13 Civil Engineering Internships for High School Students
If you’re a high school student who wants to learn more about civil engineering, consider doing an internship in the field. Internships can help you connect what you learn in school with its industry applications. By working on projects, you get practical experience, learn how professionals approach problems, and see how different parts of a project come together. You also get guidance from engineers, researchers, and other experts who can show you how the field works.
You can work on projects related to environmental systems, infrastructure, design, computer science, or even AI. This helps you build technical skills, understand how large systems are planned and built, and figure out which areas of civil engineering you enjoy most. It also lets you meet people working in the field, which can help you with college and future job applications. The following list has 13 of the best civil engineering internship opportunities for high school students, integrating experiential learning with academic rigor and industry exposure.
1. Research Science Institute
Application deadline: January for US students and March for international students
Fee/Stipend: N/A
Eligibility: Open to US high school and international students who are between grades 9-11. It is recommended to have demonstrable scores of 740 in the PSAT math section of PSAT and 700 in the reading and writing section, or 33 in the ACT math section and 34 in the verbal section.
Location: Cambridge, MA
Program Dates: June 28 - August 8
The Research Science Institute at MIT is a highly intensive summer research program for high school students between grades 9 and 11, and is an excellent opportunity to interact with research leaders and seek their mentorship on a project from start to finish. During the first week, students take advanced STEM courses, and in the 5 weeks after, they engage in independent research from start to finish. Participants have the opportunity to read the most current literature in their field, create a detailed research plan, and receive support from experienced scientists and researchers. Students also submit a written report at the end of the program and deliver oral presentations. This program welcomes students interested in all domains of engineering and promotes a culture of cross-disciplinary networking and collaboration.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. Laboratory Learning Program
Application deadline: Applications open in February
Program dates: 5-6 weeks over the summer, exact dates depend on the project
Fee/Stipend: N/A
Eligibility: Open to US high school students who are between the ages of 16 and 18
Location: Princeton, NJ
The Laboratory Learning Program at Princeton University is aimed at high school students interested in the sciences and engineering, and is the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on mentorship in their chosen fields. Each student is assigned to assist a Princeton faculty or research staff member with their ongoing research endeavors, and the internship dates are customized according to project requirements. Towards the end of the internship, students also have to submit a research summary to conclude the program. Some of the LLP projects from 2024, such as ‘A Live Map of Radiative Cooling Potential of the World’, ‘Hurricane Risk Forecasting System’, and ‘PFAS Impact on Freshwater Microbial Activity and Nitrogen Cycle’, combine computer science, environmental science, and civil engineering perspectives, and provide a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary research.
4. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Application deadline: Applications open in August
Program dates: Summer programs for 8 weeks, exact dates depend on the lab
Stipend: $4000 for new participants | $4500 for returning participants
Eligibility: US Citizens who are either graduating seniors, or have completed Grade 9 and are at least 16 years of age (Civil Engineering applicants at NSWC - Corona, CA must be able to procure an FBI background check prior to the start of the internship)
Location: NSWC - Corona, CA
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) offered by the Department of the Navy is a highly selective and intensive 8-week internship designed for students interested in STEM fields. Participants are mentored by leading Navy engineers and researchers, allowing them to gain valuable experience working on cutting-edge scientific and engineering projects. Additionally, students have the chance to pick from 38 lab placements based on their particular areas of interest within STEM disciplines. Civil Engineering candidates can find projects of their particular interests at the NSWC Corona base, where they serve as lab assistants, assist mentors with guided research projects, shadow professional researchers, network with STEM professionals and other interns, and attend professional development and leadership programs.
5. J. Craig Venter Institute
Application deadline: Application portals will open in the first quarter of the year
Program dates: Most internships are available in summer months, but faculty members may offer internships of 10-15 weeks during the academic year (check the website for updates)
Stipend: $17 per hour and/or school credit
Eligibility: The program is open to full-time students aged 16 and above who are authorized to work in the US. Students must provide transcripts showing an average score of 3.0/B or higher.
Location: Rockville, MD | La Jolla, CA
The JCVI Summer Internship Program is an excellent opportunity for high school students to engage in hands-on scientific research under the guidance of a dedicated mentor, developing valuable empirical research skills and refining their understanding of cutting-edge scientific research methodologies. Interns often meet and network with world-class scientists and contribute to ongoing research projects that are in tandem with their areas of interest. Additionally, students have access to JCVI’s state-of-the-art equipment and technology, helping them explore academic and professional careers in civil engineering. JCVI also hosts various professional development sessions and multidisciplinary scientific seminars throughout the course of the program to equip interns with scientific reasoning aptitude and professional skills.
6. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program
Application deadline: Typically in April
Program dates: 8-10 weeks between June to August
Fees: Application fee of $25 for students applying to one project | $25 for students applying to more than one project
Eligibility: Open to US citizens and permanent residents who are enrolled in Grades 9-12. Preference will be given to students from the Greater Seattle area
Location: Seattle, WA
The SPARK Summer Mentorship Program fosters mentorship and collaboration opportunities for STEM students, introducing them to university faculty and industry experts for the ideation and development of state-of-the-art STEM projects. While some of the internships are unpaid, some offer a stipend of up to $500. This internship is ideal for students who want to work on practical projects while developing skills in software engineering, biotechnology, and AI-driven data visualization. While the program is not specifically aimed at civil engineering students, it is an ideal opportunity for interns to explore diverse research opportunities, novel technological applications, data analysis, research ethics, and multifaceted interdisciplinary perspectives.
