If you’re a high school student looking to acquire a new skill or explore a particular subject, consider enrolling in a local program. They offer hands-on experience in professional settings that match your interests. If you’re based in and around Evanston, IL, many universities and organizations in Evanston offer programs that can help you apply what you’ve learned in school to practical situations, prepare for college, and connect with mentors and peers.
You might take college-level classes, work on group projects, gain practical experience, and in some cases, even earn college credit. Choosing a local program can also cut down on housing or travel costs. These programs can help enhance your academic profile for college and future job opportunities. Whether you’re diving deeper into a favorite subject or trying out something different, you’ll get to learn from and work with professionals, and explore career options.
To help you get started, here’s a list of 15 programs in Evanston, Illinois, for high school students, spanning fields like engineering, medicine, research, law, leadership, art, and astronomy:
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
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! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 42.5% | AI Scholars: 5:1 student/mentor ratio, AI Fellowship: 1:1 student/mentor ratio
Dates: Multiple cohorts are offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort.
Eligibility: All high school students can apply to AI Scholars. Those with Python experience or who’ve completed AI Scholars can join the AI Fellowship program.
Veritas AI offers opportunities for students interested in exploring artificial intelligence. Started by Harvard researchers, the programs are led by instructors from top schools like MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Princeton. The AI Scholars program is a beginner-friendly, 10-session course that covers AI, machine learning, and data science through hands-on projects using real-world examples. If you’ve got some programming experience, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase is a more advanced option that you can consider. You’ll receive one-on-one mentorship from a university mentor to create a research project and get help preparing it for publication. You can see past student projects here.
3. NSLC’s Chicago Day Programs at Northwestern University
Location: Northwestern University, Chicago, around 13 miles from Evanston, IL
Cost: $750 per program | $1,400 for AM+PM combined program; scholarships are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderately selective
Dates: July 21 – July 25 | July 28 – August 1 | August 4 – August 8
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 14 and 18 who have completed at least one year of high school, including recent high school graduates
NSLC Day Programs at Northwestern University are summer commuter programs for high school students, offering hands-on introductions to careers in various fields, including medicine, business, engineering, and art and design. You can choose one program that focuses on a specific career path or try a few to explore different fields. Either way, you’ll build basic career skills, learn from professionals, and get a better idea of what you might want to study in the future. Workshops and labs offer practical experience, covering topics such as Aerospace and Emergency Medicine, Graphic Design, Entrepreneurship, Psychology, Neuroscience, and more. You’ll also explore niche areas like Environmental Engineering, Music Production, Finance, Nursing, Social Media Marketing, Hospitality, and many others. Each program also includes a leadership curriculum with workshops on networking, communication, conflict resolution, and goal-setting to help you build skills for any path you choose.
4. Northwestern University’s NHSI Film & Video Division
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost: $7,500 + $60 application fee + an extra $30 if applying to multiple concentrations; need-based scholarships and financial aid are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; faculty-student ratio varies from 1:5 to 1:10
Dates: June 29 – August 2
Application Deadline: January 10 (early deadline) | March 14 (regular deadline)
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors in or near the top 30% of their class, with strong interest or talent in media arts
Northwestern University’s National High School Institute offers summer programs in Theatre Arts, Debate, Film & Video, and Playwriting. The Film & Video Institute is a five-week program built around collaboration and storytelling, giving you hands-on experience in filmmaking at Northwestern’s professional facilities while also exploring Chicago. You’ll pick one focus area: Acting on Camera, Screenwriting, or Production. Acting on Camera helps you sharpen your screen performance and learn the basics of production. Screenwriting covers the basics of story and script structure, using well-known films to guide your work. Production dives into the creative and technical sides of filmmaking through exercises and short projects. Taught by working professionals, the program will help you develop skills in writing, directing, acting, editing, and utilizing software such as Adobe Creative Cloud. You’ll leave with stronger communication and collaboration skills, as well as experience in creating original films.
5. Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) Program
Location: Various locations across northeastern Illinois, including Evanston
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn a stipend
Cohort Size: 34 students
Dates: July 15 – July 17, July 22, and July 23 (5-day program)
Application Deadline: June 2
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders or recent high school graduates who live in or go to school in one of these northeastern Illinois counties: Cook, Kane, DuPage, Kendall, McHenry, Lake, or Will
The Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) Program is a free leadership program for local high school students, run by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). You’ll explore urban planning through interactive sessions led by planning professionals from CMAP and partner agencies. FLIP covers topics like city design, housing, public transit, sustainability, environmental protection, and community development. You’ll also learn about careers in public policy, government, transportation, and more. The program includes hands-on projects that tackle real planning issues in the region. Along the way, you’ll build communication, leadership, and advocacy skills, boost your resume, and receive a certificate of completion with an optional letter of recommendation. It’s a great way to explore urban planning as a college major or career path while connecting with like-minded peers and mentors.
