If you're a high school student in Illinois looking for opportunities to enhance your medical skills over the summer, you should consider participating in a medical program! These programs offer a well-rounded introduction to the medical field, including physician shadowing, research, internships, and simulations.
By interacting with healthcare professionals, utilizing medical facilities, and engaging with the latest technologies, you can explore your interests, gain confidence, and build a strong foundation for your future career. These programs provide hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world experience, helping you develop a competitive profile for college applications.
Whether you're considering a medical career, interested in medical research, or simply want to learn more about the healthcare industry, these programs offer the opportunity to gain practical experience, connect with professionals, and explore different career paths.
In this blog, we will discuss 15 medical summer programs for high school students in Illinois!
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)—Medicine Track
Subject Areas: Environmental health and engineering, network science, biophysics, psychology, international relations, biotechnology, chemistry, physics, behavioral economics, neuroscience, data science, machine learning, medicine, history, philosophy, political theory, sociology, and more!
Location: Virtual
Cost: There is a fee. You can raise an interest form here to find out the exact cost.
Application Deadline: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort and September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort.
Dates:
- Summer seminar: June 24–September 2, 2024
- Fall seminar: October 23, 2024–February 19, 2025
- Flexible dates are available for Horizon Labs but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! You can check out the prerequisites for different tracks here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in fields such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biomedical engineering, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology. Students can choose between quantitative and qualitative research methods. For those interested in medicine, options include courses like Neuroscience, Medical Sociology, or Neurodegenerative Diseases.
After selecting a subject and research method, you will be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a leading university who will mentor you throughout the research process. You will work on developing a 20-page university-level research paper, which you can submit to reputable journals for potential publication.
This program provides an opportunity to conduct specialized research with expert guidance. You will also receive a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback on your project, which can be useful for future research and college applications. You can apply here!
Subject Areas: Biology, international relations, gender studies, engineering, environmental science, data science, economics, psychology, computer science, medicine, chemistry, business, entrepreneurship, physics, and more!
Location: Virtual!
Cost: Starts at $2,990. Financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: There are varying deadlines based on cohort. The main summer deadlines are March 17, April 14, and May 12. The final deadline for the summer cohort is June.
Dates: The summer cohort typically runs from June to August, the Fall cohort is held from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, and the Spring cohort runs from March to June. The programming length ranges from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in high school with an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4, can apply.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a research initiative aimed at high school students. It offers personalized research opportunities across various subjects. The program pairs students with Ph.D. mentors for one-on-one guidance in conducting independent research projects.
Throughout the program, you will work closely with your research mentor and a writing coach to select and develop your research topic. In addition to individual sessions, you will participate in workshops focused on the research process. For 12 weeks, you will explore your chosen topic and ultimately produce an independent research paper. Available research topics include psychology, data science, economics, computer science, physics, engineering, international relations, chemistry, and others. More details about the application process are available here.
3. Veritas AI
Subject Areas: Data science, AI, machine learning, and programming.
Location: Virtual
Cost: AI Scholars: $2,290 | AI Fellowship: $5,400 | Combination (AI Scholars + AI Fellowship): $6,900. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort. You can apply here!
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Eligibility: High school students who are passionate about AI and either have a basic understanding of Python or have completed AI scholars can apply to the AI Fellowship program.
Veritas AI, founded and managed by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students interested in developing computer science skills. The curriculum covers a range of topics in data science and artificial intelligence, such as neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, and Python programming.
Veritas AI provides up to 100% financial aid for its 10-week AI Scholars program. In this program, you will work in groups of 3-5 students on practical projects that allow you to apply your skills and interests. Additionally, you may apply for the AI Fellowship, which offers the opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from leading universities to create unique machine-learning projects over 12-15 weeks. Both programs are designed for beginners interested in gaining hands-on experience.
Subject Areas: Cancer immunology, neuroscience, bioengineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, artificial intelligence, physics, quantum mechanics, mechanical engineering, materials science, and more!
Location: The Grainger College of Engineering campus, Urbana, IL
Cost: Participation in this program is free, except for transportation to and from campus. Housing, meals, and a monetary award are included.
Application deadline: March 24, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: June 11–August 2, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Students entering 10th–12th grade from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, or Wisconsin are eligible to apply.
The Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Programs at UIUC offer high school students from diverse backgrounds the chance to engage in scientific research over a six-week summer period. Participants work on research in STEMM fields such as cancer immunology, neuroscience, and bioengineering, gaining firsthand experience in an academic environment. If selected, you will be assigned to a research group based on your application, including your statement and coursework. You can choose two of the following programs when applying:
- POETS Young Scholars: You will collaborate with researchers in the Center for Power Optimization and Electrothermal Systems on projects related to batteries and power distribution for large vehicles. This research connects electrical, mechanical, and materials engineering.
