15 Aerospace Engineering Summer Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student curious about space exploration, aviation, or cutting-edge engineering, participating in aerospace engineering summer programs can provide a valuable head start. These programs give you the chance to explore real-world applications of physics, engineering, and computer science while working on projects that connect to aerospace challenges. Instead of committing to a costly year-long course, you can gain exposure through focused summer experiences that combine hands-on learning, research opportunities, and professional mentorship.
Some of these opportunities are offered by top universities, laboratories, and organizations, providing you with access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert guidance. Joining one of these programs will help you strengthen your technical skills and gain insight into aerospace-related career paths, from spacecraft design to aerodynamics research. You will have the chance to collaborate with peers, visit labs or industry sites, and sometimes even present your work to professionals in the field.
We have narrowed down to a list of 15 aerospace engineering summer programs for high school students.
1. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple AFRL sites across the United States
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by program site
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, age 16+, with at least a 3.0 GPA and current enrollment in an academic program
Cost/Stipend: No cost; weekly stipends provided based on education level
The AFRL Scholars Program offers paid summer internships where you will work alongside scientists and engineers at Air Force Research Laboratory sites. You can explore aerospace-related fields through guided research, lab tours, and mentorship. You may choose from up to three topics at a site, covering areas like radar systems, structural blast simulations, or electromagnetic design. Beyond hands-on research, you will gain exposure to federal research facilities and develop professional skills in a collaborative environment. While summer is the primary focus, a small number of positions may be available during fall or spring semesters.
2. Lumiere Research Scholars Program – Aerospace Engineering Track
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, small cohorts with 1:1 mentorship
Dates: Cohorts run year-round
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort; winter cohort application deadline is November 16
Eligibility: High school students
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program; No stipend
Founded by Harvard and Oxford PhDs, the Lumiere Research Scholars Program allows you to work one-on-one with a PhD mentor to complete an independent research paper. In the Aerospace Engineering Track, you will explore current developments in fields like propulsion, aerodynamics, or space systems engineering while learning advanced research methods. The program emphasizes individualized mentorship, pairing students directly with faculty from institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon. You will build technical knowledge, academic writing skills, and interdisciplinary research experience. This track is particularly well-suited for students seeking to publish or present original work in aerospace engineering.
3. NASA Internship Programs
Location: NASA centers and facilities nationwide, with some opportunities virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; varies by center
Dates: Sessions run in spring, summer, and fall (full-time or part-time)
Application Deadline: Spring – September 12; Summer- February 27; Fall – May 22
Eligibility: High school students (age 16+) and college students; must be U.S. citizens
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid internships available through OSTEM
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) internships provide high school and college students the opportunity to work directly with NASA scientists, engineers, and researchers. You will gain hands-on experience contributing to projects in aeronautics, space exploration, robotics, and data science. These internships are designed to strengthen technical skills, build professional readiness, and expose students to future career pathways in aerospace engineering. Mentorship is a key component, and you may also participate in professional development workshops, networking events, and site-specific projects.
4. Horizon – Aerospace Engineering Track
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, small cohorts with 1:1 mentorship
Dates: Summer- June 24 – September 2; Fall- October 23 – February 19
Application Deadline: May 21 for summer cohort; September 25 for fall cohort
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic standing (generally GPA > 3.67); most accepted students are in 10th–11th grade
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based, varies by program length and track; No stipend
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs where you will work one-on-one with professors or Ph.D. mentors from top universities. In the Aerospace Engineering Track, your research will connect engineering theory with practical challenges, such as sustainability, materials, or systems design, relevant to the aerospace industry. You will develop a 20-page university-level research paper under the guidance of your mentor, with the potential to submit it to journals or conferences. The program emphasizes both technical and research skills, preparing you to tackle complex problems at the intersection of aerospace engineering and environmental systems. This program is a strong option if you wish to pursue independent aerospace research in a rigorous academic setting.
5. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES)
Location: University of Texas at Austin, TX, with virtual components
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; limited cohort selected nationally
Dates: Distance learning modules- May 19 – July 1; On-site internship- July 6 – July 19; Virtual Science Symposium- July 21 – 22
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors (age 16+) with a strong interest in STEM; must be a U.S. citizen; selection based on academics, essays, and recommendations
Cost/Stipend: No cost; housing, meals, and local transportation provided for on-site participants; limited travel scholarships available
The SEES program, hosted by NASA and the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research, is a nationally competitive summer internship for high school students. You will begin with distance learning modules in Python and Earth/space science before joining project-specific work guided by NASA scientists and engineers. Research areas include remote sensing, astronomy, planetary science, and climate analysis. Students selected for the on-site component spend two weeks at UT Austin, collaborating with mentors and peers on authentic NASA-supported projects. You will present your findings at the SEES Virtual Science Symposium, giving you experience in professional research communication.
