Illinois is home to some of the top universities in the country, including the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Participating in a STEM summer research program offered by one of these prestigious institutions can be a valuable opportunity for high school students in Illinois to expand their knowledge and skills in various fields. 

These programs will allow you to engage with complex scientific concepts and real-world problems through hands-on research and experimentation. Whether your interest lies in biology, technology, engineering, or environmental science, these programs are designed to prepare you for advanced education and a successful career in STEM. Not to mention, they look great on college applications!

Here’s a list of 10 of Illinois's best STEM summer programs tailored for high school students.

1. Illinois Tech’s Summer College Programs for High School Students

Cost: $650 - $6000, depending on the program (Both residential and commuter options are available).

Application Deadline: May 3, 2024, although early applications are given priority consideration.

Program Dates: Vary depending on the program between June and August.

Eligibility: High schoolers at least 14 years old can apply.

Illinois Institute of Technology's 2024 Summer College Programs, part of the Elevate College Prep initiative, offers a distinctive opportunity for high school students passionate about STEM. These programs aim to deepen your knowledge in specific scientific domains while enhancing your problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating setting.

The curriculum includes a diverse range of courses such as experimental architecture and computational science, all designed to promote a comprehensive academic experience. These courses integrate hands-on activities with theoretical learning, facilitated by Illinois Tech’s expert faculty. This approach not only helps build your technical skills but also broadens your theoretical knowledge, preparing you for various interests and careers in STEM and setting a solid foundation for your college journey and career.

2. Veritas AI

Cost: AI Scholars - $1790 (financial aid is available); AI Fellowship - $4900; Combination (AI Scholars + AI Fellowship) - $5900

Application Deadline: Upcoming summer cohort deadlines - May 19, 2024. You can apply here!

Program Dates: You can find all available dates for the summer cohort here

Eligibility: High school students passionate about AI; Basic understanding of Python or completion of AI scholars is required for the AI Fellowship program

Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs geared toward high school students who want to build their foundations in computer science. In the program, students learn various concepts in data science and artificial intelligence like neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, coding using Python, and more. 

Veritas AI offers up to 100% financial aid for the 10-week AI Scholars program. Through the program, students build real-world, hands-on projects in groups of 3-5 students to showcase their interests and skills. You can also apply for the AI Fellowship where you work 1-1 with mentors from top universities to build unique machine learning projects over 12-15 weeks. These programs are a great option for you if you like engaging in hands-on learning and are a beginner! 

3. Lumiere Research Scholars Program

Cost: Lumiere Individual Research Program – $2,800; Lumiere Premium Research and Publication Program – $4,800; Lumiere Research Fellowship – $8,400. Need-based financial aid is available. Also check out the Lumiere Research Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students.

Application deadline: Upcoming summer cohort deadline - May 12, 2024. You can apply here!

Program dates: The summer cohort typically begins in June. The program length depends on which one you choose to attend!

Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.

Founded by Harvard and Oxford graduates, Lumiere offers selective research programs for high school students, where students get to work one-on-one with a PhD mentor to develop an independent research paper. The program offers research opportunities in an array of disciplines, including biology, computer science, data science, psychology, physics, engineering, chemistry, environmental science, and more! Due to its one-on-one nature, you can expect to learn the most recent developments in the field and expand your skill sets by working directly with experts. 

A bonus is an opportunity to interact with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, CMU, and more. This program is a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper. 

Check out our review of Lumiere Education! 

4. Horizon Academic Research Program

Location: Virtual 

Application Date: May 21, 2024 for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort 

Program Dates: 

• Summer seminar - June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024

• Fall seminar - October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025

• Lab dates are flexible, 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! 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 across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research! 

5. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research

Cost: None (transportation not provided); fellowship payment available.

Application deadline: March 24, 2024

Program dates: June 11 - August 2, 2024

Eligibility: Rising 10th - 12th Graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, or Wisconsin can apply.

The Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Programs at UIUC offer a remarkable opportunity for high school students from diverse backgrounds to dive into the world of scientific research over a six-week summer period. During the program, you will be actively engaged in cutting-edge research across various STEMM fields including cancer immunology, neuroscience, and bioengineering among others, gaining firsthand experience in a rigorous academic environment.

This program not only provides a platform for hands-on learning but also includes mentorship from university faculty and research staff, helping you build your skills and confidence in scientific inquiry. The initiative is part of an effort to increase diversity and access in STEMM (STEM + Medicine) fields, thus it welcomes students from underrepresented backgrounds to apply, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive educational experience. This creates an open environment where you can expand your knowledge, collaborate on significant research projects, and prepare for future academic and career pursuits in science and engineering.

6. UChicago’s Research in Biological Sciences (RIBS)

Cost: $14,000; need-based financial aid available (from $500 - $11,000) on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.

Program Dates: June 15 - July 13, 2024

Eligibility: Current 10th or 11th grade students. 

The University of Chicago's Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS) program is an excellent opportunity to explore biological sciences. This intensive four-week program offers students hands-on experience in a range of molecular, microbiological, and cell biological techniques prevalent in current research laboratories. Participants not only learn basic lab techniques but also progress to applying sophisticated molecular techniques across areas like genetics, developmental biology, and cancer biology. 

