15 Engineering Programs for High School Students in Michigan
Engineering programs can be a strong option for high school students who want to move beyond classroom theory and see how ideas are built, tested, and improved in the real world. Through these experiences, you can develop practical skills such as coding, prototyping, design thinking, data analysis, and technical communication while working on projects that mirror college and industry environments. Many programs also introduce students to engineering fields like mechanical, biomedical, civil, electrical, computer, and environmental engineering, helping you understand which pathways match your interests. You may also gain exposure to professors, university mentors, and professionals who can offer guidance on academics and future careers.
Why should you attend a program in Michigan?
Michigan is home to major engineering schools, research universities, and technology-focused organizations that offer programs for high school students across a range of disciplines. Depending on the program, you may explore robotics, computer engineering, aerospace engineering, construction management, materials science, quantum computing, or engineering research through projects, coursework, and mentorship. Whether you are interested in exploring different engineering fields or gaining experience in a specific area, Michigan offers a variety of opportunities for students at different experience levels.
To help you navigate the options, below is a list of 15 engineering programs for high school students in Michigan.
If you’re looking for programs in Michigan, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
Several programs are free or provide stipends, including MSU Multicultural Apprenticeship Program (free with weekly stipend), University of Michigan Research Experiences for Youth (free), UM Future Ready Scholars (free), MSU Quantum Motor City Camp (free), and Wayne State Construction Management (free for C2 Pipeline students), making Michigan a strong state for no-cost engineering programming.
Programs span a wide range of engineering disciplines including quantum computing (MSU Quantum Motor City Camp), biomedical and materials engineering (UM REY, LTU), robotics and mechanical engineering (Kettering University Robotics Camp), computer science and game design (MSU MGIT, Wayne State Anderson Camp), construction and civil engineering (Wayne State SPARK, Michigan Tech), AI and machine learning (Veritas AI, Lumiere), and electrical engineering and energy systems (UM Zap It! Camp).
Several programs are hosted at Michigan's leading engineering schools including University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Michigan Tech, Wayne State University, Kettering University, and Lawrence Technological University, giving students direct access to university faculty, labs, and research environments.
Students looking for research-based experiences can apply to MSU Multicultural Apprenticeship Program (seven weeks with faculty mentors), UM Research Experiences for Youth (seven weeks on materials science research), and Lumiere Research Scholar Program (12 weeks, 1-on-1 PhD mentorship culminating in a research paper).
Deadlines range from February through July, with UM SEE Camp closing February 19, MSU MAP closing March 13, and UM Future Ready Scholars closing April 5, so students should begin identifying programs in the fall and apply to February and March deadline programs first.
1. Michigan State University - Multicultural Apprenticeship Program (MAP)
Location: East Lansing, MI
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Weekly stipend provided
Dates: July 5–31
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th-grade students with a strong interest in science, math, and related fields
In this program, students are matched with faculty mentors and work on projects across agricultural engineering, food science, forestry, environmental management, animal sciences, horticulture, and crop and soil sciences. That range shows how engineering connects with sustainability, agriculture, natural resources, and technology. Alongside daily project work, you can expect lab and field experiences, access to technical equipment, leadership seminars, and group activities. Because admission is competitive and based on academic readiness, recommendations, and demonstrated interest, it can be a valuable credential for future applications. If you are looking for an engineering-adjacent program with real research exposure, MAP offers a broader lens on how engineers solve real-world problems.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Online
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts in a year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: AI Scholars: All ambitious 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. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them 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. Research Experiences for Youth (REY) - University of Michigan
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: None
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current 11th-grade Michigan residents
This program places participants in active research environments where they explore how new materials are designed, tested, and applied to real-world technologies. You spend seven weeks working on topics such as semiconductors, 2D materials, and sustainable polymers using computational, theoretical, statistical, and experimental methods. Along the way, you also gain exposure to the research process itself - reading scientific literature, collaborating with mentors, and communicating findings clearly. The program includes professional development and community-building activities, making it a strong option if you want both technical depth and college readiness.
