14 Engineering Internships for High School Students
If you're a determined high school student who is considering pursuing engineering, you might be looking for an internship.
Gaining professional experience in a field as diverse as engineering is important, as it will help you narrow down your potential areas of interest. However, it is important to note that internships can be difficult to get, and they often require prior knowledge and experience in the field.
To make things easier, we have listed 14 engineering internships across various domains, from aerospace to environmental engineering, that we think could be a good fit for high school students!
If you’re looking for engineering programs, check out our blog here.
1. Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program
Cost: No Cost + stipend provided ($506.80/week)
Location: Varies based on program
Application Deadline: January 10
Program Dates: Varies from internship to internship, but should be in one of these three cohorts
- Fall - from late August/early September to mid-December (16 weeks)
- Spring - from mid-January to early May (16 weeks)
- Summer - from late May/early June to August (10 weeks)
Eligibility: Upper High School Student (Over 16 years old) with a minimum 3.0 GPA; Must be a U.S. Citizen
The AFRL Scholars Program is a paid summer research internship that places high school students alongside Air Force Research Laboratory scientists and engineers working on advanced STEM projects. Participants contribute to research in areas such as aerospace engineering, materials science, autonomy, sensors, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies while receiving mentorship from AFRL researchers. Interns gain hands-on experience with research methods, technical problem-solving, and laboratory or computational tools used in government research environments. Depending on the site and project, internships typically last between eight and twelve weeks and require full-time participation.
2. Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Cost/Stipend: Free; $500/week stipend
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL (hybrid schedule with on-site and off-site participation)
Program Dates: July 13 – August 7
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school seniors (for the upcoming academic year) or recent high school graduates who are U.S. citizens, have proof of medical insurance, and are enrolled in an Illinois high school
The Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM) is a four-week summer internship that introduces students to fields such as particle physics, quantum science, engineering, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology research. Participants engage in hands-on activities, technical workshops, facility tours, and discussions with Fermilab scientists and STEM professionals as they explore how research is conducted at a national laboratory. Throughout the program, students develop a research abstract, research poster, and final presentation that communicate their work and learning. The internship combines STEM exploration with mentorship from researchers and exposure to careers in science and engineering.
3. Ladder Internships (Tech Track)
Cost: Varies by program (Financial Aid Available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Selection Rate: Selective
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective program for high school students to work with startups. There are startups working across a variety of fields, including computer science, technology, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and more. You can check out all the available options here on their application form. As part of Ladder Internships, students will work on real-world projects in computer science and technology. As part of engineering internships, students can work on biotech projects, such as formulating and refining generative AI products that simplify complex medical information, and on software engineering projects that require them to use a low-code stack and work in an SWE team to add metrics, measure performance, and conduct user research. In addition to working closely with their manager at the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship, who serves as a second mentor and sounding board, guiding them through working in a startup.
4. Sandia National Laboratories
Cost: No cost; stipend provided.
Location: Varies by location.
Application Deadline: Rolling admission.
Program Dates: Varies by internship: Summer Interns - 40 hours (Throughout the summer months); Year-round Interns - 25 hours/week (Throughout the year).
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old, enrolled full-time in high school, and meet position-specific requirements
Sandia National Laboratories offers paid internships that allow high school students to work alongside scientists, engineers, and technical professionals on research and engineering projects supporting national security, energy, computing, and advanced technology initiatives. Depending on the position, interns may contribute to projects in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, materials science, cybersecurity, robotics, and other STEM fields while receiving mentorship from Sandia staff. Students gain exposure to professional research and engineering environments through hands-on technical work, team meetings, and project-based learning experiences. Internship opportunities are available year-round, with many engineering-focused positions offered during the summer.
5. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) - Department of Navy
Cost: No Cost + stipend of $4,000 (new participants) or $4,500 (for returning participants)
Location: Varies depending on lab choice
Application Deadline: November 1
Program Dates: 8 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least Grade 9, are at least 16 years old by the internship start date, and are U.S. citizens. Eligibility varies by lab.
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is an eight-week summer internship that places high school students in U.S. Navy laboratories to work on research and engineering projects under the guidance of professional scientists and engineers. Participants contribute to ongoing investigations in fields such as aerospace engineering, robotics, computer science, materials science, physics, cybersecurity, and other STEM disciplines while gaining exposure to government research environments. Interns work closely with mentors, develop technical and research skills, and learn how scientific and engineering challenges are addressed within Navy research facilities. The program provides hands-on experience with real-world research projects while introducing students to STEM careers in defense, engineering, and advanced technology.
6. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Internship
Cost: $2,000 tuition (scholarships available); housing, meals, tours, and local transportation included for on-site participants
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates: July 5–18 (on-site internship); June–July 21 (virtual project work); July 20–21 (Virtual Science Symposium)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are current high school sophomores or juniors and at least 16 years old by July 5
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Internship is a NASA-funded research program that engages high school students in Earth and space science projects. Participants work with scientists and engineers, analyze NASA datasets, and investigate topics such as climate science, remote sensing, natural hazards, and aerospace technologies through virtual and on-site research experiences. The program also includes mentor-guided project work, STEM speaker series events, preparatory learning modules, and interactions with NASA professionals. Students present their findings during the Virtual Science Symposium and receive a NASA Certificate of Completion at the end of the program.
7. Los Alamos National Laboratory Internship
Cost: No cost; stipend provided
Location: Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico
Application Deadline: Varies by position and term
Program Dates: Summer internships typically last 10 weeks; school-year internships are available part-time
Eligibility: New Mexico high school students who are at least 16 years old; most opportunities are open to current high school seniors with a minimum 2.75 GPA
The Los Alamos National Laboratory High School Internship Program provides students with the opportunity to work alongside scientists, engineers, and technical professionals at one of the nation's leading research laboratories. Interns contribute to research and engineering projects in areas such as computing, physics, materials science, cybersecurity, energy, and national security while gaining experience with professional tools and research methods. Depending on the position, students may work part-time during the academic year or full-time during the summer under the guidance of a laboratory mentor. The program combines hands-on project work with exposure to STEM careers and large-scale research environments.
8. California Academy of Sciences - Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Cost: No Cost, Stipend provided
Location: California Academy of Sciences
Application Deadline: April 1
Program Dates: Multi-year, year-round participation
Eligibility: Open to freshmen or sophomores enrolled in San Francisco Unified School District schools. Maintain a GPA of 2.5 (Grade of C or higher in science and math)
The CiS Intern Program is targeted at San Francisco students from underrepresented communities in STEM. Through this internship, you can explore science and sustainability while also benefiting from mentorship opportunities and guidance on college admissions! Your role in this program will include conducting fieldwork outdoors and facilitating learning experiences for Academy visitors. As you advance through the program, you will also gain the opportunity to conduct research on environmental action! Topics previously covered include Python for scientific programming, astronomy, science communication, biomimicry, environmental justice, and California conservation. If you are interested in environmental engineering, the CiS program is a great opportunity!
9. National Institute of Standards and Technology Internships
Cost: No participation cost (but students must cover housing and transportation costs)
Location: Varies by lab.
Application Deadline: Last week of January
Program Dates: June 22 to August 7
Eligibility: Rising senior or recent graduate. Must be eligible to work in the U.S. A minimum of a 3.0 GPA should be maintained.
The Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) is an eight-week paid research internship that places students in NIST laboratories, where they work alongside scientists, engineers, and technical staff. Participants contribute to ongoing research projects in fields such as engineering, physics, chemistry, materials science, computer science, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing while gaining experience with professional research methods and laboratory equipment. Interns are matched with mentors based on their interests and work on projects that support NIST’s scientific and technological mission. The program provides hands-on research experience and exposure to careers in science, engineering, and federal research laboratories.
10. Idaho National Laboratory Internship
Cost: No Cost, Stipend provided
Location: Idaho National Laboratory
Application Deadline: Not specified, but expect it to end a month or two before the internship begins.
Program Dates: Summer, 10-16 weeks.
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 16 or older. Students who hold a U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status (the only exceptions are foreign nationals who attend an accredited U.S. college or university).
