14 AI Programs for High School Students in Chicago
If you are a high school student interested in AI, structured programs can provide a clearer understanding of how algorithms, data, and automation influence everyday tools and decisions. AI programs introduce concepts such as machine learning, data analysis, and computational thinking through lectures, projects, and research experiences. In many programs, you also work with datasets, experiment with coding tools, or collaborate with mentors on applied problems. These activities help you see how AI methods are used across fields such as healthcare, environmental science, robotics, and public policy.
Why should you attend a program in Chicago?
Chicago is home to universities, research labs, museums, and technology organizations that offer a range of AI-focused programs you can explore. Depending on the program, you might analyze datasets, learn programming concepts such as Python, or work on research projects that apply artificial intelligence to fields such as healthcare, environmental science, or public policy. These opportunities can be worth considering, whether you are a local student looking for programs in the city or an out-of-state student interested in exploring a new academic environment.
To help you get started, here are 14 AI programs for high school students in Chicago.
If you’re looking for programs in Chicago, check out our blog here.
1. UChicago Data Science Institute (DSI) Summer Lab
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $5,600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~20 students
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: High school students in the Chicago area
The Data Science Institute Summer Lab at the University of Chicago places high school students in research teams working on interdisciplinary data science projects. You’ll be paired with a mentor who guides your work in fields such as computer science, public policy, climate science, biomedical research, or social science. Projects involve analyzing datasets, applying computational methods, and contributing to ongoing research questions. You learn how data science tools are applied across different academic disciplines. For Chicago high school students exploring AI programs or data-focused research, the Summer Lab demonstrates how data analysis supports real-world scientific studies.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students. Those interested in the AI Fellowship need to have completed the AI Scholars program or have experience with Python
Veritas AI offers two learning tracks that introduce high school students to concepts and research in artificial intelligence. In the AI Scholars program, you learn foundational topics such as machine learning, data science, and algorithmic decision-making through guided projects. Lessons focus on applying these ideas to real-world datasets and practical problem-solving scenarios. Students who want a deeper research experience can continue to the AI Fellowship. In the fellowship track, you work with a mentor to design and carry out an independent AI research project. The program concludes with a presentation or report explaining your methods, analysis, and findings.
3. Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) Digital Scholars
Location: Harold Washington College, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 students/course
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Rising 11th to 12th graders, and incoming college freshmen
The Digital Scholars program at the Discovery Partners Institute introduces Chicago high school students to computing and technology through project-based courses. You can choose from several tracks, including data science, computer science fundamentals, electrical and computer engineering, or mobile app development. Coursework focuses on building practical technical skills, such as programming, data analysis, or user interface design. Workshops throughout the program explore topics such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and technology entrepreneurship. Guest speakers from Chicago’s technology sector discuss how these tools are used in industry and civic innovation.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply here
Eligibility: High school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program allows high school students to conduct independent research under the guidance of PhD-level mentors. You meet regularly with a researcher to define a topic, review existing studies, and design a research project in a field of your choice. You can choose topics related to artificial intelligence, such as machine learning or neural network applications. Throughout the program, workshops introduce the research process, including literature review methods, research design, and academic writing. Mentors provide feedback as you analyze sources, refine your research question, and develop your argument. The program concludes with a written research paper that summarizes your investigation and findings.
5. Argonne National Laboratory: Big Data Camp
Location: Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL (Chicagoland area)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 students
Dates: July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: April 29
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who live and/or attend school in the Chicagoland area
Argonne National Laboratory’s Big Data Camp introduces high school students in Chicago to the fundamentals of data science through hands-on analysis of scientific datasets. You work with research data and tools used by scientists at the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility. Activities focus on forming research questions, exploring datasets, and creating visualizations that reveal patterns or relationships in the data. The program also introduces common approaches used in scientific computing and data-driven research. For high school students interested in AI programs or data science pathways, the camp provides an introduction to analyzing large datasets in research environments.
6.UChicago Data4All High School Bridge Workshop
Location: Data Science Institute, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: March 28 – May 16
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have completed Algebra 1
The Data4All High School Bridge Workshop introduces Chicago high school students to data science and artificial intelligence through research-based learning. You begin by learning Python and exploring common scientific computing tools for data analysis. Case studies based on real scientific challenges guide you through the process of cleaning, visualizing, and interpreting datasets. Working in small teams, you investigate questions using techniques such as statistical analysis and predictive modeling. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have practiced presenting data-driven findings and explaining the analytical methods used in your project.
