14 Medical Programs for High School Students in Illinois
If you are a high school student interested in learning, then pursuing a structured medical program can help you gain knowledge and skills. Medical programs introduce you to advanced topics in medicine and help you gain experience and build skills. With areas of focus such as surgery, biomedical research, public health, or patient care, these opportunities give you an early start in understanding the field of medicine.
Why should you attend a program in Illinois?
Illinois offers a variety of medical and health science programs designed to help high school students explore careers in medicine, research, and healthcare. These programs combine classroom instruction with practical experience, allowing students to engage in real lab work, clinical simulations, and mentorship from medical professionals. Many also emphasise developing critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills essential for any future healthcare professional.
Below is a list of 14 standout medical programs for high school students in Illinois!
If you are looking for internships in Illinois, check out our blog here.
1. ResearcHStart - UChicago Medicine
Location: University of Chicago (in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, Northwestern University, and Rush University)
Cost: Free (stipend of $3,000 provided)
Dates: June 15 - August 7
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors, Illinois or Lake County (IN) residents, at least 16 years old, with a strong interest in scientific research or medicine
Deadline: January 19
ResearcHStart is a multi-institutional summer program that introduces high school students from Chicago and Urbana-Champaign to advanced cancer research. You will work full-time in labs under established cancer researchers, gaining experience in areas such as cancer immunology, bioengineering, experimental therapeutics, and cancer disparities. The program includes career development workshops, faculty lectures, and mentorship from university researchers and peers. Students culminate their experience by presenting their findings at a research symposium for family and the scientific community. A $3,000 stipend is provided, and students gain exposure to Illinois’s leading universities while developing research and professional skills.
2. Veritas AI Deep Dive: AI + Medicine
Location: Online
Cost: Varies by cohort. Full financial aid available
Dates: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the AI Scholars program or have a background in coding.
Deadline: Varies by cohort; you can apply to the program here.
The Deep Dive: AI + Medicine program by Veritas AI offers an intensive introduction to how artificial intelligence is transforming modern healthcare. Over 10 weeks, you will explore how machine learning models are being used to diagnose diseases, interpret medical scans, and accelerate breakthroughs in areas such as genomics, neuroscience, and drug discovery. The course combines interactive lectures with coding notebooks and guided mentorship, culminating in a hands-on group project that applies AI concepts to real-world medical challenges. This program is ideal for students who have completed the AI Scholars course and are eager to understand the intersection of data, medicine, and innovation.
3. SpHERES High School Research Program
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Cost: Paid stipend ($2,400); housing and transportation not included
Dates: June 17 - August 1
Eligibility: Rising high school students interested in healthcare, science, engineering, or innovation
Deadline: TBA
The SpHERES (Sparking High Schoolers' Excitement for Research in Engineering & Science) program offers rising high school students an exciting summer research experience at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. You will work closely with faculty mentors and graduate students on clinically-focused projects that integrate medicine, science, and engineering. The program also provides weekly seminars on innovation, entrepreneurship, holistic, inclusive care, and college readiness. Moreover, students gain professional development skills, mentorship, and a taste of university life, culminating in a final research symposium. It’s a great choice for motivated high school students who are passionate about a career in medicine.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program (Medicine Track)
Location: Remote (students from Illinois can apply)
Cost: Varies based on program type
Dates: Year-round (rolling cohorts)
Eligibility: High school students (Grades 9-12)
Deadline: Rolling admissions
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers motivated high school students the chance to conduct original research under the guidance of PhD mentors from top global universities. Through its medicine track, you will explore how scientific research connects to human health, biotechnology, neuroscience, and healthcare systems. Over 12-15 weeks, you will work one-on-one with your mentor to develop a personalised research question, learn research design and academic writing, and produce a full-length research paper.
