15 Free Engineering Summer Programs for High School Students
If you’re a high school student thinking about a future in engineering, participating in free summer programs for high school students can be a smart way to explore the field. They offer practical experience, exposure to real-world projects, and a chance to develop useful technical skills. Plus, they connect you with professionals who can guide your learning and answer questions about potential career paths!
Fortunately, many top colleges, research labs, and organizations offer free summer programs for high school students, making these opportunities more accessible. To help you get started, we’ve narrowed down a list of 15 free summer programs for high school students.
1. Anson L. Clark Scholar Program
Cost/Stipend: Free (except for the $25 application fee); $750 stipend
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: June 22 – August 7
Eligibility: High school students who will be at least 17 years old by June 22; U.S. citizens and permanent residents only. No exceptions to age or graduation year requirements
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Less than 3%; only 12 students are accepted annually
If you're a high school junior or senior with a deep academic drive, the Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University offers a highly selective, research-intensive experience. Over seven weeks, you’ll conduct original research alongside faculty mentors across disciplines, including STEM, social sciences, and the health sciences. You'll have the chance to work on campus at both the main university and the Health Science Center, developing critical thinking skills and exploring your academic interests in a collaborative environment.
As one of the more selective free summer programs for high school students, this program is designed to attract exceptionally gifted students from across the U.S. and around the world. In addition to your research project, you'll attend weekly seminars, participate in field trips, and engage in discussions with fellow students and faculty. With only 12 students selected each year, this is a truly competitive opportunity where participants typically have SAT scores in the 99th percentile. Selection is based on academic accomplishments, teacher recommendations, and stated career goals.
You can learn more about the program here!
2. Veritas AI
Cost: $2,290 (100% financial aid available!)
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline:
Early Admission: March 23
Regular Admission I: April 27
Regular Admission II: May 25
Program Dates: Various cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest in AI and data science
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
The AI Scholars Program is a 10-session boot camp designed for students eager to dive into artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. As a participant, you will learn about the fundamentals of AI and data science and also get to apply your knowledge through real-world group projects. By the end of the program, you’ll have built a solid foundation in AI and ML and gained hands-on experience with real-world applications.
If you’re looking for more advanced projects, try the AI Fellowship program. You’ll get to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individualized project, potentially leading to publications. For those seeking advanced research, the AI Accelerator provides rigorous guidance to produce college-level research papers and compete in prestigious competitions. You can also explore examples of past projects to get a sense of the work you'll be involved in.
Cost/Stipend: Free. Stipend available up to $1,000
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA\
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: 6 weeks from June to August
Eligibility: Focuses on supporting underrepresented students with strong academic potential.
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 3-10%
The MITES Summer Program is one of the best free summer programs for high school students and an exciting introduction to STEM, focusing on math, science, and engineering. During the program, you’ll take advanced classes in life sciences, physics, humanities, and a hands-on elective project—all designed to challenge you and give you a taste of the MIT experience. You’ll also work on real-world projects and lab activities that help bring your learning to life.
At the end of the program, you’ll receive a written evaluation from your instructor, highlighting your strengths and areas for growth, and noting your contributions to the class. Many students choose to include this evaluation as supplemental material for their college applications.
Held on the MIT campus, the program lets you use state-of-the-art labs and gives you the chance to meet and work with MIT faculty, researchers, and other motivated students. Plus, you’ll get guidance and support with your college applications.
Cost: $2,490 (100% financial aid available!)
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort; May 11 for the summer cohort, regular admission
Program Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts in a year; the summer cohort starts on June 2
Eligibility: High school students interested in gaining start-up experience
Acceptance Rate: 10%
Ladder Internships is a competitive program for ambitious high school students looking to gain experience in the start-up world. In this program, you’ll work directly with a high-growth start-up in a field of your choice. Start-ups offer internships across a wide range of industries, including tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more.
As an intern, you’ll receive one-on-one training in key skills like communication and time management, as well as the chance to attend group training sessions with other interns. This virtual internship typically lasts for 8 weeks, giving you valuable hands-on experience while developing professional skills.
5. The MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Cost/Stipend: Free. Up to $2,000 stipend available
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: January 15
Program Dates: June 25 – August 5
Eligibility: High school juniors; the following scores are recommended:
PSAT Math Scores: 740 or higher
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score: 700 or higher
ACT Math Scores: At least 33
Verbal Scores: At least 34
Cohort Size: Only 80 students are admitted annually
The MIT Research Science Institute (RSI) is one of the top free summer programs for high school students and a prestigious six-week research program designed for high school students excelling in STEM. You will experience the entire research cycle—from reading the latest literature in your field to executing a detailed research plan, and delivering conference-style oral and written reports on your findings!