4. Lumiere Scholars Program - Engineering Track
Location: Online
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available
Dates: Year-round cohorts (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (accepted students typically maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher)
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 psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. University of Michigan – Future Ready Scholars
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Cost: None
Dates: July 5–17
Application Deadline: April 5
Eligibility: High school students; residents of Southeast Michigan
In this program, you will immerse yourself in authentic engineering practices on the University of Michigan campus. You will apply the core engineering design process to tackle real-world technical challenges alongside your peers. Guided by university instructors, you will collaborate in project teams to prototype solutions and explore various STEM disciplines. Throughout this academic program, you will engage in experiential learning to strengthen the foundational analytical skills necessary for college-level coursework. Beyond the intensive summer activities, you will attend monthly Saturday sessions to continue your technical skill development and career exploration. Ultimately, this program builds your confidence in engineering workflows and prepares you for future academic success.
6. MSU Summer Programs – Quantum Motor City Camp
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
Cost: None
Dates: July 29–31
Application Deadline: April 25
Eligibility: High school students; knowledge of algebra and trigonometry required; transportation to and from MSU is participant-arranged; applicants from high schools inside or outside Michigan welcome
You spend three days at Michigan State University exploring quantum computing as an emerging engineering field at the intersection of physics, mathematics, and computer science. You program real IBM quantum computers with guidance from MSU faculty and a member of IBM's Quantum Education Team, applying algebra and trigonometry to write code that runs on actual quantum hardware. You tour the MSU Laboratory for Hybrid Quantum Systems to see how researchers engineer qubits, quantum chips, and the supporting infrastructure that makes quantum computation possible. You also receive guidance on college applications and STEM career pathways from MSU professors and industry scientists. The camp grounds you in computational and electrical engineering concepts tied to cutting-edge quantum technology.
7. Wayne State University - Construction Management
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Cost: C2 Pipeline Students: None; Non-C2 Pipeline: $100; scholarships are available
Dates: June 29 – July 2
Application Deadline: Varies by partner organization
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students
As a participant in Wayne State University’s SPARK Construction Management summer camp, you explore the engineering fundamentals behind building functional communities. You collaborate with peers in team-based exercises, engaging in hands-on activities like a drone racing challenge and a LEGO construction competition. These immersive workshops introduce key concepts in structural design and project planning while building your confidence in design thinking. Beyond the classroom, you tour active construction sites through partnerships with companies like Walbridge and General Motors to observe real-world engineering workflows. Throughout the program, you interact directly with industry professionals, tradespeople, and university faculty to understand the technical requirements and project management skills needed to turn blueprints into reality.
8. Michigan Tech – Summer Youth Programs
Location: Houghton, MI
Cost: $1,175 residential (base price); $700 commuter (base price) + possible course/lab fees; needs-based scholarships and heavily subsidized "Pathway Programs" are available
Dates: Weekly sessions from June 14–17
Application Deadline: Pathway Programs: February 15; General Explorations: Rolling / until spots fill
Eligibility: General explorations are generally for grades 6–11, while competitive Pathway Programs are specifically for grades 9–11
In this program, you can choose from multiple engineering-focused options such as aerospace engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, automotive engineering, mining engineering, mobile robotics, construction technology, and introductory engineering courses. This flexible structure is especially useful if you already know your interests, or if you want to test different disciplines before choosing a future major. Programs typically run in week-long formats and emphasize applied learning through labs, design challenges, experiments, and project-based activities. Depending on the course, students may work with drones, robotics systems, flight mechanics, coding tools, engineering design processes, or real-world infrastructure concepts. Residential and commuter options make the experience accessible for both local and out-of-state students.
9. University of Michigan - Summer Engineering Exploration Camp (SEE Camp)
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: $750; need-based aid is available
Dates: July 5–11
Application Deadline: February 19
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10-11; open to all genders
The Summer Engineering Exploration Camp (SEE Camp) is a residential program at the University of Michigan designed to introduce students to engineering through a broad & hands-on experience. Hosted by the Society of Women Engineers, the camp gives participants exposure to multiple engineering disciplines and industries rather than limiting the experience to one subject area. Throughout the week, you can expect activities that highlight how engineers solve problems, build systems, and apply technical thinking in real settings. The program also helps students learn more about studying engineering at the university level, including what life on campus can look like. Its emphasis on students with limited access to engineering resources makes it especially meaningful for those seeking early exposure and mentorship opportunities. Because the camp is co-ed and open to all genders, it welcomes a wide range of students interested in STEM exploration!
10. Wayne State University - