Gaining early exposure to medicine can help you develop technical skills, understand research methods, and build a strong foundation for future study in healthcare. If you’re based in Illinois and looking for a local program, you’re in luck!
Illinois is home to many hospitals, universities, and research institutions that offer structured opportunities for high school students each year. These programs range from clinical shadowing to biomedical research, giving access to specialized labs, scientific tools, and academic mentorship.
If you live in the state or nearby, opting for a local program can also be a financially practical choice, since many opportunities are commuter-based. Below is a curated list of 15 medical programs for high school students in Illinois, including research mentorships, pre-college courses, and internships designed to give direct experience.
13 Medical Programs for High School Students in Illinois
1. ResearcHStart
Location: Various universities in Chicago, IL
Stipend: $3,000 taxable stipend
Program Dates: 8 weeks from June – August
Application Deadline: January 22 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors (16+) who reside in Illinois or Lake County, Indiana; must show a strong interest in science, research, or medicine, and commit to 40 hours per week for 8 weeks
Over the course of 8 weeks, you will work full-time in a research laboratory at one of five leading Illinois institutions, gaining exposure to fields such as immunology, bioengineering, experimental therapeutics, and cancer disparities. Beyond research, the program offers faculty-led lectures, career development workshops, and structured mentorship from scientists and peers. The experience culminates in a research symposium where you will present your findings to the academic community, family, and peers.
2. Cancer Health Equity Summer Scholars (CHESS)
Location: University of Illinois Chicago Campus, Cook County, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $3,000
Program Dates: 8-10 weeks during summer (June – August)
Application Deadline: Early spring (varies by year)
Eligibility: High school students from groups underrepresented in the scientific workforce, including racial/ethnic minorities, socio-economic groups, and students with disabilities
The CHESS program offers underrepresented minority students hands-on training and mentorship in cancer research and the health professions. You will attend lectures and journal clubs on cancer health disparities, conduct mentored research with senior investigators, and participate in career development and skill-building workshops. The program also emphasizes scientific writing and presentation, equipping you with communication skills essential for future academic and professional success. With a selective cohort of about 15 students, you will gain close mentorship and exposure to fields such as medicine, nursing, public health, psychology, and social work while building a strong foundation for future careers in health equity and research.
3. Chicago EYES (Educators and Youth Enjoy Science) on Cancer
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $5,000 taxable stipend per year
Program Dates: Two consecutive summers; each summer is 8 weeks (June – August) + monthly academic-year activities (2-4 hours/month)
Application Deadline: Fall/Winter
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors (16+) residing in Cook, Lake, Will, or DuPage counties (IL) or Lake County (IN); College freshmen and sophomores; U.S. citizens or permanent residents only
Chicago EYES on Cancer is a two-year cancer research training program designed for high school and college students pursuing careers in biomedicine. You will work full-time for two summers in the laboratories of established cancer researchers, gaining direct exposure to basic, translational, clinical, and population-based research. Alongside research, you will attend a cancer-focused lecture series, participate in skill-building workshops, and receive year-round mentorship from faculty, research staff, and peers. The program culminates in a symposium, where you will present your work and build confidence in scientific communication.
4. STEM Camp
Location: University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Program Dates: One week in summer, full-day sessions
Application Deadline: Spring
Eligibility: High school students (16+)
The STEM Camp at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford showcases the impact of biomedical discoveries in disease treatment and the importance of engineering innovations in advancing healthcare. You will participate in lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities that showcase cutting-edge technologies in medical and bioengineering research. By working alongside faculty and peers, you will gain insight into what a career in science entails and evaluate whether this path excites and challenges you.
5. Summer Science Internship
Location: University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL
Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students (16+) in the Rockford School District and nearby communities
During the Summer Science Internship, you will work full-time in laboratories at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, alongside scientists conducting research in cancer, vaccine development, and drug discovery. With only five positions available each year, the program is highly competitive, drawing around 45 applications annually. Beyond lab work, you will gain career-building training in resume writing, interviewing, leadership, and scientific communication through oral and poster presentations. Mentorship is a central component, as faculty guides often support you well beyond the internship with reference letters and career advice.
6. Rural Health Careers Camp
Location: University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL
Cost: $100
Program Dates: June 23 – June 25
Application Deadline: Opens in January
Eligibility: Rising freshmen, sophomores, or juniors from rural communities (population 25,000 or less); Preference for students from designated Illinois counties; Seniors and students outside these counties considered if space allows
During the Rural Health Careers Camp, you will take part in more than 15 hands-on activities and labs that represent different careers in medicine, nursing, public health, and allied health fields. The camp includes direct interaction with healthcare providers, who share insights into their professions, and counselors who are current students in health professions. Living in university residence halls, you will also experience college life while connecting with peers who share your interests in healthcare.
