15 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in Illinois
Summer research programs are an excellent way for high school students to gain early exposure to academic inquiry and problem-solving. These programs help you develop technical skills, explore applications of different subjects, and gain experience in professional research settings. Some are hosted by top universities or hospitals in the state, while others are virtual, offering flexibility and access to students across Illinois. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and university faculty, which will help you build a strong network for future opportunities.
To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of 15 summer research programs for high school students in Illinois.
1. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 5%, only 30 lab spots available
Dates: June 17 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: Rising 10th - 12th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin
Cost/Stipend: No cost other than transportation; housing, meals, and fellowship payment provided
The Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program provides a selective, immersive research experience for high school students interested in STEMM disciplines. You will work on campus alongside faculty mentors in areas such as neuroscience, cancer immunology, AI, and bioengineering. The program combines lab-based research with workshops in experimental design, scientific writing, and data analysis. You will also participate in weekly seminars and finish the program by presenting your findings at a final poster symposium. With just 30 spots available and a 5% acceptance rate, this program is a highly competitive summer research opportunity for high school students in Illinois.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive, with a low cohort size.
Dates: Summer: June–August; Fall: September–December; Winter: December–February; Spring: March–June
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students the opportunity to conduct advanced research from home under the guidance of Ph.D.-level mentors. You will work one-on-one with a researcher to develop an independent research project in fields like economics, psychology, biology, political science, or engineering. The program is structured around weekly mentorship sessions, emphasizing academic rigor and professional standards. You’ll receive step-by-step support in developing a research question, conducting literature reviews, analyzing data, and producing a polished research paper. You may also have the opportunity to publish or present your work, depending on your chosen track.
3. ResearcHStart
Location: University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, Rush University (IL)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, 30 students per year
Dates: Second week of June – First week of August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; familiarity with Python or R preferred
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students receive a $3,000 taxable stipend
The ResearcHStart program offers high school students the chance to conduct full-time cancer research at top academic institutions across Illinois. You’ll be matched with a lab mentor and contribute to ongoing research in fields like cancer immunology, bioengineering, and experimental therapeutics. The program also provides structured training sessions in lab techniques and coding tools, as well as faculty-led lectures and career development workshops. Throughout the summer, you’ll build technical and professional skills while networking with faculty, postdocs, and peers. You’ll conclude the program by presenting your research at a formal symposium, gaining experience in scientific communication.
4. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here.
5. Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program
Location: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors, at least 16 years old
Cost/Stipend: No program fee; students receive a stipend but must cover housing/transportation
The Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program provides high school students with the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on lung diseases. You’ll work in a basic or clinical science lab under the supervision of Northwestern University faculty, participating in either hypothesis-driven or exploratory projects. The program offers comprehensive training in experimental methods, data analysis, and scientific writing. Besides research, you’ll participate in workshops on college admissions, resume building, and professional skills. The experience concludes with a research symposium where you'll present your project to peers and faculty mentors.
6. Summer Science Internship Program
Location: University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, Rockford, IL
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 5 positions from 45 applicants annually
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older by May 1, from Rockford and nearby communities
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students receive a stipend sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific
The Summer Science Internship Program provides a focused, selective research experience in biomedical sciences, covering areas such as cancer biology, vaccine development, and pharmacology. Interns will collaborate directly with research scientists in a university lab environment, gaining skills in data analysis, lab protocols, and academic writing. The program is organized in partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific. For two months, you’ll participate in an orientation, lab-based training, and professional development workshops, including resume building and interview preparation. The internship culminates in a Summer Science Forum where participants present their work in both oral and poster formats.
7. Exemplary Student Research Program
Location: Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, one team per school
Dates: School year-long program starting in the summer
Application Deadline: July 1
Eligibility: High school students and science teachers with a valid state teaching certificate for grades 9–12
Cost/Stipend: Free
The Exemplary Student Research Program (ESRP) allows high school students and teachers to collaborate on in-depth scientific research at Argonne National Laboratory. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities like the Advanced Photon Source and the Center for Nanoscale Materials to perform practical experiments. The program begins in the summer and continues through the school year, integrating classroom learning with hands-on laboratory experiences. Your team, formed by a science teacher, will partner with an Argonne scientist to develop a research proposal, collect and analyze data, and present your findings at a final symposium. You will make at least two visits to Argonne, including one for data collection and another for the culminating presentation.
8. MedSTEM Explorers – Rush Education and Career Hub
Location: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and juniors from Chicago (weighted GPA 2.5)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; interns receive a stipend
The MedSTEM Explorers program at Rush University Medical Center is a six-week paid opportunity aimed at Chicago high school students interested in STEM and healthcare careers. Participants engage in research activities, skills workshops, and interactive sessions with medical and scientific professionals. The program emphasizes developing analytical thinking, teamwork, and college preparedness. Besides academic enrichment, students earn first aid and CPR certifications and get practical clinical experience. Those with strong performance may be invited to participate in the follow-on MedSTEM Pathways internship, offering an opportunity for more in-depth engagement with research and healthcare practice.
