15 STEM Internships for High School Students in Illinois
As a high school student, a STEM internship is a great opportunity for you to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics beyond the classroom. These internships allow you to apply theoretical concepts to practical challenges, develop technical skills, and gain exposure to professional research or industry environments. Hosted by esteemed organizations, they also help you build meaningful connections with mentors, researchers, and professionals.
Illinois is home to universities, research labs, and healthcare organizations that provide diverse pathways for students interested in scientific inquiry, technology innovation, and engineering design. These programs cover a variety of topics such as biomedical science, computer programming, and environmental engineering, and help you learn through research projects, lab work, and lectures. Whether you are residing in Illinois or an out-of-state student, you can access the region’s research and innovation landscape and develop your profile and build your network.
To help you identify the right fit, we’ve curated a list of 15 STEM internships for high school students in Illinois.
If you are looking for internships in Illinois, check out our blog here.
1. University of Chicago - After School Matters STEM Lab Internship
Location: Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid, more details here
Acceptance rate: Non-competitive; typically large cohort
Dates: Upcoming session is Fall between September 23 – December 13; summer sessions are also available
Application Deadline: Varies as per session; Fall session: September 13; Summer: typically April or May
Eligibility: Chicago high school students who are at least 14 years old by the first day of the Fall program | Summer program: At least 16 years old
The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) at the University of Chicago, in collaboration with After School Matters, offers a summer research internship for Chicago Public Schools high school students seeking hands-on experience in STEM. This six-week program provides you with an authentic introduction to scientific research and collaboration in a professional lab setting. You will spend about 20 hours per week conducting research and begin with a one-week bootcamp designed to build foundational research skills. Throughout the program, you will receive mentorship from PME researchers and education staff, along with guidance on college applications and science communication.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available for AI Scholars
Acceptance rate: Highly selective; AI Scholars: student-to-mentor ratio of 5:1; AI Fellowship: 1:1 mentoring
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); you can apply to the program here
Eligibility: AI Scholars: All high school students | AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Founded by Harvard graduate students, Veritas AI offers specialized online work-learn programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The AI Scholars program introduces you to foundational concepts over 10 sessions, combining theory with hands-on projects. For more advanced learners, the AI Fellowship offers 1:1 mentorship with researchers from top universities, culminating in an independent research project. You will also receive guidance on publishing your writing in high school research journals. These programs aim to provide rigorous writing exposure while supporting students in exploring potential research or career interests in AI and computer science.
3. Fermilab - VALOR JROTC Internship
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL
Stipend: $18 per hour
Acceptance rate: Highly competitive; typically, small cohorts
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: High school juniors, seniors, or recent high school graduates at the time of application, who are enrolled in an Illinois high school JROTC program
The VALOR JROTC Program is a paid, six-week summer internship designed for Illinois JROTC high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates. This competitive program places interns within Fermilab, where they assist with routine technical tasks related to specific experiments or support groups. You will work under the direct supervision of Fermilab staff and collaborate with scientists, engineers, and project teams while adhering to established laboratory procedures and safety standards. You also participate in interactive seminars and career panels led by Fermilab scientists, engineers, and staff, gaining exposure to diverse STEM professions and networking opportunities.
4. Ladder Internships - STEM Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate: 10 – 25%; 70 – 100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks; also open to undergraduates and gap-year students!
Ladder Internships offers a selective virtual internship program that connects high school students with global startups and nonprofits across a variety of industries, including STEM fields. You can select your preferred area of focus and typically dedicate 5–10 hours per week to project work and meetings with company mentors. Throughout the internship, you will contribute to projects aligned with organizational goals and present your outcomes at the program’s conclusion. The experience includes individualized coaching in communication, time management, and professional skills, as well as collaborative training sessions with other interns. Internship placements span regions such as the U.S., Asia, Europe, and the UK, covering disciplines like technology, machine learning, artificial intelligence, environmental science, sustainability, healthcare, and more.
5. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program
Location: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
Stipend: $2,400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 30 students
Dates: In-person Orientation: June 17 - 18 | Research Program: June 20 - August 1
Application Deadline: March 24
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders from Illinois
This six-week summer research work-learn program offers hands-on experience in fields such as cancer immunology, neuroscience, AI, physics, quantum mechanics, bioengineering, and electrical engineering. You will work alongside faculty, researchers, and peers to conduct authentic STEMM research. This program supports students from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEMM, fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment. You will attend weekly seminars on college readiness, scientific communication, and research presentation, culminating in a poster symposium. The program requires a commitment of 30–35 hours per week for research and professional development.
6. University of Chicago - DSI Summer Lab
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $5,600
Acceptance rate: Highly selective; 20 – 50 students
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: High school students located in the Chicago area
The Data Science Institute Summer Lab is an eight-week paid research work-learn program at the University of Chicago for high school students in the Chicago area. This immersive opportunity focuses on applied, interdisciplinary data science research within a supportive cohort setting. The program pairs you with mentors working in diverse fields such as computer science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, materials science, and biomedical research. Through this mentorship, you will gain hands-on experience in data-driven research, strengthen your technical and analytical skills, and learn to collaborate effectively in professional research environments.
7. Northwestern University - Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program
Location: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate: Highly selective; around 25 – 33 participants
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are 16 years or older by May 31
The Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program offers a six- to eight-week paid research internship experience for high school students interested in the biological sciences. You will conduct hands-on research under the guidance of Northwestern University faculty, contributing to basic or clinical projects related to lung disease. In addition to research training, you will engage in activities focused on college and graduate school preparation, as well as career development in science and medicine. The program concludes with a presentation of your research at the annual Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Symposium.
8. University of Illinois - Summer Science Internship
Location: University of Illinois, Rockford, IL
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 5 students
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Students from eligible high schools who are 16 years old by May 1
The Summer Research Program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford aims to inspire high school students to pursue careers in science by providing firsthand experience in medical and industrial research. For over 35 years, the program has offered selected students the opportunity to develop laboratory skills while contributing to research in areas such as cancer treatment, vaccine development, and drug design. You will work alongside leading scientists, gaining exposure to real-world research environments and building lasting mentor relationships. The program also emphasizes professional development, offering training in resume writing, interview techniques, presentation skills, leadership, and teamwork.
9. Fermilab - Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL
Stipend: $500 weekly
Acceptance rate: Highly selective; typically, small cohorts
Dates: July 13 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school seniors or graduates who are enrolled in an Illinois high school | U.S. citizens
The Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM) is a four-week summer internship that immerses you in fields such as particle physics, quantum science, engineering design, and artificial intelligence through interactive workshops, expert lectures, and guided tours of Fermilab’s research facilities. Each week highlights a distinct scientific theme, allowing you to explore diverse areas of inquiry while developing practical and analytical skills. With mentorship from Fermilab professionals and structured professional development sessions, you will strengthen your STEM foundations, gain research experience, and prepare for higher education. Program requirements include completing a research abstract, poster, and final presentation, as well as participating in pre- and post-program evaluations.
10. Northwestern University - SciHigh Summer Program
Location: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate: Highly selective; 6 – 12 students
Dates: 7 – 8 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Typically, mid-March
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from Chicago high schools or neighboring Illinois suburbs with completed beginner or intermediate levels of science during high school (AP/IB Biology and Chemistry courses preferred)
The SciHigh Summer Program, hosted by the Northwestern University George O’Brien Kidney Research Core Center (NUGoKidney), offers an immersive research internship for high school students with a strong interest in science. The program prepares you for future careers in research by equipping you with practical scientific and analytical skills. The program pairs you with a Northwestern University faculty mentor whose research aligns with your interests. Under this mentorship, you will design and conduct a research project throughout the summer and present your findings at the program’s conclusion. In addition to laboratory research, you will attend weekly workshops on research design, evaluation, and communication, delivered through hands-on and virtual sessions led by STEMM experts.
