15 Science Programs for High School Students in Illinois
Science programs can give you a clearer sense of what working in STEM actually looks like beyond textbooks and classroom labs. In high school, this can mean stepping into research environments, working with real datasets, learning experimental techniques, or exploring how fields like medicine, engineering, and data science operate in practice. Many programs also connect you with researchers, clinicians, and mentors who can offer insight into both college pathways and long-term careers in science. This exposure can help you refine your interests early, whether you’re leaning toward biomedical research, technology, or environmental science.
Why should you attend a science program in Illinois?
Illinois stands out as a strong location for science programs because of its concentration of research universities, medical institutions, and national laboratories. As a student, you get access to environments from hospital-based labs studying disease to advanced facilities exploring physics, computing, and engineering. If you’re in Illinois, you'll find quality opportunities relatively accessible. Additionally, if you’re considering traveling, the state offers a variety of programs across different disciplines in one location, simplifying the process of finding a suitable fit.
To simplify your search, we’ve selected 15 science programs for high school students in Illinois.
If you’re looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
1. UChicago’s DSI Summer Lab
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $5,600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~22 students
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Chicago current high school seniors starting college in the fall
The UChicago Data Science Institute Summer Lab places you directly within an active research group where data-driven questions shape the work you do each day. You collaborate with mentors on projects spanning public policy, climate science, biomedical research, and computer science, using tools such as coding, statistical analysis, and data visualization. Early in the program, you build familiarity with research workflows and computational methods, then gradually take on more responsibility within your lab’s project. Technical workshops reinforce skills in programming and analysis, while a weekly speaker series exposes you to how researchers apply data science to real-world challenges. You also practice communicating your findings through presentations and discussions. The experience concludes with a formal symposium where you present your research in a format similar to an academic conference.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 10- to 15-week cohorts in a year, including winter, fall, spring, and summer.
Application deadline: Rolling basis | Spring sessions have a January deadline, Summer programs have a May deadline, Fall programs have a September deadline, and Winter cohort has a November deadline
Eligibility: High school students | AI Fellowship applicants should either have been AI Scholars participants or have some familiarity with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI introduces you to artificial intelligence through a combination of structured instruction and project-based learning guided by experienced mentors. In the AI Scholars track, you work through core topics such as machine learning and data analysis while collaborating with peers on applied projects. If you pursue the more advanced AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase, you pursue an independent research project, working one-on-one with a mentor to explore a specific application of AI in areas like healthcare, finance, or environmental science. You also develop skills in interpreting results and communicating technical ideas clearly. Many students complete a final project that can be developed into a research paper or portfolio piece. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. UChicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart
Location: Various colleges in Chicago, IL
Stipend: Taxable stipend of $3,000
Acceptance rate/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 program engages you in a full-time cancer research laboratory where you contribute to ongoing scientific investigations alongside faculty and research staff. You explore areas such as immunology, pharmacology, and bioengineering while learning how experimental design, data collection, and analysis function in a real lab setting. Mentors guide you through daily tasks, helping you build technical skills while understanding the broader purpose behind each experiment. Alongside lab work, the program includes lectures and workshops focused on cancer science, research ethics, and career pathways in medicine. The program concludes with a symposium where you present your findings to peers, scientists, and community members.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available) | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program guides participants through the process of developing an independent research project with one-on-one mentorship from a PhD-level scholar. After selecting a subject area, you refine a research question and work through stages such as literature review, research design, and analysis. Weekly sessions focus on building skills in critical reading, argument development, and structuring evidence-based writing. As your project progresses, you learn how to synthesize complex information and present it in a clear academic format. The flexible structure of this online science program for high school students in Illinois allows you to explore topics across STEM, social sciences, or interdisciplinary areas depending on your interests. By the end of the program, you will have completed a research paper that reflects sustained analytical work.
5. University of Chicago: Chicago EYES on Cancer
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Two 8-week summer sessions (June – August) + Monthly enrichment activities
Application Deadline: Varies (released each fall)
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors, or college freshmen/sophomores ages 16+; High school applicants must be residents of Cook, Lake, Will, or DuPage counties in Illinois or Lake County in Indiana
University of Chicago: Chicago EYES on Cancer immerses you in biomedical research through sustained lab placements and structured academic programming across multiple summers. You work full-time in research labs exploring topics that may include basic science, clinical studies, and population health research related to cancer. Faculty-led lectures and workshops help you connect laboratory findings to broader medical questions and healthcare systems. The program also puts focus on communication skills, with regular opportunities to present and discuss your work. Continued mentorship throughout the year supports your academic and career planning in science and medicine. The experience culminates in a formal presentation where you share your research with peers and faculty.
6. 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 (40 hours/week)
Application Deadline: January 6
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are 16 or older by May 31
The program places students in a mentored biomedical research environment focused on understanding human health and disease. In this science program for high school students in Illinois, you work closely with faculty and research teams on projects that often relate to pulmonary science or other clinical research areas. As you contribute to experiments and data analysis, you learn how to formulate research questions and interpret findings within a medical context. Workshops throughout the program build skills in scientific communication, ethics, and academic planning. You also gain insight into how laboratory and clinical research intersect in healthcare settings, and conclude the program with a symposium where you present your project and findings.
