15 Engineering Programs for High School Students in Delaware
If you are a high school student interested in engineering, specialized programs can be a valuable way to explore the field before college. These opportunities often combine technical learning with projects, allowing you to apply concepts from science, mathematics, computing, and design in practical settings. Many engineering programs are hosted by universities, research centers, government organizations, and educational nonprofits, giving you access to facilities, technologies, and professionals that may not be available in a typical high school environment. Whether you are interested in robotics, aerospace, autonomous systems, environmental technology, or engineering research, these programs can provide exposure to different areas of the discipline.
Why should you attend an Engineering program in Delaware?
Delaware offers a range of engineering-focused opportunities through organizations such as the University of Delaware, community programs, and STEM education partners. Depending on the program, you may design autonomous vehicles, build and program robots, construct drones and remotely operated vehicles, explore materials science laboratories, participate in engineering product design projects, or conduct environmental monitoring using GIS and drone technology. These opportunities can be a strong fit for students living or studying in Delaware, as well as for out-of-state students looking to explore the state’s academic environment.
To help you identify programs that align with your interests, we have compiled a list of 15 engineering programs for high school students in Delaware.
If you’re looking for programs in Delaware, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span materials science, autonomous vehicles, drone engineering, robotics, aerospace, environmental monitoring, AI, computer-aided design, and NASA-affiliated research, so students with a wide range of engineering interests can find a relevant option in Delaware or online.
Several programs are free or paid, including UD HighRise (free and paid), Delaware FLii (free and paid), LYTE Career Pipeline (free and paid), and NASA SEES (free), while UD Edge Summer College offers up to six transferable college credits and UD FORGES and UD Autonomous Driving Academy offer need-based scholarships.
Many programs specifically serve Delaware residents or students from low-income backgrounds, including LYTE Career Pipeline (LYTE Scholars from low-income backgrounds), Delaware FLii (Delaware high school students), and Cab Smart Summer Camps (Wilmington-area students), so local and underrepresented students should take note of these targeted opportunities.
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from one-week introductory camps, such as UD Destination Mars and Cab Smart Drone Exploration, to multi-month virtual research internships, such as NASA SEES, so students can choose based on their availability and depth of interest.
Application deadlines for competitive programs fall early, including NASA SEES (February 22) and UD Autonomous Driving Academy (June 15), while programs, such as UD Academic Summer Camps, Cab Smart Summer Camps, and LYTE Career Pipeline, use rolling registration, so students should apply as soon as openings become available.
1. University of Delaware’s HighRise Program
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; Small cohort
Program Dates: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
The University of Delaware’s HighRise program is a two-week summer experience that introduces you to materials science and engineering through hands-on work in university research laboratories. As a participant, you will rotate through the Center for Hybrid, Active, and Responsive Materials (CHARM)’s soft materials and hard materials labs, exploring engineering-related topics such as polymers, semiconductors, nanomaterials, and other advanced materials. Through these laboratory activities, you’ll gain exposure to research environments and techniques commonly used in materials science. The program will also provide opportunities to work alongside University of Delaware faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates, offering insight into STEM education and career pathways.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies (full financial aid available); Unpaid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Apply here
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. If you’re looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science, consider participating in the AI Scholars program, which is a 10-session boot camp that introduces you to the fundamentals of AI & data science. You will also get the chance to work on real-world projects. Another option is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program, which gives you the chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that you will have access to the in-house publication team to help you secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Delaware Department of State’s Future Leaders Internship Initiative (FLii)
Location: Various state government agencies in Delaware
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Summer program (exact dates and duration not specified)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors (ages 15-17)
The Delaware Department of State’s FLii program is a summer program that provides you with professional development and real-world experience through government agencies across Delaware. You may gain exposure to STEAM-related fields by working with departments such as Technology and Information, Transportation, Agriculture, Public Health, Labor, and Homeland Security, helping you explore career pathways connected to technology, engineering, and public service. As part of the program, you’ll complete a case study developed by program partners, applying analytical, technical, and interpersonal skills gained through workshops and interactions with professionals. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with government leaders, entrepreneurs, executives, and other professionals from both the public and private sectors. In addition, you may take on entry-level assignments and other responsibilities that provide insight into how government agencies operate and serve Delaware communities.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies (full financial aid available); Unpaid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple 12-week-to-1-year cohorts a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
Lumiere’s Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research opportunity for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a wide range of subject areas, including data science, computer science, psychology, physics, economics, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. During the program, you will be paired with a Ph.D. mentor, who will work 1-on-1 with you on an independent research project. At the end of the 12 weeks, you will have developed an independent research paper in your field of choice! You can find more details about the application here; check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Leading Youth Through Empowerment (LYTE) Career Pipeline
Location: Organizations across Delaware
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: High school students from low-income backgrounds who are LYTE Scholars
The LYTE Career Pipeline helps low-income high school students explore career pathways through paid internships, workplace experiences, and professional development activities. You can pursue opportunities in fields such as science and engineering, IT and computer science, health sciences, business, government, and several other career areas. The program will include internships, job shadowing experiences, hands-on workshops, and networking events designed to help you gain practical workplace experience and build professional skills. You will also participate in training focused on financial literacy, workplace culture, tax preparation, and long-term career planning. In addition, LYTE will help you identify relevant certifications and develop education and employment pathways aligned with your career interests.
