15 Programs for High School Students in Illinois
If you are a high school student interested in exploring your interests, structured programs help you build skills and develop your profile. You’ll get the chance to participate in projects, workshops, and collaborative activities where you can apply classroom concepts. Some opportunities are hosted by universities and organisations that provide access to expert mentorship, industry-standard tools, and valuable networking opportunities.
Why should you attend a program in Illinois?
In Illinois, several reputable universities and institutions offer programs for high school students. These programs often involve working in university labs, conducting research and various projects, helping you develop experience and learn from professionals. Whether you’re interested in medicine, computer science, business, engineering, or the arts, there are various programs that you can participate in to gain early insight into potential career paths.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve narrowed down a selection of 15 programs for high school students in Illinois.
If you are looking for internships in Illinois, check out our blog here.
1. University of Chicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart
Location: Various participating institutions in Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $3,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 30 students
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors from Illinois or Lake County, IN, who are at least 16 years old
Research Start is a multi-institutional summer program for high school students in Illinois who wish to immerse themselves in the world of cancer research. Over the course of the program, you will work in the laboratories of leading cancer researchers, gaining experience in disciplines such as cancer immunology, bioengineering, experimental therapeutics, and cancer disparities. Beyond lab work, you will engage in career development workshops, attend a faculty lecture series focused on cancer-related topics, and receive guidance from a dedicated network of mentors and peers. The program concludes with a research symposium, where you can present your findings to peers, faculty members, family, and the broader scientific community. The experience is designed to help you develop technical and analytical research skills, deepen your understanding of cancer biology, and empower you to explore pathways in biomedical science careers.
2. SpHERES High School Research Program
Location: University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $2,400 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 17 – August 1 (based on previous years)
Application Deadline: Typically mid-March; application opens in January
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors are preferred; open to students interested in STEM, medicine, or engineering
The SpHERES program, hosted at the University of Illinois, offers an immersive experience in research in science and engineering. As a participant, you will collaborate with UIUC faculty members, graduate mentors, and medical professionals to conduct a meaningful research project while exploring the intersection of medicine, innovation, and technology. You will also engage in weekly seminars that will introduce you to topics such as college readiness, clinical skills, and entrepreneurship, helping you develop both technical expertise and professional confidence. You will also benefit from layers of mentorship training, networking opportunities, and exposure to university-level research facilities as you work on your research project. The program has a structured yet supportive environment that offers an invaluable glimpse into college life on a university campus and the real-world applications of STEM and health sciences.
3. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small group and individual mentorship formats
Dates: Various cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spots are filled
Eligibility: Open to middle and high school students; basic Python knowledge recommended for the Fellowship program
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students interested in getting 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 have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the 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.
4. Fermilab’s Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $500 weekly stipend + transportation assistance
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 13 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Illinois high school seniors or recent graduates; U.S. citizens with proof of medical insurance
The Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM) is a four-week summer internship that gives you the chance to explore the world of STEM through learning and expert mentorship at one of the nation’s leading research facilities. During the program, you’ll dive into fascinating topics such as particle physics, quantum science, artificial intelligence, and engineering design through interactive lectures, lab-based activities, and exclusive guided tours of Fermilab’s cutting-edge research sites. Each week centres on a specific scientific theme, allowing you to experience a wide range of STEM disciplines and discover where your interests lie. Under the guidance of Fermilab scientists and engineers, you’ll work on a research project that culminates in an abstract, poster, and final presentation, polishing your professional research communication abilities and helping you build technical skills.
5. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Options for 12 weeks to 1 year; summer, fall, winter, and spring cohorts available
Application Deadline: Depends on the cohort. November 16 for the upcoming Winter cohort
Eligibility: Current high school students demonstrating a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective research initiative designed to allow you to conduct independent, university-level research under the mentorship of a PhD scholar. You will work 1-on-1 with a mentor to design and execute a personalised research project, gaining experience in academic inquiry, data analysis, and writing over the course of 12 weeks. The program spans a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, economics, physics, computer science, engineering, data science, international relations, and more. By the end of the program, you will have a polished research paper that reflects your original findings and intellectual growth. This experience can help you prepare for future college-level work and strengthen your research and writing skills.
6. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Depends on your locality; typically within a 45-minute commute of your home. Illinois students may apply
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $3,000 stipend paid in three instalments
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 8 weeks, exact dates depend on your mentor
Application Deadline: Not specified; applications go live on November 21
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, and college freshmen at the time of the internship, who are at least 16 years of age at the time of application
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is a prestigious eight-week paid summer internship and mentoring program for high school students in Illinois and across the country, interested in fisheries, aquatic science, and environmental research. Sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS), the program will match you with a professional mentor, and you will engage in fieldwork, laboratory research, and community education under their guidance. You will also participate in various activities such as fish population surveys, water quality testing, aquatic habitat restoration, specimen analysis, and electrofishing, depending on your mentor’s work. This could include trips on boats and extended field excursions that offer a glimpse into life as a fisheries scientist. In addition to the internship, you will also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit, which counts toward program hours and gives you a platform to build connections with like-minded peers to ensure a comprehensive experience.
7. Illinois Institute of Technology’s Elevate College Prep Summer Programs
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL; virtual options available
Cost/Stipend: $100 application fee. $1,500–$3,000 (overnight); $500–$650 (daytime); $300–$375 (online)
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: Depends on the program; 1 – 4 week options
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th-grade high school students; must be 15+ to stay overnight
Illinois Tech’s Elevate College Prep programs for high school students in Illinois give you an introduction to the world of STEM and innovation at Chicago’s leading technology-focused university. The programs allow you to explore topics such as coding, robotics, sustainability, research, and human sciences, while learning directly from Illinois Tech faculty and industry experts. As a participant, you will gain exposure to college-level academics, collaborative projects, and problem-solving in a university environment. Beyond academics, you will also experience campus life, connect with like-minded peers, and earn a Certificate of Completion from Illinois Tech, a valuable addition to any college application. You can choose from residential, commuter, and virtual formats, and be eligible for the Illinois Tech Edge Award, a $500 scholarship applicable toward future undergraduate tuition at the university.
8. Grainger Engineering Summer Camps
Location: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
Cost/Stipend: $25 deposit; $1,000 (residential); $600 (commuter); $550 (day camps). Scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25–40%
Dates: June – August; exact dates depend on the camp
Application Deadline: Not specified. Applications open in February and typically close in March
Eligibility: Middle and high school students; it depends on the camp
The Grainger Engineering Summer Camps at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign give you a glimpse into the engineering world. Designed for STEM-focused learners, these camps immerse you in projects, lab demonstrations, and interactive sessions led by UIUC faculty, staff, and engineering students. As a camper, you will explore various engineering disciplines—from mechanical and civil to computer and bioengineering—through problem-solving and innovation-focused activities. In addition to technical exposure, you will also get a taste of campus life and build valuable connections with peers who share similar academic interests. This opportunity offers noteworthy programs for high school students in Illinois to experience applied learning in one of the nation’s leading engineering environments.
9. School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s High School Summer Art & Design Programs
Location: School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL; virtual options available
Cost/Stipend: Varies by course length and format; full-tuition scholarships available for Illinois high schoolers
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Fall, spring, and summer sessions; ECPSI typically runs June–August (1-, 2-, or 4-week options)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended for scholarship consideration
Eligibility: Open to high school students ages 15–18 (students must have completed at least their sophomore year to earn college credit)
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago offers several Early College Programs for high school students in Illinois, allowing you to immerse yourself in art and design while preparing a strong portfolio for your college admissions. Through the Early College Program (ECP), Early College Program Summer Institute (ECPSI), and Early College Program Online Summer Institute (ECPOSI), you can explore creative disciplines such as drawing, animation, fashion, video, and graphic storytelling under the guidance of world-renowned SAIC faculty. Each program emphasises experimentation, critical thinking, and the development of technical and conceptual skills that prepare students for success in art and design schools. The ECPSI program has 1 to 4-week immersive sessions featuring hands-on studio work, collaborative projects, and evening events. Meanwhile, ECPOSI is the virtual option that replicates the same rigour and mentorship online if you are unable to attend the in-person courses. You can also earn college credit for eligible courses, and Illinois high school students may apply for a full-tuition scholarship for ECP noncredit offerings.
10. High School Pharmacy Camp at the University of Illinois
Location: UIC Health Sciences Campus, Rockford, IL
Cost: $30
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: April 6
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current high school students
The High School Pharmacy Camp at the University of Illinois gives you an engaging introduction to the diverse world of pharmacy, with over 80 career paths available in the field. This in-person, half-day program provides a dynamic learning environment where you can interact with experienced faculty and current pharmacy students. You will learn about foundational concepts of pharmacy and the evolving role of pharmacists through interactive sessions and demonstrations. You also gain a deeper understanding of traditional roles in community and hospital pharmacies as well as emerging opportunities in research, clinical practice, and industry innovation. This program is a good way to understand how pharmacy professionals contribute to improving patient care and advancing medical science, so you know what awaits you if you pursue a career in this field.
