13 Free Online Engineering Internships for High School Students

If you’re a high school student interested in engineering, an internship can be a great way to explore the field. Engineering internships for high school students give you the chance to apply classroom concepts to projects, strengthen your problem-solving skills, and connect with professionals who can guide your growth. 

Why should I participate in a free online engineering internship in high school?

Online internships allow you to participate from home without incurring travel or housing costs. These opportunities help you learn more about engineering before choosing a college major or career path. Free and fully funded programs make this experience accessible. Free programs tend to be selective, making them strong additions to your college admissions profile. By exploring mechanical and electrical fields and new areas like robotics and artificial intelligence, you can build a strong foundation in engineering before college.

To help you get started, we’ve put together 13 free online engineering internships for high school students that offer project-based experiences.

1. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)

Location: Online (hosted by MIT Lincoln Laboratory and School of Engineering)
Cost/Stipend: Free of cost for selected students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Online courses begin in February; summer program runs from mid-July to early August
Application Deadline: March 31 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in U.S. schools

The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) is a 4-week STEM program designed to give you hands-on experience in engineering and computer science. The program combines an online course with a selective summer session, allowing you to apply the concepts you’ve learned to solve challenges. You’ll choose from various tracks such as the Autonomous RACECAR Grand Prix, Build a CubeSat, Embedded Security and Hardware Hacking, or Medyltics, depending on your interests. Each course is team-based and project-driven, emphasizing problem-solving, collaboration under the mentorship of MIT faculty and Lincoln Laboratory staff. Through a mix of lectures, labs, and daily challenges, you’ll develop technical and analytical skills while experiencing what it’s like to study engineering at a college level. The program is known for its rigorous curriculum and supportive mentor network.

2. Ladder Internships

Location: Fully remote (accessible from anywhere)
Cost/Stipend: Full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~ 10%
Dates: Offered year-round across multiple cohorts
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; spring (January), summer (May), fall (September), winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, gap year participants, and undergraduates who can commit 10 – 20 hours per week for 8 – 12 weeks

Ladder Internships offers high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with fast-growing start-ups. You’ll collaborate directly with company founders or managers on meaningful projects in areas such as technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. Most of the start-ups involved are well-funded, providing exposure to innovative and dynamic work environments. Over the course of 8 weeks, you’ll develop professional skills, work on impactful projects, and present your results to the team – all in a fully virtual and flexible environment. Apply now!

3. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer Intern Program

Location: Hosted by NASA and The University of Texas at Austin Center for Space Research (virtual plus optional on-site component)
Cost/Stipend: Free; housing, meals, and local transportation covered for on-site participants; limited travel scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically around 60 – 80 high school students
Dates: Distance learning modules from May to early July; virtual projects and mentoring from June to mid-July; final virtual science symposium in late July
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: U.S. high school students with a strong interest in STEM fields 

In the STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer Intern Program, you get the opportunity to work directly with NASA scientists and engineers on real-world research questions in Earth and space science. The program combines online learning modules with mentor-guided research, where you’ll use NASA satellite data to study areas such as climate change, natural hazards, and planetary science. During the on-site session at the University of Texas at Austin, you’ll collaborate with mentors and other students on projects in fields such as astronomy, remote sensing, and geodesy. You’ll also present your research at the SEES Virtual Science Symposium, gaining practical experience in presenting scientific work. The internship gives you insights into how NASA scientists work and helps you build skills in data analysis, teamwork, and problem-solving.

4. ASPIRE by Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Location: Baltimore, Maryland (remote and in-person)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive, around 15 – 20%
Dates: June – August (summer) | September – May (academic year option)
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (age 15+ years), minimum GPA of 2.8, U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the Washington–Baltimore area (for in-person program)

The ASPIRE program at Johns Hopkins’ Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) offers high school students in-depth research experience across a wide range of STEM fields. Students choose from 8 focus areas – biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, IT and cybersecurity, mathematics and data analysis, physics, or planetary science – and are paired with APL mentors on full-time summer research. You may run simulations, analyze scientific data, or contribute to engineering and computing projects. The program focuses on developing technical, analytical, and professional skills and concludes with a digital research poster. An academic-year option is also available for students who wish to continue their projects beyond the summer session.

5. EnergyMag High School Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Quarter-time internships available year-round (1 – 9 months, about 8 hours/week); half-time internships available in summer (2 – 8 weeks, about 20 hours/week)
Application Deadline: Rolling; submit via website
Eligibility: High school students (grades 10 – 12) with a GPA ≥ 3.25; at least one honors science or English class

The EnergyMag offers remote internships for high school students who want to explore the world of energy storage and renewable energy. In this program, you’ll collaborate with a mentor to research and assess emerging technologies, markets, or companies, and create a report that may be published on the EnergyMag website. The internship helps you build research, writing, and analytical skills while giving you practical exposure to the evolving energy industry. At the end of the program, you’ll receive mentorship, professional feedback, and a letter of accomplishment recognizing your work.

6. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program (SPARK SMP)

Location: Virtual | In-person (Greater Seattle area)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; some projects may offer a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive, ~5%
Dates: 8 – 12 weeks in the summer, varies depending on the project
Application Deadline: April
Eligibility: High school students (specific projects may have different eligibility criteria)

This competitive internship is designed for high school students interested in fields such as engineering, computer science, biotechnology, AI, and data science. You’ll collaborate with mentors, industry experts, and university faculty on team-based projects addressing technological and scientific issues. Participants can choose a focus area that aligns with their interests, such as software engineering, biomedical innovation, climate and energy research, semiconductor design, AI systems, low-temperature electronics, or inclusive engineering education. Throughout the program, you’ll take part in workshops to build skills in Python, data analysis, prototyping, and other tools relevant to your chosen track. You’ll also receive expert mentorship, contribute to ongoing projects, and present your findings in a final presentation to peers and mentors.

