15 STEM Programs for High School Students in Illinois
If you are a high school student interested in exploring the sciences, engineering, math, and tech, a program in a field of choice can be a great way to get started. As a participant, you will gain practical exposure to areas like coding, lab experiments, engineering design, robotics, or research, all while learning from mentors and preparing for college and future careers. In addition to technical skills, STEM programs can help you refine problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and project management skills, equipping you for a variety of academic and professional challenges.
Illinois is home to many universities, research centers, and tech companies that offer high school students a wide range of STEM opportunities. Programs in the state offer you experiences in biomedical research, artificial intelligence, engineering design, and space science. They also provide access to advanced facilities, expert guidance, and connections within the local STEM community, which local as well as out-of-state students can benefit from.
To help you with your search, here is a list of 15 STEM programs for high school students in Illinois.
1. UChicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart
Location: University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $3,000 (taxable)
Program dates: Second week of June – first week of August
Application deadline: Typically January; application updates available on the program website in the fall
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who live in Illinois or Lake County, Indiana, and are at least 16 years old when the program begins
The ResearcHStart program offers high school students a chance to work on cancer research with experienced scientists. During the summer, you will spend eight weeks in real labs learning how research is conducted, engaging in projects, and gaining insights into biochemistry, cancer research, biophysics, immunology, and pharmacology. You will gain experience running experiments, collecting data, maintaining lab notes, and communicating research results, building skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork in the process. You will work with mentors who guide you through the process and offer insights into research careers. At the end of the program, you will receive a $3,000 taxable stipend to support your studies.
2. Veritas AI Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; need-based aid available
Program dates: Multiple 12–15-week cohorts in a year
Application deadline: On a rolling basis; Summer (May), Fall (September), Spring (January), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; to apply for the AI Fellowship, completion of the AI Scholars program, or prior experience with AI or Python is required
Veritas AI offers high school students various opportunities to dive into artificial intelligence through hands-on, mentor-led experiences. The AI Scholars program introduces you to the basics of machine learning, data analysis, and applications of AI in various fields. For those ready to go further, the AI Fellowship provides 1:1 mentorship to help you design and execute an independent research project. In either track, you will work with AI models and simulations and gain insights into AI-based problem-solving.
3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research
Location: University of Illinois, Champaign County, IL
Stipend: A fellowship payment is offered
Program dates: May 29 – August 1
Application deadline: March 24
Eligibility: Rising 10th – 12th-graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin
This program offers high school students six-week opportunities to work on real scientific research alongside researchers and university faculty. You will take on projects in areas like physics, cancer immunology, quantum mechanics, electrical engineering, neuroscience, and bioengineering while exploring how research is conducted in a university lab. You can choose a research group that aligns with your interests; for instance, the SpHERES Young Scholars group focuses on bioengineering and medicine, while the Grainger Engineering Young Scholars group focuses on computer science, quantum physics, aerospace engineering, and materials science. You will run experiments, collect and assess data, attend seminars on college application prep, and present your results in the form of a research poster.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Program dates: Vary by cohort; the spring and fall cohorts run for 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs for 10 weeks (June – September).
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA); a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites
Horizon offers trimester-long research-focused programs for high school students across disciplines, including data science, machine learning, and other STEM fields. You can choose a subject area and the type of research— quantitative or qualitative. Then, Horizon will pair you with a professor or a Ph.D. scholar who will offer mentorship throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also offers a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
5. Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL
Stipend: $500/week
Program dates: June 13 – August 7
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school seniors who are U.S. citizens, enrolled in an Illinois high school, and able to provide proof of medical insurance
PRISM at Fermilab is a four-week summer program for high school seniors and recent graduates interested in exploring STEM fields. You will gain insights into areas like particle physics, quantum science, engineering design, and artificial intelligence through hands-on activities, lectures, and tours of Fermilab’s labs. Each week focuses on a new topic, giving you a broad view of different STEM careers. You will also receive mentorship, practice professional skills, and interact with Fermilab professionals. Additionally, you will work on a research abstract, poster, and final presentation to share your experience.
6. NASA OSTEM Internships
Location: Virtual and in-person at various NASA locations across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid; amount varies by opportunity
Program dates: Spring: mid-January – early May | Summer: late May – August | Fall: late August – mid-December.
Application deadline: Spring: September 12 | Summer: February 27 | Fall: May 22,
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old and hold a minimum GPA of 3.0
NASA OSTEM Internships offer high school students the chance to work on projects that support space exploration, science, technology, and aeronautics. As an intern, you will receive training and mentorship to build professional skills. You will gain experience in research, problem-solving, and teamwork while you work with scientists, engineers, and other professionals. The experience can also help you explore careers at NASA. Internships are available both online and in person at different NASA centers across the country.
7. Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) Digital Scholars Program
Location: DPI office, Chicago, IL
Cost: Fully funded
Program dates: June 23 – August 1
Application deadline: May 2
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders, along with first-year college students at City Colleges of Chicago and other Illinois schools
The DPI Digital Scholars program offers students the chance to work on real projects in STEM with university researchers and industry professionals. You can choose to explore areas like artificial intelligence, sustainability, computer science, data science, electrical engineering, or mobile app development. During the program, you will practice skills such as coding, problem-solving, and teamwork while also preparing for college and future careers. The program includes hands-on learning, guest speakers, and weekly workshops that connect you to Chicago’s tech community and offer you insights into the industry.
