Summer 2025 Experiential and Enrichment Programs
Chicago EYES on CancerFor two consecutive summers, EYES participants work full time in the laboratories of established cancer researchers at the university. Rigorous research training is complemented with a cancer-based summer lecture series, year-round career development and skill-building workshops, and a network of faculty and peer mentors dedicated to participants’ success. The program culminates in a research symposium to showcase participants’ work across basic, translational, clinical, and population-based areas of cancer research. | Organization: University of Chicago Program Location: Chicago, IL Dates: 8 weeks, 2 consecutive summers Eligibility Criteria: HS soph-College soph, 16+, US citizen or permanent resident, 2 year commitment Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? N/A Other Notes: $5000/yr stipend for commitment to 8wks over the summer and monthly school-year meetings |
researcHStartResearcHStart is a multi-institutional program welcoming high school students from the Chicago and Urbana-Champaign areas to explore exciting careers in cancer research. Participants work full time in the laboratories of established cancer researchers, gaining hands-on experience in areas at the forefront of the field: cancer immunology, bioengineering, experimental cancer therapeutics, cancer disparities and more. | Organization: University of Chicago Program Location: Chicago, IL or Urbana-Champaign Dates: June 9 - August 8, 2025 Eligibility Criteria: HS Jr/Sr, 16+, 8 week commitment Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? N/A Other Notes: $3000 stipend |
National High School InstiuteSince 1931, the National High School Institute has brought outstanding students to Northwestern University’s Evanston campus for immersive educational experiences. Students are affectionately known as “Cherubs,” a name given to them in the 1930s by Northwestern Dean Ralph Dennis whose goal, “to bring together gifted young people and superior teachers in an atmosphere of affection, knowledge, and trust,” is still upheld today. The oldest and largest university-based program of its kind, NHSI offers studies in Theatre Arts, Film & Video, Debate, and Playwriting. | Organization: Northwestern University Program Location: Evanston, IL Dates: Various Programs Eligibility Criteria: Program Dependant Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? Yes Other Notes: Programming in Theatre Arts, Film and Video, Debate, and Playwriting |
Chicago State Summer CampsWe are excited to offer programs to students from kindergarten to 12th grade. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in career exploration and both academic and athletic programs on our campus this summer. The camps will expose pre-collegiate students to careers in engineering, chemistry, and the health professions (for example: nursing, occupational therapy, and pharmacy). No previous experience is necessary to join the camps...just a curiosity to learn, explore new professions, have fun! | Organization: Chicago State Program Location: Chicago, IL Application Due: N/A Dates: Various Programs Eligibility Criteria: Program Dependent Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? N/A Other Notes: N/A |
Illinois Tech Summer ProgramsThrough the summer programs offered by Illinois Tech’s Elevate College Prep, middle school and high school students are exposed to STEM-driven programs that cover topics such as coding and programming, robotics, sustainability, science and research, the human sciences, and many more—all at Chicago’s leading tech-focused university. | Organization: Illinois Tech Program Location: Chicago, IL Application Due: May 1, 2025 Dates: Various Programs Eligibility Criteria: Program Dependent Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? Yes Other Notes: Financial need-based scholarships |
Rush Med-STEM ExplorersIn this six-week, paid summer pre-internship program at Rush University Medical Center, rising high school sophomores and juniors explore careers in STEM and health care, developing academic and workplace skills and researching real-world health issues in their Chicago communities. Students who succeed as MedSTEM Explorers will be considered for the MedSTEM Pathways internship program. | Organization: Rush Education and Career Hub Program Location: Chicago, IL Application Due: February 28, 2025 Dates: June 23 - August 1, 2025 Eligibility Criteria: Rising Sophomore or Junior, 2.5 GPA, Chicago Resident Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? N/A Other Notes: Paid |
Rush Med-STEM PathwaysIn this paid internship program for rising high school juniors and seniors and recent graduates, students intern in a department of Rush University Medical Center or a partner organization related to the career they hope to pursue. | Organization: Rush Education and Career Hub Program Location: Chicago, IL Application Due: February 28, 2025 Dates: Spring, Summer, and Fall Sessions Eligibility Criteria: Junior/Senior, Chicago Resident Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? N/A Other Notes: Paid |
