If you’re a high schooler based in Chicago looking to explore advanced academics, you’re in luck! Chicago is home to multiple universities that offer pre-college programs each year, across a wide range of subjects.
As a participant, you will take part in structured, university-led courses that often include lab work, research, or real-world projects. These programs help you develop subject-specific knowledge, use tools or software, and prepare for college-level academic expectations.
Pre-college programs are different from regular summer camps or enrichment workshops. They’re hosted by universities and associations, usually take place over the summer, and are often paid. You follow a defined curriculum, attend classes led by faculty, and sometimes earn college credit. The focus is academic and skill-based, designed to prepare you for colleges and careers beyond that.
Here is a curated list of 15 pre-college programs that you can explore as a high school student in Chicago:
1. University of Illinois, Chicago CHANCE STEM Academy
Cost: Free
Location: University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) campus
Program Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: Till seats are available
Eligibility: Incoming UIC students in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or Computer Engineering
In this program, you can take two college-level courses, one in a declared engineering major and one in Black Studies. The projects are team-based and introduce core concepts in mechanical, electrical, civil, or computer engineering. Faculty-led sessions focus on technical labs, applied problem-solving, and foundational academic skills.
The curriculum blends theory with real-world application, supported by partners such as ComEd, Project SYNCERE, and UIC’s College of Engineering. You can gain exposure to collaborative learning environments and also have the opportunity to be selected for a residential option during Weeks 6 and 7.
2. University of Illinois, Chicago Future Leaders in Health Program
Cost: Free
Location: University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) campus
Program Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: Till seats are available
Eligibility: Students enrolled in public health and public policy for Fall 2025
This 8-week program is designed for incoming UIC students with an interest in healthcare careers. You can take two introductory college-level courses—one in Public Health and one in Policy Studies. The curriculum explores how social, economic, and historical factors influence public health systems and career paths.
UIC faculty lead interactive sessions that include case studies, policy analysis, and healthcare-focused discussions. You can connect with professionals through a structured speaker series and gain early exposure to core skills used in public health fields.
3. One Summer Chicago
Cost: Paid opportunity
Location: Across the city of Chicago
Program Dates: Varies by assignment; generally runs late June – early August
Application Deadline: Applications typically open March 15; Deadline May 1
Eligibility: Chicago residents ages 14–24
This citywide program connects high school and college-age youth with paid summer jobs and internships across government, nonprofit, and private sectors. You can work with partners like the Chicago Park District, Chicago Transit Authority, or the Lincoln Park Zoo. Opportunities span community service, environmental conservation, urban planning, and more.
Through an online learning platform, you earn digital badges in areas like career readiness, financial literacy, and goal setting. These badges can support future job applications by signaling workforce preparedness. The program serves over 20,000 young people annually through employment models like Chicagobility, SYEP, and CYSC.
4. University of Illinois Chicago Digital Scholars – Computer Science Program
Cost: Free
Location: University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) campus
Program Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: Applications open March 1; Deadline May 15
Eligibility: Incoming UIC freshmen majoring in Computer Science
This 8-week in-person program offers incoming UIC computer science majors the chance to build foundational programming skills through college-level coursework. The curriculum blends coding instruction with hands-on design projects that apply computer science principles to real-world contexts.
Faculty-led instruction is combined with industry exposure through guest speakers and mentorship from professionals in the field. A residential option is available in Weeks 6 and 7 for selected students. Those who complete the program and enroll at UIC may receive college credit.
5. University of Chicago 1-Week Enrichment Programs
Cost: $2,500 (need-based financial aid available)
Location: University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Program Dates: July 13–18, July 20–25, or July 27–August 1
Application Deadline: March 5
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–17
You can choose from a range of one-week, non-credit, residential programs that introduce you to subjects in policy, science, and research. Programs are discussion-based and academically rigorous, mirroring college-style learning at UChicago.
You’ll work on structured group projects and explore topics like quantum mechanics, climate change, constitutional law, and global conflict through faculty-led classes. These short-format programs help you build skills in argumentation, evidence analysis, and collaborative learning. If eligible, you can receive financial aid covering tuition and round-trip travel.
6. University of Chicago 2-Week Career Insight Program
Cost: $5,625
Location: University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Program Dates: June 14 – June 27, 2025
Program Times: Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 3:00pm
Application Deadlines: Priority: January 22; Regular: March 5; Extended: April 15
Eligibility: High school students in 9th–11th grade (minimum age 14)
This two-week, non-credit residential program allows high school students to explore potential career paths through academic coursework and professional engagement. You can choose one of four career clusters: Business and Entrepreneurship, Healthcare and Biological Sciences, Law and Social Impact, or Technology and Innovation.
Mornings are dedicated to instruction by UChicago faculty, while afternoons feature site visits, alumni panels, and career development workshops. Since all clusters run at the same time, you can only join one. You will build a portfolio grounded in practical experience and gain deeper insight into your intended college major.
7. University of Chicago 3 Week Immersion
Cost: $5,625
Location: University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Program Dates: June 14 – July 7; July 4 – July 26
Application Deadlines: Priority: January 22; Regular: March 5; Extended: April 15
Eligibility: High school students in 9th–11th grade (minimum age 14)
This residential summer program gives you the chance to take a deep dive into a college-level subject. You’ll choose from a range of seminar-style courses in areas like molecular biology, economics, philosophy, data science, and creative writing.
Courses are led by UChicago faculty and combine discussion, research, and independent work. You’re required to live on campus during the program. Admission is competitive and requires a transcript, short essays, and one teacher recommendation.
