§ IL

Research programs in Illinois.

85 local programs run in Illinois, 36 of them free or paid, and 6 explicitly prioritize under-resourced or first-generation students. Plus 210 nationwide programs open to anyone in the US.

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Local to Illinois

Illinois Institute of Technology Elevate College Prep
AI Explorers
A virtual high-school summer program introducing students to artificial intelligence and related computational concepts. The 2026 price was listed at $300.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Illinois
American Legion Auxiliary Illini Girls State
Week-long, immersive citizenship program at Eastern Illinois University in which about 500 high school junior girls elect officials and operate simulated local, county, and state governments.
📅 Varies🎓 Grade 11
Highly Selective
American Legion, Department of Illinois
American Legion Illinois Oratorical Contest
Statewide public-speaking competition on the U.S. Constitution in which high schoolers deliver an 8-10 minute prepared oration plus a 3-5 minute speech on an assigned topic, advancing from local posts through district and department contests toward national scholarships.
📅 March🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
American Legion, Department of Illinois
American Legion Illinois Premier Boys State
Week-long civics and leadership program at Eastern Illinois University where high school juniors build and run a simulated city, county, and state government through elections, legislative sessions, and party caucuses.
📅 Varies🎓 Grade 11
Highly Selective
Argonne National Laboratory
Argonne Exemplary Student Research Program
Chicago-area students conduct year-long research mentored by Argonne scientists.
⏱ School year📅 October🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
Illinois Institute of Technology Elevate College Prep
Biomedical Engineering: Drug Delivery Innovations
Students explore biomedical engineering through the design and science of drug-delivery technologies. The 2026 residential program was listed at $3,000.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Brookfield Zoo King Conservation Science Scholars
Year-round college and career readiness program for students in grades 9-12 combining STEAM coursework, guest-facing interpretation work, and conservation science activities, requiring at least 80 engagement hours annually.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Illinois Institute of Technology Elevate College Prep
Build Your Own Robot
Students gain hands-on robotics and engineering experience by designing and building a robot. The 2026 daytime program was listed at $650.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Lincoln Park Zoo
Camp Teen Volunteer Program
Teens entering grades 9–12 complete a five-week service-learning placement supporting the zoo's conservation-focused summer camp. The position is volunteer rather than paid employment.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Illinois Institute of Technology Elevate College Prep
Chemistry Scholars
An intensive high-school chemistry summer program offered through Illinois Tech's Elevate College Prep portfolio. The listed 2026 program price was $4,500.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
Chicago EYES on Cancer
A two-year cancer-research program combining two full-time eight-week summer laboratory experiences with school-year virtual enrichment. High-school participants receive a $5,000 taxable stipend each year.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Selective
Field Museum / Youth Conservation Action partners
Chicago Green Ambassadors Program
Paid youth interns explore environmental issues affecting Chicago communities and connect residents with neighborhood green spaces through conservation and community-engagement work. It particularly serves youth from several South and West Side neighborhoods.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Institute for Diplomacy Education and Advocacy
CIMUN (Chicago International Model United Nations)
Four-day advanced Model UN conference in downtown Chicago where high school delegates simulate international diplomacy through fully integrated crisis committees and a historical simulation set in 1989.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Chicago International Film Festival / Cinema Chicago
CineYouth Film Festival
Annual festival showcasing films by filmmakers age 22 and under, featuring in-theater and online screenings, hands-on workshops, and live Q&As with industry professionals, with free public admission.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Northwestern CTD
Civic Leadership Institute
Service-learning summer program for civic-minded teens.
⏱ 3 weeks📅 March🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Illinois Institute of Technology Elevate College Prep
Coding Bootcamp: Introduction to Python
High-school students learn introductory Python programming through a structured summer day program. The listed 2026 price was $550.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Chicago Botanic Garden
College First
CPS sophomores and juniors participate in a seven-week paid summer experience that combines environmental coursework with a mentored scientific investigation, field trips, and college preparation. School-year follow-up opportunities are also provided.
🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
Illinois Institute of Technology Elevate College Prep
Data Science Basics
Students receive an online introduction to core data-science concepts and methods. The 2026 virtual program was listed at $350.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Architecture
Discover Architecture
Rising sophomores through seniors explore architectural design through studio work and other hands-on activities. The next listed session is July 11–17, 2027, with the program fee listed as TBD.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
DePaul University Driehaus College of Business
Driehaus Summer Business Institute
Students spend a week learning core business disciplines and work in teams on a business pitch while experiencing DePaul's downtown campus. The 2026 fee was $1,000.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Eastern Illinois University
EIU Summer Art Camp
High-school artists participate in a residential university art camp with studio instruction and creative work. The 2026 program fee was $600.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Emerging Business Leaders
Rising high-school seniors spend a week exploring business disciplines, solving team challenges, developing communication skills, and learning about college admissions and careers. The 2026 program cost $400, with scholarships available.