5. Chicago EYES (Educators and Youth Enjoy Science) on Cancer
Location: University of Chicago, Cook County, IL
Cost: Free (funded by the National Cancer Institute and partner organisations)
Dates: Two consecutive summers (exact dates TBD)
Eligibility: High school or college students from underrepresented racial and/or ethnic backgrounds, or those committed to advancing diversity in biomedicine
Deadline: TBD
Chicago EYES on Cancer is a two-summer, in-person research program by the University of Chicago that immerses high school and college students in the field of cancer biology and biomedical science. You will conduct research under the mentorship of University of Chicago scientists, complemented by lectures, workshops, and year-round skill-building sessions. The program also fosters a strong professional network through mentorship and collaboration, culminating in a research symposium that highlights each student’s scientific growth and discoveries.
6. MedSTEM Explorers - Rush Education and Career Hub
Location: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Cost: None; this is a paid opportunity
Dates: June 22 - July 31 (6 weeks)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores or juniors, minimum 2.5 weighted GPA, Chicago residents (including select Oak Park & River Forest
Deadline: Opens December 8; Closes February 27
MedSTEM Explorers is a six-week, paid pre-internship that introduces high school students to healthcare careers through research, workshops, and community-focused projects. You will develop college-ready skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and time management, while earning basic healthcare credentials and workplace training. The program pairs students with professionals for career panels and offers networking across Chicago’s medical community. Successful students may be considered for the MedSTEM Pathways internship after completion. The summer finishes with a capstone showcase where students present their projects.
7. Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program
Location: Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
Cost: Paid stipend (housing and transportation not provided)
Dates: June 23 - August 1 (high school interns)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors (for high school track) or enrolled undergraduates; age 16+ by May 31; strong interest in biological sciences or medicine
Deadline: January
The Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program offers rising high school seniors and undergraduate students a 6-8 week paid research experience focused on lung disease and pulmonary biology. You will be paired with Northwestern faculty to work on basic or clinical research projects, gaining laboratory training and exposure to cutting-edge techniques. The program also includes workshops on career development, college and graduate school preparation, clinician shadowing, and peer data discussions. Students culminate their experience with a presentation at the annual Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Symposium. The program emphasises mentorship, collaborative learning, and professional skill-building to inspire the next generation of scientists and clinicians.
8. Summer Science Internship
Location: University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, Rockford, IL
Cost: Free (stipend provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific)
Dates: June 9 - August 1 (Tentative)
Eligibility: High school students, 16 years or older
Deadline: April 1
The Summer Science Internship at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford offers high school students an immersive research experience in biomedical science. In collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific, selected interns work in cutting-edge laboratories on projects including cancer research, vaccine development, and drug design. Over the course of the two-month program, you will gain practical laboratory skills, engage in professional development workshops, and build mentorship relationships with experienced scientists. Interns also develop teamwork, leadership, and presentation skills, culminating in oral and poster presentations at the Summer Science Forum. This paid internship provides students a meaningful introduction to careers in biomedical research while supporting their academic and professional growth.
9. University of Illinois Cancer Center
Location: University of Illinois Chicago Campus, Cook County, IL
Cost: Free; students receive a $3,000 stipend
Dates: Summer (8 weeks, dates TBD)
Eligibility: Underrepresented high school students interested in cancer research or health professions
Deadline: TBD
The Cancer Health Equity Summer Scholars (CHESS) program at the University of Illinois Cancer Centre offers high school students a chance to explore careers in cancer research through a mentored lab experience. Over eight weeks, you will work on independent research projects under UIC faculty guidance and present your findings at a research symposium. Alongside lab work, you will attend lectures and workshops focused on professional and academic development. With its emphasis on mentorship, equity, and real-world inquiry, CHESS gives aspiring scientists a start in the biomedical field.
10. Sci-High Summer Program
Location: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, downtown Chicago, IL
Cost: No program fee; interns cover housing and transportation (assistance may be available)
Dates: June 16 - July 18
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a strong interest in STEM and research; completion of beginner and intermediate science courses required
Deadline: Applications for this year are closed
The Sci-High Summer Program, organised by Northwestern University’s George O'Brien Kidney Research Core Centre (NUGoKidney), offers high school students an immersive research experience in biomedical science. You will be paired with faculty mentors and work on individualised research projects, gaining lab experience and professional skills over a full-time, five-week internship. Weekly workshops and interactive sessions supplement lab work, covering research development, evaluation, and communication, with a focus on STEMM fields. The program culminates in presentations where students showcase their research findings. Students engage directly with top-tier scientists and researchers, preparing them for future careers in medical and scientific research.