7. 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/cohort size: Not specified
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
NM GCM Grosvenor Discovery Program engages participants in healthcare through a combination of workshops, site visits, and discussions with professionals across different medical roles. You explore how hospitals function by examining areas such as diagnostics, patient care systems, and healthcare administration. Monthly sessions allow you to build a layered understanding of the field while engaging in activities that emphasize teamwork and communication. The program also integrates leadership development and community service, encouraging you to think about healthcare in a broader social context. Interactions with professionals help you understand different career pathways and day-to-day responsibilities.
8. MedSTEM Explorers – Rush University Medical Center
Location: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
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)
This program combines focused workshops, research discussions, and hands-on activities focused on community health challenges. You examine how hospitals respond to real-world medical issues while building academic and workplace skills such as collaboration, time management, and problem-solving. The program includes exposure to different healthcare roles through panels and interactive sessions with professionals. You may also pursue certifications such as CPR or first aid, adding a practical component to your experience. Community service projects and group activities help you connect learning to real patient needs. Strong performance can lead to progression into more advanced opportunities within the MedSTEM pathway.
9. Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Location: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia, IL
Stipend: $500 weekly
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
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 you to advanced scientific fields through weekly modules covering topics such as particle physics, quantum science, artificial intelligence, and engineering. You participate in hands-on activities, technical discussions, and guided exploration of concepts led by scientists and engineers. Facility tours provide a closer look at how large-scale experiments are designed and operated. Throughout the program, mentors help you interpret complex ideas and connect them to potential academic pathways. You also engage with computational and analytical tools used in modern research. The experience concludes with a research abstract and a presentation summarizing your learning.
10. University of Illinois CHESS – Cancer Health Equity Summer Scholars
Location: University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are residents of Cook County
This program lets you work in a research lab, conducting an independent project focused on cancer science and health disparities. You work with faculty mentors on topics such as molecular biology, computational research, or biostatistics, gaining experience in data collection and analysis. Workshops and lectures throughout the program address research ethics, scientific communication, and career pathways in healthcare. Regular mentorship supports both your technical development and long-term academic planning. You conclude the experience with oral and poster presentations at a research symposium.
11. Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) Digital Scholars Program
Location: Downtown, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 25 – 35 students per course
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders or those who will graduate in the application year; Must attend a mandatory virtual orientation with a parent or guardian
The Discovery Partners Institute Digital Scholars Program allows you to take part in college-level coursework in computing and technology fields, such as data science, mobile app development, or electrical engineering. Students work with real datasets, coding tools, or hardware systems, depending on their chosen track, building technical skills through a range of projects. Workshops supplement your learning with topics like artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and professional communication. Industry speakers provide insight into how these skills are applied across sectors. By the end of this science program for high school students in Illinois, you will have completed projects that demonstrate your understanding of applied computing concepts.
12. University of Illinois College of Medicine – Summer Science Internship
Location: University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL
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
The University of Illinois College of Medicine – Summer Science Internship is a program in which you assist with ongoing studies in areas such as cancer biology, vaccine development, and drug discovery. Working alongside scientists and faculty, you learn how to use laboratory equipment, collect data, and interpret experimental results. Mentors guide you through research tasks while helping you understand how scientific investigations are structured. The program also includes sessions focused on professional development, including resume writing and presentation skills. It concludes with a presentation where you share your findings.
13. SIH High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Southern Illinois Healthcare facilities, IL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 18 – July 31
Application deadline: April 13
Eligibility: Students entering their sophomore, junior, senior year, or graduating seniors
The SIH High School Summer Internship Program introduces you to clinical healthcare settings through shadowing experiences across multiple departments. You rotate through areas such as nursing, radiology, laboratory science, and therapy services, observing how professionals manage patient care and diagnostic processes. Each rotation highlights different responsibilities, allowing you to compare various healthcare roles. You gain insight into how medical teams coordinate across departments to deliver care. Exposure to real clinical environments further helps you understand both technical procedures and patient interaction.
14. UChicago Medicine – SHE (Summer Healthcare Experience) in Oncology
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $500 taxable stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 trainees
Dates: July 13 – 25
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students in Cook, Lake, Will, or DuPage counties in Illinois or Lake County, Indiana
UChicago Medicine – SHE (Summer Healthcare Experience) in Oncology focuses on cancer science through a combination of virtual research activities, case studies, and faculty-led instruction. You work on genetics-based experiments using home lab kits while collaborating with peers on patient case analyses. Daily sessions in this science program for high school students in Illinois include lectures and discussions on cancer biology, diagnosis, and treatment approaches. Workshops and panels introduce you to professionals working across biomedical fields, offering insight into career pathways. You also develop skills in research interpretation and scientific communication, and conclude the program with presentations in which you share your work with mentors and peers.
15. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Opportunities throughout the U.S., including in Illinois. You will be assigned a mentor in your area within a 45-minute distance from your home.
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by placement
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; dates are flexible
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors + recent graduates who are at least 16 years old and live in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program engages you in a mentored internship focused on aquatic science and conservation. You work with a fisheries professional on projects that may include fish population surveys, habitat assessment, water quality testing, or data analysis. Depending on your placement, your work may take place in the field, laboratory, or office, offering a broad view of how environmental research is conducted. Many roles involve outdoor fieldwork, sometimes including extended or multi-day activities. Mentorship is central, with professionals guiding your daily work and introducing you to career pathways in environmental science. You also complete written reflections and reports that document your experience and learning.