🎓 Grade 12
Moderate
Illinois Institute of Technology Elevate College Prep
Experiment in Architecture
A residential summer experience introduces high-school students to architecture and design through Illinois Tech. The 2026 residential price was listed at $2,500.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Field Museum
Field Museum Teen Volunteers
Current high-school students volunteer at least ten days during the summer, helping visitors engage with museum science through interpretive carts and the Crown Family PlayLab.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Field Museum
Field Museum Women in Science Internships
Paid high-school and undergraduate interns work full-time with Field Museum scientists on collections-based and other scientific research projects. Applicants may reside in Illinois or several neighboring states.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Illinois Institute of Technology Elevate College Prep
From Lab to Life: Chemistry Career Exploration
Students explore chemistry and how chemical science connects to real-world careers and applications. The daytime 2026 option was listed at $2,000.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
University of Illinois Chicago
Future Business, Tech and AI Leaders Conference for High School Students
A free day program for students entering grades 10–12 features hands-on sessions and speakers covering business technology, artificial intelligence, data, enterprise systems, and related careers. Breakfast and lunch were included for the 2026 event.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Selective
Illinois Institute of Technology Elevate College Prep
Game Design from the Ground Up
High-school students explore the process of creating and designing games. The 2026 daytime program was listed at $650.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
DePaul University Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media
Game, Cinema, & Animation Summer Academy
Students choose specialized tracks such as game development, animation, digital cinema, screenwriting, or sound design during an intensive five-day academy. The 2026 program cost $900.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Field Museum
High School Science and Digital Learning Internship
Fifteen Chicagoland high-school students spend five weeks completing a research project with a museum expert while building digital-media, technology, and professional skills. The 2026 position paid $17.25 per hour.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
DePaul University
High School Summer Actuarial Institute
A free five-day program introduces high-school students to actuarial science, probability, financial modeling, risk management, and related careers. The 2026 session ran August 3–7.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Illinois High School Association / Illinois Journalism Education Association
IHSA Journalism Tournament
Statewide onsite journalism competition where students complete writing, editing, or design assignments under deadline pressure at seven sectional sites, with top finishers advancing to state finals.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
University of Illinois Extension, Illinois 4-H
Illinois 4-H Road Trip: College & Career Readiness Conference
One-day statewide conference for youth in grades 8-12 offering interactive workshops on college and career readiness, professional networking, and postsecondary pathway exploration, open to 4-H members and non-members alike.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Illinois Space Grant Consortium / Grainger College of Engineering, UIUC (WYSE)
Illinois Aerospace Institute Summer Camp
Week-long residential summer camp at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where students entering grades 9-12 explore aerospace engineering and aviation through hands-on projects and campus life.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
Illinois Chess Association
Illinois Chess Association Denker/Youth Invitational Tournaments
State scholastic chess championships including the Denker Tournament of High School Champions (grades 9-12) and the Haring girls' invitational, with the top Illinois players earning a stipend to compete at nationals.
📅 April🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Illinois CPA Society
Illinois CPA Society Freshman Scholarships
Illinois high-school seniors planning to study accounting at an Illinois college or university can compete for freshman scholarships of up to $2,000. Applicants must meet the program's academic and enrollment requirements.
