15 Paid Internships for High School Students in Illinois
Getting work experience while still in high school can shape the direction of your academic and career goals much earlier than many students expect. Internships give you the chance to apply what you learn in class to real projects, work alongside professionals, and understand how different industries operate day to day. These experiences span fields such as biomedical research, data science, business, public policy, environmental science, and the arts. Paid internships go a step further by recognizing your time and contributions while also making professional opportunities more accessible.
Why should you intern in Illinois?
Illinois is home to universities, research institutions, nonprofits, and companies that offer a wide range of internship opportunities you can explore. Depending on the internship, you might contribute to research projects, support business operations, or work on community initiatives while building skills in communication, analysis, and problem-solving. These opportunities are worth considering, whether you are a local student looking for options nearby or an out-of-state student seeking experience in a new environment.
To help you find good opportunities, here’s a list of 15 paid internships for high school students in Illinois.
If you’re looking for free online programs, check out our blog here.
1. UChicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart
Location: Various colleges in Chicago
Stipend: Taxable stipend of $3,000
Cohort size: 30 participants
Dates: June 15 – August 7 (35-40 hours/week)
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16+) residing in Illinois or Lake County, Indiana
This paid internship for high school students in Illinois places participants within cancer research laboratories, where they contribute to ongoing scientific studies while learning how biomedical research is conducted. Working with faculty members and lab staff, you explore areas such as cancer immunology, bioengineering, pharmacology, and cancer health disparities. The program combines laboratory work with a series of lectures and workshops focused on cancer science, research skills, and career exploration. Throughout the summer, mentors guide you through experimental methods, data collection, and scientific problem-solving. You also take part in professional development sessions that help you understand pathways into medicine and research careers. The experience concludes with a research symposium where students present their findings to peers, scientists, and community members.
2. 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
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: Two-year program with monthly sessions; Fall session starts November 21
Application Deadline: August 3
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
The GCM Grosvenor Discovery Program introduces high school students to a wide range of healthcare careers through structured sessions held during the academic year. You participate in hospital tours, interactive workshops, and discussions with physicians, administrators, and other healthcare professionals. Activities explore topics such as clinical diagnostics, patient care systems, and healthcare leadership while helping you understand how hospitals operate behind the scenes. The paid internship for high school students in Illinois also integrates community service and leadership development, encouraging students to think about the social impact of healthcare work. Regular meetings bring students together to reflect on their experiences and build connections with peers interested in health-related fields.
3. Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Location: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia
Stipend: $500 weekly
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 13 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school seniors or rising graduates enrolled in an Illinois high school; Must be U.S. citizens
PRISM introduces high school seniors to advanced areas of science through a series of themed learning modules at Fermilab. Each week focuses on a different topic – such as particle physics, quantum science, artificial intelligence, or engineering design – allowing you to explore multiple areas of modern research. Daily activities combine laboratory demonstrations, technical workshops, and guided discussions led by scientists and engineers working at the laboratory. You also get to visit large-scale research facilities to see how experimental physics projects are designed and operated, while mentors help you interpret complex scientific concepts and encourage you to consider potential STEM career paths. By the end of the program, you will have prepared a research abstract and delivered a short presentation summarizing what you explored during the experience.
4. UChicago’s DSI Summer Lab
Location: University of Chicago
Stipend: Paid
Cohort Size: ~10 high schoolers
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Chicago current high school seniors starting college in the fall
The Summer Lab at the University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute places high school students within active research groups working on data-driven projects. You collaborate with mentors on topics spanning fields such as biomedical science, climate research, public policy, computer science, and social science. Your work may involve coding, statistical analysis, data visualization, or applying machine learning methods to real research questions. The program also features technical workshops and a weekly speaker series where researchers discuss how data science is used to address complex societal challenges. Professional development sessions further guide you through topics such as communicating technical findings and preparing for future research opportunities. The paid internship for high school students in Illinois concludes with a research presentation shared during a symposium designed to mirror an academic conference.
