Summer should first and foremost be about relaxation and fun, but it’s also important to make sure that you’re doing something productive. If you need help finding opportunities and deciding what to do, here is a guide free or paid opportunities for students in the Chicago area.
How to Find Summer Programs:
Research:
The first step to finding the right program for you is to conduct a lot of research. Consult a variety of resources, from Northside’s counseling website, school links, and your peers. When searching online, be sure to be specific, indicating your subject preferences, location preferences, and other important factors that you are looking for in a program.
Start Early:
The best time to get started on your summer opportunity search is early Fall or Winter. Build a list of programs you are interested in and start your applications as early as possible. Many opportunities require teacher recommendations or school transcripts as a part of their application process. To be considerate of your teacher’s and counselor’s time, be sure to complete your application in a timely manner and inform them far in advance of the deadline.
Be Open to All the Possibilities:
When it comes to summer opportunities, it can be easy to get caught up in a specific subject field or program. While it is great to be focused and confident in your preferences, there are many options available to explore. Apply to multiple programs and keep an open mind, you may enjoy something more than you ever expected.
Where to Look for Local Opportunities:
After School Matters:
After School Matters (ASM) is a local organization that provides enrichment opportunities for Chicago students. They host a variety of programs, including dance, architecture, photography, medicine, and cooking. Summer programs last between 2 and 8 weeks and are often paid experiences with travel stipends available for students.
Requirements:
- Be a resident of Chicago
- Attend a Chicago high school
- Be at least 14 years old by September 1, 2024
ASM often offers different levels of opportunities, differing in age, experience, and stipends. To determine the best option for you, consult the eligibility criteria for each program.
Application Date:
- Summer applications open in April 2025. Submit your application early to have a better chance of getting the programs you are most interested in.
One Summer Chicago:
One Summer Chicago is a conglomeration of government, city, community-based organizations, and company employment and internship opportunities, for ages 14-24. There is a wide variety of fields for students to choose from, including hospitality and camp consoling to STEM and business.
Requirements:
- A working email address
- Be a Chicago resident
- CPS ID (if you are enrolled in CPS)
- Social Security and State ID (if you are 16+ and want to work)
- Work Permit (if you are 15 or younger). We recommend going to the counseling office and finding Ms. Fernandez for help getting a Work Permit
Application dates:
- Application opens March 4, 2024, and closes May 3, 2024
Museums
Museums throughout Chicago host a variety of free and paid programs for Chicago high school students. These opportunities are a great way to meet people throughout the city and provide unique hands-on experiences. Participating in museum programs can help students explore a variety of careers and develop essential communication and professional skills.
Specific program details and offerings for each museum can be found on their respective websites. Application deadlines vary greatly but are generally open from January to April.
The Field Museum of Natural History
Adler Planetarium
Shedd Aquarium
Colleges
Many colleges offer pre-college and pre-professional programs for high school students. These programs are a good chance for high school students to explore majors, career options, research, or simply experience college. With numerous colleges and universities in the Chicago area, there is a large selection of opportunities available for students throughout the city.
Application dates and requirements vary depending on the specific program you’re applying to. More competitive or paid programs often require a teacher recommendation, transcripts, and essay prompts to respond to.
Students should apply for programs and subjects that align with their interests. Attending a pre-college program at a particular university (especially highly selective ones) does not increase your chances of admission. Do not apply to programs just to boost college admission, choose opportunities that you find interesting and enjoyable.
UChicago
Northwestern
UIC
City Colleges of Chicago
Northside
Northside’s counseling office offers a variety of resources to help with program research and applications. Students looking for a more detailed list of opportunities can find them under the counseling tab on the school website. For help with application writing, interview practice, or other enrichment assistance, visit the post-secondary team down in the counseling office.
The post-secondary team has created an Enrichment Programs Database that will be regularly updated and offer programs in all areas of interest. Details to note:
- Not all of these programs are free or happen in Chicago.
- The “Opportunities” tab has internships and volunteer opportunities for both the school year and the summer.
- The “Pre-College” tab is specifically summer programs offered by colleges and universities.