🎓 Grade 12
Highly Selective
Illinois DECA
Illinois DECA Career Development Conference
Statewide conference where DECA members demonstrate marketing, finance, hospitality, and management skills through written exams and role-play events judged by industry professionals, with top finishers advancing to the International Career Development Conference.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Illinois Envirothon (Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts)
Illinois Envirothon
Annual environmental science competition where five-student high school teams are tested on aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife, and a current natural-resource issue, with top teams advancing to the national Envirothon.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Illinois FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)
Illinois FBLA State Leadership Conference
State chapter of the nation's largest business student organization, where Illinois high schoolers compete in business events and attend an annual State Leadership Conference (SLC) alongside chapter meetings and networking events.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Illinois FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America)
Illinois FCCLA
Illinois chapter of the national Family and Consumer Sciences student organization, where members compete in child development, fashion, interior design, culinary, and entrepreneurship events at sectional, state, and national levels.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Illinois FFA / Illinois Agricultural Education
Illinois FFA State Convention
Annual statewide gathering of Illinois FFA members for leadership development, career and technical competitive events, and recognition ceremonies, drawing more than 5,000 members, advisors, and alumni to Springfield each June.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Illinois High School Esports Association
Illinois High School Esports Association (IHSEA)
Nonprofit league organizing interscholastic esports competition for Illinois high schools across titles including Valorant, Rocket League, Overwatch 2, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, plus a Unified Esports initiative run with Special Olympics.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Illinois HOSA
Illinois HOSA (Future Health Professionals)
Statewide health-science student organization offering more than 50 competitive events and a pipeline of Fall Leadership, State Leadership, and International Leadership conferences for students pursuing healthcare careers.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Illinois State University CeMaST
Illinois State University Research Experience (ISURE)
High-school students spend two weeks working in university research settings and developing research skills with Illinois State faculty. The 2026 program charged a $100 participation fee, with scholarships available.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
Illinois State Bar Association
ISBA High School Mock Trial Invitational
Annual mock trial competition, held since 1982, where Illinois high school teams argue a simulated case before real courts with practicing attorneys as judges, with the winning team advancing to the National High School Mock Trial Championship.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
DePaul University
Jarvis Game Development Summer Camp
Students use Unreal Editor for Fortnite and related tools to explore game design, level development, character art, and animation. The 2026 camp cost $450, with full scholarships available.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
LaunchX
LaunchX Entrepreneurship Summer Program
Four-week intensive where students launch a real startup; held at Northwestern, Michigan, or virtual.
⏱ 4 weeks📅 Spring🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Lewis University
Lewis University Art Camp
Students in grades 9–12 explore drawing and painting, three-dimensional clay work, and digital-media design in a four-day day camp. The 2026 fee was $250.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Lurie Children's Hospital Summer Intensive Volunteer Program
Summer-only volunteer program for teens age 16 and up featuring patient-focused service projects, a healthcare career panel, and interactive trainings culminating in a completion certificate.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 10–12
Selective
Lincoln Park Zoo
Malott Family Research Apprenticeship Program
Chicago students spend seven paid weeks working alongside zoo scientists on an original conservation-research project and finish by communicating their findings. Applicants must be Chicago residents and generally enter grades 11 or 12.
🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
Lincoln Park Zoo
Malott Family Zoo Intern Program
Chicago teens serve as paid zoo interpreters while learning about animals, conservation, science communication, and zoo careers. The seven-week 2026 session ran June 22 through August 7.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Selective
Northwestern Medill
Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute
Five-week premier high school journalism program.
⏱ 5 weeks📅 February🎓 Grade 11
Moderate
Illinois Model United Nations, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
MUNI (Illinois Model United Nations)
One of the Midwest's leading Model UN conferences, hosting over 100 high school delegates each spring on the UIUC campus for two days of committee debate, now in its 29th year since founding in 1995.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
University of Chicago
MUNUC (Model United Nations of the University of Chicago)
One of the world's largest high school Model UN conferences, held since 1988 with an emphasis on pedagogy and substantive debate, offering delegates over $40,000 in financial aid.
📅 October🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
Lincoln Park Zoo
Nature Buds
Chicago high-school students age 16 or older support nature-play and early-childhood programming while developing education and guest-engagement skills. Participants are paid through After School Matters.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Selective
Northern Illinois University, Office of External Programs
NIU Theatre Arts Camp
Week-long residential theatre camp for students in grades 6-12 featuring daily acting classes, improvisation exercises, and a full stage production, with need-based scholarships available.
📅 June🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Northwestern University Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Northwestern University Research Program for High Schoolers (NURPH)
Rising juniors and seniors from the Chicago/Evanston area spend seven weeks carrying out original materials-science research with Northwestern researchers. The program is paid and does not require previous research experience.
🎓 Grades 11–12
Highly Selective
City of Chicago
One Summer Chicago
Free paid summer jobs and internships for Chicago youth ages 14-24.
⏱ 6 weeks📅 February🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Illinois Arts Council Agency
Poetry Out Loud Illinois
National Endowment for the Arts recitation competition in which Illinois students progress from classroom to school, regional, and state finals reciting memorized poetry, with the state champion advancing to the National Finals in Washington, D.C.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Posse
Posse Foundation
Full-tuition leadership scholarships nominated by partner cities. High schoolers from cities like New York, Chicago, LA, Atlanta nominate by August of senior year.
⏱ Senior year📅 August🎓 Grade 12
Selective
Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Pre-College Cancer Engineering Summer Institute at Illinois (PRE-CE)
High school juniors and seniors conduct supervised cancer-related research in UIUC laboratories and participate in professional-development activities. Participants receive a $4,000 taxable stipend.
🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
Illinois Institute of Technology Elevate College Prep
Pre-Health Academy
A residential high-school academy provides exposure to health-related study and career pathways. The 2026 price was listed at $3,000.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Northwestern University CIERA
Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students (REACH)
Students learn astronomy research, Python, and data analysis during a three-week research intensive, with an optional extended research component. Full and partial tuition assistance is available.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
RISE — Research, Inquiry Skills & Experimentation
Students design and pursue a year-long scientific research project, work with a mentor, and prepare to present at science symposia. The 2026–27 online program runs September through May and costs $1,200, with scholarships available.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Illinois Institute of Technology Elevate College Prep
Rocket Engineering 101
Students explore rocket design and engineering concepts in a hands-on high-school summer program. The 2026 daytime option was listed at $650.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
SAIC Early College Program
Intensive summer studio program for high schoolers earning college credit.
⏱ 4 weeks📅 Spring🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
SAIC
School of the Art Institute Early College
Summer art and design intensives for high schoolers.
⏱ 1-4 weeks📅 April🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
SIU Project Upward Bound
Free federally funded TRIO college-prep program for first-generation, low-income, or academically at-risk high schoolers, offering tutoring, academic counseling, a six-week summer program, and university field trips.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
Southern Illinois University Carbondale (School of Accountancy)
SIU SOAR Program (Saluki Opportunities Awareness Residency)
Week-long residential career development program for high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented ethnic groups exploring accounting, finance, and business careers through classes, CPA firm tours, and networking with business leaders.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 11–12
Moderate
Southern Illinois University Carbondale (STEM Education Research Center)
SIU STEM Research Academy
Four-week research camp for students in grades 9-12 to conduct authentic research alongside SIU faculty, choosing from 17 projects spanning physics, biology, computing, and environmental science.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
SIU Young Writers' Conference
Two-day writing workshop for high school and junior college students to hone prose and poetry skills under published authors, capped at 30 participants with a 'Best of the Conference' award.
📅 June🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
SkillsUSA Illinois
SkillsUSA Illinois State Leadership & Skills Conference
Career and technical student organization serving more than 3,000 Illinois members across 100-plus occupational programs, culminating in the State Leadership & Skills Conference (SLSC) with a pathway to national competition.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Illinois Institute of Technology Elevate College Prep
Summer Legal Academy
High-school students explore law and legal study through a residential summer academy. The 2026 program was listed at $1,500.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Fermilab (Department of Energy)
TARGET Program
Students engage in cutting-edge research in high-energy physics and accelerator science at a national laboratory.
⏱ 6 weeks📅 January 31🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
Shedd Aquarium
Teen Lab Workshops
Free workshops for currently enrolled high-school students ages 14–18 explore aquatic science, conservation, STEAM topics, and related careers through hands-on activities. Workshops are offered on multiple dates and topics.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
University of Chicago
UChicago DATA High School Program
Computational science and modeling fellowship for underrepresented high school students.
⏱ 6 weeks📅 January 15🎓 Grade 11
Selective
University of Chicago
UChicago Financial Markets Program
Summer immersion in financial markets and economics.
⏱ 3 weeks📅 April🎓 Grades 10–12
Highly Selective
University of Chicago
UChicago Pre-College Courses
Pre-College academic courses offered by the University of Chicago.
📅 Applications are closed for this summer and will reopen in Spring 2026🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
University of Chicago
UChicago Pre-College Programs
Learn about the various pre-college programs offered at the University of Chicago.
📅 February🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
University of Chicago
UChicago Summer Session Pre-College
Three and four-week pre-college programs at UChicago across humanities and sciences.
⏱ 3-4 weeks📅 Spring🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
University of Illinois Chicago / NCI-Cancer Center
UIC High School Summer Research Program (ResearcHStart)
High school students in Illinois work in University of Illinois Chicago labs on health-related research.
