15 Science Programs for High School Students in Chicago
While you are in high school, exploring your interests beyond the classroom can give you a head start on selecting your major, college, and career path. If you are interested in science, structured programs offer you the opportunities to build practical skills, gain industry experience, and make connections crucial to a career in science. Science-focused opportunities, typically offered by universities, STEM organizations, and labs, let you apply classroom concepts to real challenges or research questions while building technical abilities that stand out on college applications. Many programs emphasize lab work, data analysis, and collaboration with professionals in fields like biology, data science, materials science, and cancer research.
Why should you attend a science program in Chicago?
Chicago is home to institutions such as the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the Illinois Institute of Technology, which offer science programs across fields, including data science, cancer research, molecular engineering, and biomedical science. Depending on the program you choose, you could conduct lab-based research, work on a computational project, or take part in shorter enrichment sessions that include facility tours and workshops. Some programs are geared toward Illinois residents or students within the Chicago area, while others accept applicants from a broader pool.
To help you get started, we have narrowed the list to 15 science programs for high school students in Chicago.
If you’re looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span data science, cancer research, molecular engineering, biomedical science, AI, computational biology, materials science, and quantum physics, so students with a wide range of science interests can find a relevant option in Chicago or online.
Several programs are free and paid, including UChicago DSI Summer Lab ($5,600 stipend), UIC CHESS ($3,000 stipend), UChicago Medicine ResearcHStart ($3,000 stipend), Northwestern Kimberly Querrey (stipend available), and UChicago Pritzker STEM Lab (~$17.05 per hour), making them closer to professional research experiences than enrichment programs.
Many programs specifically prioritize Chicago-area or Illinois residents, including DSI Summer Lab, UChicago Medicine ResearcHStart, UIC CHESS, and UChicago Pritzker STEM Lab (Chicago Public Schools students), so local students should take note of these targeted opportunities.
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from one-week residential intensives, such as UChicago SMART and Neubauer Phoenix STEM Scholars, to eight-week paid research placements, such as DSI Summer Lab, UIC CHESS, and UChicago Medicine ResearcHStart, so students can choose based on their availability and depth of interest.
Application deadlines for the most competitive programs fall early, including Northwestern Kimberly Querrey (January 6), DSI Summer Lab (January 12), UChicago Medicine ResearcHStart (January 19), and UChicago RIBS and Pathways in Molecular Engineering (February 11 priority), so students should begin preparing materials in the fall.
1. DSI Summer Lab @ University of Chicago
Location: UChicago Hyde Park campus, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $5,600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by year; ~22 students in the past cohort.
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application deadline: January 12
Eligibility: High school students in the Chicago area; familiarity with one or more programming languages and coursework in computer science, statistics, and math is preferred.
In this eight-week paid research program, you will join a data science research team at the University of Chicago and work on interdisciplinary projects in biomedical science, public policy, climate studies, computer science, and social science. You will work closely with a mentor and contribute to data-driven research tasks focused on coding, statistical analysis, visualization, or machine learning. Alongside project work, you may attend weekly technical workshops and speaker sessions that introduce you to professionals across disciplines, as well as professional development sessions focused on research communication and career pathways. The program culminates in a final symposium where you will present your findings. The experience offers hands-on exposure to research, professional collaboration, and real-world data science applications.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12 – 15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment; deadlines vary by cohort: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can check details and apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship with Publication and Showcase accepts previous AI Scholars participants or those with some experience working with AI or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers a range of online programs for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence. If you are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science, you can choose the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, you will learn about data science and AI fundamentals and work on real-world projects. Another track for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. During this program, you will get a chance to work 1-on-1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A key feature of this program is that it offers you access to the in-house publication team to help you get your work published in high school research journals. You can check out examples of a few past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. University of Illinois Chicago’s Cancer Health Equity Summer Scholars (CHESS)
Location: University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: Typically mid-to-late January
Eligibility: High school students currently in 10th, 11th, or 12th grades interested in health sciences or biomedical fields; applicants must be 16 or older for wet lab placements
This eight-week summer program places you in a UIC faculty research lab, where you will work on an independent cancer-related project matched to your research interests. You will gain hands-on experience across areas such as cancer biology, immunology, health disparities, pharmacology, molecular biology, computation, and biostatistics, while receiving direct mentorship from faculty and researchers. Throughout the program, you will also participate in workshops, lectures, and professional development sessions that build research, academic, and communication skills. The experience culminates in a student research symposium, where you will present your project.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote! You can participate in the program from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, spring, fall, and winter. Options range from 12 weeks to a year.
