11 Internships for High School Students in Illinois
Participating in an internship during high school can be a transformative experience, and can provide invaluable insights into various career paths and industries. Internships also offer hands-on opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, develop critical professional skills, and gain a competitive edge for college applications. Engaging in early professional exposure can significantly enhance your resume, showcasing their initiative, commitment, and readiness to tackle higher education and future careers.
In this article, we highlight 11 internships available for high school students in Illinois.
Whether you're passionate about science, technology, medicine, or law, there's an internship for you!
Cost: $2,490
Application Deadline: October 20, 2024
Internship Date: The start date for the cohort is November 11, 2024
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program
The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Through the 8-week internship, students have the opportunity to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. Students work directly with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more. This program is a great opportunity for students who have prior experience with AI/ML and are looking to gain real-world exposure to a career in the field. Students get a chance to network with industry professionals, work closely with company leadership, and receive a letter of completion from the company at the end of the internship. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: $1990 (Financial Aid Available)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates and gap year students!
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Dates/Duration: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries from tech/deep tech, AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.
Interns are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management and other such valuable skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Location: University of Chicago campus, Chicago, Illinois
Stipend: $500 taxable stipend
Eligibility:
Rising high school sophomore, junior or senior OR rising college freshman at start of program
Strong interest in a career in scientific research or medicine
Ability to commit to the full two-week program (weekdays only, 4 hours/day)
Application Deadline: Admission to SHE is based on teacher nominations from participating Chicago high schools. For more information, please contact SHE@bsd.uchicago.edu.
Dates/Duration: SHE is a two-week, part-time program that typically runs the second half of July.
The "SHE in Oncology" program is a virtual initiative designed specifically for Chicago high school students with a keen interest in science and medicine. This two-week program offers a comprehensive exploration into the field of oncology, allowing participants to delve into genetics-based research projects and patient case studies.
Throughout the program, you will engage in daily faculty lectures, panel discussions, and skill-building workshops, providing a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The curriculum covers key aspects of cancer science and care, equipping students with a robust understanding of oncology.
By participating in "SHE in Oncology," you will collaborate with peers and mentors, gaining invaluable insights into the challenges and innovations in cancer research and treatment. The program aims to inspire and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals, fostering a deep interest in oncology and related medical fields.
Location: University of Chicago campus, Chicago, Illinois
Stipend: Taxable stipend of $3,000
Eligibility:
High school junior or senior at time of application
At least 16 years of age at start of program
Strong interest in a career in scientific research or medicine
Ability to commit to 8 full weeks of programming, 40 hours/week
Application Deadline: January 22, 2024
Dates/Duration: ResearcHStart generally runs from the second full week of June through the first week of August. Specific dates are announced with the release of application materials each fall.
ResearcHStart is an exceptional opportunity tailored for high-achieving high school students with a passion for cancer research. This full-time summer program places you directly in the laboratories of renowned researchers, offering hands-on experience in cutting-edge areas such as cancer immunology, bioengineering, experimental cancer therapeutics, and cancer disparities.
During the program, you will immerse yourself in the world of cancer research, working alongside experts and gaining practical skills that are pivotal in this field. The program also emphasizes mentorship, providing access to a robust network of university faculty, research professionals, program personnel, and peers. This ongoing support ensures that you have the guidance needed to navigate your research journey effectively.
Additionally, ResearcHStart includes targeted career development and skill-building workshops, designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge necessary for a future in cancer research and beyond. These workshops cover a range of essential topics, enhancing your overall learning experience. By participating in ResearcHStart, you not only contribute to meaningful research but also build a solid foundation for your academic and professional future.
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus
Stipend: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 10th - 12th Graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, or Wisconsin.
Application Deadline: 2024 Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research application is closed, check back for 2025 deadlines.
Dates/Duration: June 20, 2024 — August 2, 2024
If you are looking to immerse yourself in authentic STEM research, the Summer STEM Research Programs at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a unique and enriching experience. This program provides high school students with the opportunity to explore diverse fields such as cancer immunology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, physics, quantum mechanics, bioengineering, electrical engineering, and more.
