25 High School Internships in Chicago in 2025

What’s Covered:

• 25 Best High School Internships in Chicago
• How to Find an Internship
• How Do Internships Affect College Admissions?

 

Gain work experience. Discover a new career. Explore the possibilities. Boost your college admissions profile. These are all benefits of undertaking an internship. Many college students and graduates participate in these opportunities to hone their skills and prepare for entry-level jobs. But if you’re lucky, you can find one in high school.

 

To help you out, we’ve rounded up 25 of the top internships open to high school students in the Chicago area!

 

25 Best High School Internships in Chicago

 

1. Adler Planetarium Summer High School Internship

 

Application Deadline: N/A

Duration: N/A

 

Fascinated by the stars? In this summer internship program, you’ll explore different professional planetarium and museum roles, ranging from Visitor Experience and Learning to Research, in order to learn about the Adler Planetarium and the career opportunities within it. 

 

The Planetarium has additional programs for youth, such as Far Horizons Teens, Youth Leadership Council, and Youth Organization for Lights Out.

 

2. After School Matters Programs

 

Application Deadline: 

• Spring: Opens in January 
• Summer: Opens in April 
• Fall: Opens in late August 

Duration:

• Spring: Late February – mid May 
• Summer: Late June – early August
• Fall: Late September – mid December  

 

After School Matters provides more than 26,000 program opportunities to more than 19,000 teens in Chicago every year. Internships at external organizations are open to teens who are at least 16 years old (18 in some cases). The organization helps teens secure paid positions with a wide variety of employers, such as camps, museums, arts organizations, and corporations, with the ultimate goal of helping teens develop job skills and learn about different career paths.

 

3. Art Institute of Chicago Teen Council

 

Application Deadline: June 30 

Duration: Nine months (September 13 – June 30)

 

Members of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Teen Council are part of a group of 15 creative high school students who work to design programs and resources to make the Art Institute a more welcoming, accessible, and relevant space for Chicagoland youth.

 

Previous Teen Council projects have included teen art exhibitions, teen museum overnighters, teen parties, and a teen audio guide. Join the Teen Council to help produce the next big project for teens at the Art Institute!

 

The anticipated pay for Chicago Teen Council members is $16.20 per hour. 

 

4. Art Institute of Chicago Summer Internship

 

Application Deadline: May 23

Duration: about 3 months (June 23 – August 1)

 

For students who are passionate about art, an internship at the Art Institute of Chicago is an ideal opportunity. Interns collaborate with peers to assist with workshops, gallery tours, and other events, all while exploring the museum’s comprehensive collections, meeting local artists, and building critical job skills. 

 

Students must be at least 16 years old by the start of the internship and can apply through After School Matters.

 

5. Brookfield Zoo King Conservation Science Scholars Program

 

Application Deadline: Rolling 

Duration: Varies 

 

Interactive workshops, fun activities, research, and community-based projects are at the core of this exciting internship. It’s an excellent opportunity for students who love animals and also want to gain leadership and career skills. 

 

As a King Scholar, you’ll learn about different topics through Foundation Courses, such as Diversity Awareness and Introduction to Conservation, all while networking with others and preparing for college and careers. After one year of participation, you’ll be invited to apply for scholarships and paid positions at the zoo.

 

6. The Chicago Academy of Sciences Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Volunteer Opportunities

 

Application Deadline: N/A

Duration: N/A

 

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum was founded with the mission of connecting people with nature and science. That mission persists today, as the museum offers immersive exhibits, conversations, research, and more.

 

The museum offers two different volunteer opportunities: front of the house and back of the house. Front-of-the-house tasks include assisting guests, supporting events, and leading programs. Behind-the-scenes duties range from caring for living collections and maintaining green spaces.

 

Volunteers can require up to two months of training to become an official Nature Museum Volunteer—making the opportunity better suited to students looking for longer-term programs.