Application deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: Students enrolled in high school who demonstrate strong academic performance
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive one-on-one research opportunities across a wide range of subject areas for high schoolers to explore. The program will pair you with Ph.D. mentors to work one-on-one on a research project. At the end, you will have developed an independent research paper! You can choose from areas such as computer science, engineering, chemistry, psychology, physics, data science, international relations, economics, and more. You can learn more about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. UChicago Medicine ResearcHStart
Location: UChicago or participating university labs in Chicago and Urbana-Champaign
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $3,000 taxable stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old when the program starts and are Illinois or Lake County, IN residents
In this eight-week, full-time research program, you will work in a cancer research lab at leading Chicago area institutions, gaining hands-on experience in fields such as immunology, bioengineering, pharmacology, and cancer disparities research. You will contribute to daily lab work, including experiment design, data collection, and core laboratory techniques, while exploring how cancer research is applied to real-world challenges. The lab work will be complemented by faculty lectures, career development workshops, and skill-building sessions that introduce you to pathways in biomedical science. Throughout the experience, you will receive ongoing mentorship from faculty, researchers, and peers. The program concludes with a research symposium where you will present your findings to the scientific community.
6. Digital Scholars Program
Location: Harold Washington College, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Rising 11th or 12th graders or incoming college freshmen from Chicago Public Schools or area districts
In this tech-focused program, you will enroll in a college-level course such as Data Science Discovery or Foundations of Computer Science, where you will analyze real-world datasets, explore computational methods, and build applications grounded in scientific problem-solving. You will get to refine skills in data analysis, programming, and algorithmic thinking while working on projects that connect computing to fields such as science, engineering, and public data. Alongside the coursework, you will participate in workshops on topics such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, gaining exposure to how these technologies are applied in scientific research and data-driven decision-making. Through collaborative projects and guided instruction, you will learn how to apply computing to real-world scientific challenges.
7. Northwestern University’s Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program
Location: Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – July 31 (high school students) | June 8 – July 31 (undergraduate students)
Application deadline: January 6
Eligibility: High school juniors and undergraduate students, ages 16 and up
This summer science program at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine allows high school students to engage in research and earn a stipend for their contributions. You will work closely with a Northwestern faculty mentor on a basic or clinical research project focused on lung disease. Alongside lab work, you will learn through sessions focused on college and graduate school application preparation and career development in science and medicine. You will also get to shadow a clinician. The experience concludes with a formal poster presentation.
8. UChicago S.M.A.R.T. (Science, Mathematics, and Research Training) Program
Location: University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL + partner sites in the Chicago area
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~10 – 15 students/year
Dates: July 16 – 21
Application deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students; priority given to qualifying Chicago students.
In this short, hands-on outreach program, you will explore core STEM concepts through sessions led by scientists and researchers. You will take part in activities focused on exploring superconductivity and the Meissner effect, designing 3D-printed objects, building and racing solar cars, and conducting quantum physics experiments involving concepts such as entanglement and particle behavior. You will also visit research labs on the University of Chicago campus and learn directly from scientists working in advanced fields. The program includes field trips to leading institutions such as Argonne National Laboratory, Adler Planetarium, and Yerkes Observatory, where you can explore large-scale research facilities and observe astronomy in action. Through this experience, you will gain exposure to advanced science, real-world applications, and potential career pathways in STEM.
