10 Computer Science Internships for High School Students in Chicago, Illinois
Internships are an excellent way to kick-start your professional journey, especially in practice-based fields like computer science. They provide hands-on experience, real-world exposure, and valuable opportunities to build your profile — key assets when applying to colleges and planning your future career. Internships also open doors to networking with professionals, helping you lay the foundation for a successful career trajectory.
To get the most out of an internship, it’s essential to have clear goals in mind. Knowing what you hope to gain — whether it’s technical skills, industry insights, or professional connections — ensures you make the most of these opportunities.
High school students in Chicago can start their search here. We’ve put together a list of 10 computer science internships for high school students in Chicago designed to help you gain work experience, develop essential skills, and connect with industry professionals.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. February 9th, 2025, for the spring session
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate and gap year students who can commit 10 – 20 hours per week for 8 weeks
Geographical location is no restriction to interning with start-ups from around the world with Ladder Internships. Over the course of 8 weeks, you will collaborate closely with a start-up that aligns with your interests. During this time, you will develop deliverables and finalize your project. These 8 weeks will include receiving feedback from your mentor and acquiring essential skills needed in the industry.
This program, developed by Harvard entrepreneurs, offers an experience where you can work on real-world projects in fields such as business, technology, AI, sustainability, healthcare, and finance. At the conclusion of your internship, you'll present your project, showcasing your achievements and growth.
Location: Virtual
Cost:
$2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program
$5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
$6,900 for both
Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. January 5, 2025, for the spring session
Program Dates: Depends on the program and cohort
Eligibility: High school students can apply. For the AI Fellowship, you must have completed the AI Scholars program or demonstrate experience in AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduate students, offers a comprehensive program that introduces high school students to the intersection of computer science and artificial intelligence. Veritas AI offers two programs, namely AI Scholars and AI Fellowship, for high school students interested in learning about AI from practitioners and experts. The AI Scholars program is held over several weeks and blends classroom-based learning with hands-on practice. You’ll delve into topics like machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and Python programming, working in small teams to create real-world projects.
The AI Fellowship is for those who have completed the Scholars program or those who demonstrate experience in AI or coding. Students in this program receive 1–1 mentorship to develop an independent AI project. By the end of either program, you will be eligible to receive 3 post-baccalaureate credits and a digital transcript from the University of California, San Diego Extended Studies.
3. Field Museum High School Science and Digital Learning Program
Location: Field Museum, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid internship
Application Deadline: To be announced, but applications will open in February or March 2025
Program Dates: 6 weeks between June and August
Eligibility: High school students expected to graduate in 2025 – 2028 and who live in the Chicagoland region
15 students are selected by the Field Museum every year to participate in the High School Science and Digital Learning Internship held in the summer. Paired with a mentor or museum expert, you will work on an individual interactive project over 5 weeks. In addition to technology and digital media skills that will help you in your project, you will also have the opportunity to participate in various professional development sessions. These sessions will cover resume building, interview skills and building portfolios of work.
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL
Stipend: $17.20 per hour
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February each year.
Program Dates: 6 weeks (exact dates are yet to be announced)
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors enrolled in an Illinois school. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and be eligible to work in the U.S.
The TARGET Program at Fermilab provides an engaging 6-week summer internship for high school students interested in physics, mathematics, engineering, and computer science. Students will work alongside Fermilab scientists and engineers, contributing to research projects and learning about STEM careers in a comprehensive research environment. Fermilab’s TARGET program is a competitive internship that accepts about 10 – 15 interns. It combines experiential learning with hands-on practice.
In past sessions, students have tackled projects like 3D modeling, computational thinking, and even conducted interviews with scientists working on high-profile experiments, such as the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment. Working about 20 hours per week, by the end of the program, you will develop and deliver an oral presentation.
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Hourly wage
Application Deadline: Applications will open in January for the spring session
Program Dates: Late February – Mid-May
Eligibility: Chicago high school students who are at least 16 years old by program start
The After School Matters Program is an opportunity for students to dive deeper into their passions and explore career pathways through hands-on experiences. Conducted during in spring, summer, and fall seasons, this program is designed to inspire creativity and foster professional growth.
Participants can engage in both apprenticeships and internships tailored to their interests and future aspirations. The internships, in particular, are a chance to gain valuable workplace experience in a field that resonates with you while working on independent and team-based projects. The program types are categorized into: Arts, Communication & Leadership, Sports, and STEM.