6. University of Delaware’s Academic Summer Camps – Destination Mars
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost/Stipend: $800; None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 5 – 10
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-10
Destination Mars is a week-long academic summer camp that explores the challenges of living and working on Mars through aerospace- and engineering-themed activities. You will work with advanced rockets, rovers, and computer simulations, gaining exposure to technologies and concepts related to space exploration. The program will combine hands-on activities with guest speaker sessions, allowing you to learn about Mars-focused topics from multiple perspectives.
7. Cab Smart Summer Camps: Earn Your Wings – Advanced Drone Engineering & Mission Flight
Location: Cab Calloway School of the Arts, Wilmington, DE
Cost/Stipend: $375 (discounts and financial aid available); None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 13 – 17
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-12
Earn Your Wings – Advanced Drone Engineering & Mission Flight program focuses on advanced drone operations through a combination of engineering challenges, mission planning, and applied flight activities. You will develop skills in precision navigation, drone control, automation concepts, sensor technology, and data collection while completing structured flight missions and simulations. Topics will include drone-based mapping, environmental monitoring, performance analysis, and the use of engineering principles to improve flight outcomes. The program will emphasize hands-on learning through obstacle-course navigation, rescue scenarios, and other mission-based challenges that require you to test and refine your solutions. Unlike your average drone camp, this experience will center on more advanced flight operations and real-world drone applications connected to fields such as aviation, robotics, environmental science, and public safety.
8. University of Delaware’s Academic Summer Camps – Destination Moon
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost/Stipend: $800; None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 5 – 10
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school freshmen
Destination Moon is a week-long residential summer camp that explores the science and technology involved in living and working on the Moon. You will participate in hands-on activities focused on rocket construction and launches while also studying topics such as composites, robotics, crystal science, and telescope building. The program relies on a lunar exploration theme to introduce you to concepts from aerospace engineering and related STEM fields through experiential projects.
9. University of Delaware’s Environment, Climate and Ocean (ECO) Camp – Technology to Measure our Changing Environment Senior Camp
Location: Cab Calloway School of the Arts, Wilmington, DE, and University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost/Stipend: $400 (tentative); Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 6 – 10
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Technology to Measure our Changing Environment Senior Camp will explore how engineering and environmental technologies are used to study ecosystems and monitor environmental change. You will build and fly drones, construct an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and use GIS tools to collect, map, and analyze environmental data. The program will examine topics such as freshwater ecosystems, climate change impacts, sustainability, beach erosion, land use change, and environmental monitoring through a combination of classroom instruction and field-based activities. A major component of the camp is applied project work, including an ROV design challenge that simulates rescuing sea turtles during an oil spill scenario. The experience will also include visits to the University of Delaware research facilities, providing exposure to environmental and oceanographic research conducted on campus.
10. Cab Smart Summer Camps: Drone Exploration – Introductory Flight & Technology Camp
Location: Cab Calloway School of the Arts, Wilmington, DE
Cost/Stipend: $375 (discounts and financial aid available); None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-12
The Drone Exploration – Introductory Flight & Technology Camp will introduce you to the fundamentals of drone technology through hands-on activities and applied STEM learning. You’ll study the core components of unmanned aerial systems while learning safe flight procedures, navigation techniques, and basic drone operation skills. The program will also explore how drones are used in fields such as environmental science, mapping, photography, and emergency response, providing context for real-world applications of the technology. Through flight challenges, obstacle courses, and guided experimentation, you’ll practice piloting drones while developing problem-solving skills. You will also capture aerial images and analyze flight data, gaining introductory experience with the technical and engineering concepts that support drone operations.
11. Cab Smart Summer Camps – AI: Autonomous Robotics
Location: Conrad Schools of Science or Cab Calloway School of the Arts, Wilmington, DE
Cost/Stipend: $350 – $375 (discounts and financial aid available); None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 29 – July 2; July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-12
The AI: Autonomous Robotics program at the Cab Smart Summer Camps introduces you to robotics engineering through hands-on work with VEX IQ robotic systems. You’ll learn the fundamentals of robot design, construction, and programming while developing autonomous robots capable of completing tasks without direct human control. The program will explore concepts such as mechanical advantage, object manipulation systems, and autonomous decision-making through a series of engineering challenges and design activities. You will apply your skills by building and testing robots that navigate obstacle courses, complete task-based challenges, and participate in robotics competitions with fellow campers.
12. University of Delaware’s Foundations for Outreach & Recruitment of Great Engineers & Scientists (FORGES) Program
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; Small cohort
Program Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents
The University of Delaware’s FORGES program is a week-long summer experience that introduces you to a range of STEM and engineering disciplines through hands-on activities. Each day focuses on a different academic unit, allowing you to participate in STEM workshops, laboratory tours, and interactive sessions related to fields such as chemical and biomolecular engineering, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry and biochemistry, and gene editing technology. The program is designed to provide exposure to scientific and engineering areas that may not be covered in a typical high school curriculum. You’ll also have opportunities to interact directly with University of Delaware faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates, giving you insight into university research environments and STEM education pathways. A distinctive aspect of FORGES is its collaboration across multiple academic departments and industry partners, offering a broad introduction to several science and engineering fields within a single program.