 

7. Chicago Philharmonic Summer Internship

 

Application Deadline: N/A

Duration: N/A  

 

The Chicago Philharmonic is the perfect place to learn about and engage with the world of the arts. Each summer, four talented high school students in Chicago are selected to participate in this internship, in which they receive mentorship and training in areas like marketing, development, and community engagement. Interns also work with professional musicians and even get the opportunity to perform alongside members of the Philharmonic and chamber ensembles.

 

8. Chicago Summer Business Institute Summer Internship Program

 

Application Deadline: March 1

Duration: N/A

 

Formerly the Chicago Summer Finance Institute, the Chicago Summer Business Institute was founded in 1991 with the mission of introducing high school students to financial services through paid internships. 

 

The program is open to high school sophomores and juniors who are residents of Chicago. To be eligible, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and have a family income below $80,000 per year.

 

9. Lincoln Park Zoo Malott Family Zoo Intern Program

 

Application Deadline: March 10

Duration: Seven weeks (June 23 – August 8) 

 

Here’s an internship for animal lovers! Through this paid seven-week program, high school students learn how to educate others about animal and conservation sciences while crafting digital messages to engage audiences. The program culminates in a final project promoting positive and attainable conservation practices. Throughout the internship, students meet with researchers and the Animal Care staff to explore careers in the animal science and conservation fields.

 

Applicants must be 15- to 18-year-old Chicago residents and must be entering grades 10 through 12 or their freshman year of college by the start of the internship. 

 

10. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry RISE Summer Intensive 

 

Application Deadline: N/A

Duration: Six weeks (July 1 – August 7)

 

Chicago-area teenagers learn about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) through project activities in this free summer program. Participants gain knowledge, build confidence, and form lasting relationships—all while making a meaningful impact in the community. They’ll also have the chance to work as volunteers alongside staff and community partners to facilitate activities.

 

11. Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)

 

Application Deadline: March 15

Duration: Four weeks (July 14 – August 8)

 

PRISM is a paid opportunity for high school seniors and recent graduates that provides an opportunity to explore STEM fields and connect with professionals working in STEM fields. Participants learn about cutting-edge topics like particle physics, quantum science, and artificial intelligence (AI) through hands-on activities, lectures, and tours of Fermilab’s facilities.

 

The program is open to students enrolled in Illinois. Participants receive a $500 weekly salary.

 

12. UChicago Medicine | Chicago EYES on Cancer

 

Application Deadline: December 2

Duration: Two years 

 

Chicago EYES (Educators and Youth Enjoy Science) on Cancer is a cancer research training program for high school and college students interested in careers in biomedicine. For two consecutive summers, participants receive a stipend ($5,000 per year) and work full time in the laboratories of established cancer researchers at the university.

 

Besides being trained in research, participants will partake in a cancer-based summer lecture series, year-round career development and skill-building workshops, and meetings with a network of faculty and peer mentors dedicated to participants’ success. The program ends with a final research symposium.

 

During the school year, participants meet for monthly enrichment activities lasting two to four hours. In the summer, they take part in an eight-week research program, working 40 hours per week.

 

13. UChicago Medicine | ResearcHStart

 

Application Deadline: January 20

Duration: Eight weeks (mid June – early August)

 

ResearcHStart participants receive a $3,000 stipend and 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.

 

The program introduces students to cutting-edge cancer research and promotes career opportunities in the field, while granting students knowledge in biophysics, biochemistry, immunology, and pharmacology.

 

14. UChicago Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program

 

Application Deadline: January 12

Duration: Eight weeks (June 16 – August 8)

 

The Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program is an immersive eight-week paid summer research program at the University of Chicago. In the program, high school and undergraduate students are paired with a data science mentor, drawn from one of various scientific domains, including:

 

• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Social Science
• Climate and Energy Policy 
• Public Policy 
• Materials Science 
• Biomedical Research

 

Participants will hone their research methodology, research practice, and teamwork skills. No prior research experience is required to apply.