You will engage in over 35 hours per week of hands-on research and learning, working closely with established researchers from the university's engineering, computer science, and medical faculties. This intensive schedule ensures that you gain a deep and practical understanding of your chosen field, honing your skills and expanding your knowledge.
The program culminates in a symposium where you will present your research findings. This showcase not only allows you to share your work with peers and professionals but also helps you build confidence in your abilities and accomplishments. The collaborative environment and mentorship from top-tier researchers will provide you with insights and skills that are crucial for success in these fields.
Location: California, Illinois, Texas
Stipend: $2,000 (paid at the end of the internship). Housing and transportation costs are not covered.
Eligibility: High school seniors and undergraduate students can apply.
Application Deadline: January 12, 2024 (the program will continue to accept late applications until slots are filled)
Dates/Duration: June-August (6 weeks minimum)
The Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) offers prestigious internships to high school students traditionally underrepresented in the legal field. These internships are highly selective, aiming to provide students with invaluable exposure to the judicial system by placing them with state or federal judges. Interns will engage in substantive judicial research and writing, contributing directly to the judicial process.
In addition to hands-on legal experience, participating cities host comprehensive orientations and receptions to welcome interns. These events are excellent networking opportunities, often featuring local law firms that conduct additional networking activities and events. Interns may also have the chance to observe court proceedings, providing a unique insight into the practical workings of the judiciary.
Locations:
The Michael and Karyn Lutz Center, Chicago
Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, Chicago
After School Matters at Gately Park, Chicago
Stipend: $15.80/hour
Eligibility:
Must be a Chicago resident/ attend a Chicago Public High School
Open to teenagers from ages 14 to 18.
Application Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Dates/Duration: June 24, 2024 — August 2, 2024
The After School Matters (ASM) Program offers Chicago teens ages 14-18 a unique opportunity to explore internships across various fields, including STEM. The program is designed to be flexible, accommodating the specific interests of each participant.
There are three types of internships you can choose from:
Apprenticeship: This hands-on program allows students to develop a skill in a specific area. Open to any student aged 14 or above, apprenticeships provide an immersive experience in a focused field of study.
Assistantships: Aimed at students aged 16 and above, assistantships offer an introduction to the workplace environment. Participants will work on team-based projects under the guidance of mentors, gaining valuable experience in collaborative settings.
Internships: Reserved for high school students aged 16 and above, these internships follow a traditional format. Interns can lead team-based projects or develop their own, gaining leadership and project management experience.
All participants receive a stipend or hourly wage, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and rewarded. Additionally, After School Matters places a strong emphasis on using data to evaluate their impact and develop new consumer programs. This offers a great opportunity for those interested in analytics to contribute meaningfully to ASM's initiatives.
Location: University of Chicago campus
Stipend: $4,800
Eligibility:
Open to all high school students.
Familiarity with at least one programming language and relevant coursework (e.g., computer science, statistics, and math) is preferred.
Application Deadline: January 16, 2024
Dates/Duration: June 10, 2024 — August 5, 2024
The DSI Summer Lab at the University of Chicago is a 10-week, paid summer research opportunity designed for high school and undergraduate students with a keen interest in applied, interdisciplinary data science research. This immersive program pairs students with experienced data science mentors who guide them through research methodologies, practices, and teamwork in various domains, including data science, computer science, climate and energy policy, and more.
Participants will gain a thorough understanding of fundamental data science methodologies and receive specialized training within their chosen application areas. Throughout the program, students will develop their research skills by engaging in hands-on projects, collaborating with mentors and peers, and exploring complex problems.
The program culminates in the presentation of final videos that outline each student's research findings. These presentations are conducted in a professional conference format, allowing participants to interact with their peers, field questions about their projects, and gain valuable feedback. This comprehensive experience not only enhances students' technical skills but also prepares them for future academic and professional endeavors in data science and related fields.
