15 Physics Programs for High School Students in Illinois

If you’re a high school student with an interest in physics or STEM-related fields, you should consider applying to physics programs offered by universities and institutions. These programs allow you to explore your interests beyond the classroom, combining academic learning with experience through lab activities, fieldwork, and exposure to scientific research. These programs may introduce you to topics such as astrophysics, quantum mechanics, or applied physics, letting you explore advanced material in an accessible way.

Top universities and research institutions in Illinois, such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Illinois Institute of Technology, offer physics programs for both local and out-of-state students. You can work with professionals and experts in the field and learn from them during the programs, as well as meet like-minded students to share ideas with. By participating, you’ll also gain exposure to the resources of leading institutions and develop a clearer understanding of future career and academic options.

Below, we have listed 15 physics programs for high school students in Illinois that stand out for their strong focus on STEM education. 

1. WYSE Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign)

Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
Cost/Stipend: None / Stipend provided, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Selective / 30 lab spots
Dates: June 17 – August 1
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in February
Eligibility: You must be a rising 10th-, 11th-, or 12th-grader from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, or Wisconsin

The WYSE Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program allows you to work alongside University of Illinois researchers while building college-level skills. You will attend weekly seminars, learn how to design and present research, and connect with faculty and professionals in the field. At the end of the program, you will present your work at a research symposium through a poster presentation. You can choose between two tracks: SpHERES Young Scholars, which focuses on bioengineering and medicine, or Grainger Engineering Young Scholars (GEnYuS), which offers projects in areas like computer science, aerospace engineering, quantum physics, and materials science.

2. Veritas AI

Location: Virtual

Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid is available 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Selective / AI Scholars: 5:1 student to mentor ratio; AI Fellowship: 1:1 student to mentor ratio
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter; Upcoming cohort is winter starting late November or early December

Application Deadline: On a rolling basis and varies as per cohort; Winter Cohort: October 19); you can apply here

Eligibility: AI Scholars - All 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. If you are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science, you can choose the AI Scholars program. This 10-session boot camp introduces you to the fundamentals of AI & data science, and you 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, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.

3. Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM) 

Location: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) in Batavia, Illinois

Cost/Stipend: $500 Stipend weekly
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Selective / Not specified
Dates: July 13 – August 7

Application Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: Illinois high school seniors or recent graduates who are U.S. citizens

The Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM) is a four-week summer experience for high school seniors and recent graduates. During the program, you will work on hands-on projects, attend lectures, and tour Fermilab’s world-class facilities to see how science and technology come alive. Each week introduces a new field, including particle physics, quantum science, engineering design, and artificial intelligence. Along the way, you will be guided by mentors, gain professional development skills, and meet other students who share your interests. By the end, you will walk away with valuable research experience and a stronger sense of how you might shape your future in STEM.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - Physics Track

Location: Remote

Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid is available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / 400+ students across programs each year

Dates: 12 weeks to 1 year cohorts in summer, fall, winter, or spring; upcoming cohort is Winter starting on December 8

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort; Winter Cohort: November 16

Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: Accepted students have a GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0)

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students offering extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas including physics. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. The Physics track is a mentored research program exploring advanced studies in physics, including astrophysics and engineering. Research Topics include advanced physics areas like particle physics, astrophysics, mechanical and electrical engineering, and cutting-edge topics such as nanotherapeutics and imaging technologies. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper and may be eligible for a UCSD credit.

5. Saturday Physics for Everyone (SPE)

Location: Loomis Laboratory of Physics on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus

Cost: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment / Open attendance

Dates: Saturdays in the fall semester

Application Deadline: Open enrollment

Eligibility: All high school students 

The Saturday Physics for Everyone (SPE) program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a free lecture series where you can explore fascinating areas of modern physics. The program gives you an edge to hear directly from world-class scientists about topics like quantum computing, astrophysics, particle physics, and even the physics of everyday life. You will see live demonstrations, join interactive discussions, and ask questions to deepen your understanding. You can also connect with Illinois Physics students, check out research through poster sessions, and try hands-on activities. This program is a great way for you to spark your curiosity and learn from experts.

