8 Aerospace Engineering Programs for High School Students
If you have an interest in aerospace engineering, you won't want to miss out on attending one of the summer programs listed below! These opportunities are ideal for enhancing your skills in physics, computer science, and engineering, and gaining hands-on experience. Participating in an aerospace engineering summer program can also significantly boost your college applications by showcasing your dedication to refining your engineering skills early on.
As you go about trying to find a summer program that is a good fit for you, keep in mind that they can vary in terms of difficulty and accessibility - you will have to do your research and look for what aligns with your goals!
To make things easier, we have compiled a list of the top 8 aerospace engineering programs that you should keep on your radar.
If you’re looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
Key Takeaways
Best free options: AFRL Scholars (+ stipend), CMU SAMS, MITES Summer, MIT Beaver Works
Best for research: Lumiere (virtual, year-round)
Best for coursework + community: CMU SAMS
In-person vs. virtual: Lumiere is the only fully virtual option — all others are in-person
1. Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program
Location: In-Person (Various locations across the US)
Cost: Free with a weekly stipend of $506.80
Program dates: June - August
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 16 years of age. Must be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for summer internship positions. A grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is highly encouraged for all applicants.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program is a respected, competitive program designed to train the next generation of research and development leaders within the United States Air Force. This program offers selected scholars access to state-of-the-art laboratories, cutting-edge technologies, and mentorship from top experts in the aerospace and defense fields. You will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on research projects spanning a wide range of disciplines, from aerospace engineering and materials science to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The program will not only equip you with the technical skills and knowledge required to address complex challenges but also expose you to the strategic aspects of national defense. Furthermore, the AFRL Scholars Program encourages collaboration among scholars, fostering a dynamic, innovative research environment.
2. Lumiere Research Scholars Program - Aerospace Engineering Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; need-based financial aid available
Program dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application deadline: Rolling, cohort-based. Applications for the winter cohort are now open. You can apply here!
Eligibility: High school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as aerospace engineering, physics, economics, data science, computer science, chemistry, international relations, and more.
3. Carnegie Mellon University Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free
Program dates: June 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16. Underrepresented and underserved students are especially encouraged to apply.
The Carnegie Mellon University Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) offers a rigorous, enriching academic experience that prepares students interested in aerospace engineering for future success. The program provides a well-rounded curriculum encompassing mathematics, science, and engineering, all of which are essential foundations for aerospace engineering. Students engage in hands-on, project-based learning, giving them opportunities to explore various aspects of aerospace, from designing and building prototypes to studying aerodynamics and propulsion. SAMS also emphasizes research and innovation, providing you with access to cutting-edge technology and guidance from faculty and experts. Additionally, the program fosters a dynamic and collaborative environment, enabling you to work alongside like-minded peers and develop teamwork and problem-solving skills.
4. MITES Summer
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Program dates: 6 weeks - Late June to Early August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors; underrepresented, underserved, and first-generation students are especially encouraged to apply.
The MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science) Summer Program is hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and provides an immersive experience for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds. MITES offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on, project-based learning. You will get to engage in challenging aerospace-related activities, including designing, building, and testing aerospace systems and components. The program also includes exposure to cutting-edge research and innovation, and you will have the opportunity to learn from faculty and researchers while collaborating with like-minded peers from diverse backgrounds. The MITES program not only equips students with a solid foundation in aerospace engineering but also promotes diversity and inclusion in the field, ensuring that talented individuals from all backgrounds have access to opportunities in aerospace engineering and related disciplines.
5. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute
Location: In-Person at MIT and Virtual
Cost: Free
Program dates: July - August
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising High school seniors who attend school in the US
The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute is a highly regarded program for students interested in aerospace engineering. It offers a combination of academic coursework and hands-on, project-based learning. Through a carefully designed curriculum, students gain a deep understanding of aerospace systems, including rocket propulsion, satellite design, and autonomous flight. What makes this program particularly exceptional is its emphasis on real-world problem-solving. You get to work in teams on complex, multifaceted aerospace projects, helping you gain practical experience and the ability to apply engineering principles to relevant challenges. Additionally, the program offers mentorship from MIT faculty and industry experts, ensuring that students receive top-notch guidance and support.
6. NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute
Location: NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 13–17, July 20–24, or July 27–31
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.2 GPA who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
The NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute is a one-week aerospace engineering program that introduces students to NASA research through hands-on design challenges, engineering activities, and career exploration experiences. Participants work on projects related to acoustic dampening, power management and distribution, and simulated lunar operations while learning how engineers approach real-world aerospace problems. The program also includes interactions with NASA professionals and exposure to engineering careers within the aerospace industry. Students develop and test prototypes throughout the week while gaining experience with the engineering design process.
7. Texas Aerospace Scholars (TAS)
Location: Online (fall/spring); Virtual Summer Experience (Moonshot); NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX (top performers)
Cost: Free; top-performing teams receive an all-expenses-paid residential experience at Johnson Space Center
Program Dates: Year-long commitment beginning in the fall
Application Deadline: Opens in the summer
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are Texas residents currently in 11th grade (high school juniors)
Texas Aerospace Scholars is a year-long NASA program for Texas high school juniors that begins each fall with five months of online coursework in space exploration, Earth science, aeronautics, and technology. You will build practical skills in coding, CAD, and engineering across the online phase, with the top-performing students then invited to Moonshot — a five-day virtual summer experience mentored by NASA scientists and engineers. The best-performing teams from Moonshot go on to a fully paid residential experience at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, working alongside the scientists and engineers behind some of the country's most active space programs.
8. Aerospace Engineering Camp – University of Illinois
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Cost: $1,500 (residential); $750 (commuter); scholarships available
Program Dates: July 5 – July 11
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12; open to all students
The Aerospace EAGER Camp is a one-week residential program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, run by the Grainger College of Engineering. You will explore aerospace engineering through hands-on projects covering flight mechanics, aerodynamics, aerospace structures, orbital mechanics, and propulsion systems. Over the course of the week, you will design and build both a model boost glider and a model payload rocket, launching both at the camp finale, and take a field trip to the University's Institute of Aviation at Willard Airport. Alumni guest speakers from organizations including NASA, SpaceX, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and the James Webb Space Telescope team discuss how the concepts covered in camp apply in the field.
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