 

15. UChicago Youth Internship Program

 

Application Deadline: April 24

Duration: Two summers

 

This multi-year program includes two summer experiences held over the course of two years. The first experience introduces students to STEM careers, develops academic and professional skills, and provides college prep. During the second summer, participants are encouraged to apply for internships in health science, computer science, or IT services at the university.

 

The program is open to Chicago residents attending Chicago public and charter schools. Priority is given to students from communities adjacent to the University of Chicago.

 

16. Future Founders “Be Your Own Boss” Internship

 

Application Deadline: Varies  

Duration: N/A

 

Be Your Own Boss is a virtual, paid internship that allows students to explore the world of startups, network with professional entrepreneurs, and build community with peers from different backgrounds—all while working to create and pitch their own startups.

 

17. The Rotary Club of Chicago’s JOB1 Summer Internship Program

 

Application Deadline: March 14

Duration: Eight weeks (June 10 – August 9)

 

The JOB1 Summer Internship Program prepares 11th- and 12th-grade students in Chicago for the workplace by providing job readiness training as well as substantive paid summer internship opportunities with local businesses and not-for-profits in the Chicago area.

 

Students must be at least 16 years of age and must attend three job training programs sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chicago. Twelfth grade students have the opportunity to secure up to a $2,500 college award!

 

18. Chicago Architecture Society (CAC) Teen Fellows

 

Application Deadline: March 31

Duration: Fifteen months

 

This unique free program provides students with the opportunity to explore design-related careers, gain real-life experience working side by side with industry professionals, and earn college credit—attending courses at Harold Washington College.

 

Participants will develop foundational architectural skills, build their portfolios, and use professional digital design tools like Sketch-up, AutoCAD, Rhinoceros, Revit, Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. Students will also intern at an architecture or design firm and earn a stipend for their participation.

 

The program is open to incoming high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who attend Chicago and Chicago area high schools.

 

19. Northwestern Medicine GCM Grosvenor Scholars Program

 

Application Deadline: September 29

Duration: One – two years

 

The Discovery Program is aimed at students with limited access to explore careers in healthcare. The program includes tours, guest speakers, and hands-on activities designed to foster professional development, teamwork, community service, and leadership. The program consists of six chapters, including the Central Chapter, which is hosted in the heart of downtown Chicago at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

 

The program is open to students entering their sophomore and junior years of high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

 

20. Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program

 

Application Deadline: January 26

Duration: Six weeks (June 23 – August 1)

 

Students interested in careers in the biological sciences will want to check out this program. Participants are paired with Northwestern faculty members and given a hypothesis-driven or hypothesis-generating basic or clinical research project—helping advance the understanding of what drives lung disease. Interns will also engage in activities that help them prepare for the college admissions process and success in college.

 

The program is open to current juniors age 16 and over.

 

21. SHE in Oncology

 

Application Deadline: March 3

Duration: Two weeks (July)

 

This free two-week virtual program aims to empower individuals who identify as women to enter the field of cancer research. Activities include a genetic-based research project, a patient case study, and an exploration of cancer science and care. Students will engage in lectures, discussions, and skill-building workshops.

 

The program is open to high school students interested in scientific research or medicine. Students who identify as female and are underrepresented in biomedicine and related health sciences are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

22. MedSTEM Explorers

 

Application Deadline: February 28

Duration: Six weeks (June 23 – August 1)

 

High schoolers have the chance to explore STEM careers, develop academic and professional skills, and gain hands-on research experience in this six-week paid internship program. Over the course of the program, students will learn basic healthcare skills and earn industry-recognized certification in first aid and CPR.

 

The program is open to rising high school sophomores and juniors who are residents of Chicago. Applicants are required to have a minimum 2.5 GPA and at least an 80% attendance record.

 

23. Internships at PAWS Chicago

 

Application Deadline:

• Spring: November 15
• Summer: March 15
• Fall: March 15

Duration: Six weeks

• Spring: April – May
• Summer: May – September
• Fall: August/September – December

 

Animal lovers will want to look into this unpaid internship at Chicago’s largest no-kill organization. Students help with a variety of tasks like cleaning, shelter chores, and walking and feeding dogs.

