15 Medical Programs for High School Students in Chicago
If you’re a high school student curious about medicine, joining a structured medical program can be a good way to explore the field before college. These programs provide early exposure to clinical and research environments, enabling you to build practical skills, observe healthcare professionals at work, and begin thinking like a medical learner. You might practice basic clinical techniques, engage in science‑based projects, learn about medical technology, or see how patient care and research intersect in real settings.
Why should you attend a program in Chicago?
Chicago is especially well‑positioned for high schoolers interested in medicine, thanks to its network of top universities, hospitals, and medical research institutions. Programs offered here often include access to advanced labs, mentorship from experienced professionals, and structured learning designed for younger students. Whether you live in the area or are willing to travel for a meaningful summer experience, these opportunities provide valuable insight into healthcare and help you build skills that matter for future academic and career goals.
With so many options available, we have narrowed the list to 15 medical programs for high school students in Chicago.
If you are interested in research opportunities in Chicago, check out our blog here.
1. UChicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart
Location: University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $3,000
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years old when applying and residents of Illinois or Lake County, Indiana
The ResearchStart program at UChicago Medicine allows high school students to engage in hands-on cancer research alongside professional scientists and physicians. During the program, you work full-time in an advanced laboratory setting, learning how cancer develops and how new treatments are designed. You develop practical skills, including using real lab equipment, analyzing scientific data, and carefully evaluating research results. The program also introduces you to key medical topics such as cancer biology, immunology, and drug development. It concludes with a special event where you present your research findings to fellow students and UChicago Medicine staff.
2. Veritas Deep Dive: AI + Medicine
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Dates: Multiple 10-week courses throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: Students must have completed the Veritas AI Scholars program or have a background in coding. The program is open to students from grades 8-12.
Veritas Deep Dive: AI + Medicine lets you explore how AI is transforming healthcare. You work one-on-one with a mentor from a top university to build a personalized project that uses machine learning to solve real medical problems. You might train models to detect diseases, improve medical imaging, or explain results in ways that help doctors and patients. You learn how AI tools work and how to apply them in real-world healthcare settings.
3. UChicago Medicine’s Chicago EYES (Educators and Youth Enjoy Science) on Cancer Program
Location: The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free; $5,000 per year stipend
Program Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are at least 16 years old by the program start and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents can apply
Chicago EYES on Cancer is a well-structured program designed for high school and college students interested in exploring careers in science and medicine. Over the course of two consecutive summers, you work full-time in professional cancer research laboratories while receiving guidance from dedicated mentors and experienced scientists. The program helps you build essential lab and research skills, deepen your understanding of cancer, and prepare for future academic and career pathways through workshops and lectures. In addition to summer training, you receive year-round support from program staff and mentors. The program concludes with a special event where you present your research to fellow participants and laboratory professionals.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - Medicine Track
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies based on the program type; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school, high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
In the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, you can take on an independent research project in medicine, neuroscience, or health sciences under the mentorship of a PhD scholar. Over 12 weeks, you’ll meet regularly with your mentor online to develop a research question, conduct a literature review, and refine your methods before drafting a formal research paper. Since the program is remote, you’ll manage your own schedule while maintaining accountability through check-ins. Along the way, you’ll gain skills in designing methodologies, analyzing data, and presenting your findings clearly.
5. SpHERES High School Research Program
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign County, IL
Stipend: $2,400 stipend
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Rising 10th - 12th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin
The SpHEREs program is part of the Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Programs and is designed for high school students interested in medicine and STEMM fields. This opportunity allows you to collaborate closely with university faculty on research projects focused on clinical and biomedical topics, emphasizing the links between medicine, science, and engineering. While working on your own research project, you also participate in seminars and skill-building activities covering clinical practice, healthcare entrepreneurship, and holistic, inclusive patient care. During the program, you benefit from mentorship by medical students and professors who offer personalized guidance to prepare you for medical school and future healthcare careers.
6. NM GCM Grosvenor Discovery Program
Location: Various locations across Chicago
Stipend: $1,200; Additional stipends up to $2,000 available for qualifying students based on financial need and placement site
Dates: Two-year program with monthly sessions; Fall session begins November 15
Application deadline: September 29
Eligibility: First-year applicants must be 15+, entering sophomore or junior year of high school, and have an academic GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 GPA scale
Northwestern Medicine’s GCM Grosvenor Discovery Program is an engaging school-year experience that introduces high school students to the healthcare field. Through monthly sessions, you participate in hospital tours, clinical workshops, and interactive discussions with physicians and medical professionals from many specialties. The program focuses on leadership development, mentorship, and community service, giving you opportunities to collaborate on team-based projects while exploring different medical career paths. By connecting directly with doctors, hospital staff, and mentors, you gain valuable insight into how medical centers function and which roles might best match your interests and goals.
7. MedSTEM Explorers – Rush University Medical Center
Location: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and juniors from Chicago (weighted GPA 2.5)
MedSTEM Explorers at Rush University Medical Center is a six-week, paid pre-internship program that provides meaningful exposure to healthcare careers. You spend two full days each week on the Rush campus, participating in interactive workshops, community-focused research projects, and discussions about real health challenges affecting Chicago neighborhoods. You can also earn CPR and first aid certifications, adding practical credentials to your experience. Through community service activities and career panels, you connect with physicians, healthcare professionals, and motivated peers from across the city.
8. Rush University Medical Center - MedSTEM Pathways
Location: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL.
Cost: No cost; students receive a stipend.
