Top 15 Engineering Summer Programs for High School Students
If you're a high school student aiming to build real-world experience before college, summer programs can be a strong starting point. Many of these opportunities offer hands-on learning, exposure to real industries, and access to mentorship—all without a high cost. For students interested in engineering, these programs are especially valuable. They often include technical training, research experience, and problem-solving projects that help you develop practical skills and explore potential career paths.
Many top universities and organizations offer engineering summer programs for high school students, allowing you to engage in real engineering projects, collaborate with experts, and strengthen your college applications. With countless programs available, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best engineering summer programs for high school students to ensure you find a valuable and immersive STEM experience.
1. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis; April 27 for the regular admission into the summer cohort
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students. AI Fellowship applicants should have completed the AI Scholars program or be experienced with AI concepts or Python
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
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.
2. ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program
Location: A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 25
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders with a minimum 3.2 GPA; no Cs in math and science courses
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
The ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program is an intensive four-week engineering research experience sponsored by the Center for Minorities in Science and Engineering. During the program, you will engage in hands-on research, develop a proposal, and conduct a literature review to deepen your understanding of engineering concepts.
The program offers mentorship from undergraduate and graduate students, providing guidance in research methodologies and project development. You will also participate in college preparation workshops, covering financial aid and career readiness. Through engineering-focused activities, you will enhance your problem-solving skills and gain exposure to real-world applications.
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort; April 13 for the regular admission into the summer cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; the summer cohort starts on June 2
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Ladder Internships is a competitive program designed for driven high school students seeking real-world experience. You’ll get to intern with fast-growing start-ups across diverse fields such as technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. These start-ups are typically high-growth companies, often raising over a million dollars in funding.
During the 8-week virtual program, you’ll collaborate closely with company managers and a dedicated Ladder Coach, contributing to meaningful projects. At the end of the internship, you’ll present your work to the company. You can explore available internship options and apply through Ladder’s application form.
Location: Genspace, NY
Stipend: $2,000
Application Deadline: January 8
Dates:
Orientation day: February 21
Spring Session: February 27 – May 22
Summer Session: June 30 – August 15
Eligibility: Students who live or attend a NYC Public or Charter School within 45 minutes of Genspace and are 16 years or older by the orientation date
Cohort Size: 13
The Biorocket Research Internship Program is another one of the top summer programs for high school students in NYC. For over six months, you will gain experience in genetic engineering and biotechnology, learning cutting-edge laboratory techniques. Working alongside scientists, you will design a research project that incorporates biological engineering principles.
The program includes lab tours, biotech company visits, and career guidance, exposing you to various STEM pathways. In addition to research, you will develop science communication skills, learning to effectively present complex topics. With mentorship and networking opportunities, Biorocket prepares you for future studies in engineering, genetics, and biotechnology, giving you a deeper understanding of how research shapes scientific innovation.
Location: Virtual / NASA centers across the country
Stipend: Paid and unpaid internships available
Application Deadline: Summer: February 28
Dates: Summer: Late May/Early June – August
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, full-time students (high school through graduate level) aged 16 at the time of application, with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
The NASA OSTEM Internship allows high school students to gain hands-on experience in engineering, aeronautics, and space technology. You will work alongside NASA professionals, contributing to projects in areas such as robotics, spacecraft systems, and structural engineering. This internship offers exposure to NASA’s cutting-edge research, helping you build valuable skills in problem-solving, technical analysis, and innovation.
By participating in these internships, you will apply engineering concepts in real-world applications. The program runs three times a year with flexible scheduling options at NASA centers. You can visit the NASA website frequently for application deadlines and new internship opportunities.
6. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $1,000
Application Deadline: January 6 – February 21
Dates: June 2 – August 18
Eligibility: Rising NYC juniors and seniors in the upcoming school year
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
The Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) Program is a free, 10-week summer research opportunity for high school students interested in engineering and science. You will start with four weeks of safety training, research methodology, and professional development, followed by six weeks of hands-on research in one of NYU’s 80+ labs.
Working under faculty and researchers, you will explore fields such as mechanical, electrical, and biomedical engineering. This experience provides 120+ hours of lab work, helping you develop technical and analytical skills. The program concludes with a Colloquium presentation and a Poster Symposium at the American Museum of Natural History, where you will showcase your research findings.
7. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Multiple labs across the country
Stipend:
New participant: $4,000
Returning participant: $4,500
Application Deadline: August 1 – November 1
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9 and are at least 16 years old by the internship start date
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is an eight-week summer research internship that places you in Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories to engage in real-world engineering and scientific research. As a participant, you will collaborate with leading engineers and scientists on cutting-edge engineering projects.
You’ll also have access to advanced DoN research and technology and benefit from valuable mentorship, hands-on experience, and exposure to Naval STEM careers. With over 38 participating labs nationwide and 300 placements, this competitive program strengthens your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and career readiness in engineering and applied sciences.
8. Computer Engineering for Good (CE4G)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $4,500
Application Deadline: May 2
Dates:
Program Session 1: June 16 – July 2
Program Session 2: July 14 – August 1
Eligibility: Current 9th graders to graduating 12th graders; ages 15 and above
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
The Computer Engineering for Good (CE4G) program introduces you to embedded systems development, focusing on engineering solutions for social challenges. You will learn to design and build internet-connected devices using platforms like Arduino and Raspberry Pi. The program emphasizes sustainability and public health, challenging you to create innovative, real-world solutions for global issues.
