Top 7 High School Internships in Chicago

With the right high school internships in Chicago, you can polish your skills and explore your potential career paths. In case you’re not in Chicago, you can learn more about internship opportunities outside of Chicago here.  

High School Internships in Chicago

Let’s explore the top 7 high school internships in the Chicago area:

1. Adler Planetarium Internship Program

Do stars excite you? The Adler Planetarium runs two programs for high school students interested in STEAM — and both put you in the middle of real science happening in Chicago.

Astro Ambassadors is a newer program where teens get behind-the-scenes access to the museum, help design hands-on science activities, and then take those activities to the floor to engage guests. It's a great fit if you want to build public communication and science skills at the same time. Applications for the fall 2026 session were open July 27 through August 30. Check adlerplanetarium.org/youth-teen-programs for the next cycle.

Far Horizons Teens is a research-focused program where students work alongside Adler scientists on a long-term ecological study of light pollution in Chicago. This program runs during the school year and requires participants to be at least 16 years old. Applications for the fall 2026 session opened August 10 and closed September 7.

Both programs are free. For current application windows, visit adlerplanetarium.org/youth-teen-programs or sign up for the Adler's youth email list directly on that page.

Duration: School-year programs (exact length varies by session)

2. Inspirit AI Scholars Program

If you are a computer enthusiast and love exploring the world of computer science and artificial intelligence, go for the Inspirit AI Scholars Program. This is perfect if you’re looking for high school internships in tech companies.

The program is designed for project-based learning. It encourages high school students to pursue their passion and conduct impactful research in their choice of computer science field.

Students start their journey by familiarizing themselves with Python computer programming. They then apply artificial intelligence to a topic of their liking and do projects in small groups.

Coming from reputed universities such as MIT, Harvard, and Stanford, program instructors mentor the students to explore their potential.

These experts interact with students so that they become capable of using powerful tools in their field of choice. 

Deadline: Rolling enrollment — cohorts run year-round. Check inspiritai.com for current session dates and availability.

Duration: Two-week project-based program

3. After School Matters 

Complementing traditional education, After School Matters is a program that offers a distinctive range of opportunities in sports, technology, arts, and more. 

The renowned internship program is designed to empower high school students. The program offers hands-on learning experiences in different fields.

This program lets students work closely with educators, mentors, and industry professionals. The students learn valuable skills and gain knowledge in their field of interest. 

Unleash your passion and creativity by enrolling in the program. You will engage in community-based projects, explore STEM labs, and hone your artistic talents in media production. 

Once you have been through the program, you will have developed leadership skills, teamwork spirit, and self-confidence. You can take charge of your learning journey with this program. 

2026 season dates: Summer June 22 – August 9; Fall September 28 – December 12; Spring February 23 – May 9.

Applications are submitted through the One Summer Chicago portal at afterschoolmatters.org. Each season's application opens a few weeks before the start date — spots fill fast, so applying as soon as applications open is strongly recommended.

Pay: Teens aged 14-15 earn a stipend for participation. Teens 16 and older earn $16.60/hour. All programs are free to join.

Duration: 6-7 weeks in Summer; approximately 10-11 weeks in Fall and Spring

4. The Art Institute Of Chicago Internship

The Art Institute of Chicago runs a paid program called Teen Council — a school-year commitment for 15 students to work directly with museum staff on programs and resources for Chicago youth. It's a hands-on design and organizing role: council members shape how the museum connects with young visitors, which means real input on programming, accessibility, and events throughout the year.

The council meets on most Saturdays at the museum, with occasional Wednesday virtual sessions — expect about 3-4 hours per week. The 2026-2027 cohort runs September 12, 2026 through June 12, 2027. Applications for this cycle were open through June 30, 2026. The next cycle's applications will open in spring 2027 — check artic.edu/visit/whos-visiting/teens-2/opportunities-for-teens for updates.

Note: The Art Institute also partners with After School Matters to offer separate summer internships at the museum for Chicago teens aged 16+. Those run through the ASM application process (see #4 above).

Open to: All teenagers enrolled in Chicagoland high schools.

Duration: September through June (school year)

5. Brookfield Zoo King Conservation Science Scholars Program

This exciting internship at the Brookfield Zoo King Conservation Science Scholars Program offers a lot of interactive workshops, community-based projects, and research opportunities. 

If you are an animal lover, you would enjoy this opportunity where you get to gain leadership skills. As a King Scholar, you will get to learn about distinctive topics such as Introduction to Conservation and Diversity Awareness. 

Moreover, you will get the chance to network with animal experts and simultaneously prepare for college. The best part is that after a year of participation, you’ll be eligible to apply for scholarships and paid positions at the zoo. 

You will be exposed to experiential learning opportunities under the supervision of mentors and trainers. This program will help you develop and establish careers in your field of choice, zoology. 

Applications open twice a year at brookfieldzoo.org/KingScholars:

• Spring window: March 1 – April 1. Open to students currently in grades 9, 10, or 11. (Grade 12 seniors are not accepted in the spring cycle, as the program starts after their graduation.)
• Fall window: September 1 – October 1. Open to students in grades 9 through 12.

Onboarding for spring applicants takes place in early to mid-May. The program is free and open to all high school students — no prior experience needed.

Duration: Year-round; King Scholars are expected to complete at least 30 hours of participation per calendar year

6. UChicago Youth Internship Program

If you're a Chicago public high school student interested in STEM, the University of Chicago runs a paid two-summer program worth knowing about early.

Year 1 is an earn-and-learn experience: you attend workshops, go on college and workplace tours, hear from STEM professionals, and start building your post-secondary plan — all while earning an hourly wage. Students who complete Year 1 can come back the following summer for Year 2, where you're placed in an actual six-week job within a UChicago department — health sciences, computer sciences, or IT services — working on real projects and delivering a formal presentation at the end.

The program runs through Chicago Youth Works, so you apply through that portal alongside the YIP-specific application. For summer 2026, the program ran June 22 – July 30, with Year 1 applications due April 23, 2026. Applications for summer 2027 will open in early 2027 — check ccreadiness.uchicago.edu for the upcoming cycle.

Priority is given to students from communities near the University: Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Greater Grand Crossing, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, South Shore, Washington Park, and Woodlawn — though all Chicago public high school students are eligible to apply.

Eligibility: At least 16 years old, enrolled in a Chicago public high school (including charters), authorized to work in the US

Pay: Chicago minimum wage for up to 20 hours/week

Duration: 6 weeks per summer, across two summers

7. Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) Teen Fellows

If architecture, urban design, or the built environment interests you, the Chicago Architecture Center runs one of the most substantive high school programs in the city. Teen Fellows is a free 15-month commitment that takes you from foundational design skills all the way to a paid internship at a real architecture or design firm.

During the program, you attend college-level courses at Harold Washington College (earning dual credit with City Colleges of Chicago), explore Chicago's built environment through site visits and projects, and develop a design portfolio using software like SketchUp, AutoCAD, Rhino, Revit, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Fellows also receive a stipend to make participation accessible regardless of financial situation. The final summer, students who meet performance standards are placed in paid internships at local firms.

The 2026-2027 cohort applications closed March 31, 2026. The next cycle (Summer 2027 – Summer 2028) will open for applications in November 2026. Check architecture.org/events-programs/teen-fellows or email teens@architecture.org for updates.

Eligibility: Incoming sophomores, juniors, or seniors attending high school in Chicago or the surrounding area. Must be able to commit to the full 15-month program.

Cost: Free

Duration: 15 months (summer through summer, across three semesters)

The Final Say!

Chicago is a hub for students with abundant internship opportunities. Using your free time and opting for internships is an excellent way to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. 

Internships provide high school students with invaluable exposure to real-world experiences, enhancing both their educational and career trajectories. By participating in internships, you can gain practical skills and knowledge directly applicable to your future careers. Moreover, these experiences significantly bolster your college applications, showcasing a commitment to personal growth and professional development. Ultimately, internships serve as a critical stepping stone, helping students to navigate their future paths with confidence and a clearer understanding of their career aspirations.