5. After School Matters
Location: Various locations in Chicago
Stipend: $15.80/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited opportunities available
Dates: Spring: Late February – Mid-May | Summer: Late June – Early August | Fall: Late September – Mid-December
Application Deadline: Varies by semester; Rolling
Eligibility: Students (14-18) who are Chicago residents and attend a Chicago Public High School
After School Matters provides paid internships that allow Chicago teens to explore career interests while developing practical skills through project-based learning. You can choose from programs across several fields, including STEM, arts, media, culinary studies, and community engagement. Depending on your level of experience, you may participate in an apprenticeship, assistantship, or internship that gradually increases responsibility and independence. Many STEM placements involve hands-on work in areas such as technology, environmental science, or applied research projects. Participants collaborate with instructors and peers while gaining experience that connects classroom learning with real-world applications.
6. Mikva Summer Fellows Program
Location: Various offices across Chicago
Stipend: $17/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~50 students/year
Dates: Six weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: Typically late March or April
Eligibility: High school graduates between the ages of 16 and 22 by July 1; Reside in Cook County (City of Chicago) or potentially Lake County
This paid internship for high school students in Illinois engages Chicago youth inside government offices, where they gain firsthand experience working with elected officials and their staff. As an intern, you’ll assist with tasks such as policy research, constituent communication, event coordination, and administrative projects that support day-to-day operations. Alongside this practical work, you attend weekly workshops focused on civic leadership, community engagement, and professional development. These sessions encourage fellows to reflect on how public policies influence communities and how young people can participate in democratic processes. The program also creates opportunities for collaboration with peers working in other government offices across the city.
7. Chicago Summer Business Institute
Location: Chicago
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 125 students each year
Dates: 6 weeks during the summer, between June and August
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors with a family income of $80,000 or less per year and who are residents of Chicago | GPA of B or 3.0
The Chicago Summer Business Institute connects high school students with internships in professional workplaces across industries such as finance, law, marketing, and public administration. During the week, you work with professionals at partner organizations and observe how companies analyze financial data, manage projects, and coordinate business operations. As an intern, you support everyday tasks while gaining insight into how teams make strategic decisions within large organizations. Complementing the workplace experience, you attend weekly seminars that cover topics such as financial literacy, professional communication, and career planning. Business leaders from across Chicago also share insights into their career paths and industry trends, while community service and group activities add another layer to the experience.
8. UChicago Youth Internship Program
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Hourly minimum wage
Cohort size: No information available
Dates: June 22 - July 30 (tentative)
Application deadline: February 20
Eligibility: Students who are enrolled in or recent graduates from Chicago public high schools (including charter schools), at least 16 years old, authorized to work in the U.S., and residents of Chicago
The University of Chicago Youth Internship Program is a multi-year initiative designed to help Chicago public high school students prepare for college and future careers. During the first summer, you attend workshops and seminars that focus on leadership, college planning, and professional skills. You also take part in guest speaker sessions, workplace tours, and activities that introduce them to a range of STEM careers. Those who complete the first stage may apply to continue in the second year, where they are placed in internships across university departments. These placements provide experience assisting with projects, attending meetings, and observing how academic and research teams operate. Throughout this paid internship for high school students in Illinois, you document your experiences and present a summary of your work to mentors and peers.
9. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Various locations; Will be within a 45-minute commute of your home
Stipend: $3,000 stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: About 3%, with 27 students making it to the final cohort each year
Dates: June – August (flexible)
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and rising college freshmen (16+)
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program pairs high school students with fisheries professionals for an immersive summer internship focused on aquatic science and conservation. Under the guidance of a mentor, you participate in fieldwork and laboratory activities that introduce you to real environmental research. Depending on the placement, tasks may include surveying fish populations, monitoring water quality, restoring aquatic habitats, or analyzing biological samples. Many students also learn how scientists collect and interpret environmental data to inform conservation decisions. Throughout the internship, students maintain records of their work and reflect on their learning through written updates and a final report.
10. Art Institute Chicago – Summer Internship Program
Location: The Art Institute of Chicago
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies as per internship
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Typically, May (via After School Matters)
Eligibility: Chicago high school students aged 16+ at the start of the internship
The Art Institute of Chicago’s Summer Internship Program allows high school students to work alongside museum staff while supporting public programs and events. As an intern, you assist with activities such as gallery tours, workshops, and community festivals that engage visitors from around the world. The paid internship for high school students in Illinois also introduces you to the behind-the-scenes operations of a major museum, including how exhibitions are curated and educational programs are developed. You interact with museum professionals and artists, gaining insight into careers in the arts and cultural institutions. Collaborative projects further encourage interns to contribute ideas for creative programming or community outreach initiatives.