- SpHERES Young Scholars: You will work with researchers from the Carle-Illinois College of Medicine on projects in medicine, bioengineering, and neuroscience.
- Grainger Engineering Young Scholars (GEnYuS): You will participate in department-specific research in fields like computer science, mechanical engineering, quantum physics, aerospace engineering, and more.
The program provides hands-on learning and mentorship from university faculty and research staff. You'll work with faculty, post-doctoral researchers, graduate and undergraduate students, and high school teachers. At the end of the program, you'll present your research through a poster and symposium.
Subject Areas: Cell biology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, developmental biology, cancer biology, and chemistry.
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: The program costs $14,000, with need-based financial aid available in amounts ranging from $500 to $11,000, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Application Deadline: January 18, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: June 15–July 13, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Students currently in 10th or 11th grade are eligible to apply.
The University of Chicago's Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS) program provides high school students with the opportunity to explore biological sciences through a four-week intensive course. Students gain hands-on experience with molecular, microbiological, and cell biology techniques used in modern research labs. The program begins with two weeks of basic lab training, covering techniques in areas such as genetics, developmental biology, and cancer biology. The final two weeks are dedicated to independent projects and lectures that provide context for the experiments.
You will be required to complete weekly writing assignments, maintain a detailed lab notebook, read research articles, and take part in group presentations. You will also attend weekly seminars led by research faculty and present your research at a concluding forum. The program’s structure, which combines lectures, lab work, and seminars, reflects the workflow of actual research labs, offering you practical insights into biological research. This program is designed for students with a strong background and interest in science, particularly those who have taken honors or advanced courses in biology, chemistry, and math.
Subject Areas: Experimental cancer therapeutics, cancer disparities, biophysics, cancer research, bioengineering, biochemistry, cancer immunology, and pharmacology.
Location: University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost to participate, and students receive a taxable stipend of $3,000 after completing the program.
Application Deadline: January 22, 2024; TBA for 2025
Program Dates: The program lasts 8 weeks, running from the second full week of June through the first week of August. Dates for 2025 are yet to be announced.
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years old at the time of application, can apply.
The ResearcHStart program at UChicago Medicine provides high school students with an opportunity to participate in advanced cancer research alongside experienced professionals. This program, aligned with the focus of the cancer centers, provides hands-on experience in a range of lab techniques, diagnostics, and treatments. It is designed for students interested in medical research careers, equipping them with a strong foundation in scientific techniques and methodologies.
Through the ResearcHStart program, you will improve your research skills and develop essential critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that are important for future academic and professional pursuits. The program covers a broad range of fields including biophysics, immunology, biochemistry, and pharmacology, in addition to cancer research. At the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to present your research at a symposium attended by your peers and members of the participating universities. The program is highly competitive, selecting up to 30 students.
Subject Areas: Medicine, rehabilitation therapy, clinical diagnostics, healthcare, and career preparation.
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost: $6,795 (Residential Program)
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all available spots are filled.
Dates: June 23–July 10, 2024 | July 17–August 3, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Students must be between the ages of 14 and 18 and have completed at least one year of high school. They may also attend NSLC through the summer following their high school graduation.
NSLC’s Medicine Intensive High School Summer Program provides a distinctive and immersive experience for students interested in the medical field. Hosted at Northwestern University, the program offers an in-depth exploration of medicine through interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, and simulations that mimic real medical scenarios. You will have the chance to investigate different medical specialties and determine whether the fast pace of emergency medicine, the achievements of rehabilitation therapy, or the long-term impact of family practice aligns with your future career goals. You will also interact directly with professional medical practitioners, gaining valuable insights into the complexities and rewards of a healthcare career.
This program is particularly beneficial for students considering a medical career, as it establishes a solid foundation of medical knowledge while enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Throughout the program, you will learn advanced clinical diagnostics, develop treatment plans, manage critical medical situations, practice essential skills such as suturing and surgical knot tying by repairing lacerations and securing skin grafts, and treat injuries in a wilderness setting using natural resources.
Subject Areas: Science, medicine, genetics, biomedical research, cancer research, and career development.
Location: Virtual
Cost: There is no cost to participate in the program. Students receive a $500 taxable stipend after the program.
Application Deadline: March 4, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: SHE is a part-time program that lasts for two weeks, usually occurring during the second half of July.
