10 Paid Internships for High School Students in Chicago, Illinois
While in high school, internships can give you the opportunity to explore career interests and gain real-world experience. By immersing yourself in a professional environment, you can build essential skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. This early exposure can help you make more informed decisions about your future academic and career paths, building a strong foundation for college applications.
A number of solid internship options also offer a stipend! Earning while working will not only help keep you motivated but also provide you with a sense of financial independence. It also instills a strong work ethic as you learn to balance responsibilities.
If you’re a high schooler in Chicago looking for internship opportunities, this list of 10 paid internships is for you!
1. Bank of America Student Leadership Program
Location: This program is available in different locations. Use the location finder to find an internship location near you.
Stipend/Cost: This is a paid internship, but there’s no information available on the exact amount provided.
Application Deadline: Applications will open in the fall.
Dates: This is an 8-week-long internship that takes place in the summer.
Eligibility: Current junior or senior in high school
The Bank of America Student Leaders program provides high school juniors and seniors with paid internships at local nonprofits, focusing on preparing them for future success through hands-on projects and community service.
Through this internship, you will gain valuable work experience, develop leadership skills, and get the chance to attend a fully-funded national leadership summit in Washington, D.C., where you can learn about the collaboration between nonprofits, governments, and businesses. The program selects around 300 high school students from over 100 diverse communities across the country.
2. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: Virtual / NASA centers across the country
Stipend: Stipends are offered based on session duration and academic level, but some volunteering opportunities don’t offer a stipend.
Application Deadline: Spring: August | Summer: February | Fall: May
Dates: Spring Session: Mid-January to Early May | Summer Session: (Late May to August); Fall Session (Late August to Mid-December)
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, full-time students (high school through graduate level), 16 years old at the time of application, and have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
NASA’s OSTEM’s paid internships for high school students provide an opportunity to gain hands-on experience at NASA centers across the country. The program offers spring, summer, and fall sessions and allows you to participate in real-world projects in fields like engineering, technology, science, and business operations.
While the application process is competitive, the internship offers valuable practical experience, giving you the chance to work on cutting-edge projects alongside research scientists, engineers, mentors, and other NASA professionals. Overall, a NASA OSTEM internship is an outstanding starting point for those pursuing careers in space and technology.
3. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Hutton seeks to place students within a 45-minute commute from their home.
Stipend: $3000 stipend
Application Deadline: Applications are generally open from November to January
Dates: This is an 8-week program with flexible start and end dates decided by the student and their mentor
Eligibility: Must be rising high school juniors, seniors, or incoming college freshmen who are at least 16 years old by the application deadline
The Hutton Program is a paid internship for high school students that’s designed to train the next generation of fisheries professionals. This initiative offers you hands-on experience in fisheries science through a blend of mentoring and educational activities. The program focuses on increasing diversity and igniting your interest in aquatic sciences by connecting you with industry professionals and providing opportunities for fieldwork and research.
Under the guidance of experienced fisheries experts, you will spend 32-40 hours per week gaining a deep understanding of conservation challenges and the importance of maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. There are various projects centered around habitat restoration, protection, and management, which would provide you with valuable insight into the role of a fisheries biologist and the various career paths available within the field.
4. John Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) at John Hopkins University
Location: Virtual / John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Stipend: Interns who complete the virtual internship will receive a $500 scholarship.
Application Deadline: Applications generally run from December 1 to March 1
Internship Dates: For the virtual program: July – August
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented populations anywhere in the United States can apply for the virtual internship.
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a prestigious summer research program designed specifically for high school juniors and seniors, offering an valuable chance to explore and ignite your passion for careers in neurological sciences.
This virtual program provides you with long-term mentoring, educational resources, and support, all aimed at guiding you toward a successful career as a researcher or clinician scientist at the doctoral level. Throughout the program, you'll engage in professional development workshops, college preparation classes, mentorship training, and networking activities, equipping you with the skills and motivation needed to excel in STEM fields.
5. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI)
Location: Offers both in-person and virtual internships
Stipend: Part-time paid internship opportunities are available
Application Deadline: Applications for the fall cohort generally close in July.
Internship Dates: September to December
Eligibility: High school students authorized to work in the US are encouraged to apply. There are no restrictions on nationality.
The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) offers a dynamic paid internship program that allows you to conduct meaningful research and contribute to the field of international relations. As an intern, you will work closely with FPRI scholars, assisting with research, event planning, and content creation. This experience is designed to sharpen your critical thinking and analytical skills, giving you a significant edge in both your academic and professional future.
