# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Future Founders | Every Youth Can Become an Entrepreneur

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A paid internship that gives you the opportunity to explore the startup ecosystem, network with professional entrepreneurs, and build community with peers from all different backgrounds-all while working to create and pitch your own business ideas!
We will be running three cohorts of Be Your Own Boss for Chicago students in 2023. Click the button below to apply!

FOR STUDENTS AT CHICAGO PUBLIC & CHARTER SCHOOLS

OPEN TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 15 | APRIL 18 - MAY 11 | MAY 30 - JUNE 22

VIRTUAL (WITH ONE IN-PERSON DAY)

PARTICIPANTS EARN CASH STIPEND

CLIMB THE LADDER TO SUCCESS
Make friends, earn money, and build your network with the "Be Your Own Boss" Internship. A fun, interactive experience, this internship will give you the skills you need to take control of your future and succeed in the 21st Century.

ENTREPRENEURS ARE DREAMERS DOERS GAME-CHANGERS INNOVATORS CREATORS DISRUPTORS PEOPLE LIKE US PEOPLE LIKE YOU

BUILD YOUR NETWORK
Successful entrepreneurs often cite their network as the secret to their success. Be Your Own Boss helps you build your own network, connecting you with other hardworking peers, entrepreneurs, and experienced business leaders. You'll have fun and make friends at the same time.

"Future Founders is such a memorable experience. You walk away with more tools in your toolbox, and the immense satisfaction of knowing you too can create your own company."

Dulce Medina

Be Your Own Boss Summer Intern

"The Be Your Own Boss Summer Internship provides you with the chance to not only experience entrepreneurship, but to develop yourself as well, which makes it really unique."

Kendall Hester

Be Your Own Boss Summer Intern

What are the program dates?

The Be Your Own Boss Virtual Internship runs various cycles throughout the year. Check the top of this page for details on our next session(s).

How does the stipend work?

Participating students have the opportunity to earn a cash stipend over the course of the program. The stipend is based on attendance and active participation. The stipend schedule will be discussed on the first day of the program.

How can my child get access to this program?

Acceptance to the Be Your Own Boss Virtual Internship requires both an online application and virtual interview. Due to the high volume of interest, our two-step application helps to find the most engaged and committed students. The application isn't based on grades or prior experience in entrepreneurship. We are looking for students from all backgrounds and experiences who are interested in exploring this industry.

Where is the program located?

The Be Your Own Boss Internship is a virtual-first program for students in the Chicago area, with opportunities for special in-person events held in downtown Chicago (depending on local health and safety regulations at the time of the program).

Ready to get involved?
Join our newsletter for updates

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Be Your Own Boss Virtual Internship | Future Founders

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A paid internship that gives you the opportunity to explore the startup ecosystem, network with professional entrepreneurs, and build community with peers from all different backgrounds-all while working to create and pitch your own business ideas! We will be running three cohorts of Be Your Own Boss for Chicago students in 2023.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
CHANCE Program - Preparing the Next Generation of Computer Scientists

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Digital Scholars - Computer Science | CHANCE Program | University of Illinois Chicago

# data[].attributes.headline
Galileo Art Camp Counselors (various Chicagoland locations)

# data[].attributes.subject
Galileo Art Camp Counselors (various Chicagoland locations)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
They're sign makers, attendance takers, office assistants, lesson helpers, game leaders, skit planners and all-around can-doers who work to keep camp running smoothly. Internships are paid and available to applicants who will be 16 or older by the start of employment (the first day of camp at your location).
WHAT YOU'LL DO AT CAMP

Happily support camp operations to keep camp running smoothly, from setting up space for families to check-in each morning to tagging in when Team Leaders and Assistant Instructors need a break.

Soak in the Galileo Innovation Approach® and gain knowledge you'll employ in both life and work, long after the camp season ends.

Create a safe, fearless and engaging learning environment for all campers.

Work with your camp's Operations Coordinator to develop valuable professional skills.

Share the magic of camp with families while providing excellent customer service.

WHAT WE'LL DO TOGETHER

Work hard. We can't make the world a better place by sitting around.

Days are long and full. And worth it.

Play hard. It's like 'bring your inner child to work' day. All summer long.

Stretch ourselves, exhibiting silly-putty-like flexibility.

Whatever it takes. Being a Galilean means doing whatever needs to be done, whenever it needs doing.

Reflect on our experiences every day, becoming even better versions of our best selves.

Build a life-long community of exceptional peers.

Change the world.

