8 Chicago Summer Programs for High School Students
For high school students, summer is more than just time off—it's an opportunity to gain a competitive edge by participating in programs that foster personal and academic growth. These summer programs offer a wide range of experiences, from pre-college courses and internships to specialized camps and research intensives. Participating in summer activities helps you build skills, enhance your resume, and contribute to research projects.
In addition to helping you build new skills and learn about different career paths, summer programs can also be a valuable addition to your college application profile. Acceptance to a selective summer program not only sets you apart from other college applicants but also indicates your commitment to your academic interests to admissions officers.
Participating in a summer program in Chicago gives you access to the city's top educational institutions, including the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. Chicago’s thriving industries in finance, technology, healthcare, and the arts provide additional resources and learning opportunities.
Here are 8 summer programs in Chicago that provide valuable opportunities for high school students.
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost:
Immersion Program: $8,600 (includes housing and dining)(Note: Scholarships available, and financial aid is provided for students with demonstrated need.)
Pre-College Connect: $6,350 (two weeks remote, one week residential)
Research in the Biological Sciences: $14,000
Stones and Bones: $14,000
Summer College: $4,635 (remote)
Summer Language Institute (300 Unit Intensive courses): $7,960
Summer Language Institute (100 Unit Reading Courses): $4,635
Summer Online: $4,790
Visiting Undergraduate Courses: $4,635
Program Dates: 3-4 weeks, July – August (specific dates for 2025 not provided)
Application Deadline: Early March 2025 (check the website for exact dates)
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a strong academic record
The University of Chicago Summer Session offers high school students the chance to experience life as a college student while exploring their academic interests. Participants can choose from a wide range of courses, including those in the humanities, social sciences, and STEM. The program provides access to the university's renowned faculty, facilities, and resources. In addition to taking part in discussion-based classes and coursework at the college level, you will also attend workshops focused on academic writing and critical thinking. There are campus tours, Chicago cultural excursions, and networking opportunities with faculty and current students.
Location: Various locations across Chicago
Cost: Free (participants may earn stipends)
Program Dates: 6 weeks, June – August
Application Deadline: Applications for the summer program open in April
Eligibility: Chicago residents aged 14-18 who attend a Chicago high school
After School Matters offers a wide array of summer programs that cover interests ranging from the arts, technology, and sports to communications and science. Professional instructors lead these classes at public parks, schools, and community centers, among other places in the city. You will take part in workshops, showcases, and exhibitions. This is an affordable option for Chicago teens, as you can gain useful skills and receive stipends based on your level of participation.
Participants can join one of two main program categories:
Apprenticeship: Teens (aged 14+) learn specific skills in their chosen field and receive a stipend upon program completion.
Internships: Workplace experiences for teens (aged 16+) that directly connect to career pathways. Participants receive an hourly wage for their contributions.
Location: Various sites across Chicago
Cost: Free (participants may earn stipends for certain roles)
Program Dates: 6 weeks, June – August
Application Deadline: Early May 2025 (tentative)
Eligibility: Chicago residents aged 14-24
One Summer Chicago offers a wide range of experiences in sectors like community development, technology, the arts, and leisure by connecting young people with meaningful summer employment, internships, and volunteer opportunities around the city. In addition to developing your skills and gaining practical job experience, you’ll frequently get compensation for your work. This program not only provides a chance to explore different career paths but also allows students to give back to their communities and build a professional network in the city.
Location: Harold Washington College, Chicago, IL
Cost: No cost; participants receive stipends
Program Dates: 15-month program with alternating summer, fall, and spring coursework, plus a summer internship
Application Deadline: Applications are typically due in March
Eligibility: Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors attending high school in Chicago. Special consideration is given to under-represented groups in architecture, including BIPOC and female students
The CAC Teen Fellows Program offers a unique 15-month experience where students explore architecture, work on design projects, and attend college courses at Harold Washington College. You will earn college credit and gain exposure to industry professionals, building your portfolio and working with software like AutoCAD and Rhinoceros. The program includes a paid internship in the final summer.
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL (Chicago area)
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 15 – August 9, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application Deadline: April 16, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: High school freshmen and sophomores who attend a Chicago public high school
The Chicago Botanic Garden's Science First Program aims to spark an interest in biology and environmental science. This program allows you to work directly in gardens and natural areas to study plant science, ecology, and conservation. You will engage in scientific research, field studies, and lab experiments under the guidance of professional scientists and educators. The program includes special field trips, workshops on ecological topics, and opportunities for you to present your research findings to peers.
Location: DePaul University, Chicago, IL
Cost: $850 (partial scholarships available)
Program Dates: July 8 – 12, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application Deadline: June 10, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their freshman year by July 1 up to graduating seniors
The DePaul University Game, Cinema, and Animation Summer Academy offers high school students hands-on experience in film, TV, game development, animation, and sound design. You can choose from six tracks, including film production, game development, animation, screenwriting, and sound design, and work with DePaul’s faculty using industry-standard equipment. Throughout the week, you’ll collaborate on real-world projects, gain practical skills, and explore potential careers in creative industries. The program is a unique opportunity to learn from professionals, develop foundational skills, and showcase your work in a supportive, creative environment.
7. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost:
$2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program
$5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
$6,900 for both
Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here
Application deadline: Varies according to cohort
Program dates: Varies according to cohort
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. 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 tailored 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, students are 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, students 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. The fellowship encourages students to explore interdisciplinary approaches, enabling them to merge AI with various fields such as finance, medicine, sports, environmental science, and more! You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
Location: Field Museum, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Flexible during the summer (minimum commitment of 10 days)
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Eligibility: High school students ages 14-18
The Field Museum Teen Volunteer Program gives high school students the chance to work behind the scenes at one of Chicago's most renowned museums. Volunteers assist with various tasks, such as exhibit preparation, visitor engagement, and collections management. The program offers you a unique chance to explore museum careers, develop communication skills, and gain insight into the world of natural history and conservation. The program includes training sessions, field trips, and a final project presentation. This program is ideal for students who like science, history, and working in a collaborative environment.
One other option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, 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 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.