Chicago is one of the most opportunity-rich cities in the United States for high school students who want to explore careers in law, finance, and urban policy. From paid internships at top law firms to summer programs run by city government, the city offers a wide range of experiences that help students build real-world skills before college. Whether you are a sophomore looking to explore your options or a junior ready to commit to a career path, there is a program in Chicago designed for you.
This guide lists seven of the best high school internships and research programs in Chicago across law, finance, and urban policy — with verified sources so you can apply directly.
1. Urban Alliance High School Internship Program (Law, Finance, and More)
Website: https://www.urbanalliance.org/high-school-internship-program/
Urban Alliance is one of the most well-established paid internship programs for high school students in Chicago. The flagship program places students in nine-month, part-time internships during the school year and full-time roles during the summer.
Placements span legal offices, corporate finance departments, nonprofits, and government agencies. Before starting, interns complete professional skills training and attend weekly workshops covering workplace communication, time management, and post-secondary planning. Students earn hourly wages throughout.
Eligibility: High school seniors in Chicago. Juniors and sophomores may qualify for early workforce readiness tracks.
Why apply: It is a paid, long-term experience that gives students a genuine professional credential before graduation.
2. Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI) — Finance Focus
Website: https://chicagobusinessinstitute.org/
CSBI is a competitive, paid six-week summer internship for high school students in Chicago. Students work 24 hours per week at banks, law firms, accounting firms, and engineering companies across the city.
Each week includes a half-day seminar focused on financial markets, business operations, and economic principles. Students learn about supply and demand, market structures, and professional workplace systems through both direct experience and classroom instruction.
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors residing in Chicago with a 3.0 GPA and a household income below $80,000/year.
Why apply: It combines hands-on finance exposure with structured academic learning in one of the city's most competitive paid programs.
3. Chapman and Cutler LLP — Law Firm Administrative Intern Program (LFAI)
Website: chapman.com/careers-prelaw
Chapman and Cutler is a leading Chicago-based finance law firm that actively recruits high school and college students from underserved communities into its Law Firm Administrative Intern (LFAI) program.
Interns begin with an orientation that introduces finance and legal concepts, then work on meaningful projects supporting firm operations. The firm also supports pre-law students through scholarship programs and career mentorship.
Eligibility: High school students from underserved communities in Chicago. Applications for summer programs typically open in the fall.
Why apply: Few law firms in the country offer high school students direct access to a working legal environment. This is a rare opportunity to see finance law in practice.
4. Obama Youth Job Corps (OYJC) — South Side Chicago
Website: urbanalliance.org/location/chicago
Launched in 2017 through a partnership between Urban Alliance and the Obama Foundation, the Obama Youth Job Corps focuses on expanding economic opportunity for high school students on Chicago's South Side.
The program has served over 1,700 tenth and eleventh graders from Chicago Public Schools with job skills training and paid internship placements. Students gain exposure to legal, policy, business, and nonprofit environments through real workplace experience.
Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors attending Hyde Park Academy High School and Kenwood Academy High School with at least a 2.5 GPA and a strong attendance record.
Why apply: It is a community-rooted program with strong mentorship, proven outcomes, and backing from one of the most recognized policy institutions in the world.
5. Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) — Urban Policy and Planning
Website: cmap.illinois.gov
The Future Leaders in Planning program is offered by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and is free for all accepted participants, with a paid stipend. The summer program introduces high school students to the fundamentals of urban planning and its impact on communities and regions.
Students engage with topics such as public transportation, housing policy, environmental protection, and sustainability through interactive sessions led by working professionals.
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9 through 12 who live or attend school in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, or Will counties.
Why apply: Urban policy is one of the fastest-growing career fields, and FLIP gives students direct access to planning professionals who shape how cities function.
6. UChicago Youth Internship Program — Research and Policy
Website: uchicago.edu
The University of Chicago's Youth Internship Program places high school students in paid summer roles where they work on real research projects in economics, finance, and public policy. Interns may analyze data, build program budgets, evaluate policy outcomes, or contribute to community research initiatives. The program is based on campus and connects students with university faculty and researchers.
Eligibility: High school students who are residents of Chicago. Check the university's official site for updated eligibility requirements each cycle.
Why apply: Working at a world-class research institution gives students college-level experience, strong academic references, and a significant advantage in college applications.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Getting into competitive Chicago high school internships requires more than good grades. Programs in law, finance, and urban policy typically look for students who can demonstrate genuine interest, clear communication, and a willingness to learn. A few preparation tips that will strengthen any application:
Write a specific personal statement that connects your interest in law, finance, or urban policy to real experiences or questions you have. Generic essays do not stand out. Request teacher or counselor recommendation letters early, giving your recommender at least three weeks of notice. Prepare a basic one-page resume even if you have limited experience; include coursework, school activities, and any community involvement. Practice interview skills, as several of these programs conduct in-person or virtual interviews before making final selections.
Final Thoughts
Chicago offers high school students genuine, substantive exposure to law, finance, and urban policy — not just shadowing opportunities, but paid work, research, and professional mentorship. Starting your career exploration in high school gives you a clear advantage when applying to college programs, scholarships, and future competitive internships. The seven programs listed above are verified, accessible, and designed specifically for students at your stage. Research each one, reach out to program coordinators with thoughtful questions, and apply as early as possible — most deadlines fall in late winter or early spring.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
PAA / FAQ
Q: What grade should I be in to apply?
A: Most programs accept students in grades 10 through 12. Some accept students as early as grade 9.
Q: Do I need to live in Chicago to apply?
A: Most programs require you to live or study in Chicago or the surrounding Cook County area.
Q: How long do these programs last?
A: It depends on the program. Some run for six weeks over summer, others last the full school year.
Author: Written by Wahiq Iqbal
Wahiq Iqbal is the Head of Growth & Automations at RISE Global Education, where he builds scalable systems that connect business strategy with seamless user experience. He is an operations and UX professional with a background in Computer Science and design. He thrives at the intersection of design, technology, and operations—solving complex problems, building efficient processes, and creating fast, human-centered systems that drive measurable growth.
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