 

The program is open to students 16 years of age and older who are able to commit to a recurring weekday schedule.

 

24. Chicago Transit Authority High School Internship

 

Application Deadline: April 18

Duration: Seven weeks (June 23 – August 8)

 

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is providing 250 high schoolers with paid summer internships. Interns will gain work experience, engage in professional development activities, and receive mentorship from professionals working in the transportation industry.

 

The internship is open to rising sophomores through seniors ages 16 to 18 with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Interns have the opportunity to earn a college credit—from Olive Harvey College—and are compensated at $16.20 an hour.

 

25. Field Museum Women in Science Internships

 

Application Deadline: N/A

Duration: N/A

 

Although not specific to Chicago (Field Museum Women in Science Internships are open to Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, or Michigan residents), this is a fantastic opportunity for students interested in the sciences. The opportunity is open to both talented high schoolers and undergraduates. Last year’s Women in Science Internships tackled topics like:

 

• Georeferencing and Integrating Prairie Insects into the Field Museum Collection
• Digitizing the FMNH mite collection
• Winds of Change: Chicago’s Urban Impact on Mammalian Evolution
• COLORoptera: Training AI to Classify Beetle Color Patterns from Preserved Specimens

 

How to Find an Internship

 

Network

 

As you head into the career world, you’ll discover that many opportunities are not advertised, but are rather found through word of mouth. To set yourself up for success, you’ll need to start building your network now. Connections can come from practically any facet of your life—family, teachers, guidance counselors, friends, coaches, mentors, and so on. 

 

Start asking around early, and remember that even if someone doesn’t have a concrete opportunity at a given time, they might know of something later on. That’s why it’s also a good idea to stay in contact with people. They might think of you when opportunities do arise. 

 

Think local…

 

Look into local businesses, which might have unadvertised opportunities. Moreover, a small local organization that isn’t in the market for an intern might be willing to give a student at a nearby high school a chance, perhaps because of a mutual contact or another connection. Consider actually going into these brick-and-mortar locations—it’s harder to turn people down in person.

 

…But also look at national programs

 

There are also national programs and organizations to consider. You’re more likely to find them by looking online, searching for particular niches like STEM, education, journalism, or certain demographics. Just bear in mind that these programs are probably more competitive than local ones.

 

Create a LinkedIn account

 

If you don’t have a LinkedIn account already, now is the time to create one. This is a critical networking tool that can potentially land you career opportunities without any effort on your part, other than building and maintaining your profile. Right now, you probably only have your education and extracurricular activities, and possibly some jobs and other internships, but as you grow in your career, you can expand your profile further. 

 

Looking for internships beyond Chicago? Check out CollegeVine’s resources for finding and landing internships, plus lists of opportunities across niches.

 

How Do Internships Affect College Admissions?

 

Participating in internships can influence your chances at college admission, but this depends on many factors, including the scope of the internship, its prestige, your individual role and performance, the institution’s connections to or sponsorships by certain colleges, and even how much weight a college places on extracurricular activities in general.

 

There are four tiers of extracurricular activities that colleges think about when reviewing applicants’ activities. Selective, competitive, and prestigious activities are often found in the top tiers, Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 includes things such as being a highly recruited basketball player or an award-winning national science fair competitor. Tier 2 is similar, but is usually reserved for activities that are more common than those in Tier 1. Tiers 3 and 4 are reserved for more common extracurricular achievements, such as holding school leadership positions or being a member of a debate team.

 

A prestigious, selective program such as the Chicago EYES on Cancer offered by the University of Chicago, for example, may be considered a Tier 1 program by many other colleges. 

 

Do you want to get a sense of how the internship you participated in might change your admissions chances at your dream college? CollegeVine has created a free chancing calculator to estimate your odds of getting into hundreds of different colleges and universities! It uses a multitude of factors such as your high school grades, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities, while also providing feedback on how you can improve your odds.