Eligibility: Applicants must be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors in high school at the start of the program.
SHE (Summer Healthcare Experience) in Oncology is a virtual, multi-institutional program designed for high school students interested in science and medicine. The program aims to support individuals who identify as women and are underrepresented in the sciences, guiding them toward careers in biomedical fields, with a focus on cancer. During the program, you will work on a genetics-based research project and a patient case study project to investigate key aspects of cancer science and care.
You will participate in daily faculty lectures, panel discussions, and skill-building workshops to enhance your knowledge and build connections for future biomedical careers. In addition to lab work and interactions with medical professionals, you will present your research findings to mentors and peers and learn about other participants' projects. This program provides hands-on experience in cancer research and access to career development and skill-building workshops with professionals from various sectors of cancer research and care.
Subject Areas: Medicine, cancer research, and career development.
Location: The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
Cost:
- The program is free for all accepted participants.
- Students are responsible for arranging their housing and transportation to and from the University of Chicago during the summer research experiences.
- High school students receive a taxable stipend of $3,100.
Application Deadline: Applications are closed for 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates:
- Chicago EYES on Cancer is a two-year program that includes two eight-week summer research experiences and monthly activities during the academic year.
- The summer research experiences typically take place from the second full week of June through the first week of August.
- Specific dates are provided when application materials are released each fall.
- Dates TBA for 2025.
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, can apply. College freshmen and sophomores may also apply.
Chicago EYES (Educators and Youth Enjoy Science) on Cancer is a training program for high school and college students interested in careers in biomedicine, as well as secondary science educators. The program's key partners include experienced research mentors, STEM education experts, leaders in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and student representatives.
Over two consecutive summers, you will work full-time in the laboratories of established cancer researchers at the university. The program offers rigorous research training, complemented by a summer lecture series focused on cancer, year-round career development and skill-building workshops, and ongoing mentorship from faculty and peers. The program concludes with a research symposium where participants present their work in areas such as basic, translational, clinical, and population-based cancer research. Throughout the program, you will gain hands-on experience in advanced research settings and benefit from continuous support and guidance from a network of university faculty, research professionals, and program staff.
Subject Areas: Biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical science, math, and physiology.
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology (Mies Campus), Chicago, IL
Cost: Information about this is not currently available, but you can find out more by emailing precollege@iit.edu.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: July 8–July 19, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students can apply. Students must be at least 15 years old to participate in the residential program.
Illinois Tech’s Biomedical Engineering: Drug Delivery Innovations is a two-week program designed for high school students to explore biomedical engineering in-depth and understand how math and science underpin biomedical innovation. In the first week, you will learn about smart drug delivery systems, including hydrogels, beads, and nanomaterials, to see how biomedical engineers work with pharmaceutical science. The second week will focus on physiological measurements, where you will use electrophysiology equipment and software to measure and analyze heart activity, muscle, and brain electrical signals, demonstrating how biomedical engineers engage with physiology.
The program includes lectures related to the hands-on activities and features tasks such as preparing hydrogels with various polymers and crosslinkers, quantifying proteins and other molecules using spectroscopy techniques, analyzing physiological data with electrodes, and giving small presentations to highlight your experiences.
Subject Areas: Medicine, public health, clinical diagnostics, healthcare, emergency medicine, and internal anatomy.
Location: Multiple locations including Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost: $3,895 (Residential Program)
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all available spots are filled.
Dates: Multiple sessions were available in 2024; TBA for 2025
- June 23–July 1, 2024
- July 5–July 13, 2024
- July 17–July 25, 2024
- July 29–August 6, 2024
Eligibility: Students must be between the ages of 14 and 18 and have completed at least one year of high school. They may also attend NSLC through the summer following their high school graduation.
NSLC’s High School Summer Medical Program provides students with the chance to step into the role of a physician, practicing surgical skills, working with medical teams to diagnose patients, and discussing public health issues with their peers. Throughout the program, you will build the skills and knowledge necessary for a future career in medicine through experiential simulations. You will gain practical insights and perspectives directly from medical professionals and explore the field through immersive trips and tours.
The program offers in-depth workshops that cover advanced treatments, medical ethics, and the principles of compassionate patient care. You will engage in hands-on activities such as suturing, surgical knot tying, and studying internal anatomy. In addition, you will learn about clinical diagnostics and emergency medicine through multi-day simulations. The program also includes anatomy workshops where you will study internal bodily structures, prepare a public service announcement, and develop an intervention plan for a public health campaign.
Subject Areas: Biological sciences, clinical and laboratory research, and college application preparation.