8. University of Chicago 4-Week Practicum
Cost: $14,490 (need-based financial aid available)
Location: University of Chicago campus
Program Dates: June 14 – July 12
Application Deadline: Priority deadline January 22
Eligibility: Current 10th–11th grade students (must be at least 15 years old)
This four-week residential program offers a research-focused experience in one of two tracks: Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS) or Stones and Bones. In RIBS, you gain lab skills in molecular biology, microbiology, and cell biology, starting with core techniques and advancing to applied research methods.
Stones and Bones introduces you to paleontological fieldwork through coursework at the Field Museum and a 10-day fossil excavation in Wyoming. You earn 200 units of UChicago undergraduate credit and engage in college-level academics while living on campus in a structured and intensive setting.
9. School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) Early College Program Summer Institute
Cost: Varies by session
Location: SAIC Campus, Chicago
Program Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: Priority deadline: March 1; Regular deadline: June 2
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18; must have completed sophomore year by the start of the program
This program offers high school students the opportunity to engage in college-level art and design courses, earning college credit upon completion. Courses are taught by SAIC faculty and cover a range of disciplines, including 2D and 3D animation, painting, sculpture, and fashion design.
The curriculum emphasizes studio practice, critical thinking, and creative exploration. You also participate in workshops and have the chance to exhibit your work at the end of each session. The program provides a comprehensive introduction to the artistic process and prepares students for further education in the arts.
10. Illinois Institute of Technology Elevate College Prep Summer Programs
Cost: $300-$6500 (depends on course)
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL
Program Dates: June through August (varies by course)
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
The Elevate College Prep Summer Programs at Illinois Institute of Technology prepares high school students for STEM and business careers with hands-on, project-based learning. Courses include robotics, coding, data science, and engineering design.
The curriculum integrates industry-relevant software and tools, emphasizing problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. Faculty and industry professionals guide you through practical challenges to develop the required skill set. The program fosters a STEM mindset and college readiness through rigorous academic content and teamwork.
11. Chicago Architecture Center Teen Fellows Program
Cost: Free
Location: Harold Washington College, Chicago, IL
Program Dates: June 23 – May 9
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12 in Chicago and surrounding areas
The 15-month Teen Fellows Program offers Chicago youth an opportunity to build foundational architecture skills. You attend college courses at Harold Washington College, earning credits from City Colleges of Chicago. The program includes exploring Chicago’s built environment, working with physical models, developing digital designs using software such as SketchUp, AutoCAD, Rhinoceros, Revit, Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop
You will also visit architecture firms and architecturally significant sites. Fellows earn a stipend and have the chance to intern at a local architecture or design firm in the final summer of the program, pending performance.
12. City of Chicago Student Intern Pool
Cost: Free; some positions may offer compensation
Location: City of Chicago departments
Program Dates: Varies by department
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school, college, and graduate students
The Department of Human Resources (DHR) has established a Student Intern Pool for students interested in gaining experience in municipal government. You can choose from internship opportunities in the Mayor’s office, the fire department, the family and support services, the Office of Inspector General, and more.
Alternatively, you can join the recently developed student intern pool. By submitting a profile, you become part of a pre-qualified candidate pool considered for various internship opportunities across city departments. This streamlined process allows you to be efficiently matched to available positions, providing valuable insights into public service careers.
13. Chicago Botanic Garden Science First Program
Cost: Free (includes transportation and lunch)
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Program Dates: Summer July 15 – August 9
Application Deadline: April 16
Eligibility: High school freshmen and sophomores who attend a Chicago public high school
Science First is a summer science enrichment program designed to increase high school students’ knowledge and appreciation of the environment and how scientists study it. You engage in hands-on activities, scientific investigations, and field trips, learning about nature, biology, ecology, environmental justice, and related topics.
The program is divided into two sessions: a three-week session for rising 7th and 8th graders, and a four-week session for rising 9th and 10th graders. You work on group projects and present your findings at the end of the program. Transportation and lunch are provided, and the program is free of charge.
Bonus Programs:
Although these programs are not based out of Chicago, their virtual nature allows you to take part in them without the commute:
14. Veritas AI Trailblazers Program
Cost: $1,900 (financial aid available)
Location: Online
Program Dates: June – August (multiple cohorts)
Application Deadline: Rolling (early deadlines in April and May)
Eligibility: High school students interested in AI and research
Veritas AI Trailblazers is an online AI and machine learning research program designed for high school students with a strong interest in computational thinking and real-world applications of artificial intelligence. The program includes foundational instruction in Python, supervised learning, and neural networks, followed by a mentored research project.
You engage in small-group sessions, 1:1 mentorship, and coding labs that focus on data-driven problem solving. Areas of research span healthcare, finance, and social impact. The Trailblazers track is beginner-friendly and structured to guide students through the full lifecycle of an AI project.
15. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Cost: $2,990 (Individual Research Program)
Location: Online
Program Dates: Summer Cohort: June 3 – August 25
Application Deadline: May 12
Eligibility: High school students globally
Founded by Harvard and Oxford PhDs, Lumiere Research Schlolar Program is a 12-week program that pairs high school students with PhD mentors to complete an independent research project. You can select subject areas in STEM and Humanities and Social Sciences, including computer science, psychology, biology, education, economics, or international relations.
With 1-on-1 mentor support, you can begin to develop a research question, apply methodology, and write a paper for final submission. Upon completion, you are eligible to receive 3-postbaccelorette credits along with a digital transcript from UCSD Extended Studies.
Image source – University of Illinois Chicago
