15 Free Programs for High School Students in Chicago
Structured programs are good opportunities for high school students because they provide exposure to practical skills, industry experience, and valuable professional connections. These programs often simulate environments where you can apply what you learn, gain insight into various career paths, and build confidence in professional settings. Some of these opportunities are free of charge or offer financial assistance, making them accessible to more people and allowing you to focus on your work without financial burden.
Why should you attend a program in Chicago?
In Chicago, many reputable universities and organisations offer free programs for high schoolers, giving you the chance to explore your academic and career interests. Chicago’s diverse industries, cultural opportunities, and educational institutions make it an ideal place for you to learn and make connections. These programs are perfect for local students seeking enrichment close to home or out-of-city students hoping to experience a new academic environment in a vibrant urban setting.
To guide interested students, we’ve narrowed down a list of 15 free programs in Chicago.
If you are interested in programs in Chicago, check out our blogs here and here.
1. UChicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart
Location: University of Chicago
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $3,000 taxable stipend
Application Deadline: January 19
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Eligibility: High school junior or senior at the time of application, at least 16 years of age at the start of the program
ResearcHStart is an eight-week summer program for high school students interested in learning about cancer research. As a participant, you will work full-time on research projects in areas such as cancer immunology, bioengineering, and experimental therapeutics. You’ll collaborate with university researchers and faculty to gain practical experience in laboratory methods and scientific inquiry. The program includes mentorship and structured opportunities for professional growth. You will also take part in workshops that address topics like data analysis, research ethics, and career planning. Through these activities, you can develop a clearer understanding of research practices and potential career paths in the biomedical sciences.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
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. 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, you will be 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 will 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.
3. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Students are placed within a 45-minute commute from their homes
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend of $3,000
Application Deadline: November 21 – January 25
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors, at least 16 by the internship start date
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid internship designed for high school students interested in fisheries and aquatic science. In this program, you will be matched with a fisheries professional who provides guidance and supervision during field and lab work. Your activities may include conducting fish population studies, testing water quality, and examining samples under a microscope. You will also complete time sheets and progress reports to track your learning and research experiences. The internship offers a stipend and gives you the opportunity to observe how fisheries research is carried out in both freshwater and marine environments.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: The program is fully funded
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Eligibility: You must be enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall, and must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, you will be paired with world-class PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. This program is a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper. You can apply here.
5. UChicago’s DSI Summer Lab
Location: University of Chicago
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend paid
Application Deadline: Applications will open in November. Deadline unspecified. Likely January based on previous years
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Eligibility: Current high school seniors who will be starting college in the fall, located in the Chicago area
The DSI Summer Lab at the University of Chicago is a 10-week research program for high school students interested in exploring applied data science. In this program, you will work with mentors who introduce you to research methods and collaborative projects that use data to study topics such as computer science, climate, and energy systems. You’ll receive instruction in key data science skills, including machine learning, data visualisation, and statistical analysis. Throughout the program, you will apply these techniques to a specific research question and share your results in a final presentation at the end of the summer.
6. UChicago Medicine’s SHE in Oncology
Location: UChicago
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $500 taxable stipend
Application Deadline: March 2
Dates: July 13 – 25
Eligibility: Full-time high school students at the time of application; Residing in Cook, Lake, Will, or DuPage counties, Illinois, or Lake County, Indiana
The Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) in Oncology is a two-week virtual program designed for high school students interested in learning about biomedical and cancer-related careers. During the program, you will work on group research projects that include a genetics investigation and a patient case study focused on oncology. Each day features lectures from university faculty, discussions with professionals in the field, and workshops that build career and research skills. You’ll also use a home lab kit to complete hands-on activities related to cancer biology. Throughout the program, you will connect with mentors and other students from institutions across the country. The experience combines academic learning with practical exposure to help you explore future pathways in biomedical science and oncology.
7. Chicago Architecture Center Summer Fellows
Location: Chicago Architecture Center
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend provided
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: June 22 – May 8
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in Chicago high schools
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) Teen Fellows program is a three-semester learning experience for Chicago high school students interested in architecture and design. In this program, you will study different aspects of the field, earn college credit, and collaborate with professionals working in architecture and related areas. You’ll complete design projects that focus on issues within the local community and develop a portfolio that reflects your work. The program includes training in digital design software such as SketchUp and AutoCAD, as well as opportunities to build physical models using various materials. The Teen Fellows program offers practical exposure for students considering further study or a career in architecture.
8. Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) Digital Scholars Program
Location: Discovery Partners Institute, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free. Information about the stipend not provided
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Dates: June 23 – August 1 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Students who will be entering 11th or 12th grade or their first year of college at a 2 or 4-year Illinois institution in the Fall are eligible to apply. Black, Latine, female, gender-expansive, and first-generation students from Chicago Public Schools and Chicago-area districts are encouraged to apply.
The DPI Digital Scholars program introduces high school students to a range of STEM topics through learning and collaboration. In this program, you will work with university researchers and industry professionals on projects related to areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, and sustainability. You can choose a course track in computer science, electrical and computer engineering, data science, or mobile app development. Along with technical instruction, the program includes workshops and talks that focus on college preparation and career skills. Through these activities, you will gain experience with current technologies and learn how they are applied in professional settings within Chicago’s technology community.
