15 Summer Engineering Programs for High School Students in California
For high school students interested in engineering, summer programs can serve as an excellent introduction to the field. They provide hands-on experience, opportunities to gain industry exposure, and a chance to build valuable professional connections—all without the substantial costs associated with long-term programs or private tutoring.
Many of the summer engineering programs for high school students in California are hosted by top universities, research institutions, and professional organizations, giving you a taste of real-world engineering challenges and cutting-edge technology. Whether it’s designing prototypes, coding, building robotics, or solving real-world problems, these experiences go beyond the classroom. If you are interested in how engineering principles are applied within industries like aerospace, biotechnology, or renewable energy, summer engineering programs are worth considering.
To make the search easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 15 summer engineering programs for high school students in California. Let’s dive in!
15 Summer Engineering Programs for High School Students in California
1. Engineering Design Summer Institute at UCLA
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $2,881; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Session A: June 23 – July 11; Session B: July 14 – August 1
Application Deadline: June 13
Eligibility: High school students (15+) entering grades 9-11
The Engineering Design Summer Institute invites aspiring engineers into a dynamic, project-based learning experience where teamwork, creativity, and communication are key. You will choose from specialized tracks like Aerospace Engineering (rockets), Mechanical Engineering (Go-Karts), Electrical Engineering (Rovers), and Microcontrollers. Each track offers hands-on challenges, from CAD design and fabrication to programming microcontrollers and building motorized vehicles. The program mirrors real-world engineering cycles with design, build, and test phases, concluded by a presentation and competition. Mentors guide teamwork, and you will get to work with sophisticated tools like 3D printers, Finite Element Analysis, and embedded systems.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a competitive program connecting driven high school students with internships at fast-growing start-ups. These companies span diverse sectors, including tech, deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Most participating start-ups have raised over a million dollars in funding. During the internship, you will collaborate closely with company managers and a dedicated Ladder Coach, work on real-world projects, and present your outcomes directly to the organization.
3. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program at California Academy of Sciences
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Cost: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Runs year-round across multiple years
Application Deadline: February – April (tentative)
Eligibility: 9th or 10th-grade students attending SFUSD schools; Must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, with at least a C in math and science
The CiS program offers a deeply enriching, multi-year entry into the world of science by combining real-world work, mentorship, and personal growth. You will gain experience through outdoor fieldwork, helping visitors learn on the museum floor, and supporting innovative exhibits and educational materials. You will also participate in biweekly workshops, developing skills in science communication, career exploration, financial literacy, and college readiness. As you advance, you’ll join small groups that conduct their own research or environmental projects under guidance from academy scientists.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program (STEM Track)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive, 12-week research experience designed for high school students. It connects you with a Ph.D. mentor for personalized, one-on-one guidance as you work on an independent research project. By the end, you’ll have produced your own research paper. The program covers a wide range of subjects to choose from, including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more.
5. UC San Diego: Academic Connections
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA
Cost: $1,500 (online courses); $5,950 (residential courses tuition); Scholarships are available
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
Dates: July 7 – July 25
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12; Minimum GPA of 3.3 or higher
Academic Connections offers academically driven, college-level courses that immerse high school students in subjects beyond their usual high school curriculum. Over three weeks, classes run roughly five hours daily, including collaborative lectures and discussion-based work. You can choose from topics such as engineering, data science, public health (“Disease Detectives”), creative writing, and more—taught by graduate-level instructors with small class sizes (as low as 25). Successful participants earn 3-6 units of transferable UC San Diego Extended Studies credit.
6. California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)
Location: The University of California campuses, including Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Cruz
Cost: $5,256
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: July 6 – August 2
Application Deadline: January 7 – February 7
Eligibility: California high school students in grades 8-12
COSMOS is a deeply immersive four-week residential STEM enrichment program designed for academically advanced California high school students. You will engage in lab-intensive study across disciplines like engineering, mathematics, and computer science, working alongside university faculty and researchers in cutting-edge facilities. The program's curriculum emphasizes active learning, experimental design, and critical thinking, pushing beyond standard high school content to explore real-world applications.
7. UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars
Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA (virtual options available)
Cost: Varies by program type; Scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Varies by program type
Application Deadline: Varies by program type
Eligibility: Rising 10th-11th graders (16+) with a minimum GPA of 3.0; International students are welcome
This program gives high school students an early experience of college life. You can participate in either of four different tracks: Residential, Commuter, Virtual, or Non-credit. You can also choose from a wide range of courses, including topics such as planetary exploration, integrative biology methods, mechanical engineering principles, advanced mathematics, and computer science applications. A complete list of courses is available here. You can earn college credits, join college preparation workshops, and take part in social activities.