11. Granting Research Opportunities in Wellness by Creating Exciting Learning Laboratories in Science (GROW CELLS)
Location: Morehouse School of Medicine
Stipend: $500/month
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Virtual and In-Person Presentations: June 1 - 19 | Fieldwork, Practicum, and Abstract Review: July 7 - 18 | Cancer Research Symposium: July 21 – 22
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th & 12th graders
GROW CELLS introduces high school students to cancer research through a structured program that combines lectures, workshops, and research activities. Early sessions focus on foundational scientific concepts and introduce students to current challenges in cancer biology and public health. You then take part in guided projects that help them practice basic research methods and scientific inquiry. Mentors support you as you explore career pathways in medicine and biomedical research while developing an individualized academic or career roadmap. You conclude the experience by presenting a research poster or project at a cancer research symposium.
12. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Multiple sites in Georgia (the Leadership Summit is held in Washington, D.C.)
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 5–8%. Each local group consists of 2–5 students, comprising over 300 juniors and seniors from around 100 communities
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who have authorization to work in the U.S., live in an eligible area, and have not participated in the program before
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program places high school students in paid internships at nonprofit organizations within their local communities. As a participant in this paid internship for high school students in Illinois, you’ll contribute to projects such as fundraising campaigns, community outreach initiatives, program planning, and operational support. You also attend a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C., where you participate in workshops and discussions on civic engagement and public policy. The summit connects you with peers from across the country who are also interested in community leadership. Throughout the internship, nonprofit staff members mentor participants and guide professional development and career exploration.
13. Northwestern Medicine – Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program
Location: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~35 students
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 6
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are 16 or older by program start
The Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program introduces high school students to biomedical research through mentored projects at Northwestern University’s medical campus. As a participant, you work with faculty members and research teams investigating topics related to lung disease and other areas of human health. In addition to laboratory work, the program includes workshops designed to strengthen research skills, scientific communication, and academic planning. You also receive guidance on preparing for future college or graduate school applications in science-related fields. Through close interaction with mentors, you learn how to develop research questions and conduct experiments in clinical and laboratory settings. The program concludes with a research symposium where you present the results of your work.
14. University of Illinois College of Medicine – Summer Science Internship
Location: University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford
Stipend: Stipend is sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 7 students each year
Application deadline: April 17
Dates: June 15 – August 7 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old by May 1; View the list of eligible high schools here
This paid internship for high school students in Illinois at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford exposes them to research laboratories where they work on biomedical research. Under the guidance of scientists and faculty mentors, you assist with projects exploring areas such as cancer biology, vaccine development, and pharmaceutical research. You gain hands-on experience using laboratory equipment, analyzing experimental results, and collaborating with research teams. Alongside the technical training, the program includes sessions focused on career preparation, resume development, and scientific communication. You conclude the internship with a presentation where you share your findings with mentors and fellow interns.
15. MedSTEM Explorers – Rush University Medical Center
Location: Rush University Medical Center
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and juniors from Chicago (minimum weighted GPA 2.5)
MedSTEM Explorers introduces high school students to careers in healthcare through workshops, research discussions, and skill-building activities hosted at Rush University Medical Center. You get to explore how hospitals address real health challenges affecting Chicago communities while learning about different medical and research professions. The program also focuses on developing academic and workplace skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and time management. You may have the opportunity to earn certifications like CPR and first aid as part of your training. Career panels and community service projects help connect you with healthcare professionals across the city. Those who demonstrate strong engagement during the program may be invited to continue into more advanced internship opportunities within the MedSTEM pathway.
Looking for an immersive internship experience? Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is genuinely needed by the startup they are working with and present their work at the end of their internship. Apply now!
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
With Veritas AI, which was founded by Harvard graduate students, you can work 1-on-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we have had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. Check out a past student’s experience in the program here. You can apply here!
Image source - Bank of America Logo