8. University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute (DSI) Summer Lab
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $5,600
Program dates: June 16 – August 8
Application deadline: January 12
Eligibility: High school students in Chicago; international students with authorization to work in the U.S. can also apply.
As a DSI Summer Lab participant, you will gain exposure to data science research while assisting researchers, attending weekly seminars, building college-level skills, and connecting with professionals. You will learn about your research work in areas like climate and energy policy, public policy, data science, computer science, social science, materials science, and biomedicine. You will learn about research methodologies and scientific communication throughout the program. The program also includes near-peer mentoring, social gatherings, and group work on projects. You will share your work in the form of final videos, which will be presented at the end of the program.
9. Chicago Architecture Center Teen Fellows Program
Location: Chicago Architecture Center, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid
Program dates: 15-month program: six-week summer session starting in May + fall session (14 Saturdays) + spring session (16 Saturdays) + paid internship in the second summer; dates not specified
Application deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in Chicago
The CAC Teen Fellows program helps Chicago students learn about architecture while building real skills and experience in this STEM field. As a participant, you will take college classes at Harold Washington College and earn credits through CPS and City Colleges of Chicago. You will work on building models and designing projects that focus on local issues while also learning how to make a portfolio and practicing digital design using tools like SketchUp, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, AutoCAD, Rhino, and Revit. The program includes visits to various architecture firms and important buildings in the city. Additionally, you will have the chance to engage in a paid summer internship at an architecture or design firm. The program lasts three semesters, starting with a six-week summer session and continuing during the school year. You will receive a stipend through After School Matters to help you cover the costs of transportation and meals.
10. MedSTEM Explorers @ Rush University Medical Center
Location: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Cost: No cost
Program dates: June 19 – July 31
Application deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and juniors who are Chicago residents, have at least a 2.5 weighted GPA, and an 80% attendance record
The MedSTEM Explorers program at Rush University Medical Center is a paid program for Chicago high school students interested in STEM and healthcare. As a participant, you will take part in research activities, skills workshops, and sessions with medical and science professionals. You will build skills in analytical thinking and teamwork while preparing for college. You will also earn first aid and CPR certifications and gain clinical experience. Based on your performance, you may get to join the MedSTEM Pathways internship for a deeper experience in research and healthcare.
11. UChicago’s Research in Biological Sciences (RIBS)
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $14,490; financial aid available
Program dates: June 14 – July 12
Application deadline: January 22
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th-grade students
RIBS, a four-week summer course part of UChicago’s pre-college offerings, offers an opportunity to explore biological research in depth. You will spend most of your time in the lab learning and practicing molecular, microbiological, and cell biology methods. You will start with exploring basic lab techniques and then move on to advanced work in genetics, developmental biology, and cancer research. You will also engage in lectures, lab sessions, and seminars with UChicago faculty. Living on campus will give you the chance to connect with the scientific community and experience what daily research work is like.
12. Illinois Tech’s Summer College Programs for High School Students
Location: Virtual or in person at Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL
Cost: $300 – $6,500, depending on the program and format
Program dates: Varies by program; check details here
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9 – 12; residential programs are open to those who are 15 to 17 years old.
Illinois Institute of Technology’s summer programs allow middle and high school students to enroll in STEM-based learning experiences and build new skills either virtually or in person at the campus. You can choose from subjects like cybersecurity, chemistry, biomedical engineering, gaming, medicine, psychology, aerospace engineering, and robotics. You will learn through lectures, field trips, and hands-on activities such as building a robot, practicing defensive hacking, or creating an app. You will also connect and work with Illinois Tech students and faculty.
13. UChicago’s Quantum Quickstart Program
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $2,500; financial aid available
Program dates: July 27 – August 1
Application deadline: March 5
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 and 10 who are at least 14 years old and enrolled in a U.S. high school
This one-week pre-college course introduces high school students to quantum mechanics. During the program, you will attend lectures from faculty at UChicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, join discussions, and tour advanced labs. You will learn how quantum computers work and how quantum engineering connects to everyday technology. You will also play quantum-adapted board games that explain ideas like entanglement. The program includes sessions on STEM careers and meetings with UChicago admissions counselors to help you understand the college application process. You will build skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and science communication while preparing for a future in STEM.
14. Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by course; free courses also available
Program dates: Vary by course; self-paced options available
Application deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school students
Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative offers online STEM courses for independent learners. On the platform, you can choose from courses across disciplines, including computer science, programming, life sciences, business, physics, tech, humanities, data science, math, and logic. Each course offers interactive activities, assessments, and videos to help you explore key concepts within the chosen track. These courses typically let you explore subjects at your own pace.
15. MITES Semester
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Program dates: STEM Immersion Phase: June – early August; College and Career Prep Phase: August – December
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors in the U.S.
MITES Semester is a six-month program that helps you explore STEM fields and prepare for college. You will engage in a project-based course in areas like astrophysics, robotics, or machine learning, along with a core course in physics, calculus, data science, or science writing. Each week during the initial phase, you will join online classes, webinars, and workshops. In the second half of the program, you will focus on college and career prep while reviewing essays, practicing mock interviews, and building your applications. You will also connect with STEM professionals and peers during the program.
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