15 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in Illinois
Structured summer programs can help you spend your school break exploring your interests beyond the school curriculum. Such programs can be opportunities to develop practical skills, gain industry experience, and form connections that can help you shape your future educational and career paths. Free programs, in particular, allow you to learn and focus on your work without any financial barrier, making them more accessible.
Why should you attend a program in Illinois?
In Illinois, various universities and organizations offer free summer programs specifically designed for high school students. These programs cover subjects such as STEM, business, and arts, and allow you to gain experience in a lab or a professional setting, developing analytical and research skills. Whether you are an Illinois resident or an out-of-state student, you can gain exposure to Illinois’ academic resources and build your profile.
To help with your search, we have a list of 15 free summer programs for high school students in Illinois.
If you are looking for internships in Illinois, check out our blog here.
1. ResearcHStart
Location: Multi-institutional program held at the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois at Chicago, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, and Rush University, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $3,000 taxable stipend available
Application deadline: January 19
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; familiarity with Python or R preferred.
The ResearcHStart program allows high school students to spend the summer conducting cancer research at leading academic institutions in Illinois. You will work with a lab mentor and take part in ongoing projects in areas such as cancer immunology, bioengineering, and experimental therapeutics. The program offers structured training in laboratory techniques and coding tools, along with faculty-led lectures and sessions focused on career development. Over the course of eight weeks, you will find opportunities to develop both technical and professional skills while working alongside faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and other students. The experience concludes with a formal symposium where you will present your research, learning how to communicate scientific findings clearly and effectively.
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.
Program 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, 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. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Various local nonprofits or charitable organizations within eligible U.S. counties and cities, including IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend available
Application deadline: January 15
Dates: Varies; internships begin soon after the end of the school year and run for eight weeks
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program offers high school juniors and seniors paid summer internships focused on community engagement and leadership. You will spend eight weeks working at a local nonprofit, contributing to its day-to-day operations and meaningful projects. In addition, you will participate in a week-long summit in Washington, D.C., alongside students from across the country, with travel and accommodations covered. The program is designed to help you understand how communities function and how organizations across sectors contribute to positive social impact.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Virtual
Cost: The program is fully funded.
Dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including in the summer
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply here.
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate high levels of academic achievement and financial hardship
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. University of Chicago’s DSI Summer Lab
Location: Ryerson Laboratory at UChicago Hyde Park Campus, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $5,600
Application deadline: January 12
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Eligibility: High school students; preference for those wth familiarity with at least one programming language and who have completed relevant coursework
The DSI Summer Lab at the University of Chicago is an eight-week research experience in applied data science. You will be paired with a mentor and work on a research project in areas such as social science, computer science, energy and climate policy, biomedical science, or public policy. The program focuses on hands-on data analysis, collaboration, and effectively presenting research findings. During the program, you will gain experience in programming, statistical modeling, and machine learning while contributing to ongoing projects. The experience concludes with a professional video presentation of your work, giving you a chance to share your results and receive feedback from mentors and peers.
6. Argonne National Laboratory’s College Bound Research Program
Location: Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend of $500/week
Application deadline: February 28
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Eligibility: High school seniors who will be 18 before the program starts and hold a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.75 on a 4.0 scale; applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Argonne National Laboratory’s College Bound Research Program allows high school students to work full-time in a lab or office under the guidance of scientists and engineers. You will engage in projects across areas such as advanced computing, energy, discovery science, global security, accelerator systems, biosciences, and chemical sciences. During the program, you will learn how to use specialized tools and facilities while contributing to ongoing research. You will also develop practical skills in lab techniques, data analysis, problem-solving, and professional collaboration. The experience can help you gain insights into preparation for college and future career opportunities.
7. Cancer Health Equity Summer Scholars (CHESS) @ University of Illinois
Location: University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $3,000
Application deadline: TBA
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; dates TBD
Eligibility: High school students completing their sophomore, junior, and senior years; applicants must be from backgrounds underrepresented in science and healthcare.
CHESS is an eight-week summer program designed for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in learning about cancer research and healthcare. You will work in a research lab at the University of Illinois Cancer Center under the guidance of faculty mentors and carry out an independent research project based on your interests. The program also includes workshops, guest lectures, and professional development sessions. It concludes with a research symposium where you will present your findings to mentors and fellow participants.
8. Economic Awareness Council’s On the Money Internship
Location: Chicago, IL (primarily in-person and occasional online engagement)
Stipend: $16.60/hour
Application deadline: Applications typically open late winter and close early spring
Dates: Summer internship typically runs from June to August; spring and fall sessions are also held
Eligibility: High school students who are Chicago residents
On the Money (OTM) Magazine offers paid internships to high school students in Chicago interested in exploring the operations of an online finance and business publication. You will undergo training in economics, finance, and entrepreneurship, and earn a financial literacy certification. During the internship, you will write articles for On the Money Magazine, lead financial education sessions, and collaborate on team projects with other students. You will attend weekly meetings, present your work, and receive guidance from professionals in business and finance. Your articles and presentations are shared publicly, providing you with experience in communicating financial concepts to a broader audience.