11. After School Matters - Outreach Assistantships: STEM Track
Location: Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate: Highly selective; 10 – 15 teens per assistantship
Dates: Spring: Late February – Mid-May | Summer: Late June – Early August | Fall: Late September – Mid-December
Application Deadline: Spring: Mid-February | Summer: Mid-May | Fall: Mid-September
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old | Must be a Chicago resident and attend a Chicago high school
Outreach Assistantships provide introductory workplace experiences for high school students, combining mentorship with team-based project work. These assistantships cover STEM areas such as applied and natural sciences, audio/visual technology, industrial design, and information technology. You will gain hands-on experience under the guidance of industry professionals, develop technical and interpersonal skills, and explore career pathways. The program also helps you build confidence, connect with peers, engage with your community, and discover a sense of purpose through meaningful project work. You develop critical skills like leadership, problem-solving, meeting deadlines, and professional conduct.
13. University of Chicago - ResearcHStart
Location: University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, Northwestern University, Rush University, IL
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate: Highly selective; around 30 participants
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years of age at the start of the program and are residents of Illinois
ResearcHStart is a collaborative summer work-learn program that introduces high school students to careers in cancer research. You will work full-time in the laboratories of leading cancer scientists, gaining hands-on experience in fields such as cancer immunology, bioengineering, experimental therapeutics, and cancer disparities. The program combines rigorous research training with professional development workshops, faculty-led lectures, and mentorship from university researchers and peers. You will learn fundamental concepts in biophysics, biochemistry, immunology, and pharmacology while developing an understanding of cancer’s impact on communities across Illinois. The experience concludes with a research symposium where you will present your findings to family, mentors, and members of the scientific community.
14. Stanford AIMI - Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $850 tuition and $40 application fee; need-based financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 25 students
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students over the age of 14 at the start of the program are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging offers a two-week virtual Summer Research Internship for high school students interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare. The program promotes health equity and innovation by introducing you to both the technical and clinical applications of AI in medicine. You will engage in daily activities that include lectures on AI fundamentals, mentorship from Stanford researchers, collaborative group projects, and networking events such as virtual career talks with professionals from academia, industry, government, and non-profit sectors. The program also offers opportunities for extended independent research for select students. Those who complete the full internship receive a Certificate of Completion.
15. University of Chicago - Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; up to 20 students
Dates: July 13 – 25
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school students who are residents of Cook, Lake, Will, or DuPage counties in Illinois
The Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology is a two-week virtual work-learn program designed for high school students who are interested in science, medicine, and cancer research. This multi-institutional initiative aims to inspire and prepare you to pursue careers in biomedical fields, particularly oncology. You will collaborate on genetics-based research and patient case study projects, gaining insight into key aspects of cancer science and healthcare. The program includes daily lectures, panel discussions, and skill-building workshops led by professionals across the cancer research and care spectrum. You will benefit from hands-on research experience using a home laboratory kit, targeted career development sessions, and the opportunity to connect with a network of peers and mentors from multiple program sites.
16. Stanford University - Stanford Medicine Clinical Summer Internship (MEDCSI)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $4,580 tuition and $95 application fee; need-based financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate: Highly selective; around 24 students
Dates: July 27 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are 16 years of age or older by the session start date and have completed a high school biology course before enrolling
The Stanford Clinical Summer Internship offers a two-week live, immersive online medical experience designed for high school students eager to actively engage in hands-on learning. Taught by Stanford faculty and medical students, the program combines interactive lectures with practical skill-building sessions. You will use guided supply kits to dissect real organs such as the brain, heart, and kidney, and practice basic clinical techniques like suturing, administering injections, and taking vital signs. The program emphasizes active engagement, critical thinking, and teamwork.
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