⏱ 6 weeks📅 March 15🎓 Grades 11–12
Highly Selective
University of Illinois Chicago School of Theatre & Music
UIC Symphonic Band Camp
High-school musicians spend a week in ensemble rehearsals, sectionals, masterclasses, and other musical activities culminating in a performance. The 2026 fee was $150.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Illinois Institute of Technology Elevate College Prep
Understanding the Human Mind
A high-school summer program introducing students to questions and concepts related to human thought and behavior. The 2026 daytime option was listed at $650.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
VFW Department of Illinois
VFW Voice of Democracy Illinois
Annual audio-essay scholarship competition for grades 9-12 built around a patriotic theme (2026-2027: 'What A Veteran Taught Me About America'), progressing from local VFW posts through district and state competition.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Constitutional Democracy Project (Illinois coordinator, Center for Civic Education)
We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution (Illinois)
Constitutional-law curriculum and competition in which Illinois high school teams testify before panels of judges in simulated congressional hearings on constitutional principles, with state winners advancing to National Finals.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective

Nationwide programs open to Illinois students

University of Pennsylvania
Academic English & University Readiness Academy
Two-week residential academy at Penn for non-native English speakers. Students do university-style work: reading, lectures, discussions, research and group projects, ending in a final presentation. Current 9th-11th graders; non-credit.
⏱ 2 weeks (July 26 - August 8, 2026)🎓 Grades 9–11
Highly Selective
Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)
AEOP High School Apprenticeship Program
Students work alongside Army scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research projects in world-class laboratories.
⏱ 8 weeks📅 Early March🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
American Foreign Service Association (AFSA)
AFSA National High School Essay Contest
An essay contest designed to engage students in thinking about peace and conflict resolution.
📅 February 15🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
Carnegie Mellon University
AI Scholars at CMU
Free AI-focused summer program for rising seniors underrepresented in computing.
⏱ 4 weeks (summer)📅 February🎓 Grade 11
Selective
AI4ALL
AI4ALL Open Learning
Girls in grades 6-12 learn AI and Python through interactive virtual classes.
⏱ 2 weeks📅 March 1🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Mathematical Association of America
AIME
Invitational round for top AMC scorers. 15-question, 3-hour exam that gates the USAMO. No fee for invited students.
⏱ 3 hours📅 February🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Freedom Forum
Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference
An all-expenses-paid journalism conference for one student from every US state and DC.
⏱ 1 week📅 February 15🎓 Grade 11
Selective
Amazon
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
Scholarship for high school seniors planning to study computer science in college.
⏱ 4 years scholarship📅 December 1🎓 Grade 12
Selective
Mathematical Association of America
AMC 10/12
The entry-level American Mathematics Competition. Top scorers qualify for AIME and the path to the USAMO. Open to all US high schoolers; school registration required.
⏱ 75 minutes📅 November🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
ACSL
American Computer Science League (ACSL)
A multi-division computer science competition covering both theory and programming.
⏱ School year📅 November 30🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
University of Pennsylvania
American Sign Language and Deaf Culture Online Seminar
Two-week online seminar (daily Zoom sessions) teaching basic ASL conversation and narrative skills in an immersion setting, plus Deaf community perspectives through vlogs, lectures and a panel of Deaf professionals. Current 9th-11th graders; non-credit.
⏱ 2 weeks (July 13 - 24, 2026)🎓 Grades 9–11
Highly Selective
Amgen Foundation
Amgen Scholars Future Track
Free online biotech simulations and pipeline programs preparing high schoolers for biomedical research.
⏱ Self-paced📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Apple Inc.
Apple Swift Student Challenge
Swift coding competition hosted by Apple to showcase creativity and app development skills.
⏱ 1 month📅 February🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Berklee College of Music
Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive
The world's premier summer performance program for contemporary music, including jazz, rock, and pop.
⏱ 5 weeks📅 March 1🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
University of Pennsylvania
Astronomical Techniques Research Academy
Two-week residential academy at Penn. Students learn observational astronomy and data analysis, build simple cameras and spectrometers, observe the Sun and stars, and analyze data with Python. Current 9th-11th graders; non-credit.
⏱ 2 weeks (July 11 - 25, 2026)🎓 Grades 9–11
Moderate
NCWIT
Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC)
Award for girls and non-binary students in computing, providing recognition and a cash prize.
⏱ One-time📅 April 15🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Bard College at Simon's Rock
Bard College at Simon's Rock Young Writers Workshop
A 3-week residential program where students engage in creative and analytical thinking through literature and history.
⏱ 3 weeks📅 April 1🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
MIT Lincoln Lab
Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)
Free MIT-led project-based courses in AI, robotics, cybersecurity.
⏱ 4 weeks (summer)📅 Early February🎓 Grade 11
Selective
ELASH / Bebras US
Bebras Computing Challenge (US)
An international computational thinking and informatics competition. Students can take the test remotely or through a local school coordinator.
⏱ 45 minutes📅 Early February🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Bennington College
Bennington Young Writers Awards
A prestigious creative writing competition for students to win cash prizes and publication.
📅 January 12🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective

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