11. Eastern Illinois University’s English Studies Summer Camp
Location: Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL
Cost/Stipend: $425 (residential); $225 (commuter); $50 for additional supervision, meals, and entertainment for early arrival and late departures for Amtrak travellers. Full scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 15 – 21
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Rising high school students and those who have graduated in the spring prior to the camp
The Eastern Illinois University English Studies Summer Camp is a one-week program for high school students in Illinois with a passion for reading, writing, and exploring language in all its forms. The camp allows you to experience college life while developing your English skills in a supportive and intellectually engaging environment. You can choose two courses from a range of options, including creative writing, literature, professional writing, media studies, folklore, film, and more. Small class sizes ensure personalised attention from EIU’s expert faculty, helping you refine your analytical and creative abilities while connecting with peers who share similar passions. Beyond academics, you can engage in a range of social and recreational activities, including poetry slams, movie nights, karaoke, and a celebratory student showcase, making this a fun and educational experience.
12. Illinois Chamber Music Festival
Location: Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL
Cost/Stipend: $950 (tuition for in-person lessons, coaching, and classes) + $930 (room and board) + $205 (optional lunch) + $220 (optional dinner)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 12 – 31
Application Deadline: April 20
Eligibility: High school, junior high school, and college students
The Illinois Chamber Music Festival at Illinois Wesleyan University offers an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the world of chamber music. This prestigious program has been running for over 25 years and brings together talented young musicians for intensive study, collaboration, and performance. Participants specialising in strings, piano, winds, and harp receive daily chamber music coaching, individual lessons, and rehearsal time with distinguished faculty and guest artists. In addition to core music training, you can choose from engaging elective classes such as musical theatre, music theory and history, and international dance, ensuring a balanced and enriching experience. The festival culminates in a summer concert series featuring performances by both students and world-class faculty, all open to the public.
13. Saper Law Immersion Program
Location: Saper Law Offices at 505 N La Salle Dr, Suite 35,0, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: $875. Need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 40 students/class
Dates: August 4 – 8 (based on previous dates)
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: High school and college students
The Saper Law Immersion Program, founded by attorney Daliah Saper in 2013, offers an introduction to the legal profession. This week-long camp, held at Saper Law Offices in Chicago, engages you in LSAT practice, negotiation exercises, mock trials, legal writing projects, and field visits to immerse you in the world of law. The curriculum is designed to reflect the firm’s expertise in social media, entertainment, business, and technology law, exposing you to case studies in these fast-evolving fields. You will also attend guest lectures by professionals such as judges, government attorneys, and in-house counsel from companies like United Airlines and Avant, gaining insight into various legal career paths. The program combines academic rigour and experiential learning, helping you develop analytical and communication skills as you understand how the legal system intersects with technology, business, and society.
14. Summer Institute for Languages of the Muslim World
Location: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school and university students interested in languages and cultures of the Muslim world
The Summer Institute for the Languages of the Muslim World is a program that promotes the study of less commonly taught languages from the Muslim world. Established in 2008, the institute encourages you to study languages such as Arabic, Persian, Swahili, Turkish, and Wolof through intensive coursework and cultural engagement. Over 4–8 weeks, you can earn 4-10 academic credits while taking part in up to four hours of daily instruction complemented by co-curricular activities such as conversation tables, cooking classes, film screenings, and cultural field trips. These experiences are designed to deepen both linguistic fluency and cultural understanding, while also providing valuable skills applicable in global careers. The program fosters an intellectually rich environment where you can interact with scholars and peers passionate about the languages and cultures of the Muslim world, improving your global awareness.
15. Northwestern University College Preparation Program
Location: Virtual and in-person at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: $1,895 per online course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Depends on the course format
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are at least 13 years old
Northwestern University offers in-person and virtual programs for high school students in Illinois to experience college-level academics taught by Northwestern faculty. The virtual program features dynamic video lessons, interactive activities, and mentorship to help you build skills in writing, research, and critical thinking, and earn a certificate of completion when you complete the program and create your capstone project. You can explore diverse subjects such as psychology, sustainability, data science, and international relations. You can also choose from two formats in the in-person courses: college-credit courses and two-week IN FOCUS seminars. Both are taught with the same rigour as undergraduate classes and allow you to earn college credits, engage in field trips and workshops, and participate in the Get Ready Series, which provides practical insights on college applications and transitioning to university life.
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