9. After School Matters STEM Lab Internship @ UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering
Location: University of Chicago (Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering), Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend ~$17.05/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 22 – August 9
Application deadline: Mid to late spring
Eligibility: Chicago Public Schools high school students, ages 16 and up
In this six-week summer internship at UChicago, you will join a research team in fields such as chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, or materials science, and work in a lab for up to 20 hours per week. The program begins with a research bootcamp that introduces core methods, followed by hands-on projects under the mentorship of scientists and education staff. You will gain experience in an innovative, collaborative research environment, receive training in science communication, and present your work in professional settings. The program also provides college application support.
10. Chicago Pre-College Science and Engineering Program (ChiS&E)
Location: Chicago Public Schools or university partner sites
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Weekdays during summer (four weeks typically) + Saturdays during the school year
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
This free multi-year program offers dedicated tracks for high school students, with Saturday sessions during the school year and intensive weekday summer sessions, to help them prepare for future science and engineering academics. If you join the program in grades 9 or 10, you will build foundations in algebra concepts for calculus while exploring engineering topics such as robotics and Raspberry Pi systems. In grades 11 and 12, you will focus on electrical and computer engineering with hands-on Arduino projects and potential summer internship experiences. You may engage in hands-on projects across fields such as robotics, aerospace engineering, and physics, conducting experiments and building functional systems. The program also includes weekly field trips to Chicago universities and research labs, providing exposure to real research environments.
11. Illinois Tech Elevate Summer STEM Programs
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL
Cost: Varies by program; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple virtual, overnight, and day sessions from June through August
Application deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen through seniors
Illinois Tech’s Elevate summer programs let high school students explore various STEM fields through remote and in-person camp-like sessions. You will work through hands-on STEM modules covering topics such as chemistry, research methods, sustainability, coding, robotics, engineering design, and biomedical engineering. Guided by IIT faculty and graduate students, you will participate in experiments, practical lab work, and project-based learning that combine theory with real-world application. The experience is designed to help you explore college-level concepts, iterative problem solving, collaboration, and skills essential for academic and career readiness.
12. University of Chicago Pre-College: Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS)
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $15,200; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – July 10
Application deadline: February 11
Eligibility: 10th and 11th graders who have completed high school biology and are at least 15 years old
This four-week UChicago program immerses you in molecular, microbiological, and cell biology techniques used in active research laboratories. You will spend most of your time exploring bench science, beginning with foundational lab training before progressing to an independent research project in areas such as cell biology, genetics, developmental biology, or cancer biology. Throughout the program, you will apply modern molecular techniques while gaining insight into real laboratory workflows. Weekly writing assignments, detailed lab notebooks, readings of original research articles, and group presentations will help you build strong scientific communication skills. You will also attend lunchtime seminars led by faculty researchers. The program culminates in a research forum, where you will present your findings.
13. UChicago Pre-College: Neubauer Phoenix STEM Summer Scholars
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $2,500; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited
Dates: July 26 – 31
Application deadline: March 12
Eligibility: Current 11th-grade students (at least 15 years old)
This week-long program allows you to explore the STEM resources UChicago offers. You will begin with a preparatory virtual mathematics course before joining a one-week residential experience at the University of Chicago. During the on-campus session, you will attend model classes in molecular engineering, mathematics, and computer science, while engaging in collaborative activities that highlight interdisciplinary problem-solving. You will also visit leading research facilities such as Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab, gaining direct exposure to real-world scientific research environments. Through faculty talks, facility tours, and hands-on learning, you will experience UChicago’s approach to innovation across STEM fields.
14. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) Fab Lab Makers & Explorers Camps
Location: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL
Cost/: $500/camp (or $450 for members)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Capacity-limited per session
Dates: Multiple sessions in June – August
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s summer camps let you participate in week-long learning experiences that combine science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). In the Fab Lab Makers track, you will use professional design tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and electronics equipment to build projects in areas like robotics, cosplay, video game design, or custom art. If you are a 9th grader, you can also choose the Explorers track, which offers immersive experiences within the museum, including behind-the-scenes access to exhibits. Here, you can choose tracks like space exploration, weather phenomena, art technology, and real-world problem-solving. All tracks emphasize project-based learning, creativity, and collaboration in small groups guided by MSI educators.