READY TO WORK FOR GALILEO?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
They're sign makers, attendance takers, office assistants, lesson helpers, game leaders, skit planners and all-around can-doers who work to keep camp running smoothly. Internships are paid and available to applicants who will be 16 or older by the start of employment (the first day of camp at your location).

# data[].attributes.headline
Summer Camp Counselors at Lifetime Fitness

# data[].attributes.subject
Summer Camp Counselors at Lifetime Fitness

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Summer Camp Counselor job in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America | Kids Activities & Camp jobs at Life Time

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Apply for Summer Camp Counselor job in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America. Browse and apply for Kids Activities & Camp jobs at Life Time.

# data[].attributes.headline
Rush Medical Education & Career Hub for High School Students

# data[].attributes.subject
Rush Medical Education & Career Hub for High School Students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
"I've always wanted to go into the medical field and one day be a doctor, but that seemed like such a far-away reality. But with the college preparation work I've done in this internship and my involvement in the highly sophisticated hospital setting, I see myself more as a capable, talented individual who will head off to college soon and make this dream a reality sooner than I realize."
Rush University Medical Center MedSTEM Pathways intern, Summer 2019

MedSTEM Programs

Hands on, workplace-based experience

These intensive academic enrichment programs introduce teens to a variety of STEM and health care careers and strengthen their academic skills. Hands-on learning builds communication, teamwork, critical thinking, leadership and problem-solving abilities; students can also earn industry-recognized credentials in areas such as CPR first aid/basic lifesaving, phlebotomy and ECG Tech.

Download the brochure here.

Download the brochure here.

RU Ready

Preparing for college and the workforce is a multi-faceted process - and RU Ready programming supports students every step of the way. SAT preparation courses, one-on-one coaching sessions to improve writing skills and study habits, and professional development workshops on workplace communication, professional branding and other essentials are all part of RU Ready.

REACH FOR IT aims to increase the number of low- to moderate-income Black and Latinx youth who are meeting key academic and workforce readiness benchmarks to advance to the next level of STEM education and/or enter the workforce with the skills, experience, and networking connections to succeed in IT careers. This program hopes to diversify the healthcare and IT sector and provide more Black and Latinx youth in Chicago with access to family-sustaining careers.

IT Explorations

An outreach initiative that provides students in 5th grade and above with enrichment activities that will expose them to college and career opportunities in Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Health IT.

MedSTEM+ IT

A four (4) year program that will provide students with the opportunity to participate in classroom education, job shadowing, internships, and receive technical certifications in Cybersecurity, AI, and Health IT.

Bridges to Mentoring

Bridge to Nursing: The Bridge to Nursing Program is for high school students interested in a career in nursing. Mentoring, career exploration and academic supports will be made available to student participants. Gain the opportunity to learn about nursing careers from current nursing students and practicing nurses!

Bridge to Medicine: The Bridge to Medicine Program is for high school students interested in a career in medicine. Mentoring, career exploration and academic supports will be made available to student participants. Gain the opportunity to learn about medical careers from current medical students and practicing doctors!

We'll post more information soon about how to apply for the next session; please check back often!

Other Citywide Programs

Career Launch Chicago

Career Launch Chicago - In partnership with City Colleges of Chicago and Chicago Public Schools (new pilot).

Through a collaborative initiative between Chicago Public Schools, City Colleges of Chicago, and the City of Chicago, CLC Youth Apprenticeships offer paid work-based learning opportunities for CPS students that will connect them to college pathways and careers in Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Healthcare.
Note: Interested students must be Chicago Public Schools CTE students and would start application via their respective high school.

ResearcHStart

Who: High school students interested in careers in scientific research or medicine

What: Full-time immersion in a cancer research laboratory, individualized mentoring, career and skill-building workshops, faculty lecture series, student research symposium, and group social events

When: 8 weeks, summer

Contact: Megan Mekinda, PhD,
773-702-4678
[email protected]

@rtifice

A STEM Ed and maker/hackerspace for middle and high school students and individuals in the Woodlawn community. The program is designed to teach youth how to build websites, make video games, build robots, repair computers, and more! They build long-term relationships with kids working on hands-on projects to build excitement about STEM and involve them in problem-solving. A strong background in tech is not necessary for volunteers, and they receive training upon signing up. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring their own interests and experiences to engage youth at the center. The @rtifice center is currently open Tuesday and Thursday from 4 PM to 6 PM, but can open other days depending on volunteer interest.

