15 Business Internships for High School Students in Chicago
What are business internships for high school students?
For high school students aspiring to build careers in business, internships are one of the most effective ways to gain real-world exposure early on. These experiences extend beyond textbooks and classroom theory, providing you with a firsthand look at how organizations operate, from marketing and finance to management and entrepreneurship. By working alongside professionals, you develop crucial skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving while discovering what areas of business truly inspire them.
Why are business internships important for high school students?
Internships also help you build professional networks, explore diverse industries, and understand the practical side of running a company, whether it’s a nonprofit, startup, or corporate office.
Why should I do a business internship in Chicago?
For Chicago-based students, the city’s rich business ecosystem offers access to leading organizations and programs designed to nurture young talent.
If you’re interested in business plan competitions, you can check here. Or, for a list of top business leadership programs for high school students, you can have a look here.
Here’s a list of 15 best business internships for high school students in Chicago that provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and a head start toward future success.
1. Bank of America Student Leaders® Program
Cost: Paid internship
Location: Partner nonprofit organizations across the city; includes a leadership summit in Washington, D.C.
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer, including the mandatory Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. (July 21–26)
Application Deadline: January 15; notifications in spring
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors (must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and reside in an eligible community such as Chicago)
The Bank of America Student Leaders® Program provides high school students with an eight-week paid internship at leading Chicago nonprofits like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America or Habitat for Humanity. You will take on roles involving program coordination, communications, fundraising support, and community engagement. You will learn how nonprofit and corporate sectors collaborate to drive social impact. You’ll also attend a week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you will explore public policy, leadership, and business strategy alongside peers from across the country. Notable features include mentorship from local business leaders, exposure to civic management practices, and opportunities to develop organizational, financial, and teamwork skills.
2. Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI)
Cost: Paid summer internship (free to apply/participate)
Location: Partner firms and city departments across downtown and the Loop area
Program Dates: 6 weeks (late June–early August; exact dates released with offers)
Application Deadline: February 1–March 31
Eligibility: Chicago residents who are current high school sophomores or juniors with at least a B (3.0) average and a family income below $80,000
The Chicago Summer Business Institute offers high school students firsthand exposure to Chicago’s corporate world through paid, six-week internships at finance firms, city departments, and partner organizations. You will assist with data entry, accounting records, market research, and administrative coordination while learning the foundations of client communication and financial reporting. Weekly professional development seminars help you connect classroom learning with real-world business practices. Notable program elements include guest speaker panels, skill-building workshops, and guided site visits. This enables you to expand your professional networks and better understand workplace expectations. You’ll leave the program with sharpened analytical, communication, and organizational skills essential for future business careers.
3. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Some placements are paid; others are unpaid
Location: Remote. You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included Y Combinator alums, founders who have raised over $30 million, and founders who have previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, you will work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present your work to the company. Here is the application form. You will be offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other such valuable skills. You also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in your cohort.
4. Young Founders Lab
Cost: Varies depending on program type, financial aid available
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Dates: Vary according to cohort
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here!
Eligibility: All high school students can apply
The Young Founder’s Lab is a start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. You will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X. Apart from building the start-up itself, you will also participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideation, workshops, skill-building sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and more. While this isn’t a traditional internship, it follows the same work-learn structure as the other programs on this list. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
5. University of Chicago Youth Internship Program (YIP)
Cost: Paid internship
Location: University of Chicago campus and partner units in Hyde Park and surrounding neighborhoods
Dates: June 23 – July 31
Application Deadline: April 24
Eligibility: Chicago public or charter high school students aged 16+; U.S. work authorization required; priority for residents near the University; Year 1 open to classes of 2027–2029
The UChicago Youth Internship Program combines hands-on employment with structured college and career readiness. In Year 1, you will attend workshops on financial literacy, workplace communication, and leadership. You will also participate in site visits, college tours, and a guest speaker series led by professionals from STEM and business fields. In Year 2, as a returning intern, you take on specialized six-week roles in health sciences, IT services, or administrative departments within the university. The dual-summer model allows you to progress from skill-building to real-world project execution in an academic and professional environment. Notable features include career panels, peer networking, and exposure to university operations and research management. You graduate with improved technical, teamwork, and presentation skills, alongside meaningful mentorship and work experience.