13. University of Delaware’s Autonomous Driving Academy
Location: University of Delaware – ICAT Lab at STAR Campus, Newark, DE
Cost/Stipend: $2,500 (discounts and scholarships available); None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 6 – 10
Application Deadline: June 15
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (15+); Ideal candidates have a background in robotics and proficiency in Python with some knowledge of coding in C++
The University of Delaware’s Autonomous Driving Academy is a five-day pre-college program designed for high school students interested in engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, and computer science. You will explore how autonomous systems are designed, integrated, and tested through coursework covering topics such as vehicle control, sensing technologies, mapping, localization, path planning, and autonomous parking and racing systems. The program will include hands-on projects using tools and technologies such as Robot Operating System (ROS), Python, C++, sensor integration, and control logic. Working in teams, you will assemble autonomous robot kits, implement and refine autonomous driving applications, and apply engineering concepts to real-world challenges. The experience will conclude with technical presentations and a team-based autonomous vehicle competition that will demonstrate your custom-built designs and problem-solving abilities.
14. University of Delaware’s Edge Summer College Program: Engineering Track
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost/Stipend: $5,495 (need-based scholarships available); None
Cohort Size: 25 students per course
Program Dates: July 19 – August 8
Application Deadline: May 15 (May 1 is the priority deadline for domestic students)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with strong academic potential; Required minimum cumulative GPA is 3.0
The University of Delaware’s Edge Summer College Program allows you to take college-level courses while living on campus and experiencing university life. If you’re interested in engineering, you can enroll in the Introduction to Engineering Product Design course, where you’ll study engineering design principles through hands-on projects involving product design, testing, computer-aided design (CAD), manufacturing, and design validation. You may also take supporting courses such as Precalculus, which will introduce you to functions, graphs, and mathematical concepts commonly required for engineering majors. In addition to earning up to six transferable college credits, you’ll complete the required Edge Seminar, which will focus on college readiness, leadership, career exploration, and the college admissions process.
15. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES): Virtual Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Around 10%
Program Dates: June – July 21 (exact dates vary by project); SEES distance learning Modules will be available from May 15 – July 1
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (16+); Must not have worked as a SEES intern previously; Must be U.S. citizens
The SEES Virtual Internships program allows you to participate in NASA-supported research projects while working remotely with scientists, engineers, and other STEM professionals. You can join project teams focused on topics such as artificial intelligence for human space travel, air quality and environmental monitoring, exoplanet detection, planetary geology, machine learning for Mars exploration, Earth system science, and space mission communication. You may get to work with real scientific and mission data, using tools and methods that may include data analysis, visualization, GIS platforms, coding, remote sensing, and systems modeling, depending on the project. The program will combine mentor-guided research with collaborative team activities. You’ll also be expected to complete distance-learning modules before and during the internship period. All teams will present their research findings during the Virtual SEES Science Symposium at the end of the program.
Frequently asked questions
1. What engineering programs are available for high school students in Delaware?
Options include materials science programs, such as UD HighRise and UD FORGES, autonomous systems and robotics programs, such as UD Autonomous Driving Academy and Cab Smart AI Autonomous Robotics, drone engineering programs, such as Cab Smart Drone Exploration and Earn Your Wings, aerospace programs, such as UD Destination Mars and Destination Moon, environmental engineering programs, such as UD ECO Senior Camp, AI and research programs, such as Veritas AI, Lumiere, and NASA SEES, and professional internships, such as Delaware FLii and LYTE Career Pipeline.
2. Are there free or paid engineering programs for high school students in Delaware?
Yes, UD HighRise is free and includes a paid placement, Delaware FLii and LYTE Career Pipeline are free and paid, and NASA SEES is free. UD FORGES is also free for eligible students. UD Edge Summer College offers need-based scholarships, and Cab Smart Summer Camps offer discounts and financial aid for eligible participants.
3. Which Delaware programs are best for students interested in autonomous systems or AI?
Students interested in autonomous systems might consider UD Autonomous Driving Academy for hands-on work with ROS, Python, and autonomous vehicle design, Cab Smart AI Autonomous Robotics for introductory robotics programming using VEX IQ systems, and Veritas AI for machine learning and AI projects with mentorship and publication support.
4. Do any Delaware engineering programs offer college credit?
Yes, UD Edge Summer College Program awards up to six transferable college credits through the University of Delaware, including coursework in engineering product design and supporting math courses. Participants also complete the Edge Seminar, which covers college readiness and career exploration.
5. When should I apply to engineering programs for high school students in Delaware?
NASA SEES closes February 22, and UD Autonomous Driving Academy closes June 15. UD Edge Summer College has a priority deadline of May 1 and a final deadline of May 15. Programs, such as UD Academic Summer Camps, Cab Smart Summer Camps, and Delaware FLii, use rolling registration, so students should monitor program websites from early spring and apply as soon as openings become available.