Contact person:
William Carpenter, @rtifice Center Coordinator
[email protected]

Chicago EYES on Cancer

Chicago EYES on Cancer is a cancer research training program for high school and college students interested in careers in biomedicine. The program also welcomes secondary science educators. For two consecutive summers, participants work full-time in the laboratories of established cancer researchers at the University. Rigorous research training is complemented with a cancer-based lecture series, skill-building workshops, and a network of faculty and peer mentors dedicated to participants' success. The program culminates in a research symposium to showcase participants' work across basic, translational, clinical, and population-based areas of cancer research.

Contact Person:
Megan Mekinda, PhD
773-702-4678
[email protected]

Collegiate Scholars Program

Founded in 2003 and operated through the University's Office of Civic Engagement, the Collegiate Scholars Program (CSP) is designed to encourage the highest-achieving and underrepresented Chicago Public Schools students to apply to and succeed at top colleges.

Approximately 150 students participate in the program each year, with approximately 50 new students accepted as a cohort annually. Students from across the city apply in the spring of their freshmen year of high school and participate until their high school graduation, forming a strong network of high-achieving Chicago Public Schools students. Collegiate Scholars are selected based on academic strength, leadership, and the ability to overcome obstacles, as described in their application essays. Following an orientation weekend in residence on the UChicago campus, they enroll in humanities, social sciences, and STEM courses during the summer. Taught by University faculty and advanced graduate students, these courses also emphasize the analytic, writing, and communication skills required in a top-tier academic environment.

During the academic year, Collegiate Scholars engage in a series of college preparatory workshops and courses outside of their high school curriculum that both expand student skills and prepare them for rigorous, engaged, student experiences at highly selective colleges and universities. Students choose between taking university courses or participating in a University-supported internship or research opportunity, e.g., at UChicago Medicine or the Institute of Politics. Additional activities include intensive guidance on college readiness including the college and financial aid application process, and programming on financial education and cultural awareness.

Contact Person:
Abel Ochoa
773-834-5833
[email protected]

TEACH Research

T raining Early Achievers for Careers in Health (TEACH) Research aims to prepare and inspire talented Chicago Public School high school students to pursue careers in health-related research by providing exposure to a realistic career experience and a multi-tiered structure of mentors during its summer programming. Students are recruited as rising sophomores from the University of Chicago Collegiate Scholars Program, a three-year enrichment program for high-achieving and talented Chicago Public School students.

Contact Information:
773-834-9788
[email protected]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
"I've always wanted to go into the medical field and one day be a doctor, but that seemed like such a far-away reality. But with the college preparation work I've done in this internship and my involvement in the highly sophisticated hospital setting, I see myself more as a capable, talented individual who will head off to college soon and make this dream a reality sooner than I realize."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Junior Staff is a small-group program that is both practical and user friendly.

Junior Staff assists Club members ages 13 to 18 in exploring a career in youth or human services, particularly Boys & Girls Club work. Young people prepare for future roles as human services professionals by participating in career development activities, discovering the importance of community service, building customer service skills and completing a Club apprenticeship. The program develops Club members' interpersonal skills, work ethic and sense of community responsibility.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Junior Staff assists Club members ages 13 to 18 in exploring a career in youth or human services, particularly Boys & Girls Club work. Young people prepare for future roles as human services professionals by participating in career development activities, discovering the importance of community service, building customer service skills and completing a Club apprenticeship.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Through after-school programs, After School Matters inspires Chicago teens to discover their passions and develop skills for life beyond high school.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Shedd Aquarium Internships | Shedd Aquarium

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Build experience alongside the experts with a Shedd Aquarium internship. From animal care to marketing, our internships offer career exploration in a variety of professions!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
About

The University of Chicago Youth Internship Program is a paid summer employment opportunity for Chicago Public Schools high school students who live on the South Side. Launched in 2021, the UChicago Youth Internship Program (YIP) serves Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students over the course of two summers. In addition to providing interns with meaningful work experience and a stronger peer network, the program also offers weekly professional development workshops, guest speakers, social-emotional learning seminars, career exploration activities, and college readiness and access programming.

The first summer is focused on career and college awareness, exploration, and preparation. The following summer, participants are placed within one of several University units for a six-week internship in health sciences, computer sciences, or IT services.

YIP partners with 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.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The University of Chicago Youth Internship Program is a paid summer employment opportunity for Chicago Public Schools high school students who live on the South Side. Launched in 2021, the UChicago Youth Internship Program (YIP) serves Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students over the course of two summers.