Program Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Current high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates living in Chicago or in Oak Park and River Forest who have at least a 2.5 weighted GPA
MedSTEM Pathways is a paid internship for high school students interested in healthcare and science careers. You will work at Rush University Medical Center or with partner groups in a department aligned with your career goals. You will gain work experience and attend classes that enhance college and job readiness. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to meet and learn from professionals in the healthcare and science fields. The program also offers you the opportunity to earn certifications in areas such as ECG, nursing, and IT support.
9. CHESS – Cancer Health Equity Summer Scholars
Location: University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free; $3,000 stipend
Dates: 8 weeks in summer
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school students completing sophomore, junior, or senior years from underrepresented backgrounds
The CHESS program, offered by the University of Illinois Cancer Center in partnership with the UIC Urban Health Program, is an eight-week research experience designed for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds. In CHESS, you are paired with a faculty lab at UIC to conduct an independent project in areas like molecular biology, computational science, or biostatistics. Alongside your lab research, you participate in lectures, workshops, and skill-building sessions that strengthen both scientific knowledge and professional development. The program emphasizes mentorship and provides exposure to real-world cancer research, helping you prepare for future opportunities in science and healthcare. At the end of the summer, you share your research findings at the Cancer Center’s annual student research symposium.
10. UChicago Medicine’s SHE in Oncology
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $500 taxable stipend upon completing the program
Dates: July 13 – 25
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school students who are residents of Cook, Lake, Will, or DuPage County in Illinois or Lake County in Indiana
The SHE (Summer Healthcare Experience) in Oncology is a virtual program designed for high school students with a strong interest in science and medicine. It primarily supports students who identify as women and those from underrepresented groups in STEM. Through the program, you explore careers in cancer research and healthcare while building real research experience. You participate in a genetics-focused research project, analyzing a patient case study to learn how cancer is studied and managed. The program features daily talks from physicians and scientists, interactive workshops, and group discussions that aid in building practical skills. It ends with opportunities to present and share your work with fellow participants.
11. University of Illinois - Summer Science Internship
Location: University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, Rockford, IL
Stipend: Stipend provided
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: April 17
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old and are from one of the high schools eligible to participate in the internship
The Summer Research Program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford is designed to motivate high school students to explore careers in science through direct involvement in medical and industrial research. During the internship, you focus on areas such as cancer research, vaccine development, and new medicine design, giving you the chance to work alongside scientists and gain firsthand experience as part of an active research team. Throughout the program, you acquire a variety of laboratory skills crucial for future careers in medicine and related sciences. Besides technical training, the program promotes professional development through workshops on resume writing, interview strategies, presentation abilities, leadership, and teamwork, equipping you for college and careers in healthcare and research.
12. SIH High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Southern Illinois Healthcare facilities
Cost: No cost
Dates: June 18 – July 31
Application deadline: April 13
Eligibility: High school students
The SIH High School Summer Internship Program provides high school students with solid, structured exposure to real-world careers in healthcare. Through structured rotations and shadowing, you spend time across a variety of medical departments, including nursing, radiology, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, physical and occupational therapy, and laboratory sciences. The program is open to students who want to understand how clinical teams work together to care for patients in professional medical settings. During each rotation, you observe healthcare professionals performing daily responsibilities and practical procedures, from nurses coordinating patient care to technologists conducting imaging studies and therapists assisting in recovery. This medical program helps you explore different roles, compare healthcare pathways, and gain a clearer picture of where your interests fit within the field.
13. Endeavor Health Junior Volunteer Program
Location: Multiple hospital locations in the Chicago suburbs, such as Evanston, Glenbrook, Highland Park, Skokie, as well as Edward and Elmhurst
Cost: Free
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Not specified; typically very narrow and begins in February or March
Eligibility: High school students aged 16; some locations accept students aged 14
The Endeavor Health Junior Volunteer Program offers high school students another way to gain meaningful hospital experience and deepen their understanding of healthcare work. In this program, you assist clinical staff with non-clinical tasks that support the smooth operation of different departments. Your responsibilities might include assisting with wayfinding, providing comfort and support to patients and visitors, and managing unit logistics. Through these activities, you gain a close-up look at how various parts of a hospital function day-to-day and what it’s like to be part of a care team.
14. University of Chicago Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS)
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $15,200
Dates: June 15 – July 10
Application Deadline: February 11
Eligibility: Students currently in 10th or 11th grade are eligible
In the University of Chicago’s Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS) program, you will spend four weeks exploring the frontiers of biological research in a hands-on, immersive environment. The first two weeks focus on foundational lab skills, where you learn techniques in molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, genetics, developmental biology, and cancer biology. During the final two weeks, you will design and carry out independent research projects, guided by lectures that provide context for your experiments. Along the way, you will complete writing assignments, keep a detailed lab notebook, analyze scientific papers, give group presentations, and attend seminars led by research faculty. The program ends with a forum where you showcase your work, providing practical experience in how research labs function and enhancing your critical thinking, scientific communication, and problem-solving abilities.
15. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI)
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,400
Dates: Session A: June 15 – 26 | Session B: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: High school students who are over 14 and are US citizens or permanent residents
The AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program that helps high school students explore the growing field of healthcare technology. Through online sessions, you delve into the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and learn why AI is becoming increasingly important in modern medicine. The program pairs you with Stanford student leaders and researchers who serve as mentors and guide you through interactive, hands-on research projects. In addition, you participate in Career Lunch and Learn sessions featuring guest speakers from academia, government, industry, and other professional sectors. After completing the program, you receive a Certificate of Completion and may also be offered the opportunity to continue into an extended independent research internship during the school year.
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