Are you a high school student in Illinois with a passion for tech and a desire to get ahead in the rapidly evolving digital world? Whether you dream of becoming a software developer, an AI expert, or a cybersecurity professional, there are countless opportunities right at your doorstep. Illinois is home to an array of tech programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in today’s tech-driven economy. 

These programs offer more than just theoretical knowledge—they provide hands-on experience in coding, robotics, web development, and more. From week-long bootcamps to semester-long courses, these programs foster creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking, ensuring students leave with practical skills that will set them apart from their peers. Engaging in tech programs not only strengthens your technical expertise but also makes a compelling addition to college applications, showing admissions officers your commitment to learning and innovation. 

Whether you are looking for an advanced course in a programming language like Python or want to polish your coding skills, there is an option for everyone in these tech programs. So, keep reading, as we cover 10 tech programs suitable for high school students in Illinois. 

1. Veritas AI

Veritas AI is a venture founded by Harvard graduates and run by current Harvard graduate students. Our programs are geared toward high school students looking for foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence and machine learning. In the program, students learn core concepts in data science and artificial intelligence which include image classification, natural language processing, neural networks, sentiment analysis, coding using Python, and more. 

What sets Veritas AI apart is its focus on real-world applications — students work in small groups to solve practical problems and build projects that can be showcased to potential employers or on college applications. Veritas AI offers up to 100% financial aid for the AI Scholars program. The program also offers an AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase, where you work 1-on-1 with mentors from top universities to build unique, individualized projects. 

Cost: 

• AI Scholars & Deep Dives - $2,290 

• AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase - $5,400 

• Combination Program (AI Scholars + AI Fellowship) - $6,900

Location: Virtual - you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Application deadline: December 1, 2024, for the Winter cohort

Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year

Eligibility: Open to all high school students. For the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program, students are required to have a basic understanding of python OR should have completed the AI Scholars program. 

2. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program

Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program is a free and residential six-week initiative from the University of Illinois and is hosted at the Urbana-Champaign campus. The program enables students to work on real projects to gain hands-on research experience in a wide range of STEMM fields, including artificial intelligence, bioengineering, and computer science.  Participants work directly with university researchers on cutting-edge projects, offering an unparalleled opportunity for mentorship and skill development.

Students select from groups like POETS, SpHERES, or Grainger Engineering Young Scholars (GEnYuS). GEnYuS participants work on projects in multiple fields including computer science. You need to mention your top two research group choices in your application. 

Students from the previous cohorts selected for computer science projects have worked on topics like mental health chatbots, studying black holes using supercomputers, and quantum computer programming. It is a selective program and over 600 applications for 30 spots were received in 2022 and 2023. 

Cost: Free (students only pay for transportation)

Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, Champaign, IL

Application deadline: The application portal will open in February 2025 and the deadline is March 2025

Program Dates: June 21 to August 3, 2025 (tentative)

Eligibility: Open to all rising 10th-12th grade students from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, Kentucky, and Wisconsin.

3. Digital Scholars

Digital Scholars Program, organized by Discovery Partners Institute in Chicago, is aimed at helping underrepresented students — especially Black, Latinx, and first-generation college students — gain exposure to technology fields. The six-week program offers courses like Foundations of Computer Science, Mobile App Development, and Data Science, providing students with both technical skills and exposure to industry experts through weekly workshops and seminars. 

You will attend any of the following courses: Foundations of Computer Science, Coding Mobile App Design, Development Data Science Discovery, and Exploring Electrical & Computer Engineering. There will also be weekly workshops, allowing you to gain insights from guest lecturers and build connections in the local tech industry. You will also be provided with college readiness seminars. You will attend sessions between 9 am to 1 pm every day throughout the six weeks. 

Cost: Free, including public transit passes for students with financial need

Location: Discovery Partners Institute, Chicago, IL

Application deadline: The application portal will open in March 2025 and the deadline is May 2025

Program Dates: June 25 to August 3, 2025 (tentative)

Eligibility: Open to all rising 11th-grade, 12th-grade, and first-year college students enrolled in one of the Chicago Public Schools or an Illinois college. Black, Latinx, and first-generation students are given preference but everyone is encouraged to apply.

4. Grainger Engineering Summer Camps @ UIUC

Grainger Engineering Summer Camps are a collection of multiple programs organized by The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. While both middle and high school students are eligible to apply for these camps, most of the programs are designed for high school students. For students interested in tech, Roboscape Cybersecurity Camp is a standout. 

This week-long camp introduces high school students to visual programming languages like Netsblox and dives into cybersecurity concepts. Participants apply their programming knowledge to control robots and solve cybersecurity challenges. Lectures covering programming concepts, such as control structures, variables, and functions will be conducted and you will apply this knowledge to write programs for a robot. This is a rigorous program as the day will begin at 9 am and conclude at 4:30 pm.

The camp also emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, making it a great opportunity for students who want to learn coding in a hands-on, interactive way. With both residential and commuter options, it’s flexible for students from across Illinois.

Cost: $1,000 (Residential), $600 (Commuter). Trail Blazer Scholarship covering up to 50% of the program cost is available, read more about it here.

Location: The Grainger College of Engineering, Urbana, IL 

Application deadline: The application portal will open in February 2025 and the deadline is March 2025

Program Dates: One week in July 2025

Eligibility: Open to all rising 11th and 12th-grade students. The acceptance rate for the summer camps is between 25-40%. 

5. Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students

Offered by Northwestern University’s Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA), REACH (Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students) is a summer program that introduces high school students to astronomy and coding.  Participants work with Python to analyze real astronomical data, participate in ongoing research projects, and present their findings at a conference at the end of the program. A strong understanding of algebra is recommended. 