# data[].attributes.headline
Urban Growers Collective (Youth Farmers)

# data[].attributes.subject
Urban Growers Collective (Youth Farmers)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Applicants will be notified in May or June if they have been invited for an interview. All eligible applicants who are not offered an initial interview will be placed on a waitlist.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
At the Adler, we believe in the natural curiosity and visionary leadership of Chicago's youth and strive to create a welcoming space for personal growth and scientific experimentation. Adler Teen Programs provide opportunities for young people to engage deeply with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), prepare for a variety of careers, act as community thinkers and change-makers, and meet peers from across the city all while having fun! Sign up for our email list!

Teen Program Offerings

Hangouts - Now Enrolling!

Hangouts is an event series for Chicago teens. We explore young adult professional development, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math), and we socialize. We ask questions about the Cosmos that make us say wow while addressing the pressures and ambiguities that are facing teens now.

October- June

Teens ages 14-19

Monthly

Participants receive transportation support

Hangouts are free with an RSVP!

If you have any questions or would like to RSVP a group, please email fsowe@adlerplanetarium.org.

Teen Telescope Ambassadors - Now Accepting Applications!

Have you ever looked through a telescope? Would you like to learn how to operate telescopes and observe astronomical objects? What about using that expertise to help us bring telescopes to YOUR community?

As part of the Adler Planetarium's Teen Telescope Ambassadors program, teens will become nighttime observing experts. You'll learn how to find objects in the night sky and get the opportunity to utilize Adler's telescopes to make your own observations of the moon, planets, and more. As part of a team, you'll plan community observing events in Chicago neighborhoods to share the opportunity of looking through a telescope with friends, family, and neighbors!

Teens currently enrolled in high school and at least 15 years old

Dates: 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, and 5/29 (wrap-up session) @ 6:00-9:00 pm*

Participants receive CTA passes for transportation support

Students who successfully complete the workshop series will earn a $300 stipend (Stipends will be paid at the end of the program)

Interested? Here's what we're looking for:

A desire to explore the night sky using telescopes

Previous knowledge of telescopes or space science is NOT necessary! Anyone enthusiastic to learn about telescopes and excited to support others in learning about space is welcome.

Apply To Become a Teen Telescope Ambassador Application review will begin on Friday, February 21. *Note there will also be two or three evening observing events that will take place in May at locations TBA.

Astro-Science Workshop - Now Accepting Applications!

Astro-Science Workshop (ASW) is a fun, intensive, program about space exploration designed for high school students in the Chicago area. ASW began more than 50 years ago during the space race and the Apollo program, and counts numerous scientists, engineers, business leaders, and a former NASA astronaut as alumni.

ASW encourages participants to consider pursuing careers in
science by offering the unique opportunity to work with astronomers, engineers, and educators at the Adler Planetarium. This year's program will focus on hands-on opportunities related to telescope observing, light pollution, and high-altitude ballooning.
Meeting Schedule:

Monday-Friday, July 20 - August 7, 2020

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Interested? Here's what we're looking for:

Teens enrolled in 8th-12th grade during the 2019-2020 school year

Interested in learning new science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills and passionate about science

Team players who collaborate well with peers

Students who successfully complete the workshop series will earn a $300 stipend. Stipends will be paid at the end of the program. College scholarships will be awarded to three qualifying ASW participants. Participants will receive a CTA pass for transportation support.

You can find more information and apply here. Completed applications and references are due Wednesday, April 1.

Summer Internship - Accepting Applications Beginning January 31!

Looking for a summer job that will be challenging, fun, and eye-opening? The Adler's Teen Internship program places current high school students in professional museum roles, from facilitating fun science experiences for visitors to developing instruments to fly on a high altitude balloon! Full information is available in the 2020 Summer Intern resource packet but here are the basics:

20 interns in 5-6 different job roles around the museum

$14/hour, 25-hours/week, Monday-Friday from 6/29 - 8/21

Museum work experience and professional development

Applications open on Friday, January 31. Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, an unofficial school transcript, and references online by Sunday, March 1. Instructions on how to write these documents and how to apply are available here.

At this design-engineering competition, middle and high school teams will compete with each other to design and build the best possible remotely-controlled airship with peers, adult volunteers, and Adler Planetarium staff.

One Saturday in December

Students enrolled in middle and high school

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Whether it's recovering meteorite fragments from the bottom of Lake Michigan or pioneering a cutting-edge urban light pollution study, in Team Stratonauts teens design and build experiments, develop solutions to authentic engineering challenges, and present their work to the general public and members of research communities.

October - January

Teens 14-18 years old

16 weeks

Saturdays, 12:00-4:00 pm

Participants receive a stipend and travel support

Youth Organization for Lights Out (YOLO)

This program, based at Little Village Lawndale High School, focuses on light pollution through an environmental justice lens. Teens explore light pollution in their neighborhood and in dark sky sites including the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park.

