Internships in Chicago for High Schoolers
Every high school student is looking for the key that will distinguish them on college applications, whether it’s through earning a national award, showcasing leadership, pursuing a passion project, or engaging in a valuable internship experience. Internships, in particular, are an amazing opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in their areas of interest, enabling them to refine their skills and gain hands-on experience.
This blog post will spotlight several internship opportunities available in Chicago, for all interests– providing them with a space to encourage their passions and ambitions. Whether in the realms of science, arts, technology, or any other field, these internships serve as a stepping stone for students to not only stand out on their college applications but also to foster personal and professional growth.
Benefits of Interning as a High Schooler
Interning as a high schooler offers benefits that extend beyond the classroom, providing invaluable real-world experiences and shaping personal and professional development. It allows students to explore potential career paths, offering insights into various industries and helping them make informed decisions about their future. Internships also foster the development of crucial soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management, which are integral for success in any field. Moreover, students gain a tangible understanding of workplace dynamics and expectations, preparing them for the transition from school to the professional world. Interning early on can also enhance a high schooler's resume, making them more competitive in college admissions and future job applications. Ultimately, the exposure gained through internships empowers high schoolers to set clear goals, build a network, and cultivate a strong work ethic, laying the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career.
Interning Opportunities
Arts & Humanities
Teen Council at The Art Institute
If you’re interested in art, history, and museums, check out this summer internship at the Art Institute of Chicago. You’ll get to work with amazing, supportive teens in the city and support festivals, gallery tours, and workshops that serve thousands of visitors. As an intern, you’ll dive right into creative projects, familiarize yourself with a world-renowned collection, engage with museum professionals, and meet local artists.
Gus, a former Teen Art Institute intern, said “This internship made me so much more extroverted. Learning interpersonal skills was pivotal to my life. Learning how to talk to people … I don’t know where else I could have learned it. I never spoke in class before and I was able to find a voice in classes after being in this internship.”
Come find your voice in Chicago at the Institute! Interns must be 16 by the start of the internship.
STEM
Inspirit AI Ambassadors
At Inspirit AI, we offer virtual student internships for high schoolers interested in technology. Our hands-on approach for our Inspirit AI Ambassadors allows our high school kids to latch on to tangible skills for the workforce, dive into technology, and develop their current skills. Most importantly, they learn from our brilliant team members from Stanford and MIT.
Teenagers Exploring and Explaining Nature and Science (TEENS)
Interested in nature? Science? Experimenting? This paid internship allows Chicago teens to explore nature, participate in hands-on scientific investigations, and learn about career paths in ecology, environmental science, and conservation. Participants in the Teenagers Exploring and Explaining Nature and Science (TEENS) program conduct urban ecology and environmental science investigations, and study the nature found in Chicago’s parks, neighborhoods, and forest preserves. They also participate in habitat restoration and other ecological stewardship activities. Teens contribute data to existing local, regional, and global research projects and work in teams to develop their own research questions to investigate. Program participants learn how to use smartphones to collect data in the field and create web-based digital maps and other data visualizations. Partnered with After School Matters, this internship allows kids to dive right into career paths centered on nature and discovery.
Open to Chicago residents and high school students aged 14-19.
Service
Chicago Youth Service Corps
Launched in 2020 to engage young Chicagoans in the city’s response to COVID-19, the Chicago Youth Service Corps brings those aged 16-24 together for meaningful service projects. This is a year-round program, providing paid opportunities in leadership development, project-based learning, and community service. The Chicago Youth Service Corps celebrates diverse backgrounds and welcomes you to bring your whole identity to the table.
Corps members will:
Make a meaningful impact on the City through service
Grow personally and professionally
Meet a diverse group of people who share a passion for service
Business
Chicago Summer Business Institute Internship Program
Current sophomores and juniors, listen up! Founded in 1991, the Chicago Summer Business Institute Internship Program provides paid summer internships for high school kids and introduces them to the financial services sector. The Chicago Summer Business Institute matches students with internships in leading companies in the city. They work to supply students with the skills and connections that they need to kickstart their careers as professionals. Students make connections with industry experts in fields like finance, law, government, and more. They are set on giving participants an incentive to continue their education and prepare them for business.
This opportunity is for low-income Chicago high school students.
Genesys Works
The Genesys Works Student Internship program offers high school seniors access to business technology training through a year-long paid internship with a major corporation. Students hone their professional skills during this eight-week summer skills training program.
The program focuses on areas like:
Conflict resolution
Communication
Business Etiquette
After the successful completion of training, students are placed in a 20-hour per week paid internship as a contributing member of a professional team. The program offers additional classroom instruction, individual college and career counseling, and continued support through the Alumni Program to ensure students achieve college and career success.
Participating students earn $10,000-$15,000 and build an impressive resume while having a significant impact in major corporations.
Luis Almendarez, a Genesys Works alumni, says, “When I started to notice the difference was when I was back in school. I was back in high school and I wasn’t the same guy. I wasn’t a normal average student. I stood out from the crowd. I was that kid who was extremely motivated. That person who knew what he wanted and extremely confident. That’s when I realized this program really changed my life.” This internship opened his eyes forever.
Must be 16 at the start of the internship.
Conclusion
Internships in Chicago give high schoolers diverse opportunities to excel past the classroom. These experiences are more than resume boosters: they’re a chance to explore careers, develop crucial skills, and build a robust network. These highlighted internships cover a spectrum of interests, from arts and STEM to service and business, ensuring a tailored fit for every student. The testimonials of program alumni underscore the transformation high school kids go through with their confidence, motivation, and direction. As high schoolers contemplate their futures, these internships not only enhance college applications but also catalyze a fulfilling and successful journey ahead.
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