6. Northwestern University’s College Preparation Program Credit Courses
Location: Virtual or in person at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost: $5,597 (Virtual) | $6,697 (Commuter) | $7,397 (Residential); the exact price depends on the number of selected courses
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: Courses of varying lengths run between June 23 and August 31
Application Deadline: December 2 – April 1
Eligibility: High school students who’ve completed 10th or 11th grade, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), and are 15–17 years old by the program’s start date
Northwestern University’s College Preparation Program allows high school students to take real college classes and earn credit. You can either stay in a Northwestern dorm and take classes for 3 to 8 weeks, or commute from home and enroll in courses that last 3 to 10 weeks. On-campus students also get access to “Wildcat Connect: Get Ready Series,” which includes workshops on preparing for college and becoming part of the Northwestern community. If you need more flexibility, there is also an online option available. You can take asynchronous or live classes in subjects that interest you or relate to your future major. Courses are taught by Northwestern-affiliated instructors and cover a wide range of topics, including accounting, anthropology, biology, languages, communication, economics, journalism, philosophy, political science, physics, law, history, sociology, and more.
7. Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost: $5,000 + $50 application fee; need-based financial aid is available
Cohort Size: Out of 230 applicants, only 84 students were accepted into the program last year
Dates: June 29 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
The Journalism Institute is a four-week summer program for students interested in journalism, hosted by Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. You’ll learn from experienced journalists, Medill faculty, and educators, some of whom are program alumni, and be paired with a mentor who will guide you and give feedback on your work. The program covers reporting, writing, and editing for print, broadcast, and digital platforms. You’ll also explore video, audio, photojournalism, and digital storytelling. You won’t earn college credit, but you’ll leave with a portfolio of work and a detailed evaluation of your progress. Throughout the program, you’ll write news articles, features, and opinion pieces of varying lengths. You’ll take at least 50 classes, including lectures, labs, workshops, and field trips to Chicago. You can check out the program brochure here.
8. Northwestern University’s Pre-College Online Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795–$1,895; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: High acceptance rate
Dates: 2-week and 4-week sessions are available; the next course starts on August 3
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13 or older
Northwestern University’s Pre-College Online Program offers an opportunity to explore topics like law, engineering, business, medicine, psychology, physiology, and finance through online courses taught by Northwestern faculty. Courses run year-round, allowing you to select one that fits your schedule. You can enroll in more than one course and learn at your own pace through video lessons, interactive tools, and mentor support. Each course includes 20–30 hours of instruction and activities, such as simulations, multimedia, and curated assignments. The lessons are self-paced, with mentors on hand to answer your questions and provide support throughout the course. You’ll get a Certificate of Completion for each course and finish with a final capstone project that showcases everything you’ve learned. You’ll also receive feedback from your mentor and have the opportunity to study different subjects.
9. REACH (Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students) Program at Northwestern University
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost: The Core Program costs $2,500, plus $1,500 for the REACH Further extension. Need-based aid is available.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Out of more than 200 applicants, around 50 to 55 students are expected to join this year’s program
Dates: Core Program: June 16 – July 3 | July 7 – July 25. REACH Further: July 7 – July 25 | July 28 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors can apply.
Northwestern University’s REACH Program offers an opportunity to explore the field of astronomy. You’ll participate in team research projects and receive guidance from professional scientists. It starts with a three-week Core session that focuses on different astronomy topics, Python programming, and basic research skills. After that, selected students can continue with REACH Further, a three-week extension where they work on a research project with a mentor. In the Core program, you’ll team up with CIERA astronomers, complete small research projects, and build your programming skills using astronomy tools. You’ll also observe the sun at the Dearborn Observatory, take part in a college and career panel, and attend social events. If you’re selected for REACH Further, you’ll work on an independent project with support from a CIERA mentor. To be eligible for REACH Further, you must complete the Core program. The number of REACH Further spots depends on the availability of mentors.
10. Civic Leadership Institute (CLI) at Northwestern University
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost: $5,475 (Residential Camp) | $3,070 (Day Camp); need-based financial aid is available
Cohort Size: Small class size; around 16 students
Dates: June 29 – July 18
Application Deadline: Applications are due one week before the session begins
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12
The Civic Leadership Institute (CLI) is a three-week summer program that combines service, college-level discussions, and real-world experiences to help you understand social and political issues. You’ll strengthen your leadership and critical thinking skills, explore different viewpoints, and develop an action plan on a topic that matters to you. The program includes academic coursework focused on social issues and strategies for driving change. You’ll meet and learn from people working in nonprofits, business, and government, gaining insight into their efforts and ideas for making a difference. Through hands-on projects with local nonprofits, you’ll contribute to real work and earn service hours. You’ll have the opportunity to develop your problem-solving and communication skills. You’ll also receive personalized feedback on your progress and where you can improve.