7. TARGET | Internships
Application deadline: Usually in February
Program dates: Usually 6 weeks starting mid-June
Stipend: $17.20 per hour
Eligibility: Illinois juniors and sophomores with a work permit in the US and a demonstrated 3.0 GPA
Location: Batavia, IL
The TARGET program is an intensive six-week summer internship available to high-achieving sophomores and juniors from Illinois with demonstrable interest and acumen in physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering domains. TARGET is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in STEM by actively encouraging underrepresented minorities (Black, Hispanic/Latino, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Alaska Native/American Indian) and women to participate and excel in science and engineering studies at the university level and in future professional roles. The program integrates work experience with hands-on learning opportunities, and interns have the opportunity to collaborate with Fermilab scientists and engineers.
8. Summer High School Research Program - Laboratory for Laser Energetics
Application deadline: Applications will be available in January
Program dates: 8 weeks between July and August
Stipend: Not specified
Eligibility: Open to high school freshmen enrolled in Rochester-area high schools
Location: Rochester, NY
The Laboratory for Laser Energetics at the University of Rochester hosts an annual 8-week summer program for high school freshmen, enabling them to engage with real-time scientific experimentation, while contributing to projects related to the lab’s 60-beam OMEGA laser and the OMEGA EP laser. Students at the lab are assigned a research project, which they complete over the course of 8 weeks under the supervision of a lab engineer or scientist. Towards the end of the 8 weeks, students present their project research findings at a symposium and submit written reports. This is an excellent opportunity for civil engineering students to explore novel laser technologies that will be useful in areas such as structural analysis, materials testing, environmental monitoring, and even next-generation construction techniques.
9. Simons Summer Research Program
Application deadline: Typically in February
Program dates: 5-6 weeks between July and August
Fee/Stipend: Not specified
Eligibility: Open to US citizens or permanent residents who are enrolled in Grade 11
Location: Stony Brook, NY
The Stony Brook University Simons Summer Research Program connects students interested in pursuing the sciences with Stony Brook faculty mentors. As a part of the program, students also join a research group, take on responsibilities for an assigned project, and submit a written research abstract and paper. Students also attend weekly faculty research talks and participate in special workshops, tours, and events. They also have the opportunity to learn valuable research methodologies and are exposed to current scientific debates. Students are also presented with a stipend award at the final symposium.
10. ASPIRE
Application deadline: Typically in February
Program dates: Program commences in late June, students complete 196 hours over 6-9 weeks
Fees/Stipend: N/A
Eligibility: US high school students with permanent residence in the Washington-Baltimore Metro Area who are at least 15 years of age with a demonstrated minimum of 2.8 GPA
Location: Washington, MD or virtual
The ASPIRE program, hosted by Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Lab, offers committed high school students a glimpse of diverse careers in STEM, pairing interns with APL staff mentors to complete projects and learn critical scientific research techniques. The program offers both in-person and virtual internships, and students have the option to pick their areas of interest, ranging from engineering, mathematics, and data analysis, biology, physics, and more. Students support mentors with research, data analysis, and problem-solving for their ongoing projects and gain experience in conducting experiments and executing lab protocols. This is an ideal opportunity for civil engineering students to sharpen their understanding of emerging technologies and gain key STEM skills, which can be a solid foundation for the exploration of fields such as structural analysis, materials engineering, and environmental engineering.
11. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program | California Academy of Sciences
Application deadline: Applications will be available between February and April
Program dates: Multi-year (after school and on weekends)
Stipend: Not specified
Eligibility: Open to full-time high school students enrolled in an SFUSD school with a GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C or higher in science and math. Students must either be US citizens or have a valid work permit.
Location: San Francisco, CA
The Careers in Science internship program is a holistic, multi-year, and year-round internship opportunity for San Francisco high school students who belong to underrepresented communities in STEM, including girls and people of color. This opportunity is ideal for students seeking a long-term and immersive experience in scientific research, environmental action, and professional exposure. Interns commit to working on Saturdays through the school year and on weekends through summer, conducting fieldwork, attending interactive trainings, and learning about STEM careers from practicing professionals. Over a period of time, interns are also assigned group research and environmental action projects under an Academy researcher’s supervision, and are often offered individualized mentorships.
12. Welch Summer Scholar Program
Application deadline: Applications open around December.
Program dates: 5 weeks over the summer
Fee/Stipend: N/A
Eligibility: Open to Texas high school students who are in their sophomore or junior years.
Location: Austin, TX; Arlington, TX; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Lubbock, TX
The Welch Summer Scholars Program introduces Texas high school students to state-of-the-art technologies and equipment that are not available in high school classrooms, offering them the opportunity to engage in hands-on college-level research. Over the course of 5 weeks at this residential program, students are engaged in one-on-one mentoring and research training with faculty and graduate students from one of the five Texas universities. They also take on intensive research projects, complete regular assignments, and attend guest speaker series. While the primary focus is often chemistry-based research and learning, the experience helps build an extremely strong foundation for future studies in science and engineering.
13. Henry Hall Fellowship
Application deadline: TBA
Program dates: Summer programs run from late June – late July | Multiple session dates available throughout the year
Stipend: Not specified
Eligibility: The program is open to full-time Baltimore City or Baltimore County high school students in Grades 10, 11, and 12
Location: National Aquarium, Baltimore
The Henry Hall Fellowship Program is aimed at Baltimore high school students, offering them opportunities to learn about urban conservation, environmental justice, and advocacy strategies, while exploring diverse environmental career pathways. Throughout the duration of the fellowship, students participate in educational sessions and field trips, and explore Baltimore’s urban landscapes as a case study to delve into climate change, water pollution, waste management, and air quality concerns. Students also participate in environmental stewardship projects and gain critical knowledge in forming context-based and empirical solutions to environmental conservation challenges. While this Fellowship is not specifically designed for civil engineering students, it does provide a comprehensive engagement with urban environmental issues, equipping participants with well-rounded perspectives on current sustainability concerns.
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