Location: Varies from internship to internship, can be virtual as well
Stipend: Varies based on internship
Eligibility:
High School Students
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
Application Deadline: Varies from internship to internship
Dates/Duration: Varies from internship to internship, but should be in one of these three cohorts -
Fall - from late August/early September to mid-December (16 weeks)
Spring - from mid-January to early May (16 weeks)
Summer - from late May/early June to August (10 weeks)
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagements offers a wide array of internship opportunities across their facilities in America. Whether you are near a NASA facility or prefer a virtual setup, NASA provides a multitude of options. For those located far from any NASA center, virtual internships are available, ensuring accessibility to students nationwide. You can explore their database to find internships tailored for high school students.
One particularly recommended internship is the Supply Chain Quality internship, which is conducted entirely online. In this role, you'll assist the supply chain quality team in achieving their objectives. Your tasks will include navigating the Meta supply chain database, and tracing, reporting, and analyzing data to support the team’s goals. This hands-on experience is invaluable for those interested in learning about supply chain management and quality assurance in a highly respected organization like NASA.
For more details and guidance on how to apply, check out this ultimate guide to NASA internships, which will help you navigate the application process and maximize your chances of securing an internship.
Location: The Discovery Program offers six chapters:
Cook County (City of Chicago and North Suburban Cook)
Lake County
McHenry County
DeKalb, Kendall, LaSalle, Lee and Ogle counties
DuPage County and Kane County
Will County and South Suburban Cook County
Stipend: Varies based on internship
Eligibility: First-year applicants must:
Be at least 15 years of age.
Be entering sophomore or junior year of high school. Suburban chapters will accept seniors on a limited basis.
Have an academic GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 GPA scale. Students with a GPA below 3.0 can explain any unique circumstances on their application, and they may still be considered.
Application Deadline: The application window for the 2023-2024 program has closed, applications were due on September 29, 2023. Please revisit this page in August 2024.
Dates/Duration: The 2023-2024 session began on November 18, 2023. The 2024-2025 session is expected to begin in November, 2024.
The Northwestern Medicine Discovery Program is an enriching opportunity designed for high school students who are eager to explore careers in healthcare. This program provides a unique, immersive experience, allowing participants to gain hands-on exposure to various medical fields and professions. Over several sessions, students will engage in interactive learning experiences, such as job shadowing healthcare professionals, participating in clinical skills workshops, and attending informative seminars on different medical specialties and healthcare topics.
Participants will also benefit from mentorship and guidance from Northwestern Medicine professionals, which helps to foster a deeper understanding of the healthcare industry and the various career paths it offers. This program is ideal for students considering a future in medicine, nursing, biomedical research, or other health-related fields. By participating in the NM Discovery Program, students will not only enhance their knowledge and skills but also strengthen their college applications and gain valuable insights into their potential career paths.
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL. Note that transportation, housing, or meals will not be provided. Fermilab can help you with discounted rates for local hotels near the internship site.
Stipend: $16.20 per hour
Eligibility:
Students who are high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors at the time of application are eligible.
Juniors with experience programming computers or working with mechanical or electrical systems are encouraged to apply.
Students applying must be enrolled in an Illinois high school, and be US citizens or have a permanent resident status.
Application Deadline: January 15, 2024
Dates/Duration: June 17, 2024 — August 2, 2024
The intensive 7-week summer internship at Fermilab offers an unparalleled opportunity for students passionate about contributing to groundbreaking research in particle physics. Fermilab, under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, is a leading national laboratory dedicated to particle physics and accelerator research. This program places interns at the forefront of scientific discovery, working directly with Fermilab's top scientists on projects that include particle physics, particle accelerators, detectors, computing, and quantum science.
Interns play a crucial role in various tasks such as data collection through surveys, contributing to the research team's abstract, and delivering regular oral presentations that highlight their progress throughout the internship. While interns can express their preferences for specific research areas, project assignments vary each year based on the lab's current research focus. These projects are meticulously aligned with Fermilab’s mission and encompass a diverse range of scientific inquiries, all detailed on the lab’s official website.
One other option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing research in a subject of your choice, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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