The TARGET program is a highly competitive six-week summer internship opportunity for Illinois high school sophomores and juniors who have strong interest and demonstrated aptitude for physics, mathematics, computer science and engineering. The program’s goals are to encourage high school students to undertake college study and pursue careers in STEM disciplines.
TARGET encourages and aims to increase the representation of underrepresented minorities (Black, Hispanic/Latino, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Alaska Native/American Indian) and women in the sciences and engineering at the college level and consequently the workforce.
The program’s design combines both work and experiential learning. Annually, the TARGET program cohort is approximately 15-25 interns. The TARGET program provides the opportunity to work with scientists and engineers at Fermilab.
Key Dates
Application Period
Dec 14, 2021 – Feb 1, 2022
Program Dates
June 27 – August 5, 2022
Please find the 2021 program calendar here and the virtual lectures (updated weekly) here
Apply here
TARGET at a glance
TARGET News
- What is quantum mechanics really all about? | Fermilab YouTube – November 18, 2019
- Special Thanks: Emma Davila, Jon-Edward C. Stokes, Sam Wang (2019 TARGET Alumni)
- A TARGET conversation: Ketandu Chiedu and Lauren Biron | News at work – April 4, 2019
- Fermilab Accelerators Hit The Prairie | Naperville NCTV17 – August 10, 2018
- Fermilab program helps Aurora-area students get back to nature | The Beacon-News – August 8, 2018
- Fermilab and Metea Valley partner to promote STEM to minority students | Chicago Tribune – August 11, 2017
- One minute with Thomas Hein, TARGET Program teaching assistant | News – July 17, 2017