About

The Biomedical Sciences Summer Programs at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford provide high school students with an immersive introduction to health sciences and professional research. Hosted on the UIC Health Sciences Campus in Rockford, the 2026 offerings include two distinct tracks: the Summer Science Internship (an 8-week paid research placement) and the STEM Camp (a week-long day camp).

There is no cost to attend these programs. For the 2026 cycle, students in the internship track receive a stipend sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific. Applications for both programs are due by April 17, 2026. To be eligible for lab work, applicants must be at least 16 years old by May 1, 2026.

The STEM Camp (tentatively June 22–26) provides exposure to core scientific concepts through hands-on laboratory activities and demonstrations of cutting-edge medical technologies. The Summer Science Internship (tentatively June 15 – August 7) embeds students within the Department of Biomedical Sciences as part of a professional research team.

Interns work alongside leading scientists to contribute to actual discovery projects, culminating in a Scientific Forum on the final day where they present their findings via oral and poster sessions. While these experiences are non-credit, they offer substantive scientific mentorship; mentors often provide guidance and letters of reference for future college and career applications. Participants are responsible for their own transportation and accommodations, but all laboratory materials and instructional costs are fully covered.