89+ university-hosted pre-college STEM programs for high schoolers near Chicago — AI, research, engineering, and science tracks. Compare admissions, prices, and dates.
Refreshed weekly · Last updated Oct 13, 2026
Introduces Chicago high schoolers to data science and AI, helping them progress from basic computing to applied data science research using Python with real-world datasets.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Chicago
Phone
N/A
High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors learn Python programming, conduct inquiry-driven data science research, and develop critical collaboration and problem-solving skills.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park, Chicago
Phone
N/A
High school students immerse in an 11-month research-intensive program, including a six-week summer lab experience, focusing on biomedical investigation at the interface of AI, robotics, and tissue engineering.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Illinois Chicago
Phone
N/A
High school students receive an immersive introduction to higher-level mathematical thinking and proof techniques, exploring concepts in set theory, counting, and infinite sets.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Chicago
Phone
N/A
High school students explore the cutting edge of Artificial Intelligence through theoretical discussions, faculty lectures, lab tours, and career guidance at the University of Chicago.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Phone
N/A
An intensive 10-week research program at the University of Chicago for students and early-career researchers focusing on AI safety, nuclear security, and cybersecurity.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Chicago campus
Phone
N/A
High school students explore quantum science, 3D printing, and solar energy through hands-on experiments, lab visits, and trips to scientific institutions.
Age Group
High School
Location
UChicago Campus
Phone
N/A
High school students explore how business leaders use technology and artificial intelligence to enhance data value, enterprise systems, and supply chains through workshops and talks.
Age Group
High School
Location
601 S. Morgan St., 11th Floor, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone
N/A
Integrates physical movement with academic and technical learning, focusing on applied data literacy, biomechanics, performance science, injury prevention, and hands-on exposure to sports technology.
Age Group
Middle/High School
Location
Multiple Locations
Phone
N/A
Participants use AI-assisted tools to push the boundaries of artistic and creative expression, discovering how AI can enhance their work.
Age Group
High School
Location
Multiple Locations (Hybrid)
Phone
N/A
High school students learn design thinking, analytical problem solving, Python programming, and entrepreneurship through a free, six-week summer program.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Chicago campus
Phone
N/A
High school and youth athletes gain exposure to physiology testing, data collection, and hands-on experience in strength and conditioning programming and coaching.
Age Group
Middle/High School
Location
Multiple Locations (Bensenville, IL; Glenview, IL)
Phone
(303) 808-1116
High school students learn Python, data analysis, and visualization while conducting inquiry-driven research in data science and AI at the University of Chicago.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park, Chicago
Phone
N/A
A pre-college program for high school students to explore STEM fields and experience a research institution with a strong liberal arts curriculum.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Phone
N/A
High school students explore biomedical engineering, including aspects of drug delivery innovation, through hands-on learning and collaborative projects within a college campus environment.
Age Group
High School
Location
Illinois Institute of Technology, Mies Campus, Chicago, IL
Phone
N/A
Intensive summer program for high school and first-year college students to build computing skills, increase college and career readiness, and connect with Chicago's tech community.
Age Group
High School
Location
Discovery Partners Institute, Chicago, IL
Phone
N/A
High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors can experience college life and earn credit through 1, 3, or 6-week courses in science, math, sustainability, and liberal arts.
Age Group
High School
Location
Loyola University Chicago, Sheridan Rd.
Phone
(773) 274-3000
Participants learn the full data science pipeline, including question formulation, data collection, storage, computation, visualization, inference, and prediction, using Python and Jupyter Notebooks to complete a capstone project with real-world d...
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Chicago (likely Hyde Park Campus, though not explicitly stated in snippet)
Phone
N/A
An intensive, free six-week program for high schoolers and incoming college freshmen to build computing skills in computer science, data science, and mobile app development.
Age Group
High School
Location
200 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
Phone
(312) 668-9081
An intensive two-week program for incoming UIC freshmen, providing hands-on experiences, math preparation, and innovative project-based activities to build a strong academic and social foundation for college.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Illinois Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Phone
N/A
Summer camps are great, but the real portfolio comes from competing. See every FIRST Robotics team in IL — plus pathways, deadlines, and pick lists for math, coding, science, and research competitions.
Looking for a STEM summer camp near you? This free Chicago directory lists 456+ local and online programs across the Chicago metro area — including AI, coding, robotics, science, and math camps for kids, middle schoolers, and high school students. Compare prices, dates, age groups, and formats, then filter by focus area above to find the closest match for Summer 2026.
We list 456+ STEM summer camps in Chicago, IL across AI & machine learning, coding, robotics, science, math, space, and cybersecurity. Top picks vary by your child's age and interests — use the category filters above to compare programs by price, duration, and format.
Prices in our Chicago directory range from free community programs to $3,000+ for university-hosted pre-college tracks. Most full-day weekly camps run $400–$900 per week; specialized AI and research programs typically run $1,000–$2,500 for the full program. Click any camp for current pricing.
Camps in our Chicago listings cover elementary (typically ages 6–10), middle school (11–13), high school (14–18), and selective pre-college research programs for rising seniors. Filter by age group to see only programs that match your child.
Yes — many of our listed programs offer fully online or hybrid formats, especially in AI, coding, and research. Online options are open to students nationwide, including Chicago-area kids who can't travel to an in-person camp. Look for the “Virtual Camp” filter or any program tagged Online / Hybrid in the details.
Yes. Several listings are pre-college programs hosted by universities — including residential and commuter options. These are competitive admissions with applications often closing in March/April for summer cohorts. Use the Pre-College filter at the top to see only these programs.