9. Chicago Botanic Garden’s Science Career Continuum
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free; participants may earn a stipend for the College First Program
Application Deadline: April 15
Dates: Typically in the summer. Dates are unspecified
Eligibility: All applicants must be enrolled in a Chicago Public School. Science First applicants must be high school freshmen or sophomores; College First applicants must be rising high school juniors or seniors
The Chicago Botanic Garden offers two summer programs for high school students interested in environmental science and conservation. In the Science First program, you will spend four weeks at the Garden participating in field-based activities that introduce you to topics in ecology and plant science. The program brings together students from Chicago Public Schools to learn through observation, data collection, and group projects. The College First program is a seven-week paid internship that combines research in ecology and conservation with college preparation and mentorship. As a participant, you will work with scientists and educators while learning about environmental careers and developing skills for college and future studies in science.
10. MedSTEM Explorers – Rush Education and Career Hub
Location: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; interns receive a stipend
Application Deadline: February 27
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and juniors from Chicago (weighted GPA 2.5)
The MedSTEM Explorers program at Rush University Medical Centre is a six-week paid experience for Chicago high school students interested in healthcare and STEM fields. During the program, you will take part in research activities, skill-building workshops, and discussions with healthcare professionals. You’ll develop skills in areas such as problem-solving, collaboration, and academic college preparation. The program also includes certification in first aid and CPR, along with opportunities to observe or assist in clinical settings. Students who perform well may be invited to continue with the MedSTEM Pathways internship for additional research and clinical experience.
11. DePaul + CHA Youth Partnership Summer Intensives
Location: DePaul University – Loop Campus, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free. May provide a stipend
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Dates: Typically in the summer, varies based on selected program
Eligibility: High school–aged youth (15–24) who are Chicago Housing Authority residents; enrolled in high school at the time of application; priority given to minority youth in CHA/public housing
DePaul + CHA Youth Partnership Summer Intensives is a six-week paid summer program for high school students living in Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) communities. You can choose from three creative technology tracks – filmmaking, game and graphic design, or screenwriting, taught by DePaul University faculty and mentored by graduate students. You’ll use professional software and editing labs to create production-ready projects while learning industry workflows in digital media.
12. Field Museum – Chicago Green Ambassadors Program
Location: Burnham Wildlife Corridor, Chicago, IL
Cost: Paid internship (hourly rate; amount varies)
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Dates: Unspecified
Eligibility: Ages 15–22; high school students from Chicago neighbourhoods, including Chinatown, Bronzeville, Little Village, Pilsen, and surrounding communities
The Chicago Green Ambassadors Program is a paid summer internship for high school students interested in environmental science and urban conservation. In this program, you will work along the Burnham Wildlife Corridor, a 100-acre area of prairie and woodland on Chicago’s lakefront. Your activities will include habitat restoration, ecological fieldwork, and community projects under the guidance of Field Museum scientists and local partners. Through these experiences, you will learn practical conservation methods, study urban ecosystems, and gain insight into careers in environmental science.
13. Chicago EYES on Cancer – University of Chicago Medicine
Location: University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free: $5,000 stipend per year (for two summers)
Application Deadline: December 1
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders; must commit to two consecutive summers. Priority for students from groups historically underrepresented in science or from under-resourced schools
Chicago EYES on Cancer is a two-year research program for high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds in the Chicago area. During the program, you will spend eight weeks each summer in a biomedical research lab at the University of Chicago, working with faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers. The first summer introduces you to laboratory techniques and collaborative cancer research projects, while the second summer focuses on independent research and closer mentorship. You will gain experience with laboratory methods, participate in cancer-related studies, and practice presenting your work through posters and presentations.
14. UIC CHANCE Pre-College Summer Programs
Location: University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) East Campus, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free; no registration fee and no stipend
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served. Applicants are encouraged to apply early
Dates: Summer months; exact dates vary based on selected program
Eligibility: High school students from the Chicagoland area; preference to traditionally underrepresented, incoming UIC students
You may participate in college-level academic exploration through STEM Academy, Future Leaders in Health, and Digital Scholars—three summer offerings that emphasize preparation for higher education and professional success. Program tracks expose you to college coursework, mentorship from faculty, and collaborative learning with peers. These pre-college initiatives are provided free of charge, but admission is first-come, first-served, and space is limited. Activities may be moved online if in-person sessions are not feasible. You can contact the organisers for further details about the current session or future opportunities.
15. Chicago Summer Business Institute
Location: Chicago, IL (in-person placement at financial and business institutions)
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid internship (stipend provided)
Application Deadline: February 1 – March 31
Dates: Six-week summer internship, typically June through August
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors residing in the City of Chicago; must maintain a B (3.0) average, have a family household income below $80,000/year, and be able to commit to the full daily program
The Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI) is a six-week, paid internship program for high school students in Chicago. You spend 24 hours each week working at banks, law firms, accounting firms, or engineering firms in the city. In addition, each week includes a half-day seminar where you study topics such as financial markets, business operations, and economic concepts. Through a combination of on-the-job experience and classroom instruction, you explore subjects like supply and demand, market structures, and how different workplace systems function.
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