15 Engineering Internships for High School Students in Indiana
If you’re a high schooler, internships are a great option for you to gain experience, develop industry-specific skills, and build professional networks early. Internships, such as the ones below, will provide you with exposure to engineering challenges, allowing you to work alongside professionals and gain insights that may not be replicated in a classroom setting.
Indiana offers a variety of internship programs for high school students interested in engineering. Whether you're interested in mechanical, electrical, civil, or computer engineering, internships can help you better understand what an engineering career might involve. Many of these programs are hosted by colleges, research centers, and companies based in Indiana, while others are available virtually. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 15 engineering-focused internships that are open to high school students across the state of Indiana.
1. Purdue University High School Research Internship Program
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Cost: $320 for Indiana residents
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, based on academic performance
Dates: Academic year program, 6-8 hours per week
Application Deadline: August 1
Eligibility: Earned at least a 3.0 high school GPA, have earned all As and Bs in classes completed in high school, must be at least 16 years old by the first day of Purdue FW’s academic calendar (end of August)
The Purdue Fort Wayne High School Research Internship Program gives you the chance to work with university faculty and researchers on engineering and STEM projects. You’ll dedicate 6–8 hours per week to research, developing critical thinking, technical skills, and a deeper understanding of research methodologies. You’ll be mentored by both faculty and graduate students, and your work may even lead to presentations at campus symposiums or contributions to publications and conferences. This is an opportunity to explore engineering challenges and grow as a researcher.
2. Ladder Internships Program
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 100 spots available annually (Selective)
Dates: Multiple 8-week programs
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students who can commit to 10-20 hours per week for 8 weeks
Ladder Internships can give you a chance to work with venture capital-backed startups and nonprofits worldwide for project-based work. You will be matched with organizations based on your interests in areas like software engineering, deep-tech, and machine learning. You will have the opportunity to work directly with startup managers on projects that address actual business needs, and present your completed work to the company at the program's conclusion. The program features dual mentorship through both the startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach who will provide additional guidance throughout your internship experience. You will participate in skill-building sessions, individual training, and group workshops with fellow interns. Notable aspects include working with high-growth companies that have raised significant funding and founders with backgrounds at major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.
3. Hanover College Exploring Engineering Summer Academy
Location: Hanover, IN
Cost/Stipend: $800
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12 students from the Duke Energy service area
Dates: Week-long residential program (typically early June)
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: High school students
The Summer Academy is a week-long introduction to engineering fields with a focus on solar energy and renewable technologies. You will live on campus and participate in engineering sessions taught by college faculty and STEM teachers from the area. The program will give you the same assignments typically given to first-year engineering students, providing college-level engineering experience. The academy includes extra-curricular activities and socialization opportunities with peers, fostering community and collaboration. You will gain exposure to sustainable energy technologies and environmental engineering applications while developing technical skills and engineering thinking.
4. Anderson University Early STEM Program
Location: Anderson, IN
Cost/Stipend: $70 per credit hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Academic year enrollment in college courses
Application Deadline: N.A.
Eligibility: Minimum 550 on the math SAT
The Anderson University Early STEM Program will allow you to earn college credits in engineering, chemistry, physics, and mathematics as a high school senior. You will enroll in first-year engineering courses including General Chemistry, Calculus-based Physics, Introduction to Engineering, and Programming for Engineers. You will also have the opportunity to work alongside college students in university laboratories and classrooms, gaining exposure to college-level engineering education. You will benefit from small class sizes and direct interaction with university faculty who provide mentorship and career guidance. Successful completion will help you gain up to 22 college credits, giving you a head start when you enter college engineering programs.
5. Purdue Northwest High School Summer Engineering Camp
Location: Hammond, IN
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited enrollment, first-come basis
Dates: July 7- 11
Application Deadline: N.A.