The RIBS program is particularly beneficial for students due to its immersive nature. It's set in a live-in campus environment, which facilitates a deeper engagement and understanding of the scientific community. The structure of the program, which includes lectures, lab work, and seminars by research faculty, mirrors the real-life workflow of biological research settings, offering students practical insight into the field. This program is suited for those who have shown a strong aptitude and interest in sciences, as it requires a background in high school biology, chemistry, and math, particularly at the honors or advanced levels.

7. Fermilab QuarkNet Summer Research Program

Cost: Free (transportation, housing, and meals not provided).

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.

Program Dates: June 17 - August 2, 2024

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors attending Illinois high school with U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status.

The Fermilab QuarkNet Summer Research Program offers an opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in the world of scientific research at one of the most prestigious laboratories in the United States. Over seven weeks, students who demonstrate a keen interest and aptitude in sciences and mathematics get the chance to work alongside experienced scientists on various projects that are integral to Fermilab's research goals. This hands-on experience can be valuable for students looking to pursue a career in STEM.

Throughout the program, you will engage in research that might involve areas such as high-energy physics, particle detectors, and computational projects, depending on your interests and the available opportunities at Fermilab. The program not only helps enhance your technical skills but also builds soft skills like teamwork and communication, which are crucial in any professional field. Participants are paid an hourly wage of $17.20.

8. Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) Digital Scholars Program

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: May 2, 2024

Program Dates: June 24 - August 2, 2024

Eligibility: Students who will be entering 11th or 12th grade, or their first year of college at a 2 or 4-year Illinois institution in the Fall are eligible to apply.

The DPI Digital Scholars program is an innovative initiative that offers high school students an incredible opportunity to explore various STEM subjects. Through this program, participants get to work alongside university researchers and industry experts on real-world projects in fields ranging from artificial intelligence to sustainability. During the program, you’ll have the option to take a course in computer science, data science, electrical and computer engineering, or mobile app development.

What makes the DPI Digital Scholars program particularly appealing is its commitment to preparing students for future careers in technology and science. By exposing you to cutting-edge research and development, the program helps you to develop critical skills that are highly sought after in the workforce. You’ll also get to build foundational college and career readiness skills and gain access to Chicago’s tech community with daily speakers and weekly workshops.

9. UChicago Medicine’s Research Start

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.

Program Dates:  The program runs from the second full week of June through the first week of August (2024 Dates TBA).

Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors, at least 16 years of age at the time of application.

The ResearcHStart program at UChicago Medicine offers high school students a valuable opportunity to engage in cutting-edge cancer research alongside experienced professionals. This initiative allows participants to spend their summer immersed in a real-world scientific environment, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to meaningful research projects. The program is tailored for students interested in pursuing a career in medical research, providing them with a solid foundation in various scientific techniques and methodologies.

By participating in the ResearcHStart program, you’ll not only enhance your research skills but also develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities crucial for your future academic and professional endeavors. You will have the chance to work in some of the most advanced labs at UChicago Medicine, under the guidance of leading scientists and researchers. You’ll also receive a taxable stipend of $3000 after the program.

10. UChicago Neubauer Phoenix STEM Summer Scholars

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: March 5, 2024

Program Dates: July 21 - 26, 2024 

Eligibility: Current 11th-grade students, who are at least 15 years old, and enrolled in a U.S. high school, can apply.

The Neubauer Phoenix STEM Summer Scholars program at the University of Chicago provides an opportunity for high school students interested in STEM fields. This program combines a virtual mathematics course with a one-week residential experience on the UChicago campus, where you’ll get to participate in classes, tours, and lectures designed to expose students to various STEM disciplines. 

During your week on campus, you will have the opportunity to hear from world-renowned UChicago faculty and alumni in molecular engineering, mathematics, computer science, and other fields, and visit notable research facilities like Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab, which will help to enrich your understanding of potential careers in science and engineering. This program is specifically geared towards promoting diversity in STEM by bringing together students from different backgrounds to learn and explore together. 

11. NSLC’s Medicine Intensive High School Summer Program at Northwestern University

Cost: $6,795 (Residential Program - scholarships are available).

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.

Program Dates: Multiple sessions are available. June 23 - July 10, 2024 | July 17 - August 3, 2024

Eligibility: Students must be between the ages of 14-18 and have completed at least one year of high school (students may attend NSLC through the summer following high school graduation). 

NSLC’s Medicine Intensive High School Summer Program offers an outstanding opportunity for students passionate about the medical field to explore their interests in a comprehensive and engaging environment. This intensive program, held at Northwestern University, immerses students in the world of medicine through interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, and simulations that mimic real-life medical challenges. Students engage directly with professional medical practitioners and get a firsthand look at the complexities and rewards of a healthcare career.

This program is particularly beneficial for students considering a future in medicine as it not only provides a solid foundation of medical knowledge but also enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills. During the program, you’ll get to learn advanced clinical diagnostics, devise treatment plans, handle critical medical situations, gain the essential skills of suturing and surgical knot tying, and treat injuries in a wilderness setting by using natural resources. 

If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!

Image Source - University of Chicago Logo