Research opportunities allow high school students to experience college-level academics and gain practical skills. These experiences can help you build valuable connections and enhance your critical thinking — essential skills for college and beyond. High school students in Chicago, IL, have many such opportunities to conduct research. 

Whether you’re interested in research, internships, or other opportunities, our guides can help you find programs that fit your interests. Check out this blog on research programs, or if you’re looking for programs in Chicago, we’ve got you covered. 

To help high school students explore the best options, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 research opportunities in Chicago, IL. These programs are fully funded, highly selective, and hosted by known organizations, making them a valuable addition to your college admissions profile.

1. University of Chicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart

The ResearcHStart program offers high school students the opportunity to engage in cancer research at state-of-the-art laboratories in participating institutions. Under the guidance of cancer researchers, you will gain experience in fields such as bioengineering, cancer immunology, cancer disparities, and experimental cancer therapeutics. The program provides research training, faculty lectures, career development workshops, and mentorship from faculty. Admission is competitive, with only 30 students selected each year. You’ll work individually and collaboratively on a research project, culminating in a research symposium where you will present your findings to faculty, students, and family members. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here. 

Location: University of Chicago | University of Illinois at Chicago | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Northwestern University | Rush University.

Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will receive a taxable stipend of $3,000.

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.

Program Dates: Second week of June through the first week of August every year (8 weeks).

Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years old and from the Chicago and Urbana-Champaign areas.

2. Chicago Architecture Center Teen Fellows Program

The CAC Teen Fellows program introduces Chicago youth to architecture. You will take college courses at Harold Washington College, earning dual credits while working on research-driven design projects that address local community challenges. Spanning three semesters, the program starts with a six-week summer session focused on research-based design and continues during the academic year. You’ll develop personal portfolios, research architectural solutions, and use software like SketchUp, AutoCAD, Rhino, and Photoshop for digital design work. The program includes visits to architecture firms and site tours, offering insight into the research and development behind architectural projects. Additionally, you will have the chance to secure a paid summer internship.

Location: Harold Washington College

Cost: Fully funded, stipend provided.

Application Deadline: March 31

Program Dates: June 23 — May 9

Eligibility: Incoming sophomores, juniors, and seniors attending high school in Chicago are eligible.

3. Chicago EYES on Cancer

The Chicago EYES (Educators and Youth Enjoy Science) on Cancer program offers high school and college students the opportunity to gain experience in cancer research. Over two consecutive summers, you’ll work in the labs of cancer researchers at the University of Chicago. In addition to the lab experience, you’ll participate in a lecture series focused on cancer research, attend career development workshops throughout the year, and have access to a network of faculty and peer mentors. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research at a symposium, showcasing work from various areas of cancer research, including basic, translational, clinical, and population-based fields. 

Location: University of Chicago Medicine, Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL

Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend of $5000 is provided annually.

Application Deadline: Currently closed. Sign up for their mailing list for updates here. 

Program Dates: 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.

Eligibility: Must be a high school sophomore, junior, or senior, at least 16 years old when the program starts, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and able to commit to the complete two-year program.

4. Data Science Institute (DSI) Summer Lab at the University of Chicago

The Data Science Institute Summer Lab program at the University of Chicago provides an 8-week, paid research opportunity for high school students. Partnering with a mentor, you will explore how data science techniques can be applied across fields such as public policy, computational modeling, and scientific research. As a research assistant, you will work with data science methodologies, gaining experience analyzing patterns, building models, and interpreting results. The program features a weekly speaker series where experts discuss the role of data science in addressing real-world challenges. It concludes with a summer symposium, where you will present your research findings through a final video.

Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend of $4,800 provided

Application Deadline: January 12

Program Dates: June 16 — August 8

Eligibility: Applicants must be high school students based in the Chicago area. International students can apply but must provide documentation for work authorization in the U.S.

5. Chicago Botanic Garden’s Science Career Continuum

The Chicago Botanic Garden offers two programs for high school students focused on environmental and conservation science. Science First allows about 60 students from Chicago Public Schools to work with research scientists to explore the Garden’s 385 acres. Over four weeks, you will engage in activities and collaborate with peers. College First is a paid, seven-week internship for eligible Chicago Public High School students. It offers mentorship as well as field ecology and conservation science experience. It also provides college preparation and career insights. 

Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL

Cost: Free; participants may earn a stipend for the College First Program

Application Deadline: Typically in May. TBD 

Program Dates: Science First :  July 15 — August 9 | College First :  June 17 — August 9 (includes the orientation) 

Eligibility: All applicants must be enrolled in a Chicago Public School. Science First applicants must be high school freshmen or sophomores; College First applicants must be high school sophomores or juniors.

6. UChicago’s Quantum Quickstart Program

This one-week program offers high school students an introduction to quantum mechanics through research experiences. You’ll attend lectures from faculty at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, participate in theoretical discussions, and tour research laboratories for quantum computing and engineering. The program focuses on research in quantum computers and their applications in the consumer market. You’ll also participate in activities like quantum-adapted board games that illustrate key concepts like entanglement. The program also includes sessions on preparing for STEM careers. It offers a chance to meet with UChicago admissions counselors, providing valuable insight into the college admissions process and research opportunities in academia.

Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Cost: $2,500. Financial support is available for all students, with program fees waived for those from households earning $120,000 or less and fees plus domestic travel expenses covered for those earning $65,000 or less.

Application Deadline: March 5 (regular) | April 9 (extended)

Program Dates: July 27 — August 1

Eligibility: Current 9th or 10th-grade students who are at least 14 years old and enrolled in an Illinois high school.

7. Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS) at the University of Chicago

RIBS is a four-week pre-college program that introduces high school students to research techniques in molecular biology, microbiology, and cellular biology. You will work with university researchers to apply molecular methods to developmental biology and microbiology projects. In addition to lab work, the program offers lectures to provide background knowledge and introduce new concepts. The experience concludes with you presenting the findings of your independent research project.

Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. This is a residential program. 

Cost: $14,490. Partial need-based scholarships are available. 

Application Deadline: Mid-January

Program Dates: Mid-June to the beginning of July.

Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors are eligible. Students must have completed one year of high school biology by the program's start.

8. Illinois Tech’s Summer College Programs for High School Students

Illinois Institute of Technology’s Summer College Programs offer high school students a chance to deepen their knowledge in STEM fields. These programs combine research-focused learning with practical application, helping you build problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. You’ll explore subjects like experimental architecture and computational science. Some programs provide insight into the research process, while others involve projects that require thorough research. Guided by faculty, you will build technical skills and a solid understanding of key concepts, preparing you for future academic and career pursuits in STEM.

Location: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL

Cost: $600 — $3100, depending on the program and duration, including the $100 application fee. Residential and commuter options are available.

Application Deadline: May 1

Program Dates: Vary depending on the program between June and August. All dates are available here.

Eligibility: High schoolers between the ages of 14–17 are eligible.

9. University of Illinois Summer Science Internship

The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford offers a summer science internship to explore medical research and its applications. Organized with Thermo Fisher Scientific, the program involves working on projects in vaccine development, drug discovery, and cancer research. You’ll join a research team, receive mentorship from scientists and faculty, and develop essential lab skills. The internship includes professional development training and concludes with you presenting your work through oral presentations and posters. With only five spots available, this program is highly selective. 

Location: University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford (Rockford, IL)

Cost/Stipend: No cost. You will receive a stipend (amount not specified).

Application Deadline: April 1

Dates: June 9 — August 1

Eligibility: Illinois high school students at least 16 years old by May 1 of the year they apply to the program. Check here if your high school is eligible for this program.

10. Argonne National Laboratory’s College Bound Research Program

This program lets high school students work in a laboratory or office environment under the mentorship of scientists and engineers. You will receive access to the national laboratory’s state-of-the-art technologies and facilities and contribute to ongoing research. The lab conducts research in advanced computing, energy, discovery science, global security, chemical sciences, and more. This research program is a unique opportunity to work at a laboratory of national importance. Although it is not located in Chicago itself, the lab is one hour from the city. 

Location: Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 

Eligibility: Local Illinois high school seniors who are 18 years old by the start of the program and have a minimum GPA of 3.75 on a 4.0 scale.

Application Deadline: Applications usually close in March.

Dates: June 10 - August 2.

Cost/Stipend: No cost to participate, but students must arrange their own housing and transportation. You will receive a weekly stipend of $500.

One other option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, 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 4,000 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.