The program begins with a week of intensive STEM classes with accomplished professors, followed by five weeks of individual research projects under the guidance of experienced scientists. In the final week, you will prepare and present your research through written and oral presentations. Many alumni of RSI go on to attend top-tier universities and pursue advanced research careers.
6. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Cost/Stipend: Free. $1,000 stipend available
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Application Deadline: February 21
Program Dates: June 2 – August 18
Eligibility: High school rising juniors and seniors from New York City
Acceptance Rate: 4-6%
The ARISE program at NYU offers high school students the opportunity to work in advanced research labs across fields like engineering, computer science, and applied sciences. Over the course of 10 weeks, you’ll collaborate with faculty and graduate students on real-world research projects, applying scientific concepts while gaining valuable hands-on experience. The first 4 weeks focus on safety training, college writing workshops, and research skills development, while the remaining 6 weeks are spent working in over 80 NYU research labs.
In addition to lab work, the program includes workshops on essential research skills like data analysis, experimental design, and scientific communication. You’ll also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities, all while receiving mentorship to support your college application process. Throughout the program, you’ll network with scholars and industry professionals and have the chance to present your research at the Colloquium to the NYU community!
7. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid and unpaid internships available
Location: NASA centers or facilities
Application Deadline: February 27 (summer)
Program Dates: Late May – August (summer)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are at least 16 at the time of applying; have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale); are full-time students
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive (5% approx)
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships for high school and college students to gain hands-on experience while contributing to NASA’s mission in science, technology, and space exploration. You’ll work with NASA scientists, engineers, and professionals on real-world projects at NASA centers or facilities.
As an intern, you’ll develop essential skills for STEM careers, especially in fields like computer engineering. You will take on tasks like software design, robotics projects, and algorithm optimization, developing key technical and teamwork skills. These internships are highly valued by college admissions and employers. Plus, a stipend is provided!
8. Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Cost: Free
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Application Deadline: February 1 (preferred deadline); March 1 (final deadline)
Program Dates: June 21 – August 2
Eligibility: At least 16 years old by the program start date; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; 11th graders at the time of application submission
Acceptance Rate: 10%
SAMS is a fully funded, merit-based pre-college STEM program that prepares high school students for advanced study in fields like computer engineering. The program begins with a virtual Jumpstart to build core skills, followed by a six-week, in-person session at Carnegie Mellon University.
As one of the best free summer programs for high school students, the program includes a fast-paced curriculum that focuses on coding, robotics, and design, blending hands-on projects with theoretical learning. You’ll tackle real-world problems, collaborate on group projects, and create working prototypes, gaining practical STEM experience. SAMS also includes research exposure, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with Carnegie Mellon admissions and academic teams.
9. Girls Who Code: Summer Immersion Program
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Application Deadlines:
Early: February 17
General: March 29
Program Dates:
Round 1: June 16 – 30 (U.S. students only)
Round 2: July 19 – 21 (U.S. & International students)
Round 3: July 31 – August 11 (U.S. & International students)
Eligibility: Girls and non-binary students; U.S. applicants must be current freshmen, sophomores, or juniors; international applicants must be 14-18 years old by June 16
Acceptance Rate: Moderately competitive
The Girls Who Code: Summer Immersion Program is a free, virtual program that helps girls and non-binary students build core computer science skills through hands-on projects in web development, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and game design. You’ll gain practical coding experience while working with industry-standard frameworks.
Throughout the program, you’ll connect with women in tech who provide mentorship and career insights. With classes sponsored by companies like MetLife and Bank of America, you’ll build both technical skills and valuable industry connections.
10. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Cost/Stipend: Free. Stipend provided ($4,000 – $4,500)
Location: Various DoN laboratories across the U.S.
Application Deadline: November 1
Program Dates: 8 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: U.S. high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in STEM
Acceptance Rate: 8% approx
As one of the top free summer programs for high school students, the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) offers you the chance to spend eight weeks working on real Naval research projects at the Department of the Navy (DoN) laboratories during the summer.