8. Sally Ride Science Academy at the University of California, San Diego
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA
Cost: $175 – $450; Financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 6 – 24
Application Deadline: Opens in January
Eligibility: High school students
The Sally Ride Science Academy invites high schoolers into STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) workshops that ignite curiosity and creativity. Whether you are coding for AI, investigating marine life, exploring epidemiology, or tackling robotics and sustainability topics, each mini-course blends engaging projects with expert-led instruction. Workshops are led by passionate STEAM educators and often include real-life stories from women researchers to inspire and empower learners.
9. Research Mentorship Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $5,175 (commuter); $12,474 (residential); Limited scholarships available
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: 10th-11th graders (outstanding 9th graders may be accepted on a case-by-case basis) with a minimum weighted GPA of 3.80
UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program (RMP) is a competitive six-week summer program that pairs high school students with UCSB faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate mentors for an immersive research experience. You will dedicate 35-50 hours per week, both online and on campus, to work on a selected research project. Alongside your project work, you will earn eight university credits through two courses that build research methodology and presentation skills. The program is especially valuable for those interested in exploring STEM in combination with other fields, and it culminates in a formal academic symposium where participants present their research findings.
10. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes (SPCS)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,080; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Session One: June 16 – June 27; Session Two: July 7 – July 18
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: 8th-11th graders
SPCS provides intellectually curious high school students with a rigorous, two-week deep dive into a single subject, ranging from engineering and computer science to art, philosophy, and more. Each course features live, instructor-led sessions with real-time participation, supported by small class sizes (averaging 16 students) that foster rich discussion and collaboration. The curriculum is designed by passionate experts and includes a blend of lectures, group activities, and academic challenges not typically found in high school coursework.
11. Fundamentals of Engineering at UC Berkeley
Location: UC Berkeley, CA
Cost: Residential: $5,998; Commuter: $3,298
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: June 22 – July 4; July 6 – July 18; July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 16
Eligibility: High school students
This engineering-focused summer program invites high schoolers to engage deeply with engineering concepts through a “hands-on, minds-on” learning model. You will tackle design challenges, such as manufacturing prosthetic limbs and constructing model structures that adhere to code, zoning, and budget constraints, with real-world relevance. Designed and led by experienced instructors, the curriculum blends technical instruction, creative problem-solving, and team collaboration.
12. NSLC High School Summer Program: Engineering
Location: Multiple locations, including University of California, Berkeley, San Francisco, CA
Cost: $4,195
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions in the summer
Application Deadline: Generally mid-March
Eligibility: High school students (14-18)
NSLC's Engineering Program blends engineering fundamentals with leadership development in a hands-on environment. You’ll get to build Sea Perch underwater robots and remote-controlled cars, gain experience in designing prototypes, and explore career paths across civil, mechanical, and chemical engineering. The curriculum includes interactive simulations, lab-based challenges, and group teamwork—all aimed at fostering innovation and problem-solving skills. You will also attend tours of cutting-edge engineering facilities, hear from industry professionals, and engage in evening leadership activities.
13. Santa Clara University: Summer Engineering Seminar (SES)
Location: Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: Session 1: July 13 – 17; Session 2: July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and juniors
SES is a compact, five-day immersion designed to spark interest and provide broad exposure to the engineering field. You will engage in interactive workshops, spanning bioengineering, civil/environmental engineering, computer science, electrical/computer engineering, and mechanical engineering. These workshops will all be led by SCU's engineering faculty. Each day blends lectures with collaborative project work. The schedule also includes immersive campus life in dorms, social and recreational activities, and chances to connect with mentors, peers, and SCU’s engineering community.
14. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Various locations (including California)
Stipend: New participants: $4,000; Returning participants: $4,500
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; Approximately 300 placements annually across 38+ Navy labs
Dates: The eight-week program runs each summer; Exact start dates depend on lab schedules
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: U.S. high school students in grades 9-12 (including graduating seniors); Must be at least 16 years old by the internship’s start
SEAP places high-achieving high school students in real-world naval research environments where they’ll work 40 hours per week alongside practicing scientists and engineers. You will contribute to cutting-edge projects spanning a wide range of STEM disciplines, from robotics, cybersecurity, and oceanography to environmental science and engineering. Mentorship is a cornerstone of the program; each student will be supported by a lab mentor who guides hands-on research and professional development.
15. University of Southern California: Young Researchers Program (YRP)
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (currently juniors) who attend public or charter schools within the LA, Lynwood, Compton, or Inglewood Unified School Districts
YRP offers motivated students a genuine research experience at USC. Paired with graduate student mentors, you’ll work on authentic STEM projects and deepen your scientific understanding. The program includes weekly seminars focused on college applications, STEM careers, and frequent enrichment activities, such as field trips to USC’s Wrigley Marine Science Center. The experience concludes with you presenting your work at a public poster symposium, celebrating your summer research achievements.
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