6. Chicago State University’s two-week Quantum Sensing Camp

Location: Chicago State University, Chicago, IL

Cost: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified / Typically 20 - 30 students

Dates: June 16 – 27

Application Deadline: Registrations are open till the programs are full

Eligibility: High school students in 10th - 12th grades

Chicago State University’s two-week Quantum Sensing Camp immerses high school students in the fundamentals of quantum information science.

Through interactive lab sessions in biophysics, bioengineering, and core STEM practices, you will discover how quantum sensors push the limits of technology, enhancing imaging, detecting magnetic fields, and measuring physical properties with extraordinary precision. Beyond the lab, the program highlights real-world applications in drug discovery, materials science, and molecular biology, while also offering a glimpse into emerging career pathways within the rapidly expanding quantum technology sector.

7. NASA’s OSTEM Internships

Location: Virtual / NASA centers across the country

Stipend: Paid based on academic level and session duration

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Competitive / 2000+ students each year across all cohorts

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year including summer, fall, and spring

Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort; Summer: February 27; Fall: May 22; Spring: September 12

Eligibility: U.S. citizens | Full-time high school students | At least 16 at the time of application | 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale

NASA’s OSTEM internships open doors for high school students to take part in real-world STEM work alongside NASA professionals. The internship pairs you with mentors ranging from engineers to research scientists, where you contribute directly to projects in space exploration, aeronautics, and advanced technology. Opportunities are available both part-time and full-time at NASA centers and facilities, giving you hands-on experience while supporting the nation’s leading science and research missions. These internships are offered in three sessions each year, including spring, summer, and fall, and help you develop practical skills, expand your professional network, and explore long-term career pathways in the STEM workforce.

8. Fermilab SAGE Summer Camp

Location: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), Batavia, Illinois

Cost: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / Around 15 students

Dates: Typically early to mid June

Application Deadline: Typically March

Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 | Under 18 years of age | Currently attending an eligible Illinois school

The SAGE (Science Accelerating Growth and Engagement) Summer Camp at Fermilab provides high school students with an introduction to physics and other STEM disciplines. In the camp, you’ll engage in hands-on projects inspired by Fermilab’s cutting-edge research, exploring the real-world applications of physics concepts in areas like particle science and engineering. You’ll take guided tours of advanced laboratory facilities, participate in interactive experiments, and interact with scientists and engineers to learn about their career paths and daily work. The program also emphasizes collaboration and community building, allowing you to connect with peers who share your passion for science. 

9. Discovery Partners Institute - Digital Scholars Program 

Location: DPI office, Chicago, IL

Cost: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / 30 students per class

Dates: 23 June – August 1

Application Deadline: May 2

Eligibility: Students who are currently in 10th and 11th grade, or will graduate in the application year | Students must attend a mandatory virtual orientation with a parent or guardian

The DPI Digital Scholars Program gives high school students a hands-on opportunity to explore a wide range of STEM disciplines by working alongside university researchers and industry professionals on real-world projects. You can delve into fields such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, computer science, data science, electrical engineering, or mobile app development. What sets this program apart is its strong focus on preparing you for future careers in technology and science. Beyond building technical expertise, you will also gain critical college and career readiness skills through immersive, hands-on experiences.

10. Western Illinois University (WIU) STEM Camp 

Location: Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL

Cost: $500 for residential students, $350 for commuter students

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / 12 - 15 students

Dates:  July 6 – 11

Application Deadline: One week prior to the start of camp (June 29)

Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 

At the STEM Summer Camp at Western Illinois University (WIU), you’ll get a hands-on opportunity to explore a variety of scientific fields. You’ll participate in interactive sessions and lab activities in areas like astronomy, physics, engineering, computer science, forensic chemistry, meteorology, nursing, and psychology. Whether you choose the residential or commuter option, you’ll engage in campus life, collaborate with peers, and learn directly from university faculty. Through this experience, you’ll build your technical knowledge, strengthen critical thinking, and develop teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.