As part of the U.S. Department of Energy, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) offers six-week internships for high school students to apply traditional STEM concepts to real-world problems. The internship is split into an 80/20 format, with 80% of your time spent in the lab with your mentor and the other 20% focused on enrichment and skill-building activities.
Some areas you can work on are advanced transportation technology, clean energy, critical infrastructure protection, and cybersecurity. There are also research topics that include the implementation and analysis of zero-trust architecture, the evolution of cybersecurity in critical infrastructure, and violations of thermal constraints resulting from ambient-adjusted transmission line ratings! You can view projects in all the fields through their ‘Intern Poster’ sessions!
If you are interested in software engineering or even environmental engineering, INL’s internships are a good option!
11. University of New Hampshire’s High Tech Bound
Cost: No Cost, Stipend provided
Location: University of New Hampshire Campus
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: July 6 – August 7
Eligibility: Open to rising seniors who are U.S. residents.
High Tech Bounce, offered by the University of New Hampshire, is a 4-6 week summer internship for rising seniors to experience network technologies in a real-world environment. As an intern, you will work in the computer laboratory with mentors on software and hardware projects from companies such as Apple, Dell, and Cisco. Apart from the internship itself, you will also benefit from field trips to high-tech companies where you can see first-hand how engineers develop their latest products and software, while benefiting from their expertise. While the actual projects you will work on are not specified, you will work with technology used in smart cars, internet decides, and concert stadiums! Some projects by previous interns include rebuilding a Java-based test tool (IOL INTERACT) on Python, creating CnC validation tests in the EmBase working group, and creating a License Tracking Software. If you are interested in software engineering and interacting with experts in the field, you should consider applying to High Tech Bound.
12. Johns Hopkins’ Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens
Cost: Paid internship
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Application Deadlines: March 15
Program Dates: July 7 to August 7
Eligibility: Open to high school students in the Baltimore City area.
Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens (BRBT) is a paid summer research internship that introduces students to biomedical research through hands-on laboratory training at Johns Hopkins University. Participants learn core research techniques, including microbiology methods and DNA and protein engineering, while working in a teaching laboratory and spending time in active Hopkins research labs. Interns receive mentorship from instructors, undergraduate students, graduate researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty while exploring how scientific research is conducted. The program combines laboratory work with classroom instruction in the scientific concepts underlying the experiments students perform.
13. Textron Aviation High School Internship Program
Cost: No cost; stipend provided
Location: Wichita, KS, and Columbus, GA
Application Deadline: Varies from internship to internship
Program Dates: June 8 – July 31
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 16-19 who are U.S.citizens
The Textron Aviation High School Internship Program allows students to work alongside professionals at one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers, gaining exposure to engineering, manufacturing, and aviation operations. Interns contribute to real projects under the guidance of company mentors while developing technical and professional skills in a workplace setting. Opportunities are available across multiple departments, allowing students to learn how aircraft are designed, built, tested, and supported throughout their lifecycle. The program is offered year-round, with dedicated summer, fall, and spring internship cohorts.
14. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Internship Program
Cost: $25 registration fee + $1,299 for 3-credits of undergraduate coursework; need-based waivers are available
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA (with some virtual opportunities)
Application Deadlines: February 15
Program Dates: June 22nd - August 12th
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students; applicants must be 15 years old by the first day of the program (16+ for wet-lab internships involving biological or chemical hazards)
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) is an eight-week research internship that matches students with George Mason University faculty mentors working on ongoing projects across science, engineering, mathematics, and technology. Participants conduct independent research in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, bioengineering, environmental science, neuroscience, and data science while developing technical and analytical skills. Students work closely with faculty mentors and research teams, gaining experience with the methods and tools used in academic research. The program concludes with a research symposium where participants present their findings to faculty, peers, and members of the university community.
Top picks
Highest stipend: AFRL Scholars ($506/week), SEAP Navy ($4,000–$4,500)
Best remote: Ladder Internships (fully remote, year-round cohorts)
Best for research: George Mason ASSIP, LANL, NIST SHIP
Best for beginners: CiS Program (GPA 2.5+), Fermilab PRISM
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
With Veritas AI, which was founded by Harvard graduate students, you can work 1-on-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. Check out a past student’s experience in the program here. You can apply here!