Discovery Partners Institute – Tech Internship – Summer 2026

Website Discovery Partners Institute

Transforming Chicago’s AI Tech Future

Application Deadline: April 1st, 2026. This will not be extended.

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DPI Summer Tech Interns is a micro-internship opportunity for college freshmen and sophomores to build your resume, experience a professional work environment, learn about technical roles, network with tech professionals, and discover the vast Chicago Tech Ecosystem. The program runs from June 1 to Aug 12, 2026. Micro-internships will last 5 or 10 weeks, where you’ll be on-site with host organizations 2-3 half-days per week and co-working at DPI 1-2 half-days per week, with Fridays spent on tech company field trips, industry deep dives, or career development workshops.

To qualify for the DPI Tech Internship students must:
  • Be currently a freshman or sophomore in college
  • Be 18-24 years old
  • Must be attending an Illinois community college/university OR completed high school in Illinois
  • Be authorized to work in the U.S. and have a Chicago address to be eligible for payment
  • Complete an 10-15 minute interview (Once you submit your application, we will reach out for an interview request)
  • Demonstrate an interest in Computer Science or tech-related fields (ie: computer engineering, computer or data science, etc.)
  • Be able to work both independently and in groups
  • Attend a mandatory program orientation on May 20, 2026, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
  • Attend a mandatory closing ceremony on Aug 12
Program details
  • Internship runs June 1 to Aug 12, 2026
  • Participants will be assigned organization-specific micro-internship projects that will last 5 or 10 weeks each
  • Commitment is 5 half-days per week – 2-3 half-days per week on-site with the host organization and 2-3 half-days per week with DPI
For more information, please email kplarson@uillinois.edu or attend a virtual information session!Information sessions will be hosted on the following dates:
Monday, Feb 23rd 5:00pm | Register Here
Tuesday, March 3rd 12:00pm | Register Here
Wednesday, March 25th 6:00pm | Register Here

How to Apply:

  1. Review this job description
  2. Attend the information session
  3. Schedule an appointment with your Career Development Department at your Campus (Navigate)
  4. Update your Resume and Cover Letter (templates above)
  5. Apply directly in DPI’s application portal
  6. Once you’ve submitted your application, be sure to stay on the lookout for any communications from Discovery Partner Institute. If you move forward in the process, Discovery Partner Institute will reach out to inform you, so you can continue engaging with the employer.

Before you apply to the Summer Internship, you are STRONGLY encouraged to meet with the Career Development Department at your campus for assistance with your résumé, cover letter or interviewing workshops: Career Development – City Colleges of Chicago. Please review resume & cover letter best practices, including the samples below, prior to submitting your application.

Click here to download sample resume and cover letter

Resume Template

Cover Letter Template

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