11. Engineering Solutions Camp - Northern Illinois University (NIU)

Location: Northern Illinois University (NIU) 

Cost: $995

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately competitive / Not specified

Dates: July 20 – 25

Application Deadline: Typically early spring to late spring/early summer

Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9 -12

The Engineering Solutions Camp at Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a week-long, hands-on program for high school students interested in engineering and problem-solving. You will immerse yourself in real-world engineering challenges, working on collaborative projects that mirror actual engineering problems. You will gain exposure to multiple fields, including mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering, while developing critical thinking, technical, and communication skills. The program also offers mentorship from experienced engineers and faculty and lets you experience life on a university campus. The camp’s goal is to inspire students for future studies and careers in engineering by exposing them to foundational concepts and collaborative innovation.

12. WYSE Engineering Summer Camps

Location: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Cost: In-person residential: $1,000 per camper + $25 deposit; In-person commuter: $600 per camper + $25 deposit; In-person Day camps: $550 per camper + $25 deposit; partial and full scholarships are available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Within 25-40% / Not specified

Dates: Multiple one-week camps between June and July

Application Deadline: Typically end of March

Eligibility: All high school students

The WYSE Engineering Summer Camps for high school students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offer immersive STEM experiences designed to engage students in engineering and physics topics. These camps cover a broad range of subjects, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and physics, with a focus on hands-on learning and research exposure. You participate in activities such as engineering design challenges, laboratory experiments, coding projects, and tours of cutting-edge research facilities. The camp emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and technical skills through project-based learning. By the end, you develop a stronger foundation in STEM concepts, practical engineering skills, and experience in collaborating on innovative projects.

13. REACH (Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students)

Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.

Cost: $2,500 for Core Program; $1,500 for REACH Further; full and partial tuition assistance is available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Between 30-32% / 50-55 students

Dates: Session 1: June 16 – July 3; Session 2: July 7 – 25

Application Deadline: March 3

Eligibility: Current high school sophomore, junior, or senior at the time of application

The Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students (REACH) program at Northwestern University is a three-week summer program designed to immerse you in real-world astrophysics research. As a participant, you will learn Python programming through the REACHpy GitHub tutorial and Google Colab, gaining essential coding and data analysis skills. You will work on mini-projects inspired by ongoing research at CIERA, applying your analytical abilities to real scientific problems. Throughout the program, you will collaborate closely with graduate students and postdocs, participate in mentorship sessions, and build a network with peers who share your interest in astronomy.

14. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)

Location: Virtual

Cost: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive / Approximately 80 students

Dates: July 7 – 25

Application Deadline: May 1

Eligibility: High school female students and others of all minority genders in grades 9–11 | Preference will be given to rising seniors and students from under-resourced backgrounds

The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP) is a highly selective virtual summer program designed for high school students, especially girls and students from underrepresented backgrounds, who are interested in physics. During the three-week program, you will engage in interactive learning experiences covering topics such as quantum physics, astrophysics, quantum computing, and cosmology. You will also gain hands-on coding experience using Python to explore physics-based projects and participate in small-group collaborative exercises led by Stanford undergraduates. In addition to the academic components, the program provides mentorship opportunities with Stanford students and faculty, career development sessions, and workshops on college planning.

15. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute Quantum Software 

Location: Virtual

Cost: $2,350 for others; free for students from families earning less than $150,000

Acceptance Rate: Highly selective / 30-40 students

Dates: July 7 – August 3

Application Deadline: March 31

Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors living and attending high school in the U.S

The Quantum Software track at MIT’s Beaver Works Summer Institute immerses you in the world of quantum computing, giving you hands-on experience in programming and simulating quantum algorithms. You will start with an online prerequisite course that builds your foundation in mathematics, linear algebra, and classical computing concepts. Following this, you will engage in four weeks of intensive, interactive learning, covering topics such as qubits, superposition, multi-qubit gates, quantum error correction, and quantum communication protocols. The program concludes with a collaborative team project, where you implement a quantum algorithm from current research and present your solution, gaining both technical expertise and practical experience in cutting-edge quantum computing.

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