9. University of Illinois Summer Science Internship
Location: University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, Rockford, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific available
Application deadline: April 1
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 or older by May 1 and live in Rockford or nearby communities
The Summer Science Internship Program offers high school students hands-on research experience in biomedical sciences, including areas such as cancer biology, vaccine development, and pharmacology. You will work alongside research scientists in a university lab, exploring lab techniques, data analysis, and scientific writing. Over the course of two months, you will also attend orientation sessions, lab training, and professional development workshops, which cover topics like resume writing and interview skills. The program ends with a Summer Science Forum, where you will present your research through both oral presentations and posters. The program is run in partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific and awards stipends to participants.
10. Rush Education and Career Hub MedSTEM Explorers
Location: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend offered
Application deadline: February 27
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and juniors from Chicago with a weighted GPA of 2.5 or higher
The MedSTEM Explorers program at Rush University Medical Center is a six-week program for Chicago high school students interested in STEM and healthcare. You will engage in research projects, skills workshops, and interactive sessions with medical and scientific professionals, focusing on developing analytical thinking, teamwork, and college preparation. Additionally, you will earn first aid and CPR certifications and gain hands-on clinical experience. Based on your performance, you may have the opportunity to continue in the MedSTEM Pathways internship, which offers additional opportunities to engage with research and healthcare practice.
11. Chicago Summer Business Institute
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid internship
Application deadline: March 31
Dates: Mid-June to early August (typically 6–7 weeks)
Eligibility: Chicago high school sophomores and juniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA and family household income below $80,000/year
The Chicago Summer Business Institute offers paid internships to high school students interested in fields like finance, law, accounting, and marketing. As a participant, you will spend four days each week working in a professional setting and attend seminars on Fridays focused on career development. The program includes workshops on resume writing, financial literacy, and sessions with business professionals. You will also take part in community service projects, which can help you develop civic awareness and contribute to local initiatives.
12. Kendall County Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) Summer Internship Program
Location: Various sites in Kendall County, IL (suburban/exurban Chicago); in-person placement with local businesses and government agencies
Cost: Free
Application deadline: Typically, spring (February – April)
Dates: Summer—dates vary by employer; internships usually run between June and August.
Eligibility: Illinois high school students
The KEDA Career Summer Internship Program offers high school students the opportunity to work with local employers in Kendall County, Illinois, on projects in economics, business, finance, or operations. You will choose a placement from participating organizations and spend at least five weeks gaining practical work experience at the chosen workplace. During the program, you will earn a paycheck, undergo training in job-specific skills, attend career workshops, and potentially work with a mentor. Your tasks can vary by placement, but may include supporting public administration, analyzing workforce trends, or contributing to local economic development projects.
13. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research
Location: University of Illinois, Champaign County, IL
Cost: No cost; monetary award available
Application deadline: Typically, March
Dates: June 20 – August 1 + online and in-person orientation earlier in June
Eligibility: Rising 10th – 12th-graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, or Wisconsin can apply
The Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program at UIUC gives high school students from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to participate in scientific research over six weeks. You will work directly on projects in areas such as cancer immunology, neuroscience, and bioengineering, gaining practical experience in a university research setting. The program pairs you with faculty and research staff, offering mentorship as you explore the research process, from conducting experiments to analyzing and presenting data. You will collaborate with peers on research projects, gaining exposure to the scientific discovery process. At the end of the program, you will present your research at a final symposium.
14. Digital Scholars Program
Location: Discovery Partners Institute, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
Application deadline: TBA
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-grade high school students
The Digital Scholars Program is a six-week, in-person summer program for high school students interested in computing and technology. The program is designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds. You can choose courses in areas such as computer science, data science, mobile app development, or electrical and computer engineering. Based on the track you choose, you will learn programming/coding, data visualization, app design, etc. The program combines technical training with the development of skills like communication, collaboration, and leadership. You will attend daily workshops and hear from technology professionals in Chicago, gaining insight into practical applications of tech concepts and career opportunities in the field.
15. Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) in Oncology
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a $500 taxable stipend available
Application deadline: March 2
Dates: July 13 – 25
Eligibility: High school students who are residents of Will, Cook, Lake, or DuPage counties in Illinois or Lake County in Indiana
The SHE in Oncology is a multi-institutional program hosted by cancer centers throughout the U.S. UChicago Medicine offers this program to 20 local high school students interested in learning about careers in biomedicine and oncology. As a participant, you will attend online lectures and discussions covering various aspects of cancer care and cancer science. You will work on a genetics-based research project and a patient case study in collaboration with peers from the University of Michigan, the University of Kentucky, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Texas at Austin. You will also receive your own laboratory kit to run experiments at home. Additionally, the program offers professional development and skill-building opportunities as well as panel discussions led by cancer research and care professionals.
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