Location: Louis A. Simpson and Kimberly K. Querrey Biomedical Research Center at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
Cost:
- There is no cost to participate in the program.
- Students will need to arrange their housing and transportation to and from the Northwestern campus in downtown Chicago.
- Participants will receive a competitive stipend.
Application Deadline: February 2, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates:
- The exact dates of the program vary each year. Generally, it starts in early June and runs through the end of July.
- If necessary, the program will work with a selected intern and their mentor to develop a more flexible schedule.
- Dates TBA for 2025.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are at least 16 years old can apply. Undergraduate students currently enrolled at an accredited college or university are also eligible.
The Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program, offered by the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at Northwestern University, provides a six- to eight-week paid research opportunity for students interested in the biological sciences. This competitive program integrates rigorous research training with academic and professional growth support.
Selected interns are paired with Northwestern faculty members and work on either hypothesis-driven or hypothesis-generating basic or clinical research projects. You will be required to work 40 hours weekly, usually from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. These projects are designed to contribute meaningfully to the lab’s research and enhance our understanding of lung disease mechanisms. In addition to research training, the program offers activities designed to assist with the college application process, support success in college, and guide future careers in science or medicine. The program ends with a presentation at the annual Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Symposium.
Subject Areas: Medical research, biomedical sciences, and lab skills.
Location: University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL
Cost: There is no cost for this program. Students will be paid a stipend sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Application Deadline: April 1, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: June 10–August 2, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old are eligible to apply. You can review the list of eligible high schools here.
The UI College of Medicine’s Summer Science Internship aims to encourage high school students to explore careers in science. This program helps participants gain an understanding of medical research and its role in advancing discoveries that contribute to disease cures. The summer research mentoring initiative, run by the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the College of Medicine Rockford, is a collaborative effort between Thermo Fisher Scientific (Pierce Biotechnology of Rockford) and the College of Medicine, specifically for students from the Rockford School District and nearby areas.
Throughout the program, you will join a research team, working with leading scientists at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford. During this time, a mentor will guide you, often establishing a long-term relationship beyond the summer, providing letters of reference for college admissions and future career opportunities. Each year, around 45 high school students apply for 5 available internship spots. Over the two-month internship, you will receive training in career-building skills, including resume preparation, interviewing, oral and poster presentations, leadership, and teamwork.
Subject Areas: Healthcare, career preparation, and counseling.
Location: Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL
Cost: There is a $100 camp fee.
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 are closed. Applications for the 2025 Rural Health Careers Camp will open on January 6, 2025.
Dates: June 24–June 26, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors who reside in and attend high school in a rural community with a population of 25,000 or fewer are eligible to apply.
The Rural Health Careers Camp is a three-day educational program designed for high school students interested in healthcare careers. You will engage in over 20 hands-on learning activities and labs that represent various healthcare professions and stay at an overnight facility to experience life on a college campus.
Throughout the camp, you will have the opportunity to learn from current healthcare providers and inquire about their passion for their careers. You will also interact with camp counselors who are health professions students and connect with peers who share similar interests. Each day at the camp will begin between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., with educational activities scheduled until dinner at around 5:00 p.m. Additional speakers, career workshops, and team-building games will take place after dinner, and you will have time to relax in the evening before “lights out” at 11:00 p.m. Most camp activities will be held at the camp location, with one day dedicated to rotations at the UIC Health Sciences Campus-Rockford, with transportation provided by coach bus on this day. Up to 50 students were selected to participate in the 2024 camp.
Subject Areas: Healthcare, STEM, first-aid, and CPR skills.
Location: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: There is no fee to participate in this program, and it is a paid opportunity.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March; TBA for 2025
Dates: June 24–August 2, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores or juniors who have a minimum weighted GPA of 2.5 and an attendance rate of 80% and who live in Chicago are eligible to apply.
Rush University’s MedSTEM Explorers is a six-week summer pre-internship program that gives high school students the chance to explore careers in STEM and health care while building academic and workplace skills. Participants also research real-world health issues affecting their Chicago communities. Throughout the program, you will explore different careers through workshops, research activities, and discussions with professionals. Classes take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Rush University Medical Center.
You will receive guidance on coursework and have opportunities to develop college-readiness skills, including critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, time management, and self-motivation. Workplace skills will also be emphasized through courses and training designed to teach basic healthcare skills, help you earn certifications, and improve work readiness. Additionally, you will have the chance to connect with professionals and other students across Chicago through career panels and community service activities. The program also offers opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials, such as first aid or CPR certification. Students who excel as MedSTEM Explorers may be considered for the MedSTEM Pathways internship program.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.