6. UChicago Data Science Institute Summer Lab
Location: UChicago Hyde Park campus, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $5,600
Application Deadline: January 12, 2025
Program Dates: June 16 – August 12, 2025
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors residing in the Chicago area; familiarity with at least one programming language is preferred
The Data Science Institute (DSI) Summer Lab at the University of Chicago is an immersive 8-week paid research program designed to provide hands-on experience in data science across various domains, including computer science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, materials science, and biomedical research. Participants are paired with experienced mentors, engaging in interdisciplinary projects that enhance research methodologies, practices, and teamwork skills. This community-based research opportunity focuses on interdisciplinary data science research.
You do not need prior experience, so as a research assistant, you will participate in impactful projects, developing practical skills in data analysis, programming, and problem-solving. You’ll also have the chance to attend workshops and seminars aimed at preparing you for future academic and career pursuits in data science. You can check out some of the previous projects here.
7. UChicago Youth Internship Program
Location: The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $15.80 hourly wage for up to 20 hours a week for 6 weeks
Application Deadline: To be announced (applications are typically accepted from February to April)
Program Dates: To be announced
Eligibility: Chicago Public or charter school students who are at least 16 years old by June 24, 2025, are authorized to work in the United States, and have at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA
The UChicago Youth Internship Program was designed for South Side high school students interested in pursuing a career in STEM. In the first year, the focus is on learning and preparing participants for college and a career in STEM. Students will attend workshops, seminars, and various activities. They will also have the opportunity to hear from STEM professionals during guest speaker sessions, as well as participate in workplace and college tours, professional leadership lessons, and post-secondary planning.
If you successfully complete Year 1, you can reapply for a Year 2 internship within one of several university units. This six-week internship will provide practical experience in health sciences, computer sciences, or IT services. During this year, your tasks will be associated with specific departmental projects or initiatives, which may include training, updating inventory, job shadowing, summarizing research, assisting with scheduling, attending meetings, and taking notes.
At the end of the program, you will create and deliver a presentation on your internship experience, which you can use for job and college applications.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,000. Need-based financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: January 24, 2025
Program Dates: June 18 – July 2, 2025
Eligibility: 9th graders or rising 10th graders who are at least 14 by the start of the program. Students with existing math and/or computer skills are preferred.
A two-week virtual program, Stanford AI4ALL aims to increase diversity in artificial intelligence. The program offers participants the opportunity to learn about AI through lectures, hands-on research projects, and mentorship from Stanford faculty and graduate students. Topics covered include machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. Students also engage in discussions about the ethical implications of AI and its societal impact.
You will also work towards personal development via career development workshops. You are expected to attend all parts of the program during the two weeks to maximize the opportunity.
9. Northwestern University’s Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost/: $2500 for Core Program + $1500 for REACH Further. Partial and full financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: March 3, 2025
Program Dates:
Core Program Dates: Session 1: June 16 – July 3, 2025, and Session 2: July 7 – 25, 2025
REACH Further: 1-on-1 Research Projects (must complete Core first). Session 1: July 7 – 25, 2025, and Session 2: July 28 – August 15, 2025
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 – 12 at the time of application. Students outside of Evanston/Chicago may apply, but housing is not provided.
The REACH program at Northwestern University combines team-based learning, hands-on training, and mentorship from professional scientists to teach you about astronomy research. During the program, you will collaborate on an astronomy research project with CIERA astronomers.
While not fundamentally a computer science internship, the core component of the program offers intensive training in the Python programming language and related astro packages. In addition, you will participate in a college/career panel, engage in solar observing at the Dearborn Observatory, and develop essential research skills. This part of the program concludes with the application of your programming skills to complete one or more mini-projects based on active CIERA research.
After finishing the Core program, you can apply for REACH Further, where you will delve deeper into an independent research project while receiving guidance from a CIERA mentor. This component has limited availability and lasts for an additional 4 weeks after the Core program.
10. Girls Who Code at UIC Club
Location: Virtual; Special events are held in person at the University of Illinois at Chicago campus
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment; you can start or join a club at any time during the year.
Program Dates: Ongoing throughout the school year; clubs typically meet 1-2 hours per week after school or on weekends.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
Girls Who Code Clubs provide a supportive space for students to explore coding while building valuable skills in a collaborative environment. High school students interested in computer science can participate in this year-round experience. Whether you have experience or not, you can be accommodated in the program that covers four levels:
Beginner Level covers Scratch and Introduction to Python.
Intermediate Level covers Web-App Development (HTML and CSS).
Advanced Level I covers the Intersection of Finance and Technology through App Development.
Advanced Level II covers Introduction to Hardware and Circuit Building.
Despite the name, anyone regardless of gender can participate. Attendance requirements are strict, allowing absences for only two classes per semester. Clubs meet after school, on weekends, or during the summer and are supported by trained facilitators who guide your learning journey. Activities are designed to be both fun and educational, combining coding tutorials with creative problem-solving challenges. Details about the sessions will be provided, but they are usually held every Saturday from September to April.
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