If you’re a high school student in Chicago interested in medicine, local summer programs offer a hands-on (and financially accessible) way to explore the field. Organized by universities, hospitals, and nonprofits throughout the city, medical summer programs can familiarize you with college-level academics and practical skills such as measuring vitals, operating lab equipment, and engaging in clinical simulations.
Many medical summer programs also include shadowing opportunities, guest lectures from healthcare professionals, and career panels to help you better understand medical pathways. Some medical summer programs in the list below are free or offer financial aid, making them accessible to a wide range of students.
We’ve compiled 15 medical summer programs for high school students in Chicago that can help you gain early experience and build a strong foundation for a future in healthcare.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more. You can choose between quantitative or qualitative research tracks, one of the few programs offering this option.
After selecting your subject and research type, you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a top university who will guide you through your research. You will develop a 20-page research paper that can be submitted to prestigious journals for publication.
The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed feedback to help with future projects and college applications.
2. Northwestern Medicine – Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old by May 31 of the program year are eligible to apply.
Cost / Stipend: No cost; students receive a stipend.
Location: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
The Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program at Northwestern University offers a paid research opportunity for students interested in biological sciences. Participants are matched with faculty mentors and work on basic or clinical research projects related to lung disease. The program also includes sessions on preparing for college or graduate school and ends with a presentation at the Summer Research Symposium.
3. Veritas AI – AI + Medicine Deep Dive
Dates: The program typically runs for 25 hours over 10 weeks on weekends.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior Python experience are eligible to apply.
Cost: $2,290 (Need-based financial aid is available)
Location: Virtual
The AI + Medicine track from Veritas AI gives high school students a chance to explore how artificial intelligence is used in the healthcare industry. In this program, you’ll explore areas like AI-driven diagnostics, medical image interpretation, and data-based prediction models.
You’ll gain hands-on experience with real-world tools and learn how AI technologies are developed and applied in clinical settings. You’ll also develop a strong foundation in both technical and medical knowledge, helping you understand how AI is integrated into real-world healthcare systems. Here is the program brochure and the application form!
4. UChicago Medicine – ResearcHStart
Dates: The second full week of June until the first week of August.
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: Eligible applicants are high school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program and have a strong interest in scientific research or medicine.
Cost / Stipend: No cost; $3,000 stipend
Location: University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern University, or Rush University
ResearcHStart is a full-time summer program for high school students in the Chicago and Urbana-Champaign areas that offers hands-on experience in cancer research. You’ll work in research labs focusing on topics like cancer immunology, bioengineering, therapeutics, and health disparities. The program includes faculty lectures, professional development workshops, and mentorship. It ends with a symposium where you present your research.
5. University of Illinois Cancer Center – CHESS: Cancer Health Equity Summer Scholars
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors from groups underrepresented in science and healthcare
Cost / Stipend: No cost; $3,000 stipend
Location: University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL
The Cancer Health Equity Summer Scholars (CHESS) program is an eight-week initiative for underrepresented minority high school students interested in cancer research or health careers. Participants conduct independent research in UIC faculty labs in areas like molecular biology, computational science, and biostatistics. The program also includes lectures, workshops, and skill-building sessions, and ends with a research presentation at the Cancer Center’s student symposium.
6. Rush University Medical Center – MedSTEM Explorers
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen and sophomores
Cost / Stipend: No cost; students receive a stipend
Location: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
The MedSTEM Explorers program at Rush University Medical Center is a six-week paid summer pre-internship for high school students. It focuses on STEM and healthcare careers while helping you build academic and professional skills. You’ll take part in workshops, research projects on local health issues, and college readiness sessions. The program also offers healthcare training and certification. Strong performers may be invited to join the MedSTEM Pathways internship.
7. UChicago Medicine – SHE in Oncology
Dates: 2 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest in a career in scientific research or medicine
Cost / Stipend: No cost; students receive a stipend of $500.
Location: Virtual.
The Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) in Oncology is a virtual, two-week program for high school students interested in science and medicine. It focuses on cancer and aims to support women and underrepresented groups in science. You’ll complete a genetics-based research project and a patient case study, exploring both scientific and clinical aspects of cancer. The program includes daily lectures, panels, professional development workshops, and hands-on research using a home lab kit.
8. Rush University Medical Center – MedSTEM Pathways
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Cost / Stipend: No cost; students receive a stipend
Location: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
MedSTEM Pathways is a paid internship that provides hands-on experience in healthcare and STEM fields. You’ll be placed in departments at Rush University Medical Center or partner sites based on your interests. The program combines work-based learning with classroom instruction in college readiness, life skills, and industry certifications.
You can develop academic and professional skills through training, mentorship, and networking. Interns can also earn credentials in areas like ECG technology, certified nursing assistant, and IT support.
