5 Engineering Internships for High School Students in Chicago, Illinois
By bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience, internships offer valuable insights that can shape future academic and career decisions. For students interested in engineering, internships are especially impactful. Engineering is a diverse and hands-on field, and these opportunities allow students to work with cutting-edge tools, tackle real-world challenges, and gain mentorship from industry professionals. Whether you’re designing prototypes, mastering industry software, or collaborating on technical projects, an engineering internship provides a strong foundation for both higher education and future careers.
If you’re a high school student looking to gain hands-on engineering experience, we’ve compiled a list of 5 engineering internships for high school students in Chicago, Illinois to help you get started!
1. AI Internship Program by Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; spring cohort deadline is February 23, 2025
Program Dates: The upcoming cohort is 8 weeks starting March 3, 2025
Eligibility: High school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program
The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduatesI. The 8-week internship allows the students to work on real-world AI/ML projects backed by a VC. You will be working directly under assigned mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more.
This is a valuable chance for individuals with practical experience in AI/ML seeking real-world insights into how the industry functions. Students will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, collaborate closely with company leaders, and receive a completion letter from the company at the end of their internship. For more information and to apply, please refer to the details here.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.
The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. After School Matters Program
Location: Various locations in Chicago
Stipend: Hourly wage
Application Deadline: Applications will open in January for the spring session
Program Dates: Year-round opportunities available
Eligibility: Chicago high school students who are at least 16 years old by program start
The After School Matters Program provides high school students in Chicago with hands-on opportunities to develop skills across a variety of fields, including science, technology, and engineering. With over 400 programs throughout the city, students can participate in engineering-focused experiences such as robotics, coding, architectural design, and STEM innovation labs. These programs are led by industry professionals who provide mentorship and real-world insights into engineering careers.
This program is a good option for teens looking to build their resume, discover new passions, and connect with peers in a supportive environment. Learn more about their offerings here.
4. Adler Planetarium Teen Opportunities
Location: Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Program Dates: Year-round opportunities available
The Adler Planetarium Teen Opportunities offer high school students the chance to explore space science, technology, and engineering through hands-on projects and real-world problem-solving. Programs like the Astro-Science Workshop, Teen Advisory Council, and teen internships allow you to collaborate with scientists, engineers, and educators while gaining technical and analytical skills applicable to engineering fields.
As a participant, you'll engage in engineering-related activities such as designing and testing models, working with data analysis tools, and exploring aerospace technology. Whether you're coding simulations of planetary motion, experimenting with telescope optics, or developing exhibits that showcase engineering principles, these programs provide a strong foundation in applied science and engineering concepts. Learn more and apply here.
5. AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $40 application fee, $850 participation fee (scholarships and fee waivers available)
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Program Dates: June 16–27, 2025
Eligibility:
Minimum age - 14 years
Must be a high school student (entering grades 9–12 in Fall 2025).
U.S. residency is required.
Strong preference for students with math or programming skills, or prior healthcare project experience.
The AIMI Summer Research Internship, hosted by the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging, provides a technical, research-driven experience for high school students interested in engineering, AI, and healthcare applications. Over two weeks, you’ll explore the fundamental principles of AI in medical imaging, machine learning algorithms, and data analysis through expert-led lectures, projects, and mentorship sessions with Stanford researchers.
As an intern, you'll engage in computational modeling, coding exercises, and problem-solving challenges that reflect real-world biomedical engineering applications. You’ll have the opportunity to analyze medical data, develop AI-driven solutions for healthcare challenges, and collaborate on cutting-edge research. Students interested in leadership roles can also apply for the Student Lead position, where you’ll assist in project leadership under the guidance of an AIMI mentor, gaining valuable engineering, AI, and project management experience.
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