10 Computer Science Internships for High School Students in Illinois
If you’re a high school student interested in computer science, internships can provide early exposure to how programming and technical problem-solving are used in real settings. These programs allow you to assist with coding projects, analyze datasets, contribute to software tools, or observe how development teams approach complex technical challenges. Many internships also include mentorship and collaborative work, helping you build practical skills in programming, debugging, documentation, and communication.
Why should you intern in Illinois?
Illinois offers a range of opportunities through universities, research institutions, and technology-focused organizations that host programs specifically for high school students. These internships often connect participants with academic labs, startup environments, or educational initiatives that emphasize project-based learning. For students living in the state, or those interested in its academic and technology networks, these programs can provide structured pathways to develop coding experience and explore future study in computer science.
To help you begin your search, we’ve curated a list of 10 computer science internships in Illinois for high school students.
If you’re looking for free programs in Illinois, check out our blog here.
1. DSI Summer Lab
Location: The University of Chicago, Data Science Institute, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $5,600
Application Deadline: January 12
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Eligibility: High school students in the Chicago area
The University of Chicago’s DSI Summer Lab offers a paid, eight-week research program for high school and undergraduate students to gain practical experience in data science. No prior research experience is necessary to participate. Each student collaborates with a mentor in fields such as computer science, materials science, social sciences, biomedical sciences, climate policy, or public policy. The program emphasizes collaborative learning, helping students develop both technical and communication skills as they work alongside peers and professionals. Additionally, it introduces students to potential long-term career paths in data-driven disciplines.
2. Ladder Internships - Computer Science Track
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available | None
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter; Fall cohort: September 14
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply here.
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships provides high school students with remote internship opportunities at fast-growing start-ups. Participants work with companies in fields such as technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and other emerging sectors. Many of these start-ups are Y Combinator–backed and have founders with backgrounds at organizations like Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey. Throughout the internship, you collaborate with both a start-up supervisor and a Ladder Coach while completing project tasks. The experience concludes with a presentation of your work to the company team.
3. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Multiple labs across the country
Stipend: New participants: $4,000 | Returning participants: $4,500
Application Deadline: November 1; applications open on August 1
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High school students who have completed grade 9 and are 16 or older by the internship start date
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) offers high school students an eight-week opportunity to engage in practical STEM research at Navy laboratories. Participants are supervised by experienced mentors while contributing to ongoing naval science and engineering projects. The program offers insight into the work environment at naval research facilities and the technologies they support. Students also engage in professional development activities like shadowing, networking, and leadership sessions.
4. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Programs
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: June 17 – July 3 (Excluding orientation and move-in for residential program)
Eligibility: Rising 10th – 12th Graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, or Wisconsin.
Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Programs provide high school students with structured research experiences across multiple STEMM disciplines. In this program, you engage in hands-on research activities in fields such as cancer immunology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, physics, quantum mechanics, bioengineering, and electrical engineering. You work alongside established researchers while interacting with faculty members, graduate students, medical students, and other research staff. Weekly seminars cover topics such as college admissions processes, scientific communication, and poster preparation. You conclude the program by presenting your research through a poster at a final symposium.
5. Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Location: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia, IL
Stipend: $500 per week
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: July 13 – August 7
Eligibility: Illinois high school seniors or recent high school graduates
The Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM) is a four-week summer school designed for students interested in STEM fields. In this program, you explore topics such as particle physics, quantum science, engineering design, and artificial intelligence through lectures, hands-on activities, and facility tours. Each week focuses on a different scientific theme, introducing you to research areas and STEM career pathways. You interact with Fermilab scientists and STEM professionals who lead sessions and discussions. The program includes mentorship and professional development opportunities connected to scientific research environments.
6. UChicago Youth Internship Program
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid, amount is not specified
Application Deadline: February 20
Dates: June 22 – July 30
Eligibility: Students who reside in Chicago and attend public high school, including charter schools in Chicago, and are at least 16 years old by the start of the program
The University of Chicago Youth Internship Program (YIP) is a paid summer employment program for Chicago public high school students. Over two summers, you explore STEM careers while building skills connected to college preparation and workforce readiness. In the first year, you participate in workshops, seminars, guest speaker sessions with STEM professionals, workplace tours, leadership lessons, and college tours. Students who complete the first year can apply for a second-year six-week internship in health sciences, computer science, or IT services within University departments. Internship tasks may include training, job shadowing, research summaries, and participation in meetings.
7. Northwestern University Research Program for High Schoolers
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Stipend: $4,000
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from Chicago and Evanston-area high schools
The Northwestern University Research Program for High Schoolers (NURPH) offers a paid, seven-week experience in which students collaborate directly with researchers in the Materials Science and Engineering Department. Participants engage in 25 hours of practical research, gaining hands-on laboratory experience. The program also features 5 hours of professional development to enhance essential STEM skills, as well as 5 hours of coursework covering fundamental concepts in materials science and engineering. While the focus is primarily on materials science research, the field often overlaps with computational modeling and engineering technologies. Funding for the program comes entirely from various STEM organizations, including the National Science Foundation.
8. Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) Digital Scholars
Location: Downtown Area, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 8 or when the program reaches capacity
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-grade students residing in Illinois
The Discovery Partners Institute Digital Scholars Program is a six-week pre-college summer program for students in the Chicagoland area interested in computing and technology fields. In the program, you enroll in one course track such as data science, electrical and computer engineering, computer science and coding, iOS app design, or programming in Swift. Coursework includes hands-on projects such as analyzing datasets, building circuits, or developing mobile app prototypes using tools like Swift and Xcode. Although it is not a traditional internship, it includes many of the components and provides structured exposure to computer science and technology. Daily speakers and weekly workshops introduce Chicago’s technology ecosystem and career pathways.
9. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) - Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,400 + $45 application fee (full financial aid available for both application and program fees) | None
Dates: June 15 – 26 | July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: Students entering 9-12 grade in the fall, over the age of 14 by the start of the program
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week online program where high school students explore how artificial intelligence is applied in medicine. It features lessons on fundamental AI concepts and their clinical uses, along with mentorship and team research activities. Experts from various fields give talks on recent advances in medical technology. Special “Meet the expert” sessions highlight career options in academia, healthcare, industry, non-profits, and government, offering insights into real-world AI applications and professional pathways. Students may choose to continue their research after the main program. A Certificate of Completion is awarded upon meeting all program requirements.
10. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,299 + $25 application fee; waivers are available
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: 15 years or older by June 18
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University allows high school students to participate in research projects guided by faculty mentors. You gain hands-on experience with advanced tools while working in fields like neuroscience, cybersecurity, climate science, bioengineering, and nanoscience. The program enhances your skills in research communication, scientific writing, and problem-solving through interactions with STEM professionals. Students may also have chances to contribute to publications or present their research publicly. Past projects have explored diverse topics such as robotics, renewable energy, infectious diseases, and space discoveries.
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
With Veritas AI, which was founded by Harvard graduate students, you can work 1-on-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we have had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. Check out a past student’s experience in the program here. You can apply here!
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