If you’re interested in pursuing DoN science and engineering careers while enhancing your education through mentorship from laboratory scientists and engineers, this is a good fit! You’ll get hands-on experience in meaningful STEM research and gain exposure to DoN science, technology, and research and development opportunities. With around 300 placements in over 38 laboratories nationwide, the program is highly competitive. Selection is based on your academic achievement, personal statement, recommendations, and research interests.
11. SIMR Bioengineering Team Internship
Cost/Stipend: Free ($40 application fee, which can be waived) and a minimum of $500 stipend!
Location: Stanford University, CA
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors as of January; at least 16 by the start of the program
Acceptance Rate: 5% approx
The SIMR Bioengineering Team Internship offers high school students a hands-on opportunity to design solutions for real-world medical needs. During the program, you’ll work in teams of 4-5, guided by a team of Stanford graduate students, to identify key medical needs and engineer practical solutions. Throughout the 8-week program, you’ll gain access to Stanford's cutting-edge resources, including advanced machine shops, maker spaces, wet labs, and mentorship from specialized bioengineering faculty.
By the end of the program, each team will have developed an innovative prototype targeting a specific medical need, such as a novel eye-drop delivery system, a light-based cancer diagnostic tool, or a helmet that uses machine learning to predict concussions in real-time. Some teams even continue their work beyond the program. The internship ends with a SIMR poster session, where you’ll get to present your prototype.
12. National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp)
Cost: Free
Location: Camp Pocahontas, Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia
Application Deadline: March 7; March 3 (for California applicants)
Program Dates: July 10 – August 2
Eligibility: Graduating 12th graders with a STEM background; two delegates selected per state and Washington, D.C., plus international students from select countries
Cohort Size: Approximately 118 delegates are selected annually.
The National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) provides a hands-on STEM research experience where you’ll learn to collect and analyze data using tools like MATLAB and R. In addition to lab work, you’ll apply scientific concepts through outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking, gaining field research experience.
A standout feature of the program is its focus on science and policy. You’ll visit Washington, D.C., to explore how research influences government decisions. Throughout the program, you’ll also develop your communication skills, learning to present complex scientific ideas clearly and effectively.
13. MIT Women’s Technology Program (WTP)
Cost: Varies (100% financial aid available)
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: January 15
Program Dates: June 28 – July 26
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders with strong math and science backgrounds but limited engineering experience
Cohort Size: 20 students
The MIT Women’s Technology Program (WTP-ME) is a rigorous summer program that introduces high school students to engineering through hands-on classes, labs, and team-based projects. As one of the best free summer programs for high school students, it focuses on the engineering design process used in mechanical engineering and is specifically designed for students with little to no prior engineering experience. If you have taken an engineering class or have extensive experience with engineering design, you will not be considered for admission to WTP.
WTP-ME is for students eager to explore the world of engineering and gain a deeper understanding of what it involves. You’ll learn through practical, real-world applications, collaborating with peers and mentors while developing your engineering skills.
14. The Governor's School of Engineering and Technology
Cost: Free
Location: Rutgers University, New Jersey
Application Deadline: January 10
Program Dates: July 5 – July 25
Eligibility: High school juniors in New Jersey with a strong interest in engineering; more info here
Cohort Size: Approximately 40 students are selected each year
The Governor's School of Engineering & Technology (GSET) is a free, intensive summer program at Rutgers University designed for high-achieving New Jersey high school students. You’ll gain hands-on experience in engineering research and develop essential skills through team-based projects.
At GSET, you’ll work on real-world challenges like designing water purification systems or programming “Robot Soccer,” sharpening your problem-solving and innovation skills. The program focuses on current research trends, entrepreneurship, and teamwork, with no grades or official credit.
Cost: Free
Location: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, LA, NYC, Seattle, and more; virtual and in-person options available
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates:
First session: June 2 – 13
Second session: July 7 – 18
Third session: July 21 – August 1
Fourth session: August 4 – August 15
Eligibility: Young women, gender nonconforming, and trans teens aged 13-18
Cohort Size: 15-20 girls in each camp
Kode With Klossy offers free, 2-week coding-intensive camps aimed at introducing young women and non-binary high school students to coding and technology. The program provides four main tracks to choose from: web development, mobile app development, machine learning, and data science.
The web and mobile app development tracks are ideal for students interested in software engineering, covering topics like front-end development, UI/UX design, and programming languages such as JavaScript and HTML. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with tools like Xcode and Apple’s SwiftUI framework. By the end of the camp, you’ll have gained coding skills and become part of an inspiring alumni community to continue learning and growing with!