9 Winter Programs for High School Students in Illinois
If you are a high school student looking for something productive during your winter break, a structured program can be a great option to explore. Research and short-term programs during winter give you a focused way to explore an interest, build practical skills, and finish a tangible project without committing to a full semester. You’ll get concentrated mentorship, work in labs and on projects, and clearer material for college applications or portfolios, all in the span of a school break or weekend-intensive schedule.
Illinois offers a strong mix of winter opportunities for students interested in exploring academics, research, and creative fields. You can find options tailored to STEM, health, the arts, or leadership, often with mentorship, project-based work, and chances to connect with college faculty or industry professionals. Whether you are a local or planning to visit Illinois to study, you can find a program that suits you.
To help with your search, we have a list of 9 winter programs for high school students in Illinois.
If you are looking for more winter opportunities, check out our blogs here and here.
1. Chicago Pre-College Science and Engineering Program (ChiS&E)
Location: Chicago, IL (various venues via the Chicago Public Schools partnership)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Saturday sessions beginning in October for high-school track.
Application Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
Eligibility: All grades, including high school students
Students in grades 9 or 10 in Chicago dive into the high-school level track of ChiS&E, where they will focus on algebra-to-calculus concepts designed to build rigorous mathematical reasoning and prepare them for advanced STEM work. You’ll attend structured Saturday sessions where you’ll work collaboratively on problem solving, use hands-on materials, and explore how algebra lays the groundwork for calculus-level thinking. For grades 11 and 12, you’ll progress into engineering-focused coursework, using Arduino and electronics tools to design, build, and test real projects, giving you direct exposure to electrical and computer engineering fields while sharpening your technical toolkit and portfolio.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, you will get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Chicago Architecture Center Teen Fellows Program
Location: Chicago Architecture Center, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
Dates: This program runs for three semesters - Summer (6 weeks), Fall (7 hours for 16 Saturdays), and Spring (7 hours for 16 Saturdays). The 6-week summer program begins in May.
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Incoming sophomores, juniors, and seniors attending high school in Chicago.
During the fall semester of the Chicago Architecture Center Teen Fellows Program, you will meet on Saturdays (typically around six hours per session) at alternating venues: studio design time with CAC and college-level coursework at Harold Washington College. You’ll work on design projects rooted in real-world urban and architectural challenges in Chicago, develop physical models and digital renderings using software such as SketchUp, AutoCAD, Rhino, Revit, Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, visit local architecture firms and architecturally significant sites, and build a portfolio of work while earning dual college credit through City Colleges of Chicago.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Moraine Valley Community College - Winter Session
Location: Palos Hills, IL; Southwest Education Centre in Tinley Park, IL; Education Centre at Blue Island, IL; online.
Cost: $471 for a Single 3-hour Credit Course
Dates: Winter session runs from December 15 - January 9
Application Deadline: Priority registration begins October 27; open registration starts November 3
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 who meet placement/qualification standards and have a high school counsellor's approval
Moraine Valley Community College offers high school students the opportunity to earn college credit through its Early College programs, including Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment options. These programs allow you to take college-level courses while still in high school, providing a head start on your higher education journey. Courses can be taken at your high school, at MVCC campuses, or online, offering flexibility to fit various schedules. To participate, you must meet eligibility criteria and obtain approval from your high school counsellor. This initiative enables students to save time and money by earning college credits early, which can be applied toward a degree or certificate at MVCC or transferred to a four-year institution
6. American Psychological Association (APA) Virtual Internships
Location: Virtual (accessible from Illinois)
Cost/Stipend: Some internships are paid (amount varies by position)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by specific internship and department
Dates: Available throughout the year (various sessions)
Application Deadline: Depends on the internship and position
Eligibility: High school students with U.S. work eligibility and residence in one of the states where APA is a registered employer
If you’re interested in psychology or its application to societal well-being, the APA Virtual Internships give you a chance to work with a major professional association from home. You will join one of their departments, such as research, policy, publishing, communications, or operations, and you’ll engage directly in tasks like data analysis, content creation for social media or educational resources, event planning for workshops/seminars, and administrative support functions. You’ll report to a supervisor, participate in regular check-ins, and gain real-world exposure to how professionals in psychology apply their training in different contexts. This kind of experience helps you build transferable skills (communication, research, planning) while still attending high school, and your flexibility to work remotely makes it especially useful if you’re juggling other commitments or looking for a winter-break project.
7. LAS Online Flex (University of Illinois)
Location: Online (open to high school students in Illinois)
Cost/Stipend: For Illinois high school students, approximately $276 per credit hour for self-paced courses.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not applicable
Dates: Courses offered in 8-week and 16-week terms throughout the year.
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: High school students are eligible
When you enrol in LAS Online Flex, you’ll have the opportunity to take university-level courses from the University of Illinois while still in high school, all from your home in Illinois. The courses are self-paced and online, allowing you to start when you’re ready and progress at your own speed, meaning you could make good use of slower periods like winter break or weekends to move ahead. You’ll engage with content developed by university faculty, earn credit that appears on a University of Illinois transcript, and potentially transfer it to other colleges later. The flexibility means you can balance these courses with your high school schedule, extracurriculars, or family commitments. Because the cost is clearly listed and the modality is entirely online, this program can give you a head start on college credit without needing to relocate or attend in person.
8. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA): AI Credential Course
Location: Online (accessible from anywhere in Illinois)
Cost: Free for Illinois students
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited enrollment; registration required
Dates: January 12 – May 29
Application Deadline: Registration is open right now
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) interested in science/technology online learning
The AI Credential is a semester-long, asynchronous course designed for high school students in grades 9–12. This course offers an in-depth exploration of artificial intelligence (AI), tracing its evolution from early beginnings to today's rapidly advancing technologies. Students will examine how AI powers everyday tools such as speech recognition and computer vision, while also studying the underlying concepts of machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, and intelligent agents. In addition to the technical foundations, the course encourages critical analysis of the ethical, social, and safety considerations associated with AI's growing influence. The course is designed for independent, self-paced learners, blending multimedia resources, interactive activities, and reflective projects. By the end, students will have a foundational understanding of how AI works, its evolution, and its role in shaping the future. No prerequisite courses are required. Weekly office hour opportunities are facilitated by IMSA Computer Science faculty. Upon completion, students will receive a certificate.
9. CS50's Introduction to Computer Science
Location: Online (accessible from anywhere, including Illinois)
Cost: Free (with optional verified certificate for a fee)
Dates: Self-paced; 12 weeks, 6-18 hours per week
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to all learners, including high school students
CS50's Introduction to Computer Science is a comprehensive, entry-level course offered by Harvard University on edX. Designed for individuals with no prior programming experience. The course covers foundational topics in computer science, including algorithms, data structures, software engineering, and web development. Through engaging lectures and hands-on problem sets, students develop a strong understanding of computer science principles. The course is self-paced, allowing learners to progress according to their schedules. Upon successful completion, students receive a certificate that can enhance their academic and professional profiles.
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