12 Free Programs for High School Students in Illinois
If you are a high school student interested in learning, then pursuing a structured program can help you gain knowledge and skills. These programs often provide mentorship, exposure to advanced subjects, and opportunities to grow academically while building confidence and college readiness. Free programs are especially valuable because they remove financial barriers and make high-quality learning experiences more accessible.
Why should you attend a program in Illinois?
Illinois is home to leading universities, national laboratories, hospitals, nonprofits, and technology organizations that actively engage high school students through structured programs. In these programs, you can work in research labs, analyze data, contribute to community initiatives, explore STEM fields, and participate in leadership and professional development activities described in this blog. With opportunities available across the state, Illinois programs can be a strong option for both in-state and out-of-state students.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 12 free programs for high school students in Illinois.
If you are looking for internships in Illinois, check out our blog here.
1. ResearcHStart
Location: University of Chicago and partner institutions in Illinois
Cost/Stipend: Free; participants receive a $3,000 stipend
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Deadline: Announced each fall with application materials
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; residents of Illinois or Lake County, Indiana; minimum age 16
ResearcHStart introduces high school juniors and seniors from Illinois and nearby Lake County, Indiana, to cancer research through an intensive eight-week summer program. Students work full-time in leading university labs on projects in areas such as immunology, bioengineering, cancer therapeutics, and health disparities. They also take part in career development workshops, faculty lectures, and mentorship networks. The experience culminates in a research symposium where students present their findings to peers, faculty, and family. In addition to hands-on training and exposure to Illinois’s research institutions, students receive a $3,000 stipend for their full-time commitment.
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.
Deadline: On a rolling basis. 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 led by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students 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 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. One benefit of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help 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 (DSI) Summer Lab
Location: University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $5,600 stipend
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: High school students who reside and attend school in the Chicago area
The Data Science Institute Summer Lab at the University of Chicago is an 8‑week, paid summer program where students collaborate with mentors on real‑world data science research projects. Participants work across diverse domains, including computer science, public policy, and biomedical science, applying research methodologies and tools to solve complex problems. Throughout the program, students gain hands-on experience in data analysis, machine learning, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. The program concludes with students presenting their findings and reflecting on the impact of their work in a collaborative environment.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Remote
Cost: The program is fully funded.
Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply here.
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, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. 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.
5. Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Location: Discovery Partners Institute, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $500 weekly
Dates: July 13 – August 7
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school seniors or recent graduates; must be a U.S. citizen; have proof of medical insurance; and be enrolled in an Illinois high school.
PRISM is a four-week summer research and STEM mentorship program that introduces high school students to advanced scientific research in fields such as particle physics, quantum science, engineering, and computing. Participants attend faculty-led lectures, engage in structured hands-on activities, and gain exposure to large-scale research infrastructure through guided laboratory tours. Students work closely with mentors to develop technical skills and explore pathways into STEM research and careers. The program concludes with a final presentation, allowing students to practice communicating scientific ideas in a formal academic setting.
6. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Across the U.S., including Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico
Stipend: Paid internship - $3,000 stipend over eight weeks
Dates: Eight-week summer program; specific dates vary by placement
Eligibility: High school students (rising juniors and seniors)
Deadline: January 25
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid summer internship that gives high school students experience in fisheries and aquatic science. Students work side by side with professional mentors in locations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, gaining hands-on experience in both the field and the lab. Depending on their placement, students may assist with fish population surveys, water quality testing, habitat restoration, and fish tagging or monitoring. They also support ongoing conservation and fisheries management research alongside professional scientists. The program especially encourages students from underrepresented backgrounds to explore fisheries science and discover how their skills can make an impact.
7. Chicago EYES on Cancer
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Taxable stipend of $5,000 per year
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors, or college freshmen and sophomores; applicants must be at least 16 years old by the start of the summer program
The Chicago EYES on Cancer program is a two-year biomedical research training opportunity at the University of Chicago. It provides high school and undergraduate students with hands-on cancer research experience over 8 weeks during two consecutive summers, working full-time in cancer research laboratories. Students also attend seminars, workshops, and enrichment activities designed to build scientific and professional skills. The program culminates in a research symposium where participants present their findings and celebrate their achievements.
8. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program
Location: University of Illinois campus
Cost: Free (no program fee; housing, meals, and a fellowship provided; students cover transportation)
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Deadline: March 24
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders in IL, IN, KY, MI, MO, IA, or WI; especially targeting underrepresented populations in STEM
The Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program invites rising 10th-12th graders from Illinois and nearby states to spend six weeks immersed in hands-on research. Students work in fields such as cancer immunology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, quantum physics, bioengineering, and electrical engineering under the mentorship of faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. The program also emphasises professional development, with seminars on scientific communication, poster preparation, and navigating college and research paths built into the schedule. Students end their internship with a research symposium and poster session to present their work.
9. Digital Scholars Program
Location: Discovery Partners Institute, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-grade high school students
Digital Scholars is a free, six-week summer program in Chicago that introduces high school students to college-level coursework in computer science and technology. Students explore areas like computer science, data science, and engineering through hands-on projects and interactive classes. The program also includes workshops and talks with industry professionals, helping students understand how technology is applied in real-world settings.
10. MedSTEM Explorers - Rush Education and Career Hub
Location: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores or juniors, minimum 2.5 weighted GPA, Chicago residents (including select Oak Park & River Forest)
MedSTEM Explorers is a six‑week, paid summer program hosted by the Rush Education and Career Hub at Rush University Medical Center that introduces rising high school sophomores and juniors to STEM and healthcare career pathways. Students engage in project‑based activities, workshops, and guided research on health challenges in their communities, gaining hands‑on experience with real‑world issues. The program also builds essential professional skills, such as critical thinking and teamwork, and offers opportunities to earn certifications, including first aid/CPR. It culminates in strengthened confidence, deeper insight into healthcare fields, and preparation for future academic and career steps.
11. SpHERES High School Research Program
Location: University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign, Champaign, IL
Stipend: $2400
Dates: June 10 – July 31
Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors are preferred; open to students interested in STEM, medicine, or engineering
The SpHERES High School Research Program at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign provides rising high school students with a summer research experience. Participants work closely with faculty and laboratory mentors on projects that connect science, engineering, and medicine. They engage in hands-on inquiry, exploring how research is conducted in real-world labs while developing analytical and experimental skills. The program also includes seminars and discussions on innovation, healthcare applications, and professional development to broaden students’ perspectives on scientific careers. It culminates in students sharing their research outcomes and reflecting on their growth.
12. Kode with Klossy Camps
Location: Virtual (global) | In-person locations (select U.S. cities)
Cost: Free
Dates: Multiple 2-week sessions available during the summer
Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive teens, ages 13-18
Kode With Klossy Camps are free, two-week coding-intensive summer programs designed for young women and gender-expansive teens interested in exploring STEM. In this program, students will learn foundational programming skills, build projects, and connect with a supportive community of peers and alumni. The curriculum covers website development, AI and machine learning, mobile app development, and data science, providing scholars with a strong technical foundation and an overview of tech careers. Scholars will leave the program with practical skills, confidence, and a network of like-minded peers to continue their growth.