7. Adler Planetarium Far Horizons Teens
Location: Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $350
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: January 28
Eligibility: Chicago high school students
Far Horizons Teens engages high school students in collaborative science projects connected to astronomy and environmental observation. You work with researchers and volunteers to investigate topics such as light pollution and its environmental effects. One ongoing project studies how artificial light influences seasonal changes in trees around Chicago using ecological monitoring techniques. Ground-based observation networks and imaging systems are used to map light pollution and analyze patterns across the region. The experience introduces high school students to scientific investigation and the types of datasets often used in environmental and space science research.
8. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Department of Navy labs nationwide
Stipend: New participant: $4,000; Returning participant: $4,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300 placements
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores to seniors (16+)
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program places high school students in Department of Navy research laboratories to work alongside scientists and engineers. During the program, you assist with ongoing projects in fields such as engineering, applied science, and advanced technology development. Mentors guide you through research tasks that may include experiments, data analysis, and technical documentation. The experience is structured as an apprenticeship, so you learn by participating in the daily work of a professional research environment. You also gain exposure to the broader research and development priorities within naval science and technology.
9. Field Museum High School Science and Digital Learning Program
Location: Field Museum, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $16.50/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15 students
Dates: 5 weeks across June and July
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students from Chicagoland
This internship introduces high school students to scientific research and digital media development within a museum setting. You begin by meeting scientists and museum professionals, then select a mentor whose research aligns with your interests. Over several weeks, you collaborate with that mentor to design and produce an interactive project related to the museum’s scientific work. The program also includes training in digital tools and media production that support research communication and educational content. By the end of the internship, you will have contributed to a research-based digital project developed in collaboration with museum staff.
10. UIC Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program (SHARP!)
Location: UIC Medical Campus, Chicago, IL
Cost: $3,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – July 24, followed by a school year component from August to April
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: High school students (16+)
SHARP! is a research-focused program where high school students participate in biomedical investigations that intersect with fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and tissue engineering. You work in a laboratory setting under the guidance of a scientist mentor, learning experimental methods used in biomedical engineering research. Daily activities include maintaining a lab notebook, analyzing experimental data, and participating in workshops. The experience concludes with a research presentation where you share your findings and explain the methods used in your project.
11. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,400 (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 50 students/session
Dates: Session A: June 15 – 26 | Session B: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (14+)
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship introduces high school students to artificial intelligence in healthcare and medical research. You attend lectures led by clinicians, engineers, and researchers covering topics such as machine learning fundamentals, medical imaging analysis, and responsible AI practices. The program also includes small-group research projects where you explore how AI models are applied to clinical datasets. Working with mentors and student leads, you examine research questions, interpret results, and discuss the limitations of AI systems in medical contexts. Guest speakers from healthcare, technology, and policy organizations share examples of how AI is used in real-world clinical settings. This AI program gives high school students an overview of how computational methods intersect with medicine, research, and data-driven decision-making.
12. Stanford AI4ALL
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,120 (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – 26
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Current 9th graders who are 15 years old
Stanford AI4ALL is an AI program where high school students explore how artificial intelligence is developed and applied to real-world problems. You begin with lectures and demonstrations that introduce core topics such as computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, and medical AI. Much of the program centers on small-group research projects led by graduate students and researchers. In these teams, you investigate questions about how AI systems work and how they can be used to address social challenges. Past projects have included building machine learning pipelines using satellite imagery or designing computer vision systems that recognize objects. The program concludes with student presentations that explain the methods, findings, and implications of each research project.
13. Girls Who Code Pathways Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – August 14
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Rising high school girls and non-binary students (including graduating seniors)
The Girls Who Code Pathways Program allows high school students to explore several areas of computer science through self-paced coursework and projects. You can choose learning tracks such as data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, web development, or game design. Each track includes hands-on activities where you apply programming concepts to build small projects or analyze datasets. Workshops and career panels introduce you to professionals working in technology and related industries. For high school students interested in AI programs and other emerging technology fields, Pathways provides an overview of multiple computing disciplines.
14. IIT Elevate College Prep AI Explorers
Location: Virtual
Cost: $300
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – 19
Application Deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders
AI Explorers is an introductory AI program designed to help high school students understand how artificial intelligence systems function. Lessons focus on foundational concepts such as how algorithms learn from data and how AI models make decisions. Through guided activities, you experiment with simple machine learning examples and explore how these techniques are used across different industries. The curriculum also examines how AI technologies influence everyday tools and services. By the end of the program, you will have a clearer understanding of the principles that underpin many modern AI applications.
Image source - Stanford Logo