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The Camp provides experience in mechanical and civil engineering through laboratory and classroom activities. You will engage with engineering topics including 3D printing, renewable energy systems, bridge and road design, virtual reality applications, and electric vehicle technology. As a high school student, you will build projects including wood bridges, cardboard wind tunnels, and electric go-karts, gaining experience with engineering design and construction principles. The program rotates students through different engineering areas each day. You will work with university faculty and current engineering students who serve as mentors. The week-long camp concludes with a closing ceremony where you will receive certificates and present your projects to faculty and family members.
6. Wabash College Molecules to Medicine Program
Location: Crawfordsville, IN
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective admission for rising sophomores and juniors
Dates: July 20-25
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Male high school students
This program for male high school students will provide you with experience in pharmaceutical development and biomedical engineering. You will learn about the complete drug discovery pipeline through computer modeling, synthesis of bioactive molecules, drug testing, and disease modeling. Working in a professional laboratory setting, you will learn to use advanced equipment and techniques employed in pharmaceutical research and development. The program includes visits to pharmaceutical and agricultural science companies, giving you direct exposure to industry applications of engineering and scientific principles. You will collaborate with faculty mentors and meet with scientific and medical experts who will share insights into career paths in biomedical engineering and pharmaceutical sciences.
7. Rose-Hulman Operation Catapult
Location: Terre Haute, IN
Cost: $2,650
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective admission, limited spots
Dates: Multiple 11-day sessions (June 3-13, June 17-27, July 8-18)
Application Deadline: April 21
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who have taken a year of chemistry or physics
If you are a rising high school junior or senior, Operation Catapult provides you with an 11-day engineering experience that combines project work with exposure to technology and research. You will engage with robotics, chemistry, and computer programming while building electronic and mechanical devices from scratch using professional-grade equipment. The program will pair you with Rose-Hulman faculty mentors who will guide you through complex engineering challenges and provide insights into the various career paths you can explore. You will work in teams to design, build, and test projects, developing collaboration and problem-solving skills while learning to use advanced laboratory equipment. The experience culminates in project presentations where you will showcase your work to faculty, peers, and industry professionals.
8. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Program
Location: Virtual and NASA facilities across the United States (Virtual option available)
Cost/Stipend: Interns receive a stipend based on academic level and session duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Over 2,000 students participate annually
Dates: Spring (16 weeks, mid-January to early May), Summer (10 weeks, late May/early June to August), Fall (16 weeks, late August/early September to mid-December)
Application Deadline: Spring: September 12; Summer: February 27; Fall: May 22
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old, U.S. citizens, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
NASA's OSTEM internship program will offer you opportunities to contribute to the agency's missions in space exploration, science, and technology. You will work alongside NASA mentors, including research scientists and engineers, on agency projects across diverse fields such as space science, engineering, and aeronautics. The program will provide experience through projects like designing experiments, analyzing mission data, and developing innovative technologies. You will gain access to advanced equipment and participate in activities that directly support NASA's goals. The virtual format ensures accessibility while maintaining the quality of mentorship and project work.
9. Rose-Hulman Rose Power Program
Location: Terre Haute, IN
Cost/Stipend: $1600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited space available (specific numbers not provided)
Dates: Session 1: June 8-13; Session 2: June 15-20
Application Deadline: April 21
Eligibility: High school girls currently in ninth grade
The Rose Power program is designed for ninth-grade girls with interests in science, math, and engineering who want to build technical skills. You will spend six days on campus working in Rose-Hulman's innovation centers, including the Branam and Kremer Innovation Centers and the New Academic Building, under the guidance of faculty and current students. The program focuses on giving you experience with machines, tools, fabrication equipment, and other technical facilities. You will work on project designs and engineering problem-solving approaches while being exposed to women STEM role models throughout your experience.
10. Medical Physician Engineers, Scientists, and Clinicians Preparatory Program (MPESC-Prep) at Indiana University
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Eight-week summer program
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students in grades 10, 11, or 12 from public schools in the greater Indianapolis area; must be underrepresented students in biomedical sciences
The MPESC-Prep program is a training opportunity to prepare future physician-scientists, physician-engineers, biomedical researchers, and clinical care providers. You will participate in an eight-week research summer program that includes clinical exposure and peer networking opportunities. The program emphasizes diversity and mentorship, specifically targeting underrepresented students. You will gain exposure to STEM-related professional development through partnerships with the Weldon College of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University and other institutions. You will work closely with faculty mentors and have opportunities to explore the intersection of medicine, engineering, and biomedical research.
