41+ 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 Jul 12, 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 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 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
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 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
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
Students learn to analyze big data, create predictions, model complex situations, and use R or Python for data visualization and model validation, engaging in original research.
Age Group
Middle/High School
Location
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Phone
(847) 467-1575
A six-week, paid pre-internship where rising high school sophomores and juniors explore STEM and health care careers, develop academic and workplace skills, and research real-world health issues.
Age Group
High School
Location
Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Phone
(312) 942-5000
A two-week intensive program for incoming UIC engineering freshmen, offering math preparation, innovative project-based activities, and academic skill development to prepare for college.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Illinois Chicago
Phone
N/A
Youth ages 16-24 learn Swift programming and app development fundamentals to build iOS app prototypes addressing community issues in Chicago.
Age Group
High School
Location
Multiple Locations
Phone
N/A
This seven-week paid program allows underrepresented Chicago-area high school students to perform novel research in Materials Science and Engineering, mentored by professional researchers.
Age Group
High School
Location
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Phone
N/A
High school students strengthen computing skills, build college and career-readiness, and gain exposure to AI and machine learning through dedicated workshops and courses in downtown Chicago.
Age Group
High School
Location
Downtown Chicago, IL
Phone
(312) 355-5025
This one-week enrichment program introduces high school students to quantum science, exploring future careers and academic opportunities in the field.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Phone
N/A
This interactive program offers high school students experience with real astronomy research, focusing on Python programming, data analysis, and astronomical concepts.
Age Group
High School
Location
1800 Sherman Avenue, 8th Floor, Evanston, IL
Phone
(847) 467-6703
An 8-week paid research program where high school and undergraduate students work with data science mentors on rigorous, applied, interdisciplinary projects.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Phone
N/A
High school students explore career paths in molecular engineering, computer science, or physical sciences through academic and practical learning activities.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of 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 264+ 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 264+ 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.