6. Aerospace Engineering Camp [EAGER]
Location: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited cohort; highly popular summer session
Dates: July 6 – 12
Application Deadline: Applications closed for current cycle; notifications released in May
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12
Cost/Stipend: $1,000 residential (+$25 deposit); $600 commuter (+$25 deposit); scholarships available
The Aerospace EAGER Camp, hosted by the University of Illinois, provides a week-long hands-on exploration of aerospace engineering. Designed to support students from traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM, the camp is open to all eligible applicants and emphasizes inclusivity. You will engage in team-based projects covering aerodynamics, flight mechanics, orbital systems, and propulsion, while also designing and launching a model glider and rocket. Highlights include a field trip to the local airport, where students fly in a small aircraft and guest lectures from professionals representing NASA, SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing.
7. Illinois Aerospace Institute (IAI) Summer Camp
Location: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, with a virtual option
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; preference given to juniors and seniors for residential sessions
Dates: Residential- June 22 – June 28; July 13 – July 19 | Virtual- July 20 – July 26
Application Deadline: Applications closed for current cycle; notifications released in May
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12; preference for juniors and seniors in residential programs
Cost/Stipend: $1,000 residential (+$25 deposit); $150 virtual (+$25 deposit); scholarships available
The Illinois Aerospace Institute (IAI) summer camp is a one-week program designed to introduce high school students to the fundamentals of aerospace engineering. You will participate in lessons, field trips, and guest lectures while working on hands-on projects such as designing gliders and rockets. Coursework includes aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics, computational design (Excel and Python), and space mission planning. The residential program provides access to university labs, while the virtual camp offers real-time sessions with at-home model-building kits. You will design and launch your own models, providing practical experience in applying aerospace concepts to real engineering challenges.
8. High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)
Location: Virtual (online coursework); Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX (residential experience for top students)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive, selective among Texas juniors
Dates: Online course October – March; Virtual Moonshot in June; Residential program in July
Application Deadline: September 24
Eligibility: Texas high school juniors who are U.S. citizens
Cost/Stipend: No cost; residential program is fully funded, including travel and housing
High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) is a year-long NASA program designed to prepare Texas high school juniors for future careers in the aerospace field. You will begin with a five-month online course covering space exploration, Earth science, and engineering, developing technical skills in coding and computer-aided design (CAD). Top students are invited to a five-day virtual Moonshot experience, where teams tackle NASA-inspired design challenges under the guidance of mentors from NASA scientists and engineers. The highest-performing teams advance to an all-expenses-paid residential experience at Johnson Space Center, where they will collaborate on aerospace missions in a professional setting. This program is highly selective and provides one of the most direct pathways for Texas students to engage with NASA experts.
9. Sally Ride Science Academy
Location: UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; workshops fill on a first-come basis
Dates: Multiple summer sessions (specific dates announced in January)
Application Deadline: Enrollment opens in January; courses available until filled
Eligibility: Students entering grades K–12; high school workshops available for grades 9–12
Cost/Stipend: Tuition varies by workshop; No stipend
The Sally Ride Science Academy at UC San Diego offers summer STEAM workshops for students from elementary through high school, with specialized courses for older students in aerospace and related fields. In the high school track, you will engage in hands-on projects in space exploration, robotics, AI, sustainability, and digital media while learning from expert instructors. Workshops emphasize applied learning, allowing you to take on the role of a space explorer or engineer to gain a deeper understanding of modern challenges in aerospace and technology. The program also highlights stories of pioneering women in science to inspire participants. This academy provides a flexible, workshop-style introduction to aerospace concepts in the broader STEAM context.
10. Camp Integem – AI Space Drones & Aerospace Engineering Modules
Location: California (16 in-person sites) and Virtual (online delivery)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; over 50,000 students have participated globally
Dates: Year-round sessions (weekly, multi-week, or semester options)
Application Deadline: Rolling; registration closes when sessions are full
Eligibility: Students in grades K-12 (high school modules available for grades 9–12)
Cost/Stipend: $500–$1,499 depending on session length; scholarships available
Camp Integem offers a wide range of technology-focused workshops, enabling high school students to specialize in aerospace-related modules, such as AI-powered drones, robotics, and space exploration. In these programs, you will build and program drones, launch your creations to the stratosphere, and explore aerospace design through augmented reality (AR). Courses are hands-on and integrate NVIDIA AI tools, allowing students to earn NVIDIA AI certificates. The camp also blends aerospace with coding, robotics, and 3D design, encouraging innovation across disciplines. With both in-person and online options, Camp Integem makes aerospace engineering concepts accessible to students of all backgrounds.
