UChicago Youth Internship Program
Launched in 2021, the University of Chicago Youth Internship Program is a paid summer employment opportunity for Chicago public high school students. Over the course of two summers, program participants explore STEM careers, develop skills and experience applicable to college and the workforce, and prepare for the college application process.
About
The Year 1 experience takes an earn and learn approach with career and college preparation through workshops, seminars, and activities. This includes a guest speaker series featuring a variety of STEM professionals, workplace tours, professional leadership lessons, college tours, and post-secondary planning.
The second summer, participants who successfully completed the Year 1 experience are eligible to reapply for a Year 2 internship, a six-week job in health sciences, computer sciences, or IT services within one of several University units.
YIP partners with Chicago Youth Works (formerly known as One Summer Chicago), a citywide initiative through the Department of Family & Support Services’ Summer Youth Employment Program, which provides youth with employment and enrichment opportunities during the summer months.
Qualifications
The UChicago Youth Internship Program is looking for motivated, hardworking youth who:
- Have an interest in learning about health sciences, computer sciences, or IT services
- Are at least 16 years old by the start date of the program and authorized to work in the United States
- Are residents of the city of Chicago
- Attend a Chicago public high school, including charter schools
- (For Year 1 Internships) Are in the class of 2027, 2028 or 2029
- (For Year 2 internships) Successfully completed the Year 1 experience the prior summer
Priority given to those who live in or attend a high school in communities adjacent to the University, including Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Greater Grand Crossing, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, South Shore, Washington Park, and Woodlawn.
Summer 2026 Program Dates: June 22 - July 30
Year 1 interns will work and attend programming Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Year 2 interns will work and attend programming Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m
There will also be a few payroll onboarding and orientation events in the spring and summer prior to the start of the program that interns will need to attend.
Year 1 Applications Open Now!
There are 3 steps you need to take to be considered for YIP Year 1:
- Submit the Chicago Youth Works Department of Family and Support Services application.
- Complete the YIP application.
- Schedule one group interview through the YIP application linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the expandable menu below to find answers to frequently asked questions about the UChicago Youth Internship Program.
Year 1: Apply by April 23, 2026
Year 2: Check your email for more information about the application due February 20, 2026.
There are 3 steps you need to take to be considered for YIP Year 1:
- Submit the Chicago Youth Works Department of Family and Support Services application.
- Complete the YIP application.
- Schedule one group interview through the YIP application linked above.
Year 2 Internship: Applications will be released via email to participants who successfully completed YIP Year 1. To ensure we have the right email address on file, feel free to reach out to ucyip@uchicago.edu
Year 1 Experience: The Year 1 experience takes an earn and learn approach with career and college preparation through workshops, seminars, and activities. This includes a guest speaker series featuring a variety of STEM professionals, workplace tours, professional leadership lessons, college tours, and post-secondary planning.
Year 2 Internships: While specific tasks will vary between departments, all interns will have assignments that support projects or initiatives of the department. These assignments could include trainings, inventory updates, job shadowing, summarizing research, assisting with scheduling, attending meetings and taking notes, and other tasks as assigned. Regardless of where a student is placed, all interns will create and deliver a formal presentation about their internship that can be used for future job searches or college applications.
Interns who participate in the program will:
- Earn an hourly wage of Chicago minimum wage for up to 20 hours a week for 6 weeks
- Attend workshops focused on career exploration, professional development, and more
- Prepare for the college application process through college tours and workshops
- Develop valuable skills and experience, whether you want to work immediately after graduation or attend college
- Meet other students and career professionals with similar interests
Students must be at least 16 years old by the first day of the program and authorized to work in the United States to be considered for this program.
You can download our 2026 flyer here.