Game, Cinema and Animation AcademyDePaul University welcomes high school students interested in the film, television, and game industries to join us for the 2025 Game, Cinema, and Animation Summer Academy. The Summer Academy will be held July 14 through 18, 2025 from 10am to 5pm at DePaul University’s Loop Campus. | Organization: DePaul University Program Location: Chicago, IL Application Due: May 2025 Dates: July 14 - 18, 2025 Eligibility Criteria: High school students Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? Yes Other Notes: Five tracks to choose from; Limited number of partial scholarships based on financial need |
Digital ScholarsIn the summer of 2020, DPI launched the Digital Scholars Program to build a deeper and more diverse pool of homegrown students pursuing computer science and tech-related degrees. The program is a partnership between UIC CHANCE, UIUC Grainger College of Engineering, UIUC College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Swift. To date, the program has reached 250+ students and involved 145+ representatives from Chicago’s tech community. | Organization: Discovery Partners Institute (University of Illinois) Program Location: Chicago, IL Application Due: N/A Dates: June 24 - August 2, 2025 Eligibility Criteria: Junior/Senior Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? Yes Other Notes: N/A |
Grainger Engineering CampsGrainger Engineering Summer Camps are designed to provide STEM-interested students the opportunity to experience authentic and challenging projects and activities, world-class instructors, and a collegiate experience from one of the best engineering schools in the world. The camps provide exposure to different areas of engineering through demonstrations, lab tours, classroom presentations, hands-on activities, and interactions with various students, staff, and professors in those fields. | Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Program Location: Urbana, IL Application Due: February 28, 2025 Dates: Various Programs Eligibility Criteria: 8th-12th Grades Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? Yes Other Notes: N/A |
Art: Colorful Minds & Creative HandsWestern Illinois University’s Summer Art Program is designed for students in grades 9 through 12. This is a 1- week program of art workshops led by local artists and faculty from WIU's Department of Art & Design. A great learning experience for those excited about art and/or what it might be like to be an art student at WIU! | Organization: Western Illinois University Program Location: Macomb, IL Application Due: N/A Dates: June 22 - 27, 2025 Eligibility Criteria: 9th-12th Grades Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? No Other Notes: N/A |
Western WritersWestern Writers will give high schools the opportunity to spend some time on the campus of Western Illinois University with faculty of the Department of English, local writers and WIU alumni who are now teaching in the region. Participants get to eat & sleeep on-campus, are given the opportunity to visit the rec center & University Bookstore and will hopefully go home with some new friends who all love writing and reading just as much as they do! | Organization: Western Illinois University Program Location: Macomb, IL Application Due: N/A Dates: June 22 - 26, 2025 Eligibility Criteria: 9th-12th Grades Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? No Other Notes: N/A |
Gies College of Business Emerging Business Leaders ProgramThe Emerging Business Leaders (EBL) program at Gies College of Business is a week-long summer initiative designed for high achieving, underserved rising high school seniors with diverse experiences, perspectives, and goals. Hosted on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, students explore a variety of business disciplines, engage with faculty, students, and alumni, and develop critical skills like communication and personal branding, all while living on campus for the week. The program offers a transformative educational experience that helps prepare participants to enter into college, supports students’ consideration of pursuing a business degree, and fosters life-long relationships. | Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Gies College of Business) Program Location: Urbana, IL Application Due: TBD Dates: Various Programs Eligibility Criteria: Rising Seniors, commitment to attending the entire program Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? N/A Other Notes: All students who successfully complete the Emerging Business Leaders Program will receive a University of Illinois application fee waiver. Students who apply, are admitted, and enroll into Gies Business will qualify for a renewable scholarship up to $5000 to help cover their academic costs. |
NIU STEAM CampsA week on a college campus can be a life-changing experience for a young person. It offers a chance to build friendships. To engage in intellectual development and career exploration. To gain confidence in social and academic realms that sets the stage for future success. | Organization: Northern Illinois University Program Location: DeKalb, IL Application Due: N/A Dates: Various Programs Eligibility Criteria: 9th-12th Grades Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? Yes Other Notes: One scholarship camp available for rising seniors. |