11. High School Summer Aerospace Program
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC, and Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Duke- June 12 – June 20; June 24 – July 2 | Johns Hopkins- June 15 – June 23; June 27 – July 5; July 10 – July 18
Application Deadline: Rolling until sessions are full
Eligibility: High school students interested in aerospace engineering or STEM
Cost/Stipend: $4,195 residential tuition (includes housing and meals); No stipend
The NSLC Aerospace program provides a pre-college summer experience that combines hands-on engineering with leadership development. You will design and build an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with your team while exploring cutting-edge aerospace technologies through workshops and simulations. The program includes guest speakers from industry, site visits to aerospace facilities, and guided tours of the host cities. Leadership training is also embedded, with workshops on communication, teamwork, and resilience. Living on a university campus, you will experience college-style learning while gaining direct exposure to aerospace career pathways.
12. Soar to New Heights: Aerospace Engineering Module
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; University of San Diego, San Diego, CA; Rice University, Houston, TX; Columbia University, New York, NY
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; sessions fill on a first-come basis
Dates: University of Pennsylvania- June 29 – July 7; July 11 – July 19 | University of San Diego- June 11 – June 19; June 24 – July 2 | Rice University- June 29 – July 7; July 11 – July 19 | Columbia University- July 12 – July 20; July 24 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until sessions are full
Eligibility: High school students interested in engineering or aerospace
Cost/Stipend: $4,095 residential tuition (UPenn, USD, Rice); $4,295 residential tuition (Columbia); No stipend
The TryEngineering Summer Institute offers high school students a university-based residential program that introduces multiple engineering disciplines, including a dedicated Aerospace Engineering Module. You will study fundamental concepts such as lift, drag, propulsion, and stability while applying them in hands-on design challenges. A central project involves designing, building, and testing a glider capable of carrying a shoebox payload, giving you firsthand experience in aerodynamics and materials design. Guest speakers from industry and faculty-led workshops provide real-world insights, while behind-the-scenes field trips allow you to see aerospace engineers at work. Living on a college campus, you will gain both technical exposure and a preview of university life.
13. Aerospace Engineering Course
Location: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; selective by application review
Dates: Summer session (specific dates vary by year)
Application Deadline: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until sessions are full
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent graduates
Cost/Stipend: $4,295 residential; $3,318 commuter; scholarships and discounts available
Syracuse University’s Summer College program offers a non-credit course in aerospace engineering, where you will study the principles of flight, rocket design, and drone systems through a combination of lectures, experiments, and field trips. Hands-on projects include building and testing model airplanes and rockets, while applying concepts in aerodynamics and orbital mechanics. Guest speakers from academia and industry expose you to cutting-edge aerospace research, policy, and career pathways. The course also explores space law, U.S. space policy, and the private satellite industry. Upon completing the program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the option to request a Syracuse University transcript, making this a valuable pre-college experience.
14. Aerospace Engineering
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited residential and commuter spots
Dates: Session 1- June 22 – July 4 | Session 2- July 6 – July 18 | Session 3- July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: High school students, recommended preparation in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and physics, though not required
Cost/Stipend: $5,998 residential; $3,298 commuter
Summer Springboard’s Aerospace Engineering program at UCLA introduces you to the fundamentals of flight mechanics, propulsion systems, and aircraft/spacecraft design. You will participate in practical design challenges, such as building glider airplanes or rockets, and apply principles like lift, drag, and orbital mechanics. The program also emphasizes the distinction between aeronautical and astronautical engineering, giving you a broad foundation in the field. Guest speakers and site visits to nearby aerospace companies, such as The Aerospace Corporation and JPL, provide exposure to industry professionals.
15. World Scholars Academy – Engineering Internships (Aerospace & Robotics Focus)
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective; maximum of six students per cohort
Dates: Year-round sessions; each program runs for four weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; enrollment closes when the session is full
Eligibility: Students ages 15–18 (grades 9–12 and PG)
Cost/Stipend: $1,500–$2,999 (tuition varies by session); No stipend
World Scholars Academy offers selective four-week research internships where you will collaborate with a leading engineering researcher on projects in aerospace-related fields such as drone technology, robotics, and applied physics. Each cohort is capped at six students, ensuring close mentorship and guidance throughout the program. You will learn research methods, survey academic literature, and contribute original ideas toward a team project. A significant outcome is the opportunity to co-author a research paper, which may be submitted to an academic journal. The program balances live weekend sessions with independent research time, making it accessible alongside school-year commitments.
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