11. University of Notre Dame High School Research Internship
Location: South Bend, IN
Cost/Stipend: Students can earn high school credit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 81 participants since 2013 across 17 faculty labs
Dates: Academic year program (twice weekly during the school year)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Local high school students from partner schools and organizations
The High School Research Internship program provides local students with opportunities to conduct research in Notre Dame faculty laboratories in STEM fields while earning high school credit. You will conduct research in campus labs twice per week during the academic year, working closely with graduate or postdoctoral student research mentors. The program aims to increase student confidence in STEM, help develop your identity as a future STEM professional, and encourage continued education in STEM fields as an undergraduate. You will gain a deeper understanding of STEM topics not regularly taught in classrooms, develop skills for college success, and experience university-level research in a mentored environment.
12. The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Around 38 Navy laboratories across the United States
Cost/Stipend: $4,000 for first-year interns; $4,500 for returning interns
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 300 placements annually
Dates: Eight weeks over summer
Application Deadline: November 1 (applications open August 1)
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; U.S. citizens; some labs require security clearance
SEAP places high school students with interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as apprentices in Department of Defense (DoD) laboratories for summer research experiences. You will work closely with research personnel who serve as mentors, experiencing scientific and engineering practices not available in typical school environments. The program offers exposure to defense-related research and potential future employment as DoD researchers. You will gain mentorship from scientists and engineers while contributing to ongoing Naval research projects.
13. EnergyMag Internships for High School Students
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited slots available
Dates: Part-time: 2-8 weeks (summer only); Quarter-time: 1-9 months (year-round)
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12; minimum 3.25 GPA; at least one Honors science or English course
EnergyMag offers online internship opportunities focused on energy storage and renewable energy research, allowing you to gain experience in a rapidly growing field. You will learn to research scientific as well as business topics, gather and analyze information, and communicate professionally with industry experts. Interns combine multiple information sources to conduct analysis and write professional research reports to develop writing and communication skills. Students who complete quality research reports may have their work published and receive detailed completion letters and certificates, making this valuable for college applications.
14. ASPIRE by Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Location: Laurel, Maryland (remote options available)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 15-20% acceptance rate
Dates: June 24-26 (mandatory onboarding); internship continues through August 21, (minimum 190 hours over 6-9 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; minimum age 15 by June 1; U.S. citizenship required; minimum 2.8 GPA; reliable transportation to APL
ASPIRE allows you to explore STEM careers before committing to college study areas by pairing you with APL staff mentors for projects. You will work independently on technical projects involving coding, data analysis, telescope building, and weather studies while developing interpersonal skills in a professional environment. T You will gain exposure to cutting-edge research and technology while building confidence in STEM fields and developing critical thinking skills.
15. NASA and UT Austin's SEES (STEM Enhancement in Earth Science) Internship Program
Location: University of Texas at Austin Center for Space Research (on-site and virtual options)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 23% overall acceptance rate
Dates: June 30 - August 1 (5 weeks, 40 hours per week)
Application Deadline: March 1 (applications open November 22)
Eligibility: High school seniors graduating in spring; minimum age 16; authorized to work in the United States
The SEES program provides high school students with NASA mission-based opportunities that build STEM knowledge, skills, and career awareness through nationally competitive selection. You will learn to interpret NASA satellite data while working with scientists and engineers in chosen areas, including astronomy, remote sensing, and space geodetic techniques, to understand Earth systems like climate science. You will analyze and visualize data, learn about careers from subject matter experts, explore university pathways, and conduct virtual tours of NASA facilities. The program concludes with a Virtual Science Symposium where you will present your research findings, providing presentation experience and opportunities to showcase your work to the broader scientific community.
Bonus engineering programs you could consider -
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
2. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest.You can find examples of previous projects here.