6. Junior Economic Club of Chicago – Careers in Business (CIB) Internship Program
Cost: Free participation; unpaid internship (educational and project-based experience)
Location: Partner startups, firms, and organizations across Chicago; hybrid/remote options may be available
Dates: Rolling internship placements (typically summer and academic year options)
Application Deadline: Varies by partner organisation; JEC membership required
Eligibility: High school students who are members of the Junior Economic Club of Chicago; selection based on academic performance and demonstrated interest in business or economics
The Careers in Business (CIB) Internship Program connects high-achieving Chicago high school students with startups, investment firms, and small businesses for hands-on business experience. You will work on tasks such as industry and company research, marketing strategy development, curriculum design, and product sales support. Past partners include Northwestern’s Zell Fellows Program, FinLit (a financial education organization), and Dekos Capital, a private investment firm. Through this experience, you will gain applied skills in business analysis, financial modeling, and entrepreneurship while learning from real industry mentors. Notable features include exposure to venture creation, finance, and management operations, as well as access to JEC’s extensive alumni and professional network.
7. City of Chicago Internship Opportunities (via One Summer Chicago)
Cost: Paid internship
Location: City government offices and partner departments across Chicago
Dates: June–August (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: Opens in early spring; typically closes in April
Eligibility: Chicago residents aged 16–24 enrolled in high school, college, or vocational training programs
The City of Chicago’s summer internship initiative gives high school students direct experience in urban administration, public finance, communications, and community engagement. Through One Summer Chicago, you will work full-time in departments such as Finance, Planning and Development, and Human Resources. Tasks may include data management, project coordination, public communications, and assisting with operational reports. You will gain exposure to how city policies are implemented, budgets are managed, and community programs are executed. Notable features include structured mentorship from city staff, professional development sessions, and the opportunity to explore future careers in business administration or government.
8. Genesys Works Chicago – High School Internship Program
Cost: Paid internship ($10,000–$13,000 total earnings during senior year)
Location: Partner companies across downtown Chicago and nearby business districts
Dates: Summer training (8 weeks, June–August) followed by year-long internship during senior year
Application Deadline: Varies by school partner; typically opens in early spring
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors on track to graduate, authorized to work in the U.S., and able to adjust school schedules to work part-time during senior year
Genesys Works Chicago offers a year-long, paid internship program that combines professional skills training, corporate work experience, and personalized college/career coaching. You will begin with an 8-week summer training that builds foundational business and technical skills such as project management, Excel, communication, and client relations. Afterward, you intern 20 hours a week during your senior year at major partner companies in roles related to business operations, technology support, and project coordination. You gain experience in corporate environments while developing critical workplace skills. Notable program features include mentorship from industry professionals, structured college advising, and an active alumni network that continues to support students beyond high school.
9. Art Institute of Chicago – Summer Internship Program
Cost: Paid internship
Location: The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Dates: June–August
Application Deadline: Applications open in Spring (via After School Matters)
Eligibility: Chicago high school students aged 16+ at the start of the internship
The Art Institute of Chicago’s Summer Internship offers high school students hands-on experience working within one of the city’s most prestigious cultural institutions. You will collaborate with museum staff to organize public events, support gallery tours, and help deliver workshops and community festivals. You’ll gain practical skills in event coordination, communication, and public engagement while learning how large organizations manage programming and visitor experience. The program also includes behind-the-scenes exposure to museum operations, artist collaborations, and visitor services, providing a unique perspective on leadership and teamwork in a professional setting. You will emerge with improved interpersonal, planning, and customer service skills. This would make for a strong foundation for future roles in business, marketing, or arts management.
10. After School Matters (ASM) – Chicago Teen Internship Programs
Cost: Paid internship (stipend provided upon program completion)
Location: Multiple sites across the city, including Gallery 37 (Loop) and the Michael & Karyn Lutz Center (Northwest Side)
Dates: Fall (Sept–Dec), Spring (Feb–May), and Summer (June–Aug) sessions
Application Deadline: Varies by session; typically closes a few weeks before each program start date
Eligibility: Chicago high school students aged 14–18 enrolled in a CPS or charter school
After School Matters offers hundreds of paid internship-style programs where Chicago teens can explore fields like business, entrepreneurship, marketing, community leadership, and creative industries. You’ll work under professional mentors to complete projects such as developing business plans, coordinating local events, or managing outreach campaigns. The structure mirrors a professional internship where you earn a stipend while gaining practical experience and industry-relevant skills. Notable features include networking opportunities, resume-building workshops, and exposure to Chicago’s business and cultural ecosystem. With strong city and corporate backing, ASM remains one of the most accessible and skill-driven internship pipelines for high school students in Chicago.