9. After School Matters
Location: The Michael and Karyn Lutz Center; Gallery 37 Center for the Arts; ASM at Gately Park (Chicago, IL)
Dates: June 24 – August 2
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: Must be a Chicago resident or attend a Chicago Public High School, aged 14 to 18
Cost/Stipend: $15.80/hour
After School Matters (ASM) is a flexible summer opportunity that allows Chicago high school students to explore professional fields like STEM, business, art, and technology. You’ll join an apprenticeship, assistantship, or internship track based on your age and experience level. Although not a traditional research program, some students may undertake research projects as part of their assignments. Assistantships involve team-based projects under the mentorship of a program leader, whereas traditional internships offer more independence in leading initiatives or managing projects. ASM also integrates program evaluation and analytics, providing you with the opportunity to contribute to internal research on program impact.
10. Digital Scholars Program
Location: Discovery Partners Institute, Chicago, IL
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 100 students total; 25 students per course
Dates: June 24 – August 2
Application Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-grade high school students
Cost/Stipend: Free
The Digital Scholars Program is a six-week, in-person summer experience designed to help high school students build advanced computing and technical skills. You will select courses in computer science, data science, mobile app development, or electrical and computer engineering. The curriculum integrates technical training with soft skills like communication, collaboration, and leadership. You will participate in daily workshops and hear from Chicago tech professionals, providing exposure to practical applications and industry opportunities. The program supports students from underrepresented backgrounds, including Black and Latinx youth, young women, first-generation students, and those attending CPS.
11. DSI Summer Lab
Location: Ryerson Laboratory, UChicago Hyde Park Campus
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Open to all high school students. Preferred: Familiarity with at least one programming language and relevant coursework (e.g., computer science, statistics, math)
Cost/Stipend: $5,600 stipend; no cost to participate
The DSI Summer Lab at the University of Chicago offers an immersive eight-week research experience in applied data science. You’ll be matched with a mentor and assigned a research project in interdisciplinary fields such as social science, computer science, energy and climate policy, biomedical science, or public policy. The program emphasizes hands-on data analysis, teamwork, and communicating complex research results. You will develop technical skills in programming, statistical modeling, and machine learning while contributing to ongoing research projects. The program ends with professional video presentations of your project, giving you an opportunity to display your work and gather feedback from peers and faculty.
12. BEST Research Internship
Location: Bradley University, Peoria, IL
Dates: June 4 – July 30
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students at least 15 years old are eligible to apply
Cost/Stipend: $1,675; need-based financial aid is available
The BEST (Building Excellent Scientists for Tomorrow) Research Internship is a rigorous summer program that introduces high school students to essential scientific research skills. Participants will work in professional labs around Peoria, engaging in research in biology, biomedical science, physical science, or environmental science. The program demands a commitment of 150–300 hours over eight weeks. Under the guidance of mentors, you’ll learn lab techniques, improve your scientific communication, and explore STEM careers through hands-on experience. At the conclusion of the program, you will present your research at the Interns Symposium, showcasing your progress and insights.
13. Research in Biological Sciences (RIBS)
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Dates: June 14 – July 12
Application Deadline: March 5
Eligibility: 10-11 graders who have completed high school biology and are at least 15 years old
Cost/Stipend: $14,490; need-based financial aid available of $500–$11,000 on a first-come, first-served basis
The RIBS program at the University of Chicago offers a fast-paced, four-week introduction to modern biological research. Designed for students with strong preparation in honors-level biology, chemistry, and math, the program teaches you key lab techniques in molecular biology, microbiology, and cell biology. You’ll begin with core lab skills and progress to using advanced molecular methods in areas such as genetics, cancer biology, and developmental biology. The program comprises lectures, daily lab work, and seminars led by faculty from the University of Chicago. You’ll also live on campus and present your research findings in a final forum, giving you both academic depth and a residential college experience.
14. OpenSpace Intern
Location: Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL
Dates: Varies based on the program
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with an interest in space science, UX design, and communication
Cost/Stipend: Paid
The Adler Planetarium’s OpenSpace Internship assigns high school students to the Space Visualization Lab, a team environment where scientists, technologists, and educators work together to find new ways to communicate space science. Students will use OpenSpace visualization software to craft immersive digital experiences that highlight NASA missions and real-time data. Mentorship from Adler staff guides design thinking, data storytelling, and space science research. Interns can explore a variety of related teen programs at Adler, including Far Horizons Teens, Mission Near Space, and the Youth Leadership Council.
15. Cancer Health Equity Summer Scholars (CHESS)
Location: University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: High school students completing their sophomore, junior, or senior years from backgrounds underrepresented in science and healthcare
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students receive a $3,000 stipend
The CHESS program is an eight-week summer initiative that offers high school students from underrepresented backgrounds the opportunity to explore careers in cancer research and healthcare. Hosted by the University of Illinois Cancer Center in collaboration with UIC’s Urban Health Program, CHESS places you in a research lab where you’ll work under the guidance of faculty mentors. You’ll design and complete an independent research project tailored to your scientific interests. In addition to lab work, the program features educational workshops, guest lectures, and professional development sessions. The program concludes with a formal research symposium, where you’ll present your findings to peers and mentors.
Image source - Veritas AI Logo