11. Health Science Career Pathways
Location: Chicago, IL (in affiliation with CPS schools)
Cost: Free
Dates: Academic year (varies by school)
Eligibility: High school students in Chicago Public Schools
Deadline: Varies by school/program
The Health Science Career Pathways program, established in collaboration with the Cook County President’s Office and the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office, prepares high school students for careers in healthcare while giving them a comprehensive view of the field. You will explore medical terminology, body systems, and the prevention, treatment, and management of illnesses. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on experiences, including site visits, job shadows, internships, and speaker events with healthcare professionals. Students can earn certifications in areas like CPR, first aid, EKG, phlebotomy, and medical assisting, while gaining exposure to careers in nursing, pharmacy, allied health, biomedical research, and healthcare management. Coursework and practical experiences are designed to give students both foundational knowledge and real-world skills to pursue healthcare professions.
12. Rural Health Careers Camp
Location: Any Illinois University; last session was at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL.
Cost: $100 camp fee
Dates: 3-day program in summer (specific dates TBD)
Eligibility: High school students (rising freshman, sophomore, or junior) from rural communities (population ≤25,000); preference given to students from select Illinois counties
Deadline: Applications open in January
The Rural Health Careers Camp offers high school students an immersive introduction to healthcare careers through group activities, lab experiences, and interactions with current healthcare providers. You will live overnight in residence halls to experience college life while learning about medical professions, developing skills, and building a network with peers who share similar interests. Since 2005, the program has helped over 600 students explore opportunities in rural healthcare, with a focus on preparing participants for future studies and careers in medicine. The program emphasises both practical exposure to healthcare fields and the unique challenges of serving rural communities.
13. NM GCM Grosvenor Discovery Program
Location: Multiple Northwestern Medicine locations across Cook, Lake, McHenry, DuPage, Kane, Will, DeKalb, Kendall, LaSalle, Lee, and Ogle counties, IL
Cost: Not specified
Dates: Meetings held monthly during the school year; exact schedule varies by chapter
Eligibility: Rising sophomores or juniors (some chapters accept seniors), minimum 3.0 GPA (exceptions considered), age 15+
Deadline: September 29
The NM GCM Grosvenor Discovery Program introduces high school students to careers in healthcare, particularly for those with limited access to such opportunities. You will participate in monthly meetings featuring tours, guest speakers, group discussions, and activities to explore a variety of healthcare professions. The program also emphasises professional development, community service, and leadership, while providing networking opportunities with healthcare professionals. Students are assigned to chapters based on their county and may interact with multiple chapters depending on scheduling. The Central Chapter offers a two-year program, while other chapters are one year. Students also gain real-world insight into hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and speciality facilities through site visits and community partner experiences.
14. SHARP! (Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program)
Location: University of Illinois Chicago Medical Campus, Chicago, IL
Cost: $3,500 (scholarships available based on financial need)
Dates: June 15 - July 24
Eligibility: High school students, 16 years or older by program start
Deadline: February 2 (registration opens December 1)
The SHARP program offers high school students a 10-month immersive experience in biomedical research, combining AI, robotics, and engineering applications. The program starts with a six-week summer session, where you will work in UIC laboratories under faculty mentorship, gaining hands-on experience in biomedical techniques, robotic surgery simulation, and emergency medical skills. The program also includes a school-year component where students lead teams in the Biomed Breakthrough Challenge and a community service component teaching STEM to younger students. Students receive guidance on research, develop practical laboratory skills, and present their findings at the SHARP! Symposium. Through mentorship and collaborative projects, students build leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills while exploring careers in biomedical engineering, surgery, and medicine.
Image source - Uni of Chicago Logo