7. Girls Who Code Summer Programs

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None or a $300 needs-based grant available for eligible students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; 8 – 10 students per cohort
Dates: Summer Immersion Program: July 7 – 18 or July 28 – August 8; Pathways Program: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 16
Eligibility: SIP program – girls and nonbinary students in grades 9 –11; Pathways program – girls and nonbinary students in grades 9 – 12

Girls Who Code offers 2 free virtual summer programs designed to help high school students explore coding and computer science. The Summer Immersion Program (SIP) is a 2-week  course where you’ll explore game design using p5.js, tackle coding challenges, and collaborate on group projects. The Pathways Program is a 6-week self-paced course that allows you to explore fields such as web development, cybersecurity, data science, and AI. Both programs include mentorship from industry professionals, interactive community events, and a final presentation where you’ll showcase what you’ve built.

8. Kode With Klossy Virtual Camps

Location: Virtual (with limited in-person sessions in selected U.S. cities)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately competitive; over 3,000 participants
Dates: Multiple 2-week sessions across summer (June – August)
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Girls and nonbinary students aged 13 – 18 years

Kode With Klossy offers a free 2-week coding camp designed to introduce girls and nonbinary students to the exciting world of technology. You’ll work on creative projects in web development, app design, data science, and machine learning through lessons and workshops. The program features live instruction, mentorship from tech professionals, and collaborative group projects with peers across the country. By the end of the camp, you’ll have built a functional website, app, or data project and gained valuable experience in teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation.

9. NASA OSTEM Internships

Location: Multiple NASA centers across the U.S., including NASA Langley Research Center (Hampton, VA) | virtual options available
Cost/Stipend: Free | interns receive a stipend based on academic level and program duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; varies depending on the placement
Dates: Summer (Early June – August; 10 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Full-time high school students who are at least 16 years old and residing in the U.S.;  minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) 

The NASA OSTEM Internship Program gives high school students the opportunity to participate in real-world research and engineering projects alongside NASA professionals. You’ll collaborate with scientists, engineers, and mentors on projects in areas such as aerospace, planetary science, robotics, ecology, and technology innovation. Depending on your placement, you may help design experiments, analyze mission data, or support the development of new tools and technologies for space exploration. Each internship focuses on a defined research project, allowing you to build technical and analytical skills while contributing directly to NASA’s work in advancing science and space discovery.

10. Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) Program

Location: Online (December – April) and in-person at NASA Langley Research Center
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Session 1: July 6 – 12 | Session 2: July 20 – 26
Application Deadline: October 26
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are Virginia residents, U.S. citizens, and have a minimum GPA of 2.7

The Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) Program lets you explore how Earth’s systems interact through real-world NASA research. You’ll start with an online course that covers topics such as climate change, remote sensing, and environmental technology. Students who excel in the coursework are invited to a week-long summer session at NASA Langley Research Center, where they will collaborate on team projects analyzing satellite data and modeling Earth systems. The program emphasizes problem-solving, research, and teamwork, giving you a hands-on introduction to Earth science, climate studies, and NASA’s approach to understanding our planet.

11. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)

Location: Online (hosted by Stanford University)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – 25 (Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 1 PM Pacific Daylight Time)
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 11 (including international applicants)

The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP) is a 3-week virtual summer program where you can explore different areas of physics through lectures and hands-on projects. You’ll attend online sessions led by Stanford professors and researchers on topics such as quantum physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. As part of the program, you’ll learn to code in Python and apply your skills to physics-based group projects guided by Stanford undergraduates. You’ll also take part in workshops on college preparation and career development. Through this experience, you’ll strengthen your problem-solving, teamwork, and research skills while learning from mentors and peers in an academic environment.

12. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA | Hybrid and virtual options available
Cost/Stipend: Free (except a $25 application fee, which can be waived for financial need)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February (notifications in April)
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students; minimum age of 15 years for remote or computer-lab internships, and 16 years for wet-lab research

The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) gives high school students the opportunity to conduct original research under the mentorship of George Mason University faculty or partner scientists. Over 8 weeks, you’ll work on research projects in fields such as bioengineering, computer modeling, data science, environmental studies, and more. You’ll gain practical experience using advanced lab tools or analytical software, develop scientific writing and presentation skills, and explore STEM career paths through discussions and networking sessions. Some students even contribute to published research or present their findings at conferences, making this program a valuable early step towards a research career.

13. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship

Location: Online (hosted by Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging)
Cost/Stipend: $850 as program fee; full financial aid available for eligible students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 25 students accepted each year
Dates: June 16 –  27 (9 AM – 1 PM Pacific Time)
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering Grades 9 – 12 who are at least 14 years old; strong preference given to those with experience in math, coding, or healthcare projects; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or students with valid visa status are eligible to apply

The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a 2-week virtual program that introduces you to how artificial intelligence connects with engineering and medicine. You’ll attend lectures on AI in healthcare, work on group research projects, and receive guidance from Stanford researchers and student mentors. The program also features career sessions with professionals from academia, industry, and government, offering real-world perspectives on the use of AI in medicine. Through hands-on technical projects, you’ll apply coding and data analysis skills to solve small research problems. Students who complete the program receive a certificate of completion, and some may be invited to continue with extended research. Financial aid is available to fully cover costs for eligible participants.

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