Top 9 High School Internships in Chicago 2024
by
Indigo Research Team
&
Published:
April 27, 2024
Last Updated:
November 14, 2024
In today’s world, it’s very important for high school students to gain early professional experience through internships. These internships pique your curiosity, help you gain hands-on professional experience, enable you to discover a distinctive career, and let you explore various possibilities to boost your college admission profile.
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.
Let’s explore the top 9 high school internships in the Chicago area:
Do stars excite you? If you are passionate about space and astronomy, the Adler Planetarium Internship Program is recommended. The Planetarium allows young minds to engage with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).
This reputed institution offers high school internships in Chicago where students get to work with professionals. You can also explore different roles, from Visitor Experience and Learning to Research.
Buckle up to assist in astronomical educational programs and share your love for the cosmos by engaging in scientific research. You are in for a treat if you have an interest in space.
The good news for the youth is that the Planetarium offers programs targeted toward young minds. These programs include Youth Organization for Lights Out, Far Horizons Teens, and Youth Leadership Council.
Deadline: June 2024
Duration: Around 8 weeks
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: April 15, 2024
Duration: Two-week project-based program
Dive into the performing arts world with the Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Theater Production Internship.
This is a leading art institute of Chicago high school internships that provide firsthand insight into the theatrical production process. Prepare for an enriching and career-broadening experience.
High school students get exposure in multiple areas, from assisting with rehearsals to participating in set design. The interns gain hands-on, real-world experience in a creative environment throughout the internship.
The interns build professional relationships as they learn from one-on-one mentoring from CST faculty members. Also, the interns get to meet several department heads. Sign up for their summer internships for Chicago high school students.
Deadline: Three seasons per year (Summer, Fall, and Winter/Spring)
Duration: Around 12 weeks
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.
Deadline: (Summer applications open mid-March; Fall applications open late July; Spring applications open late November)
Duration: 6-7 weeks in Summer; 11-12 weeks in Fall and Spring
If you are interested in healthcare, Lurie Children's Hospital is a good choice. One of the top pediatric hospitals in the country offers medical internships for high school students in Chicago. This pediatric program studies infants, children, and young adults who suffer from conditions related to the autonomic nervous system. The program seeks students keen to learn about clinical research and autonomic medicine.
Although the program is unpaid, it is designed to expose students to the clinical and research environment. You will get to shadow healthcare professionals and accompany them in medical research projects.
With these hospital internships in Chicago for high school students, you will gain hands-on pediatric care experience and valuable insights. If you are looking to complement your internships, check out Indigo’s IRIS program which teaches genetics/medicine.
Deadline: Early December 2024
Duration: Around 12 weeks
Are you passionate about marine life? Dive into the opportunity to learn more about environmental conservation and marine life at the Shedd Aquarium's Marine Biology Internship.
It’s an exciting program where you get to care for aquatic animals. Also, you get to educate visitors about the importance of preserving the oceans.
The internship opportunities at Shedd Aquarium may vary from one season to another. It ranges from aquatic care to marketing, conservation research, and developing public relations.
If you wish to participate in this fantastic program, ensure you have a high school diploma. As interns, you will manage your housing, accommodation, and transport. Public transport is available for the Shedd Aquarium.
Deadline: Three seasons per year (March-May, June-August, October-December)
Duration: Around 12 weeks
If you love flora and fauna, go for the Chicago Botanic Garden Internship. Reflecting greatly on the beauty of nature, this prestigious program is a fantastic opportunity to work with plant care experts. Through this internship program, students make use of hands-on experience.
Like-minded peers and industry experts expose you to a diverse world of plants in the country's most celebrated botanic gardens.
High school students learn about sustainable garden practices. They also know how important it is to preserve natural habitats.
As interns, you learn different technical skills, from planting and maintaining gardens to assisting in educational programs and conducting research.
Along with learning technical skills, you can build on teamwork and communication as strengths. Further, the program elaborates on a deeper understanding of how ecological balance sustains the planet.
Deadline: Mid May 2024
Duration: 4-9 Months
Contribute to the vibrant culture of the iconic city by enrolling yourself in The Art Institute of Chicago Internship. The program is designed to empower young individuals. You can polish your artistic skills and gain deeper insight into art and history.
If you are a passionate high school student who loves art and museum experience, prepare to explore different aspects of the museum. Here, you will get museum education, conservation, and hands-on experience in curation.
This program offers an opportunity to work closely with educators, professionals, and curators. You will get to learn about taking care of the display of art. Also, you will get to organize exhibitions and get a chance to engage with visitors.
This is your chance to take a sneak peek into one of the most esteemed art institutions in the country. Prepare to embrace your passion for becoming an arts administrator, artist, or curator.
Deadline: June - August
Duration: 3 Months
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.
Deadline: Rolling basis (the program has 4 seasonal sections)
Duration: variable, but King Scholars are expected to complete at least 30 hours in a calendar year
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.
Did you know that combining research programs and internships could significantly boost your college admissions prospects? High school students who engage in both research programs and internships not only enhance their chances of gaining admission into prestigious colleges but also improve their future career outcomes. Join our next IRIS Program on July 8 - August 18, 2024.
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