9 STEM Programs for High School Students in Chicago, Illinois
For high school students in Chicago interested in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, STEM programs for high school students in Chicago, Illinois offer valuable opportunities beyond the classroom. These programs provide hands-on experience in research labs, exposure to emerging fields like quantum computing, and mentorship from university faculty and industry experts. Participating in STEM programs as a high schooler based in Chicago can help you develop technical skills, collaborate with like-minded peers, and strengthen your college applications—especially for competitive STEM undergrad programs!
Here are 9 STEM programs for high school students in Chicago that you can apply to.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,990–$8,900 depending on the program; financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort.
Program Dates: 12 weeks to 12 months, depending on the program
Eligibility: Open to students based in Chicago
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.
Location: Chicago
Cost:$14,000
Program dates: June-July
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: Current high school freshman, sophomore, or junior who is at least 14
This program provides participants with an opportunity to explore prehistoric life, from prehistoric creatures to the geological history of our planet. Through a combination of fieldwork and classroom instruction, students gain practical experience in fossil excavation, preparation, and analysis. The program is popular for its faculty and access to world-class research facilities, which can serve to offer a comprehensive understanding of paleontological principles.
3. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290–$6,900 depending on the program; financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Program Dates: Year-round cohorts
Eligibility: High school students in Chicago interested in AI; AI Fellowship requires Python knowledge or completion of AI Scholars
Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students, and the programs are geared toward high school students who want to build their foundations in computer science. In the program, students learn various concepts in data science and artificial intelligence like neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, coding using Python, and more.
Veritas AI offers up to 100% financial aid for the 10-week AI Scholars program. Through the program, students build real-world, hands-on projects in groups of 3-5 to showcase their interests and skills. You can also apply for the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase Program where you work 1-1 with mentors from top universities to build unique machine learning projects over a period of 12-15 weeks. These programs are a great option for you if you like engaging in hands-on learning and are a beginner!
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $500 taxable stipend
Program Dates: a 2-week, part-time program that typically runs in the second half of July
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors OR rising college freshmen who can commit to 4 hours per day on weekdays for the 2-week program
Supported by the American Cancer Society, this program offers young women and diverse students the opportunity to explore scientific research with a focus on cancer biomedicine. Each year, twenty high school students are selected to join a learning community dedicated to understanding cancer at both the molecular and clinical levels.
Participants receive their own laboratory equipment to conduct hands-on cancer research from home, engaging with real genetic studies and patient case scenarios. The program also includes sessions with leading scientists, specialized workshops, and discussions on current biomedical topics. This combination of practical research, mentorship, and networking provides a strong foundation for students interested in biomedical careers.
Location: University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program Dates: The program runs from the second full week of June through the first week of August.
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors, at least 16 years of age at the time of application.
This research program is designed for high school students interested in contributing to oncology studies while learning essential research methodologies. Participants work in laboratory settings, gaining hands-on experience with fundamental techniques and scientific investigation processes.
Students develop both technical skills and analytical thinking, preparing them for future academic and career pursuits in medical research. The program takes place at UChicago Medicine's advanced research facilities, offering direct mentorship from experienced scientists. The best part? You will receive a $3,000 stipend upon completion, subject to taxation.
Location: Illinois Tech University campus, Chicago, IL
Cost: $650 - $6000, depending on the program (Both residential and commuter options are available)
Application Deadline: May 3 (tentative)
Program Dates: Vary depending on the program between June and August
Eligibility: High schoolers at least 14 years old can apply
This program offers high school students the chance to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through intensive, hands-on learning. Participants can choose from courses in areas like architectural design and computer science fundamentals.
Taught by Illinois Tech professors, the courses combine practical applications with theoretical concepts to deepen understanding. The program helps you build technical skills and foundational knowledge, which is a solid way to build a skillset for future research projects and internships. This program is a good choice if you’re looking for something structured, under the banner of a popular university in the state known for its STEM programs.
Location: University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 5
Program Dates: July 21 - 26
Eligibility: Current 11th-grade students, who are at least 15 years old, and enrolled in a U.S. high school, can apply.
The University of Chicago's Science Discovery Program offers high school students a hybrid learning experience, combining online math instruction with a week-long on-campus residency. Participants engage in interactive classes, facility tours, and presentations that introduce diverse scientific disciplines.
During the residency, students connect with scientists and alumni working in fields like molecular science, mathematics, and computational studies. Visits to research institutions such as Fermilab and Argonne National Laboratory provide firsthand insight into scientific careers. The program fosters an inclusive learning environment, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds.
Location: University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Cost: $14,000; need-based financial aid available (from $500 - $11,000).
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program Dates: June 15 - July 13
Eligibility: Current 10th or 11th grade students.
The University of Chicago's Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS) program is a four-week intensive designed for high school students interested in advanced biological research. You will gain hands-on experience with molecular and microbiological techniques, from foundational lab skills to more complex research methodologies. The curriculum covers areas such as genetic research, developmental biology, and cancer biology, providing a broad understanding of modern biological sciences.
Set in a residential campus environment, the program offers an immersive experience that mirrors professional research labs. You’ll engage in daily lab work, collaborate with peers, and learn from experienced instructors, offering a practical insight into the world of scientific research.
Location: Discovery Partners Institute, Chicago, IL
Cost: No cost
Program Dates: June 24 – August 2
Application Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-grade students as well as first-year college students at City Colleges of Chicago and Illinois institutions
The Digital Scholars Program is a summer initiative designed to introduce high school students to technology and computing, with a focus on underrepresented groups in tech. The curriculum combines technical instruction with core programming concepts, covering areas such as data analytics, electrical engineering principles, and iOS development.
You will engage in interactive sessions with industry professionals, gaining insights into real-world applications of technology. The program also emphasizes workplace skills, including teamwork, effective communication, and professional development. This blend of technical training and career preparation helps students build a strong foundation for future opportunities in the tech industry.
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.