The participants use their programming skills to work on one or more mini projects under the guidance of researchers CIERA, covering an ongoing area of interest. The Core program will be conducted in two sessions of three weeks each. A few students will also be offered a three-week extension, known as the REACH Further phase, which will require an additional fee. Participants work 1-on-1 Research Projects in this phase. Please note that this is a commuter program and non-local students need to show proof of residence before enrolling.

Cost: $2,500 (Core program), $1,500 (REACH Further).  Partial or full tuition waivers are available.

Location: Northwestern University, CIERA Evanston, IL 

Application deadline: March 19, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)

Program Dates: Session 1: June 10 to 28, 2025 | Session 2: July 8 to 26, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2025 program)

Eligibility: Open to all high school students, including international students. 

6. Pathways in Data Science @ UChicago

Pathways in Data Science is one of the pre-college offerings from the University of Chicago. It is part of the Immersion programs, in which high school students take undergraduate-level courses and take part in workshops, research projects, and various hands-on activities. The Pathways in Data Science is a residential, three-week program in which you'll explore the applications of data science and machine learning in technology and social welfare. 

Participants are expected to have some programming experience to be considered for this program and if do not have coding experience, you'll have to attend a free online Python course before the program’s start date. The lectures will focus on data science, and machine learning algorithms like regression, and in the last week, you'll work on a group project and prepare a presentation, to be given on the final day of the program. 

Cost: $8,600 (Residential), $5,850 (Commuter). Limited financial aid is available

Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Application deadline: TBA

Program Dates: July 10 to 26, 2025 (tentative)

Eligibility: Open to all 9-11 grade students.

7. Art of Code Crafting @ Illinois Tech

Part of Elevate College Prep at Illinois Tech, the Art of Code Crafting is a two-week program that introduces students to the C programming language. Through lectures and group projects, participants learn coding techniques while working on collaborative projects designed to solve mathematical problems.

In this course, you will be taught all you need to know about the C programming language. You will be taught some basic programming tools and programming styles. A key highlight of this course is the code demonstrations of mathematical problems converted to computer programs. You will be given a code template for a group project and you will need to present a complete and working code before the end of the program. 

Cost: TBA

Location: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL

Application deadline: TBA

Program Dates: July 17 to 26, 2025 (tentative)

Eligibility: Open to all rising 9-12 grade students who are at least 14 years old, including international participants. The residential track is only available to students between the ages of 15 to 17 years at the beginning of the program. 

8. Academic Summer Camps at Northwestern University

Northwestern Center for Talent Development, established in 1982, has multiple programs for students of all ages to provide them with academic enrichment and opportunities to pursue advanced learning. CTD's Academic Day and Residential Summer Camps are designed for talented and academically advanced middle and high school students to develop critical thinking skills and gain hands-on experience. 

For students interested in tech, Data Science: Introduction to Statistics is a great option. This course will provide you with a basic knowledge of how to analyze and process data to make meaningful sports and political (voting results) predictions. This course will also require the usage of mathematical concepts like probability and statistics, so a good mathematical background is required. 

You’ll use Python and R languages to create machine learning models and create data visualization projects. The course will also require work on an independent project, which will require you to collect data, analyze it, and create models using techniques learned through the lectures. 

Cost: 

• 3-Week Academic Day Camp: $2,740 | 3-Week Academic Residential Program: $4,995 

• 3-Week Academic Day Camp Partnership Course: $3,420 | 3-Week Academic Partnership Course Residential Program: $5,675

Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 

Application deadline: TBA

Program Dates: 

• Session 1: June 23 to July 12, 2025 (tentative) 

• Session 2: July 14 to August 2, 2025 (tentative)

Eligibility: Open to all high school students who have either taken an above-grade-level test before the 9th grade (SAT>549 or ACT>21) or have finished at least in the 95th percentile in a national grade-level assessment like this one. 

9. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program

The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program (SIP) is a unique two-week virtual experience designed for high school students curious about data science and want to know more about the tech industry. The program is organized with the help of organizations such as MetLife, Bank of America, Logitech, and Synchrony. The SIP offers live virtual classes that introduce you to a range of computer science concepts — from the basics of game design and UX design to intermediate coding principles. 

No prior coding experience is required, making it an accessible entry point into tech for students who are curious about the field. Beyond the technical skills, you'll have the chance to meet industry leaders, learn about tech jobs, and become part of a supportive community that fosters sisterhood and mutual growth. 

There is a Girls Who Code chapter at the UIUC, which meets every Friday. It was founded in 2017 and most of its alumni have pursued computer science as their undergraduate major.  New students can apply to join the club in December every year. The program earned The Strive Together Award, recognizing its contributions towards gender equity during the 2023 academic year.

Cost: Free

Location: Virtual

Application deadline: March 22, 2025 (tentative)

Program Dates: June 14 to August 9, 2025 (tentative)

Eligibility: Open to all female students in grades 9-11.

10. Cloud Crafters: Building Your Own Cloud Computing Platform

Another program from the Elevate College Prep at the Illinois Institute of Technology, this one-week course offers an introduction to cloud computing. Participants learn the basics of cloud platforms and virtualization using tools like VMware and Proxmox. 

As this is a week-long course, you will move towards the practical aspect quickly. By the end of the program, they deploy a cloud application using Linux (Ubuntu). This hands-on program provides valuable insight into one of the fastest-growing areas in tech today.

Cost: TBA

Location: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL

Application deadline: TBA

Program Dates: July 22 to 26, 2025 (tentative)

Eligibility: Open to all rising 9-12 grade students who are at least 14 years old, including international participants. The residential track is only available to students between the ages of 15 to 17 years at the beginning of the program. 

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