.
14. Illinois Aerospace Institute (IAI)
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Residential) and Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $1,000 + $25 deposit; Virtual: $150 + $25 deposit (international students receive a $100 reduction and must supply their own materials)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; preference given to juniors and seniors for residential sessions
Program Dates: June 22 – 28 (Residential), July 13 – 19 (Residential), July 20 – 26 (Virtual)
Application Deadline: notifications released in early May
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12; virtual participants must have access to a computer, Zoom, and basic supplies
The Illinois Aerospace Institute is a one-week program offering high school students hands-on exposure to aeronautics, astronautics, and aerospace engineering fundamentals. You will participate in topic-focused lessons covering propulsion, flight mechanics, aerodynamics, spacecraft design, materials, computational modelling, and wind-tunnel experimentation. The camp emphasises applied learning through model workshops, where you will design and build gliders and rockets using structured instructions and iterative testing. Residential sessions include field trips, guest lectures, and on-campus learning, while virtual participants complete real-time Zoom sessions and conduct model launches at home. The curriculum provides a broad introduction to aerospace engineering while helping students understand both the design process and the physics underlying aircraft and spacecraft systems. Sponsored by the Department of Aerospace Engineering at UIUC, the program is a strong option for students seeking early exposure to the aerospace field.
15. School of Engineering Summer Camps
Location: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL
Cost/Stipend: $250; limited scholarships available for students with demonstrated financial need
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; spaces limited and filled based on approved applications
Program Dates: Session 1: June 1 – 5, Session 2: June 8 – 12
Application Deadline: Priority consideration by April 1; applications accepted until camp is full
Eligibility: High school students interested in science, technology, engineering, or computer science
The SIUE School of Engineering Summer Camps introduce high school students to multiple engineering disciplines, computer science, and construction management through a week of hands-on projects and design challenges. You will spend your days in labs and classrooms exploring how engineering solutions impact everyday life, working with activities that might include robotics, groundwater or environmental simulations, and small-scale construction or design tasks. The camp is structured as a day program with full supervision during academic and recreational activities, making it accessible to local students seeking commuter-style engineering summer programs for high school students in Illinois. Lunch, materials, and supplies are included in the program fee, and all participants receive limited medical coverage during camp. Each camper also gets a commemorative group photo, reinforcing the community-focused aspect of the experience.
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