11. One River School Evanston Teen Art Classes
Location: One River School, Evanston, IL
Cost: Monthly tuition ranges from $185 to $235, depending on the class; subscriptions renew automatically on the 1st of each month
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small class sizes
Dates: Classes are offered year-round, and you can join or leave at any time. The next session starts in September.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12
One River School’s Teen Art Classes offer high schoolers the opportunity to explore studio art, design, illustration, and animation in a creative environment. You’ll work alongside other teens, listen to music, share ideas, and create original work guided by professional artists and designers. The classes cover contemporary art and practical themes, helping you build your own artistic voice while developing skills in drawing, painting, mixed media, 3D art, digital illustration, animation, and more. The curriculum focuses on creative thinking, visual problem-solving, and developing technical skills that can be applied in college or a creative career. You’ll also have the opportunity to showcase your work at One River Gallery twice a year and attend special events, including artist talks, workshops, and teen nights.
12. CTD’s Academic Summer Camps at Northwestern University
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost: $2,970–$6,025 (3-week camps) | $990–$1,805 (1-week camps); need-based financial aid is available
Cohort Size: Small class sizes
Dates: One-week and three-week camps run between June 29 and August 8
Application Deadline: Each session’s deadline is one week before it begins
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–12 in the fall can apply; some courses may have additional requirements listed on their pages
Northwestern University’s CTD Academic Summer Camps let students in grades 6–12 dive into advanced subjects through one- or three-week courses. You’ll explore topics like math, science, technology, engineering, English, economics, leadership, and the humanities, while working on hands-on projects. Courses are either advanced enrichment or accelerated. Enrichment classes introduce interdisciplinary topics and help build skills and interest in a subject. Accelerated classes move quickly, covering one to two semesters of material in just three weeks. You can expect 1–2 hours of homework per night for enrichment or one-credit accelerated classes, and 2–3 hours for two-credit or AP-level courses. You’ll also get some access to Northwestern’s campus facilities like libraries, labs, and athletic fields. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a written evaluation with feedback, grades (if applicable), and future learning suggestions.
13. Northwestern University’s NHSI Debate Institute
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL (Hybrid Program)
Cost: $4,250 (4-week program) | $5,750 (6-week program) + $60 application fee; need-based scholarships and financial aid are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio
Dates: June 29 – July 26 (4-week program) | June 29 – August 9 (6-week program)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–11 who will be in high school next fall and rank in or near the top 30% of their class
Northwestern University’s National High School Institute offers summer programs in Theatre Arts, Debate, Film & Video, and Playwriting. The Debate Institute focuses on Policy Debate, which differs from other formats in topic selection, structure, and the amount of preparation involved. One topic is used for the entire academic year; this year’s is: “Resolved: The United States federal government should significantly increase its exploration and/or development of the Arctic.” Each debate lasts around 90 minutes, followed by 15–30 minutes of judging. You can choose between a four-week hybrid program (two weeks online, two weeks on campus) or a six-week version that includes two more weeks of online learning at the end. Labs are small, with a low student-to-staff ratio, so you’ll get a more personalized experience.
14. Evanston Art Center’s Art School: High School
Location: Evanston Art Center, Evanston, IL
Cost: $285–$650 (member rate) | $315–$680 (regular rate); varies depending on the class and duration
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not listed
Dates: Multiple one-week sessions run between June 9 and August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 13 and 19 who attend school in Chicago or Evanston
The Evanston Art Center offers summer art classes for high school students in Chicago or Evanston, with options like drawing, painting, filmmaking, photography, and more. You can take high school intensives in areas such as Portrait Drawing, Painting, College Portfolio, Visual Storytelling & Filmmaking, Figure & Anatomy Drawing, Painting & Drawing Plein Air, Photography & Photoshop, Ink & Watercolor, and Ceramic Handbuilding. For instance, if you’re interested in drawing, you can join the Portrait Drawing class to work on gesture, shading, and line quality to create realistic portraits, or take Figure & Anatomy Drawing to learn the basics of sketching the human form. If you’re looking to get involved outside of class, the EAC Teen Board is a volunteer opportunity for teens, where you’ll help plan programs that make EAC more welcoming and relevant to local youth. The board meets weekly during the school year to work on projects and discuss community engagement.
15. Northwestern University’s Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program
Location: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, around 13 miles from Evanston, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free except housing and transportation | Students earn a competitive stipend
Cohort Size: Around 33–35 students
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 1 – January 26
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who will be at least 16 by May 31, as well as college undergraduates enrolled at an accredited school
The Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program, run by Northwestern’s Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, offers a paid 6–8 week research opportunity for students interested in biological sciences. You’ll be matched with a Northwestern faculty mentor and work on a basic or clinical research project related to lung disease. Projects may be hypothesis-driven or exploratory, and your work will contribute to ongoing research in the lab. It’s a competitive program that combines hands-on lab work with academic and career development. In addition to research, you’ll join activities that help with college applications, support your interest in science or medicine, and prepare you for college life. The program ends with a final presentation at the Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Symposium.
Image source – Northwestern University