8 Mechanical Engineering Summer Camps for High School Students
Exploring mechanical engineering through a summer camp is a great way for high school students to learn and work on tangible projects. Many engineering high school summer camps offer you practical experience through projects in robotics, 3D modeling, and renewable energy. They also introduce you to the fundamentals of design, problem-solving, and collaboration. Additionally, many of these high school summer camps are hosted by prestigious universities and offer access to advanced labs and mentors.
High school summer camps tend to be more affordable than other pre-college options and still deliver meaningful outcomes. Whether you're just starting to explore STEM or you’re ready to dive deeper, high school summer camps are worth considering. In this blog, we've highlighted 8 mechanical engineering summer camps for high schoolers that you can check out!
1. Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Summer Workshop
Location: University of Texas at San Antonio
Cost: $550 – $750; Financial assistance provided
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: June 16 – June 20
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12; 3.0 GPA or higher
The Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Summer Workshop offers high school students an opportunity to explore key topics in engineering. The workshop features sessions led by university faculty and graduate students. You'll dive into areas like 3D printing, piezoelectric energy harvesting, electronics fabrication, and corrosion control.
With hands-on activities and real-world applications, this program provides insight into both mechanical and electrical engineering. It’s a great way to explore the field, gain practical skills, and learn from experienced mentors. Whether you're curious or career-focused, this workshop offers valuable exposure to advanced STEM topics.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 onwards; Financial aid available
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduates, offers dynamic programs for students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program introduces beginners to data science and machine learning through a 10-session course focused on skill development and practical application.
For those with experience, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase provides an advanced opportunity to work one-on-one with a university mentor. You’ll choose a research topic and receive support in preparing your paper for academic publication. This is a meaningful way to strengthen your portfolio. You can review previous student projects here for inspiration.
3. Engineering Overview Camps
Location: University of Texas at San Antonio
Cost: $550 – $750
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Dates: June 9 – June 13 | June 30 – July 4
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
Held twice each summer, this popular camp fills quickly! During the Engineering Overview Camp, you’ll get to try out six different disciplines, including Biomedical, Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil, through labs and interactive activities. UTSA faculty will explain what each path offers academically and professionally. You’ll also get a firsthand look at UTSA’s programs and admissions steps. It’s a great way to explore engineering in a low-pressure environment.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,290 onwards; Financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students with a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students the chance to work on a research project for over 12 weeks to a year. During the program, you’ll be paired with a Ph.D. mentor who will support you while you dive into a subject you love. You’ll also attend informative workshops that focus on the research project. You can pick from topics like psychology, economics, data science, engineering, and more. By the end of the program, you’ll have created your own research paper and will get to present it at the Lumiere Research Symposium.
5. Engineering Summer Camp at the University of Chicago, Illinois
Location: University of Chicago, Illinois
Cost: $500/week
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: July 21 – July 25
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders
UIC’s Engineering Summer Camp is one of the top high school summer camps, and your chance to dive into five engineering disciplines in just five days. You’ll explore fields like Biomedical, Software, and Mechanical Engineering through real lab-developed projects. Past participants have built robots, designed 3D-printed contraptions, explored tissue engineering, and created app mockups.
With guidance from UIC faculty and graduate students, you’ll work in small teams to complete original engineering challenges. The camp includes career insights into fields like nanotech and autonomous vehicles, plus college readiness support for older students. Whether you're into sustainability or gaming tech, this immersive experience will spark your interest in what engineers do.
6. High School Summer Engineering Camp at Purdue University Northwest
Location: Purdue University Northwest
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – July 11
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-17
Purdue University Northwest invites high school students to its free Summer Engineering Camp—an engaging, week-long exploration of mechanical and civil engineering. You’ll get hands-on with 3D printing, renewable energy, and electric vehicles, and you’ll build projects like a cardboard wind tunnel and a balsawood bridge. As one of the top engineering high school summer camps, each day includes a new set of engineering challenges designed for your age group, guided by experienced instructors. The rotating sessions keep learning fun and active. At the week’s end, you’ll earn a certificate recognizing your participation.
7. Women in Engineering: Day Camp
Location: University of Arizona College of Engineering
Cost: $350
Application Deadline: February 24 – March 28
Dates: June 16 – June 18
Eligibility: Rising 9th through 12th graders
The Women in Engineering Day Camp is a hands-on summer experience designed to introduce young women to the diverse world of engineering. Through interactive projects and guided workshops, you’ll explore civil, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering—plus several other disciplines.
The camp is led by female engineers and industry professionals who serve as mentors and role models throughout the week. You’ll develop technical skills, strengthen your critical thinking, and gain confidence in your problem-solving abilities. It’s a supportive space to ask questions, collaborate, and discover how you can lead in STEM.
8. Boston Leadership Institute Engineering Research Program
Location: Boston Leadership Institute
Cost: Three-week tuition: $2,500 | Three-week residential fee: $2,097
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: July 14 – August 1
Eligibility: Students entering 8th grade through entering college
The Boston Leadership Institute’s Engineering Research Program offers a unique opportunity to dive into hands-on engineering projects. You’ll explore electrical and mechanical engineering, computer programming, and 3D design while building your own functional devices. One standout project involves using Arduino to program racing sailboats, which you’ll test on the same lake used by MIT and Olin College teams. You'll learn soldering, circuitry, and CAD, then bring your designs to life in competitive regattas. Past projects also include stereo speakers and 3D-printed boats built for pool challenges. It’s an exciting blend of engineering, creativity, and real-world application.
Image source - Univerisity of Texas at San Antonio