11. SparkShop – High School Summer Internship Program
Cost: Paid internship
Location: SparkShop HQ, 2023 West Carroll Avenue, Chicago, IL, and partner community sites
Dates: July 13–24
Application Deadline: January 27
Eligibility: Chicago-based high school students with curiosity, motivation, and commitment; no prior STEM or business experience required
The SparkShop High School Summer Internship offers a short, but immersive, two-week, paid experience that builds essential workforce readiness and business communication skills. You will collaborate on independent and team-based projects across areas like business operations, marketing, community engagement, and engineering outreach. You’ll learn project planning, presentation skills, and professional communication while networking with local industry professionals. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and creative problem-solving, giving you real exposure to how organizations operate. Notable elements include guided mentorship and peer collaboration.
12. Adler Planetarium – Summer Teen Internships & Youth Leadership Council (YLC)
Cost: Paid internship
Location: Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL
Dates: June–August (for summer internships); September–June (for YLC school-year track)
Application Deadline: August 25–September 15 for YLC; Spring for summer internships
Eligibility: Chicago-area high school students passionate about STEAM, leadership, or community engagement
The Adler Planetarium offers multiple teen opportunities that combine leadership development, teamwork, and communication in a real organizational setting. The Summer Teen Internship places you in paid positions where you assist with museum events, visitor engagement, and public education programs. In the process, you will gain skills in project coordination, customer service, and professional communication. Meanwhile, the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) empowers teens to shape museum experiences, lead outreach projects, and build networks across Chicago’s cultural sector. Both programs focus on collaboration, creative problem-solving, and leadership, which are helpful if you’re exploring business, marketing, or nonprofit management. Notable highlights include mentorship from museum staff, exposure to civic and cultural organizations, and participation in youth-led community initiatives.
13. Chicago Philharmonic – Summer Internship Program
Cost: Paid internship
Location: Chicago Philharmonic offices, 226 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL
Dates: Summer (June–August)
Application Deadline: Opens in spring; exact dates announced annually
Eligibility: Chicago high school students interested in arts administration, marketing, or business operations
The Chicago Philharmonic Summer Internship selects a small group of high school students each year for an immersive experience in arts administration and nonprofit business management. You’ll receive hands-on training and mentorship in marketing, development, operations, and community engagement, learning how large cultural organizations plan concerts, manage donors, and run outreach programs. Alongside administrative work, you also explore performance-based activities guided by professional musicians. This internship bridges creativity and business, offering a behind-the-scenes view of how a major arts organization operates. Notable highlights include mentorship from industry professionals, exposure to nonprofit management, and experience in project coordination and event planning.
14. Rotary Club of Chicago – JOB1 Summer Internship Program
Cost: Paid internship ($15.80/hour)
Location: Partner businesses and nonprofits across the Chicago metropolitan area
Dates: 8 weeks (June 10–August 9)
Application Deadline: Spring (varies each year; check Rotary Club of Chicago’s website for dates)
Eligibility: Chicago high school juniors and graduating seniors aged 16+ recommended by a teacher or counselor; must attend required training sessions
The JOB1 Summer Internship Program, run by the Rotary Club of Chicago, provides students with structured job-readiness training followed by a paid summer placement in business or nonprofit organizations. You’ll work 20–40 hours per week and receive guidance from supervisors while learning workplace communication, teamwork, and time management. The program focuses on professional skills, from handling client-facing tasks to assisting with administrative or project-based responsibilities. You will also take part in a Rotary-led leadership seminar and volunteer service project, reinforcing civic engagement and responsibility. Notable benefits include networking with business professionals, exposure to Chicago’s corporate ecosystem, and eligibility for a $2,500 college scholarship for graduating seniors.
15. Future Founders – Be Your Own Boss Internship
Cost: Paid internship (cash stipend)
Location in Chicago: Virtual program with optional in-person events downtown
Program Dates: Early Spring 2026 (runs in multiple cycles each year)
Application Deadline: To be announced (applications reopen in 2026)
Eligibility: Open to high school students in public or charter schools in Chicago and nationwide
The Be Your Own Boss Internship by Future Founders gives high school students a chance to explore entrepreneurship through a hands-on, paid learning experience. You will work in teams to develop and pitch original business ideas, create basic prototypes, and gain insights into startup operations through interactive workshops led by professional entrepreneurs. The program emphasizes networking, career exploration, and STEM integration. This allows you to connect with business leaders, collaborate on practical projects, and attend exclusive entrepreneurship events. This internship can not only build your business acumen, but can also strengthen your leadership, communication, and creative problem-solving skills.
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