You should come prepared with strong writing and research abilities, as these skills are essential for your tasks. While prior knowledge of foreign policy topics is helpful, it’s not a requirement. The FPRI internship provides a chance to develop research and analytical skills in international relations, offering hands-on experience and expert mentorship that can greatly enhance your academic and career prospects.
6. Smithsonian Science Education Center Internship Program
Location: Virtual / Hybrid
Stipend: Stipends are available for certain internship opportunities.
Application Deadline: Applications typically run in March.
Internship Dates: Internships usually take place between May to August.
Eligibility: This program is open to high school students at least 16 years of age. Some internships may require completing a federal background check before commencing.
The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) offers engaging paid internships to high school students in Chicago who are passionate about STEM education. These internships, which are primarily virtual and last between 8-10 weeks, involve tasks such as content creation, curriculum development, and research support. Through this experience, you will gain hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful educational projects. While no specific preparation is required, strong writing, research, or media skills are essential.
These internships provide you with an opportunity to receive mentorship from experts and to work on projects that align with your career interests in STEM. By the end of the internship, you will have enhanced your skills and developed a clearer understanding of your career path.
7. Internships at the Smithsonian National Zoo (Veterinary Medicine)
Location: In-person and remote opportunities are available.
Stipend: Opportunities with stipends are available.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary for different opportunities.
Internship Dates: Varies for different opportunities
Eligibility: Applications are open to high school students. Find available opportunities here.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a range of paid internships that provide a chance to gain hands-on experience in wildlife conservation, animal care, and research. These internships allow you to work alongside experts in fields such as veterinary medicine, nutrition, and ecology. You may assist in daily animal care, participate in research projects, or contribute to educational outreach programs. This experience will not only deepen your understanding of zoology but also help you develop practical skills in a professional setting.
Having a strong passion for wildlife conservation and being ready to engage in practical and research-related activities will significantly enhance your success in these internships. By the end of the program, you will have gained valuable insights into zoo operations and wildlife conservation, making it an excellent stepping stone for a future career in animal science and environmental stewardship.
8. QuarkNet Summer Research Program
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, Illinois
Stipend: $17.20 per hour
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Dates: June to August
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors attending Illinois high schools who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply. Students under the age of 16 must have work authorization.
QuarkNet offers a solid summer research opportunity for students with a strong interest and aptitude in science and mathematics. Over seven weeks, you’ll work closely with scientists on projects connected to Fermilab’s research program. While the specific research areas vary each year depending on ongoing projects, you’re encouraged to express your preferences for topics that interest you most.
The projects you’ll work on will provide you with hands-on experience in cutting-edge science and technology. This paid internship is an excellent way to deepen your understanding of scientific research and gain valuable experience that will benefit your academic and career pursuits in STEM fields.
Location: Available in various cities where Banfield operates
Stipend/Cost: This is a paid internship with varying rates depending on the location.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Internship Dates: 6-10 weeks in the summer; exact dates are not available
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years old and have an interest in animal careers.
The NextVet internship at Banfield Pet Hospital offers a unique opportunity for high school students interested in veterinary medicine. Interns will gain hands-on experience in Banfield hospitals by shadowing veterinary professionals and learning about the complexities of veterinary care.
You will participate in a range of activities, including helping with routine procedures and observing the daily operations of a busy veterinary clinic. This comprehensive experience will not only help you develop practical skills but also provide you with valuable insights into the veterinary field. Applying for the NextVet internship will give you a head start in your veterinary career, giving you a clearer understanding of your future in this field.
10. UChicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Stipend: $3000 taxable stipend
Application Deadline: Applications typically run in January.
Dates: The program typically runs from the second full week of June to the first week of August. Exact dates are provided when applications open.
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school juniors or seniors at the time of application; at least 16 years old at the start of the program; have a strong interest in a career in scientific research or medicine; and be able to commit to 8 full weeks of programming, 40 hours per week.
ResearcHStart is a paid internship for high school students in Chicago who are passionate about cancer research. This full-time opportunity places you in top researchers' labs, offering hands-on experience in areas like cancer immunology, bioengineering, experimental therapeutics, and cancer disparities. It also gives you exposure to Illinois’s top universities.
You'll work closely with experts, gaining essential skills and mentorship from university faculty, research professionals, and peers. This guidance ensures you navigate your research effectively. The program also includes career development and skill-building workshops, covering crucial topics to prepare you for a future in cancer research. By joining ResearcHStart, you contribute to impactful research while building a strong foundation for your academic and professional journey.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program that connects students with startups and nonprofits from industries around the world! As part of the internship, you will work on real-world projects that are important to the startup and present your work at the end of the internship. You will also be mentored by their manager from the startup as well as a Ladder Coach. Apply now!