7. Health Science Pathways
Location: Multiple Chicago Public Schools
Cost: Free (part of CPS Career & Technical Education)
Program Dates: Integrated into the high school academic year
Application Deadline: Varies by CPS high school enrollment
Eligibility: CPS high school students interested in healthcare careers; Programs and certifications vary by school
Health Science Pathways within Chicago Public Schools allow high school students to explore careers in healthcare while earning certifications and hands-on experience. Depending on the pathway, you will learn medical terminology, human anatomy, safety, CPR/First Aid, and systems of the body, along with specialized training in biomedical sciences, allied health, or medical assisting. Some programs allow you to earn certifications such as EMT, Phlebotomy Technician, Patient Care Technician, and Pharmacy Technician, giving you a head start in healthcare professions. You will also participate in site visits, speaker events, job shadowing, and internships with local healthcare providers.
8. NM GCM Grosvenor Discovery Program
Location: Multiple Northwestern Medicine hospitals in Illinois
Cost/Stipend: None
Program Dates: November 15 – May
Application Deadline: August 4 – September 29
Eligibility: 15+ high school sophomores and juniors (suburban chapters may consider seniors) with a 3.0 GPA (students below 3.0 may apply with explanation); Commitment to full program attendance required
As a participant in the Discovery Program, you will gain professional development, leadership experience, and opportunities to network with healthcare providers and students in health professions. Each chapter (Central, North, Northwest, West, Greater DeKalb, South) is tied to specific counties, and placement is based on where you live or attend school. Central Chapter offers a two-year track, while other chapters run for one year. By participating, you will explore different roles in healthcare, engage in community partner experiences, and build early preparation for college and career pathways in health sciences.
9. Sci-High Program
Location: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Louis A. Simpson and Kimberly K. Querrey Biomedical Research Center, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: None
Program Dates: June 16 – July 18
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a strong interest in STEM research; must have completed biology and chemistry (AP/IB preferred); full-time commitment required; must comply with Northwestern’s COVID-19 vaccination and booster requirements
In the Sci-High Program, you will be paired with a faculty mentor and placed in a Northwestern lab, where you will design and conduct a project in areas such as biology, chemistry, or medicine. The program emphasizes professional skill development through mentored research, weekly workshops, and seminars on research design, evaluation, and communication. At the end of the summer, you will present your findings in a formal research symposium.
10. MedSTEM Explorers
Location: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: December 8 – February 27
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and juniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA and an 80% attendance record; Must be a resident of Chicago or Oak Park & River Forest (zip codes 60302, 60303, 60305); COVID vaccination required
In the MedSTEM Explorers pre-internship program, you will explore careers through workshops, panels, and research discussions with professionals, while also strengthening workplace skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and time management. The program includes academic enrichment to prepare you for college, along with opportunities to earn certifications like First Aid and CPR. As a participant, you will also engage in community service and networking with peers across Chicago. Successful Explorers may be invited to continue into the MedSTEM Pathways internship program, providing a long-term entry point into healthcare careers.
11. MedSTEM Pathways
Location: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Program Dates: Summer Session: June 15 – July 31; Fall/Spring Sessions: Internship-only continuation for summer alumni (January – March or September – December)
Application Deadline: December 8 – February 27
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors or recent graduates with a minimum 2.5 GPA and an 80% attendance record; Residents of Chicago or Oak Park & River Forest (zip codes 60302, 60303, 60305); COVID vaccination required
During this program, you will gain hands-on work experience in various fields, including diagnostics, clinical engineering, emergency medicine, finance, IT, research, and allied health. Alongside your internship, the summer session integrates classes in workplace readiness, college preparation, and life skills, while fall and spring sessions continue the internship experience alone. You will also have the chance to earn industry-recognized credentials such as ECG Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant, or IT Specialist.
12. Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) in Oncology
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $500 taxable stipend
Program Dates: 2 weeks, typically in late July
Application Deadline: Spring
Eligibility: High school students in Cook, Lake, Will, or DuPage counties (IL) or Lake County (IN); Must show a strong interest in science, medicine, or biomedical careers and commit to the full two-week program
The Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) in Oncology is a virtual program designed to introduce high school students to biomedical career pathways with a focus on cancer research and care. Over two weeks, you will collaborate on both a genetics-based research project and a patient case study, gaining hands-on experience through a home lab kit. Daily lectures, panel discussions, and professional skill-building workshops provide exposure to diverse perspectives in cancer science and healthcare.
13. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) – Virtual
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: None
Program Dates: 5 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: December 1 – March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
During this five-week virtual program, you will be introduced to neuroscience research through structured coursework and mentorship from Johns Hopkins researchers. You will explore core brain science concepts, practice interpreting scientific data, and engage in guided activities simulating basic lab techniques. The program combines lectures, small-group mentorship, and professional development workshops to strengthen your understanding of neuroscience and future career pathways. Special emphasis is placed on critical reading, scientific writing, and research communication, giving you transferable academic skills.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Johns Hopkins University