12 Research Opportunities for High School Students in Chicago, IL
For high school students interested in exploring their academic interests, research programs are a great, low-cost way to gain experience. These programs let you explore problems, learn practical skills, and connect with professionals in your field. Whether you're interested in science, medicine, engineering, or the humanities, there’s something out there for you. Many research opportunities for high school students in Chicago are hosted by top colleges and institutions.
Research programs can shape your academic path and open doors to future internships or degrees. If you’re serious about a subject, this is your chance to test it out! In this blog, we’ve sorted through several options and selected 12 research opportunities for high school students in Chicago, Illinois, to help get you started.
1. UChicago’s Research in Biological Sciences (RIBS)
Location: UChicago
Cost: $14,490; Financial aid available
Application Deadline: January 22
Dates: June 14 – July 12
Eligibility: 10-11 graders who have completed high school biology and are at least 15 years old
UChicago’s Research in Biological Sciences (RIBS) is a four-week intensive that immerses you in hands-on molecular and cell biology research. You’ll start with core lab skills before diving into an independent research project exploring areas like cancer biology and genetics. Most of your time will be spent in the lab, learning by doing and applying modern molecular techniques.
You’ll also attend lectures, writing assignments, and research article discussions that will strengthen your scientific communication. Weekly seminars from faculty will give you insight into active research topics. The course ends with a research forum where you’ll present your findings to peers and instructors.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 onwards; Financial aid available
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts in a year
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students
Veritas AI, founded and directed by Harvard alumni, is dedicated to offering research opportunities for high school students interested in exploring artificial intelligence. If you are new to AI, machine learning, or data science, the AI Scholars program is an excellent starting point. It is a 10-session course that introduces you to the basics of AI and data science and lets you explore real-world projects.
For those with more experience, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase offers a deeper challenge. You’ll work one-on-one with mentors from top universities on a personalized research project. You’ll also get guidance from the publication team to help you publish your work in high school journals. To learn more, check out past student projects here.
3. DSI Summer Lab
Location: The University of Chicago, Data Science Institute
Stipend: $5,600
Application Deadline: January 12
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Eligibility: High school students in the Chicago area
DSI Summer Lab provides research opportunities for high school students looking to engage in real-world data science research through 8-week paid programs at the University of Chicago. As a participant, you’ll be matched with a mentor from disciplines like materials science, computer science, or public policy. With an emphasis on collaboration, this program will sharpen your research and communication skills. You’ll be part of a cohort, building connections with fellow students while learning from experts. High schoolers from Chicago and undergrads are eligible—no prior research is required.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,990 onwards; Financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students; No previous experience necessary
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers a variety of research opportunities for high school students. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to engage in in-depth, personalized research with guidance from experienced mentors across various academic disciplines. You'll be matched with a Ph.D. mentor to develop a one-on-one independent research project. Over the course of 12 weeks, you’ll complete your very own research paper. You can choose from a wide variety of topics like psychology, computer science, international relations, data science, and more. You can find the application link here.
5. UChicago ResearcHStart
Location: UChicago
Stipend: $3,000
Application Deadline: January 20
Dates: June – August
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors when applying; At least 16 by the start of the program
UChicago’s ResearcHStart is an intensive summer program that offers solid research opportunities for high school students looking to gain hands-on experience in a real research lab and explore cancer biology firsthand. You’ll work full-time alongside faculty and researchers, studying topics like cancer disparities, immunology, and drug development. The program also features career workshops, faculty lectures, and a strong mentorship system to help guide your growth. You’ll learn how cancer affects people across Illinois while building skills in lab work and critical thinking. The experience ends with a symposium where you present your research to a wide audience.
6. UChicago Medicine’s SHE in Oncology
Location: UChicago
Stipend: $500
Application Deadline: March 3
Dates: 2 weeks in July
Eligibility: Full-time high school students at the time of application; Residing in Cook, Lake, Will, or DuPage counties, Illinois, or Lake County, Indiana
If you're curious about cancer research and healthcare, SHE in Oncology offers two-week virtual research opportunities for high school students. Open to high school students who identify as women or those who are underrepresented in STEM, the program includes hands-on lab work from home and case study collaboration. You’ll gain hands-on cancer research experience as well as a home laboratory kit. You’ll hear from faculty, clinicians, and researchers during daily sessions focused on cancer science and career pathways. With the support of SEPA and the American Cancer Society, the program is implemented in collaboration with the eCLOSE Institute. Along the way, you’ll connect with mentors and peers from institutions across the country.