9. UChicago – 3 Week Immersion: Medicine Track
Dates: Session 1: June 14 – July 4 | Session 2: July 7 – July 26
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Current high school students who are at least 14 years old
Cost: Residential: $8,900 | Commuter: $5,850 (Need-based financial assistance is available)
Location: The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
The University of Chicago’s 3-Week Immersion program allows high school students to take intensive, credit-bearing courses over three weeks. You will engage with academic subjects at the undergraduate level via seminars, research projects, and practical learning experiences. Students interested in medicine can explore areas like molecular biology, biotechnology, neuroscience, infectious diseases, and developmental psychology.
10. UChicago – Research in the Biological Sciences
Dates: June 14 – July 12
Application Deadline: January 18
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 – 11
Cost: $14,490
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
This four-week intensive program provides hands-on training in molecular, microbiological, and cellular biology techniques commonly used in research laboratories. You’ll start with core skills and advance to topics like genetics, developmental biology, and cancer research.
After two weeks, you’ll conduct independent research projects. The program offers practice in scientific communication through writing, lab notes, article reviews, and group presentations. Weekly faculty seminars enhance learning and conclude with a research forum for presenting your work.
11. University of Chicago’s DSI Summer Lab
Dates: June 16 – August 12
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: High school seniors who live in the Chicago area
Cost/Stipend: Free; students receive a $5,600 stipend
Location: John Crerar Library at the University of Chicago Hyde Park campus, IL
The Data Science Institute Summer Lab at the University of Chicago is a paid summer research program. You’ll work with mentors on projects in fields like computer science, materials science, social science, public policy, climate and energy, and biomedical research. You will learn research methods, teamwork, and applied data science, with training tailored to your lab.
You’ll share your research through videos at a summer symposium. The program also offers professional development opportunities for careers in data science and computing. Past projects have involved deep learning for animal tracking, federated learning algorithms, economic trading games, and robot design for child emotional learning.
12. Illinois Institute of Technology’s Elevate College Prep
Dates: Varies
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students aged 14–17 are eligible to apply. Students must be at least 15 to participate in the residential program.
Cost:
- Residential program: $1,500 – $3,000
- Commuter program: $500 – $650
- Virtual program: $300 – $375
- There is a $100 application fee.
Location: Virtual or in-person at Illinois Institute of Technology (Mies Campus), Chicago, IL
Illinois Tech’s Elevate College Prep offers STEM summer programs for middle and high school students. You can explore subjects such as coding, chemistry, biomedical engineering, architecture, game design, sustainability, robotics, law, mathematics, and more. Taught by faculty and industry professionals, the programs focus on hands-on, interactive learning and allow you to engage with peers and current students.
After completing a program, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion and a $500 scholarship toward undergraduate tuition at Illinois Tech.
13. High School Pharmacy Camp (HSPC) – UIC College of Pharmacy, Rockford
Dates: April 5
Application Deadline: Typically opens in late fall
Eligibility: High school students
Cost: $25 to attend, which includes lab activity fees and a t-shirt
Location: UIC Health Sciences Campus at Rockford, Rockford, IL
The UIC College of Pharmacy High School Pharmacy Camp (HSPC) is a half-day program that introduces students to the field of pharmacy through hands-on activities and panel discussions. Launched in 2016, the camp helps students determine whether a career in pharmacy aligns with their interests. Participants gain insights into the profession, including over 80 career paths, and explore both traditional and emerging roles in pharmacy.
14. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s High School Summer STEM Research Program–IDEA
Dates: May 29 – August 1
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade students from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, or Wisconsin
Cost: Free; stipend provided
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, Urbana, IL
The High School Summer STEM Research Program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides students the chance to engage in hands-on research in areas such as cancer immunology, neuroscience, AI, physics, quantum mechanics, bioengineering, and electrical engineering. You will spend over 35 hours per week working with researchers from the university’s engineering, computer science, and medical departments, gaining practical experience and deepening your understanding of your chosen area. The program concludes with a symposium where you’ll present your findings to peers and professionals.
15. Chicago EYES on Cancer Program – University of Chicago Medicine
Dates: Two consecutive 8-week summer research experiences, typically from the second full week of June through the first week of August
Application Deadline: December 2
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and at least 16 years old by program start
Cost: Free; $5,000 taxable stipend each year.
Location: The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
Chicago EYES on Cancer is a two-year training program for high school and college students pursuing careers in biomedicine, as well as for secondary science educators. Participants work full-time in cancer research labs over two summers and take part in lectures, research training, and year-round career development workshops. The program offers mentorship from faculty and peers, culminating in a symposium where participants present research in areas such as basic, clinical, translational, or population-based cancer studies.
Image source – Northwestern Medicine