15. UChicago Pre-College: Pathways in Molecular Engineering
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $9,300 (residential) | $6,100 (commuter); financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 30 students
Dates: July 7 – 23
Application deadline: February 11 (priority); March 12 (regular)
Eligibility: Students, ages 14 and up, in grades 9 – 11
In this UChicago program, you will explore the field of molecular engineering, which combines concepts from chemical and mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, and nanotechnology to address real-world challenges such as energy storage, water purification, and advanced device design. You will spend three weeks exploring how engineers design and build materials at the molecular level, including creating new structures and molecules with specific functions. The course introduces core engineering principles such as design, modeling, and optimization, and shows how they are applied in scientific innovation. You will engage in lectures, discussions, and hands-on lab work and learn how to use high-performance computing tools to model systems and refine solutions. Throughout the program, you will gain insight into interdisciplinary problem-solving at the intersection of physical, chemical, and computational sciences.
Frequently asked questions
1. What science programs are available for high school students in Chicago?
Options include paid data science and computational research programs, such as DSI Summer Lab and Digital Scholars Program, cancer and biomedical research programs, such as UIC CHESS and UChicago Medicine ResearcHStart, molecular and materials engineering programs, such as UChicago Pathways in Molecular Engineering and Pritzker STEM Lab, biology and genetics programs, such as UChicago RIBS, AI and data science programs, such as Veritas AI and Lumiere, and shorter enrichment programs, such as UChicago SMART and Illinois Tech Elevate.
2. Are there free or paid science programs for high school students in Chicago?
Yes, several programs are free and provide financial compensation. DSI Summer Lab offers a $5,600 stipend; UIC CHESS provides a $3,000 stipend; UChicago Medicine ResearcHStart also provides a $3,000 stipend; Northwestern Kimberly Querrey offers a stipend; and UChicago Pritzker STEM Lab pays approximately $17.05 per hour. ChiS&E and the Digital Scholars Program are free to attend without a stipend.
3. Which Chicago science programs are best for students interested in cancer and biomedical research?
Students interested in cancer and biomedical research might consider UIC CHESS for an eight-week placement in a cancer biology or health disparities lab, UChicago Medicine ResearcHStart for immunology and pharmacology research at leading Chicago institutions, and Northwestern Kimberly Querrey for lung disease research with faculty mentorship and clinician shadowing.
4. Do any science programs in Chicago offer college credit or publication opportunities?
Veritas AI supports students in publishing independent AI research through its in-house publication team, and programs, such as UChicago RIBS and Pathways in Molecular Engineering, involve research forum presentations and lab notebooks that strengthen applications to competitive university programs. ChiS&E's multi-year structure also provides ongoing academic development that mirrors college-level engagement.
5. Which science programs are open to students outside Chicago?
Veritas AI and Lumiere Research Scholar Program are fully virtual and open to students anywhere in the world. Illinois Tech Elevate offers both virtual and in-person options, and Griffin Museum Fab Lab Camps accept students regardless of school district. Several programs, such as UChicago Pre-College programs, also accept out-of-state applicants, though priority and financial aid may favor Illinois residents.
6. When should I apply to science programs for high school students in Chicago?
The earliest deadlines include Northwestern Kimberly Querrey (January 6), DSI Summer Lab (January 12), UChicago Medicine ResearcHStart (January 19), and UChicago RIBS and Pathways in Molecular Engineering (February 11 priority). Programs, such as UChicago SMART (March 31), Digital Scholars (May 8), and Illinois Tech Elevate (May 8), fall later in the spring. Students should begin researching options in the fall to avoid missing the earliest deadlines.