7. Illinois Institute of Technology’s Elevate College Prep
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology/Virtual
Stipend/Cost: $500 scholarship; Each program has a $100 application fee + varying program fees
Application Deadline: May 1
Dates: Depends on the program; Click here to know more
Eligibility: High school students; Specific requirements vary by program
Elevate College Prep by Illinois Tech introduces high school students to applied STEM education through engaging summer programs. As a participant, you can choose from topics like Python programming, human sciences, architecture, and cybersecurity—all delivered by experienced instructors. The programs offer a mix of lectures, labs, and team-based projects, helping you develop both technical and soft skills. Successful participants receive a completion certificate and may qualify for the $500 Edge Award for future Illinois Tech tuition.
8. Northwestern University’s Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program
Location: Northwestern University
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: January 1 – January 26
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Eligibility: High school juniors at the time of application; 16 years or older as of May 31
The Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program at Northwestern offers competitive, paid summer research opportunities for high school students interested in biology. The program offers a rewarding introduction to biomedical science during which you’ll be paired with a faculty mentor to work on research that contributes to understanding lung disease. It also includes academic and career development sessions that help you prepare for college or a future in science.
Your six-to-eight-week experience ends with a formal research presentation at the summer symposium. You will gain real-world lab exposure, skill-building opportunities, and valuable insight into the research process.
9. MedSTEM Explorers
Location: Rush University Medical Center
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: December 9 – February 28
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen and sophomores at time of application; Minimum 2.5 weighted GPA; Chicago residents
MedSTEM Explorers is a six-week, paid summer program at Rush University Medical Center for rising high school sophomores and juniors in Chicago. As a participant, you’ll explore careers in STEM and healthcare while building academic and workplace skills. Through workshops, research, and discussions with professionals, you’ll tackle real-world health issues affecting your community.
The program includes college readiness support and hands-on training in healthcare fundamentals like CPR and first aid. You’ll also connect with peers and mentors through service opportunities and career panels. If you demonstrate outstanding performance during the program, you may be considered for the MedSTEM Pathways internship program.
10. Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,595
Application Deadline: December 15 – March 1
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18 years
Stanford University's Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) offers two-week summer research opportunities for high school students. Through interactive seminars led by Stanford faculty and researchers, you'll delve into neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology.
The program emphasizes academic enrichment and personal development, offering insights into neuroscience research, mental health, and careers in medicine and science. Collaborating in small teams, you'll craft innovative solutions to societal challenges in neuroscience, culminating in a capstone presentation. CNI-X promotes a comprehensive grasp of brain science while fostering collaboration and creativity.
11. UCSD’s Research Scholars
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the subject chosen; Typically, June
Dates: Varies depending on the subject chosen
Eligibility: High school students; Specific requirements vary
UC San Diego's Research Scholars Program provides research opportunities for high school students who want to participate in hands-on research projects with practical applications. During the program, you'll collaborate closely with mentors in disciplines, such as bioengineering, life sciences, and design thinking, acquiring valuable skills and exposure to cutting-edge innovation.
This program immerses you in the role of a researcher, utilizing the resources of a globally renowned university. Whether your aspirations lie in medical school, engineering, or innovation-driven careers, this experience provides advanced knowledge and practical skills to enhance your college applications and future career goals.
12. NASA’s OSTEM Internships
Location: Virtual/Multiple in-person locations
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid and unpaid internships available
Application Deadline: Spring: September 12 | Summer: February 27 | Fall: May 22
Dates: Spring: Mid-January – Early May for 16 weeks | Summer: Late May/Early June – August for 10 weeks | Fall: Late August/Early September – Mid-December for 16 weeks
Eligibility: Full-time high school student with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale; Must be 16 years old at the time of application
NASA’s OSTEM Internship Program lets you gain hands-on experience in real NASA missions and research. As a NASA intern, you’ll collaborate with professionals in engineering, computer science, business, and more, depending on your interests. You’ll get to work on real-world projects that contribute to NASA’s mission. These internships are compensated and may be offered on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on your availability and the center’s requirements. With sessions offered year-round, you have multiple chances to apply and build your resume. Click here to learn more and view current internship options.
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