WIU's STEM CampWIU's STEM Camp is a unique summer camp opportunity for 9th -12th graders with an interest in science who want to explore careers in various scientific fields. This five day long program will provide instruction and scientific activities from a variety of disciplines. It is being offered as a learning experience for those interested, with the goal of keeping our students academically engaged this upcoming summer. | Organization: Western Illinois University Program Location: Macomb, IL Application Due: N/A Dates: July 6 - 11, 2025 Eligibility Criteria: 9th-12th Grades Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? Yes Other Notes: N/A |
Redbird Risk Management Challenge - No costTeams assume the roles of senior risk management professionals and are asked to guide their corporation through a minefield of potential disasters. Losses may occur without notice - and have the potential to greatly setback your corporations ability to operate. The only alternative to bankruptcy is for your team to correctly assess the impact of these perils and implement superior risk management strategies. The winning team is determined by which corporation generates the most profit by the end of the week. | Organization: Illinois State University Program Location: Normal, IL Application Due: May 31, 2025 Dates: July 13 - 18, 2025 Eligibility Criteria: Rising Seniors Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? N/A Other Notes: Free Program |
Bank of America Student LeadersBy driving responsible growth, we deliver for clients and address pressing societal issues, including advancing employment opportunities for youth and young adults. Through our Student Leaders® program, we annually connect more than 300 community-minded high school juniors and seniors from nearly 100 communities to employment, skills development and service. | Organization: Bank of America Program Location: Washington, DC Application Due: Not Accepting Applications Dates: July 21 - 26, 2025 Eligibility Criteria: 11th-12th Grades Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? N/A Other Notes: N/A |
Illinois Summer Youth MusicIllinois Summer Youth Music brings over 1000 students and 150 faculty and staff together each summer for three weeks of intense music-making. With over 20 different programs, our comprehensive list of offerings include large ensembles at both senior and junior high levels, as well as the more rigorous offerings of the Pre-College division. From the developing junior high student to the aspiring professional, there is a program to challenge and nurture your talents. | Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Program Location: Urbana, IL Application Due: February 28, 2025 Dates: Various Programs Eligibility Criteria: 9th-12th Grades Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? N/A Other Notes: N/A |
Summer Illinois Mathematics CampSummer Illinois Math (SIM) Camp is a week-long math day camp for middle and high school students hosted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Mathematics. Campers will see the creative, discovery driven side of mathematics. By showing them some of the ways mathematicians approach problems, SIM Camp hopes to encourage them to continue studying math beyond the high school level. | Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Program Location: Urbana, IL Application Due: April 26, 2025 Dates: June 3 - 7, 2025 Eligibility Criteria: 8th-11th Grades Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? Yes Other Notes: Financial need-based scholarships available |
Pathways to Saluki MedicinePathways to Saluki Medicine is a medical based summer camp hosted by the Physiology Department at SIU School of Medicine. It is a 5-day overnight camp for any high school students interested in the medical field or biomedical science. It is designed to expose students to medicine by interacting with professionals in different fields and learning more about biomedical sciences via hands-on activities. | Organization: Southern Illinois University Program Location: Carbondale, IL Application Due: March 1, 2025 Dates: June 8 - 13, 2025 Eligibility Criteria: 10th-12th Grades Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? Yes Other Notes: Financial need-based scholarships available |
Summer InternshipsMultiple programs offered. | Organization: FermiLab Program Location: Batavia, IL Application Due: Program Dependent Dates: Various Programs Eligibility Criteria: Program Dependent Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? N/A Other Notes: N/A |
Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research ProgramThe Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week program in which high school students with a broad range of experiences, interests and backgrounds are invited to perform basic research with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students and researchers on a medically-oriented project. The goals of the program include increasing interest in biological sciences and medicine in high school students and helping students to understand how scientific research is performed. | Organization: Stanford Program Location: Stanford, CA Application Due: February 22, 2025 Dates: June 9 - July 31, 2025 Eligibility Criteria: Grad class of '25 or '26 Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? N/A Other Notes: Stipend |
Illinois Premier Boys StateAmerican Legion Illinois Premier Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program in which students learn by doing and become part of the operation of city, county, and state governments. Now a national program of the American Legion, Boys State was founded in Illinois in 1935 to counter the socialism-inspired Young Pioneer Camps. The program was founded by three Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy, Harold Card, and Matthew Murphy, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. That is why we use the moniker “Premier” as part of our title; we are Premier. | Organization: Eastern Illinois Unversity Program Location: Charleston, IL Application Due: N/A Dates: June 7 - 13, 2025 Eligibility Criteria: Rising Seniors Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? Yes Other Notes: N/A |
Illinois Premier Girls StateThe American Legion Auxiliary Illini Girls State is a transformative, week-long program designed to empower and educate young women on the workings of city, county, and state government. Through experiential learning, our delegates take on active roles in a mock government, forming their own political parties, campaigning, and voting in elections. They write and pass legislation, developing a deep understanding of civic duty and the democratic process. | Organization: Eastern Illinois Unversity Program Location: Charleston, IL Application Due: N/A Dates: June 15 - 20, 2025 Eligibility Criteria: Rising Seniors Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? Yes Other Notes: N/A |
SAMS Program (Summer Academy for Math and ScienceFor over twenty years, the Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) program has engaged students in a rigorous curriculum taught by faculty and staff who are deeply committed to student success. Led by the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion, SAMS allows students to develop a deeper understanding of STEM via traditional classroom instruction, through hands-on projects, and sustained engagement with world-renowned faculty and skilled staff mentors. In addition to their academic experiences, students also have the opportunity to collaborate and develop meaningful relationships with peers from across the country. | Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Program Location: Urbana, IL Application Due: February 28, 2025 Dates: Various Programs Eligibility Criteria: 8th-12th Grades Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? Yes Other Notes: N/A |
CS Scholar ProgramCS Scholars (CSS), a CS Pathways initiative, is a four-week immersive experience on the CMU campus for rising high school juniors. This fully funded, merit-based program brings students together from around the country to explore computer science with Carnegie Mellon faculty, staff, and researchers who are leaders in the field. As a fully funded program, CS Scholars program costs are covered by CS Pathways through generous support from foundations, corporations, sponsors, and donors. Covered costs include tuition, housing, meal plans, and program related field trips and special events. Travel assistance may be requested by families for whom transportation costs to and from CMU would provide a significant barrier to attendance. | Organization: Carnegie Mellon University Program Location: Pittsburgh, PA Application Due: March 1, 2025 Dates: June 21 - July 19, 2025 Eligibility Criteria: Rising Juniors, 16+ Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? Yes Other Notes: Financial need-based scholarships" |
AI Scholar ProgramAI Scholars (AIS), a CS Pathways initiative, is a four-week immersive experience on the CMU campus for rising high school seniors. This fully funded, merit-based program brings students together from around the country to explore artificial intelligence with Carnegie Mellon faculty, staff, and researchers who are leaders in the field. As a fully funded program, AI Scholars program costs are covered by CS Pathways through generous support from foundations, corporations, sponsors, and donors. Covered costs include tuition, housing, meal plans, and program-related field trips and special events. Travel assistance may be requested by families for whom transportation costs to and from CMU would provide a significant barrier to attendance. | Organization: Carnegie Mellon University Program Location: Pittsburgh, PA Application Due: March 1, 2025 Dates: June 21 - July 19, 2025 Eligibility Criteria: Rising Seniors Scholarships or Financial Aid Offered? Yes Other Notes: Financial need-based scholarships |