October-December

Students enrolled at Little Village Lawndale High School

3 months (twice a week)

Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00-6:00 pm

Participants receive a stipend and transportation support

Council members bring youth voice to the planetarium as they design programs for peers and work with Adler staff to create an institution that is welcoming to Chicago's young people.

October-June

Teens ages 14-18

9 months (weekly)

Saturdays 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Participants receive a stipend and transportation support

PURCHASE TICKETS

Your all-access pass to our Universe!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teen Opportunities at the Adler Planetarium

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At the Adler, we believe in the natural curiosity and visionary leadership of Chicago's youth and strive to create a welcoming space for personal growth and scientific experimentation. Adler Teen Programs provide opportunities for young people to engage deeply with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), prepare for a variety of careers, act as community thinkers and change-makers, and meet peers from across the city all while having fun!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In the 2-week Summer Immersion Program (SIP), high school students attend live, virtual classes sponsored by industry-leading companies like MetLife, Bank of America, and Accenture. *New in 2023* SIP students will get an Introduction to Game Design. This year's program will focus on beginner to intermediate CS concepts, the iterative design process, UX design basics, and introduce students to tech industry!

Current 9th-11th graders (now accepting eligible summer alumni!)

$300 needs-based grant provided (for eligible students in the United States)

WHAT IS THE SELF-PACED PROGRAM?

In the Self-Paced Program, high school students can explore web development in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or more intermediate applications of Python with a focus on cybersecurity or our new data science courses! During the Self-Paced Program, students work at their own pace while having the opportunity to build community through weekly live advisory sessions and activities. This program is open to all high school students, graduating seniors, and summer programs alumni!

Current 9th-12th graders (including summer alumni and graduating seniors!!)

6 weeks to complete course projects at your own pace

Want to learn more?

Check out our live and on-demand webinars to get your questions answered by Girls Who Code team members and alumni.

We are accepting applications from students ages 14-18, anywhere in the world!

Join our summer teaching team and participate in our innovative teacher training that shows you how to spark interest in computer science and equip students with the skills to succeed.

Get access to our free resources for educators, from our women in tech spotlights to sisterhood activities, facilitator lesson plans, and more!

Become part of our diverse network of teachers who are committed to closing the gender gap in technology and advancing women in computer science.

See What Our Girls Are Creating

Girls in our summer programs code websites, apps, and video games to address problems facing their communities-from climate change, to cyberbullying, to literacy.

Girls, Women and Nonbinary Individuals Coding

Our programs have served 500,000 girls across the country and around the world since 2012.

Half of our girls served come from historically underrepresented groups. This includes girls who are Black, Latinx, and from low-income households.

Our alumni are choosing to major in computer science, or related fields, at a rate 7 times the U.S. average.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
coding for girls coding club summer coding girls code reshma saujani coding nonprofit brave not perfect

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In the 2-week Summer Immersion Program (SIP), high school students attend live, virtual classes sponsored by industry-leading companies like MetLife, Bank of America, and Accenture. *New in 2023* SIP students will get an Introduction to Game Design. This year's program will focus on beginner to intermediate CS concepts, the iterative design process, UX design basics, and introduce students to tech industry!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Zoo Camps Seasonal camps, for grades preK-8, where exploring wildlife happens every day.   Zoo Explorers Sign up your school group for a 55-minute, inquiry-based animal investigation. (In-person) Plan a Field Trip Tips and tricks to enhance your classroom's zoo visit. Zoo Investigations Students confront the real-life, science-based challenges that zookeepers and researchers face every day.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Gain valuable experience in animal welfare and non-profit work with Chicago's largest No Kill organization. A national leader in the No Kill movement, PAWS Chicago offers a variety of internships for college students seeking career experience and training by industry professionals.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and willing to commit 12 - 20 hours per week to their program. While it is not necessary to be a college student, priority consideration is given to students seeking academic credit and individuals interested in receiving career experience in a relevant field.

To apply, submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter, and answer the brief questions on the application page.

We also offer internships for high school students!

Spring internship is January through April/May

October 1st - November 15th

Summer internship is May through September

February 1st - March 15th

Fall internship is August/September through December

April 1st - June 15th

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Gain valuable experience in animal welfare and non-profit work with Chicago's largest No Kill organization. A national leader in the No Kill movement, PAWS Chicago offers a variety of internships for college students seeking career experience and training by industry professionals.