Summer is a great time for high school students to explore new interests, build practical skills, and gain experiences that go beyond the classroom. In Chicago, several organizations and universities offer free programs with hands-on learning in fields like science, technology, the arts, and leadership. These programs provide a chance to work with experts, collaborate with peers, and even get a glimpse of college life—all without the financial burden.
Whether you’re looking to dive into a specific subject or simply make the most of your summer break, these programs can help you grow academically and personally.
To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 10 free summer programs for high school students in Chicago!
1. Chicago Architecture Center Teen Fellows Program
Location: Chicago, IL
Dates: June 23 – May 9
Deadlines: March 31
Subject Areas: Architecture and design
Eligibility: Incoming sophomores, juniors, and seniors attending high school in Chicago
Cost: Free
Located at Harold Washington College, the Chicago Architecture Center Teen Fellows Program gives Chicago’s high school graduates access to delve into architecture and design. This program allows you to attend college courses, get dual credits with CPS and City Colleges of Chicago, and work on creative projects centered on local concerns. Using tools like Sketch-up, AutoCAD, and Revit, you’ll learn digital as well as physical design techniques. Along with the possibility of a paid summer internship at a nearby company, the program also includes excursions to architectural companies and notable places. During the program, you will also receive a stipend.
2. UChicago Medicine’s SHE in Oncology
Location: Virtual
Dates: Two weeks, typically in the second half of July
Deadlines: March 3
Subject Areas: Science and medicine
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors
Cost: Free; $500 stipend
The Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) in Oncology is an intensive, two-week experience where you will deep dive into the world of oncology, engaging in genetics-based research projects and patient case studies. The curriculum covers essential aspects of cancer science and care through regular lectures, panel discussions, and skill-building seminars. In addition to the academic content, you will work closely with peers and mentors, fostering collaboration and gaining insights into the challenges and advancements in cancer research and treatment.
3. SCC: Science First II 2025
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Dates: 4 weeks in the summer
Deadlines: TBD
Subject Areas: Botany, ecology, genetics, soil ecology, food webs, predator-prey relationships, the scientific method, environmental science, habitat studies, fieldwork, and data collection.
Eligibility: Students entering 9th and 10th grades.
Cost: Free
Held in the Chicago Botanic Garden, Science First II is a vibrant four-week summer program for upcoming ninth and tenth graders. You will examine the 385 acres of the garden and learn hands-on about botany, ecology, genetics, and more.
Through field activities, including quadrat studies and predator-prey games, you will acquire scientific inquiry skills and experience with actual research. The program also motivates students to investigate natural sciences while also helping them comprehend environmental science and the function of botanic gardens.
4. SCC: College First 2025
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Dates: 7 weeks in the summer
Deadlines: TBD
Subject Areas: Science, environmental studies, botany, ecology.
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders (current sophomores and juniors) attending Chicago Public Schools.
Cost: Free
The College First program, hosted by the Chicago Botanic Garden, offers high school students from Chicago Public Schools a free, seven-week summer experience that blends science education with hands-on work experience. As a paid intern, you’ll explore ecology, botany, and environmental science while developing professional skills and gaining practical work experience — all without leaving the greater Chicago area.
Mornings are spent in interactive group sessions, where you’ll participate in experiments, nature studies, and research projects focused on local ecosystems and environmental sustainability. In the afternoons, you’ll work one-on-one with staff mentors, assisting with scientific research, horticultural projects, and public education initiatives.
5. Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) Digital Scholars Program
Location: Discovery Partners Institute, Chicago, IL
Dates: June 24 – August 2 (Tentative, based on previous year)
Deadlines: Applications typically open March 1
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Data Science, Mobile App Development, Computer & Electrical Engineering
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders
Cost: Free
Through DPI’s Digital Scholars Program, you can dive into tech disciplines like computer science, data science, mobile app development, and engineering. This 6-week initiative seeks to create a varied future workforce in the tech sector for Illinois. You focus on five learning tracks: Mobile App Development & Design, Computer Science 111, Foundations of Computer Science & Coding, Data Science Discovery, and Exploring Electrical and Computer Engineering. The program can help you build college and career-ready abilities through interactions with Chicago’s active tech scene.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
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 and 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. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
6. Illinois Science & Technology Institute’s Mentor Matching Engine
Location: Virtual
Dates: Typically begin between September and November by creating a research project on the platform.
Deadlines: March 7
Subject Areas: STEM, social sciences, arts & humanities, and social justice.
Eligibility: High school students in Illinois
Cost: Free
Designed for high school students in Illinois, the Mentor Matching Engine (MME) of the Illinois Science & Technology Institute is a virtual program whereby experienced mentors work with students on long-term research projects. Focusing on STEM, social sciences, arts and humanities, social justice, or any intersectional issue, students develop a research project on the platform. They are then paired with volunteer mentors with subject-matter experience. Usually lasting a semester or a whole academic year, mentorships involve weekly meetings using the MME platform’s discussion forums and video conference facilities. Mentors offer insightful comments, direction, and encouragement throughout the study process. Students chosen to exhibit their creations at the showcase will get a $100 scholarship.
7. Girls Who Code SIP Program
Location: Virtual
Dates: July 7 – July 18; July 28 – August 8
Deadlines: April 11
Subject Areas: Game design computer science, step-by-step game design process, UX design, college and career advice, and industry insights
Eligibility: Current 9th-11th graders
Cost: Free
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program (SIP) is a two-week virtual experience for high school students (grades 9-11) to learn game design, computer science, and UX design. As a participant, you’ll attend live classes, explore the game design process, and hear from industry leaders. The program also offers career advice and community-building opportunities. A $300 needs-based grant is available for eligible U.S. students.
8. Girls Who Code Pathways Program
Location: Virtual
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Deadlines: April 11
Subject Areas: Web development, cybersecurity, data science, AI, coding languages, community building, and industry insights
Eligibility: Current 9th-12th graders, including Summer Programs alums and graduating seniors
Cost: Free
Girls Who Code Pathways is a six-week, self-paced program for high school students (grades 9-12) to explore web development, cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence. You can learn coding languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python, complete course projects, and connect with peers. The program also includes live events with industry leaders, offering valuable insights into tech careers.
9. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities
Eligibility:You must be enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall and must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
Cost: The program is fully funded!
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. This program is a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper. You can apply here!
9. Chicago State University Chemistry Camp
Location: Chicago, IL
Dates: June 17 – July 10
Deadlines: TBD
Subject Areas: STEM, Chemistry, Biology
Eligibility: 11th and 12th grade students (Have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale)
Cost: Free
The Chicago State University Chemistry Camp offers a four-week laboratory experience — the camp guides in developing a research project and hands-on training using contemporary chemical instruments. Research subjects for students will be natural product extraction, biodegradable polymer synthesis, and additive printing recycling methods. Those interested in STEM, chemistry, and biology will find this camp is a great chance for hands-on lab experience and field exposure.
10. Exelon Foundation STEM Academy—Chicago
Location: DePaul University, Chicago, IL
Dates: June 22 – 27
Deadlines: April 1
Subject Areas: STEM
Eligibility: Young women currently in 10th or 11th grade
Cost: Free
This free, week-long residential leadership program is housed at DePaul University in Chicago and is designed for young women interested in energy and sustainability. You can with inspirational women leaders in the energy sector through hands-on seminars and field trips.
As a participant, you will develop leadership skills, work on real energy projects, and compete in an energy challenge for awards. Every participant will also receive an iPad to use throughout the program, which they can retain thereafter.
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: The University of Chicago