Through a combination of lectures and hands-on projects, you will gain experience in circuit design, hardware programming, and IoT applications. CE4G helps you develop technical and analytical skills, providing exposure to engineering methodologies that promote social impact.
9. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple locations across the country
Stipend: $501.60/week
Application Deadline: October 10 – January 10
Dates: Dates vary depending on the project
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 by the session application deadline, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program offers a hands-on engineering research experience in STEM fields through summer programs for high school students and undergraduate and graduate students. You will work alongside AFRL scientists and engineers, contributing to cutting-edge research projects that support national security and technological advancement.
The program offers paid internships, allowing you to apply engineering principles to real-world challenges in various fields. You will gain experience in experimental design, data analysis, and prototype development while working in state-of-the-art research facilities.
10. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships
Location: Multiple locations across the country
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: 6-10 weeks from May to August
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
As an AEOP High School Intern, you will explore advanced research in STEM fields, working in university laboratories or Army Research Centers alongside professional scientists and engineers. This program offers hands-on experience in emerging technologies.
You will learn to navigate high-tech lab environments, apply engineering concepts to real-world challenges, and develop critical thinking skills. Through mentorship, networking, and workshops, you will build a strong foundation for your STEM career. The program also provides access to virtual office hours, professional coaching, and ongoing support to enhance your academic and career trajectory.
11. RISE Internship/Practicum by Boston University
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost: Application Fee (non-refundable): $60 | Tuition: $5,700 | Service Fees: $485
Application Deadline: February 14
Dates: Residential: June 29 – August 8 | Commuter: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: U.S. students entering their senior year of high school in the fall
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; ~130 students
If you're a high school junior passionate about STEM, the RISE program at Boston University is one of the top summer programs for high school students that offers hands-on engineering and research experience. You can choose between the Internship track, where you’ll work under expert mentors on research in fields like biomedical, mechanical, or electrical engineering—or the Practicum track, which offers structured studies in computational neurobiology or data science.
The program provides access to state-of-the-art university labs, giving you insight into real-world problem-solving and technical skills development. One day a week, you will join workshops that refine your academic and professional abilities. The program concludes with a Poster Symposium, where you’ll present your research findings alongside other talented students.
Location: The Cooper Union, Cooper Square, New York
Cost: $3,950: 6-week courses | $1,950: 3-week course
Application Deadline: March 26
Dates: Multiple sessions from July 7 to August 14
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-11
Cohort Size: 18-22 students per class
The Cooper Union Summer STEM Program allows you to experience college-level engineering coursework before even graduating from high school. Designed for students in grades 9-11, this program offers 3- or 6-week classes focused on engineering fundamentals and research projects. You will analyze real-world challenges, build prototypes, and apply STEM concepts in an interactive setting.
Each class has 18-22 students, ensuring a collaborative learning environment. The curriculum mirrors first- and second-year Cooper Union undergraduate coursework, giving you an authentic preview of engineering education and research. Whether new to STEM or looking to enhance your skills, this program provides a valuable engineering foundation.
13. Columbia University Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)
Location: Columbia University
Cost:
Commuter Fee: $5,875
Residential Fee: $10,790
Application Deadline: March 3
Dates:
Session 1: July 7 – July 25
Session 2: July 29 – August 15
Eligibility: All current high school students (freshmen to seniors) for the commuter option, and students who are 16 and above for the residential option
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
One of the top summer programs for high school students, the Columbia Engineering SHAPE Program is a pre-college STEM experience designed for high school students and recent graduates interested in engineering disciplines. This three-week program, held at Columbia University, offers college-level courses in robotics, biomedical engineering, computer science, sustainable design, and more. You will participate in project-based learning, gaining insight into real-world engineering challenges.
In addition to coursework, you will attend workshops on professional development, college preparation, and technical skills. The program provides mentorship from Columbia faculty and students, helping you develop a strong foundation in engineering concepts. While the program does not offer college credit, it provides a rigorous academic experience.
14. BlueStamp Engineering Remote Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,200
Application Deadline: Rolling; students are encouraged to apply as early as possible
Dates:
Session 1: June 16 – July 3
Session 2: July 7 – July 25
Session 3: July 28 – August 15
Eligibility: Incoming 8th to 12th graders
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
The BlueStamp Remote Program is one of the best summer programs for high school students that provides a structured engineering experience, allowing you to build your own project from start to finish. Before the program begins, you will select a project from the BlueStamp remote project book and receive all necessary tools and components by mail. With a 4:1 student-to-staff ratio, you will receive personalized mentorship as you refine engineering skills like soldering, troubleshooting, and iterative design.
You will document your progress in an engineering portfolio and present your completed project at Demo Night. This hands-on experience allows you to develop practical engineering knowledge, preparing you for future studies or careers in technology.
15. Engineering the Next Generation (ENG)
Location: Columbia University
Stipend: $15/hour
Application Deadline: Ladders for Leaders: February 3 | ENG (Foundations of Research and MyStreetscape): March 3
Dates: July 7 – August 14
Eligibility: Current 11th graders; should reside in and attend school in the 5 boroughs of NYC or the Palm Beach, FL area
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
The ENG program is a six-week research program at Columbia University, where you will work with faculty, graduate students, and mentors on engineering projects. You will engage in biomedical, environmental, and computer science research while attending college readiness and science communication workshops.
If you select the CS3 My Streetscape track, you will explore AI, data science, and transportation engineering, investigating how technology impacts urban life in Harlem. The program emphasizes practical research experience, mentorship, and technical skill-building, with a stipend of $15/hour for 25 hours per week. This opportunity prepares you for future STEM research and professional endeavors.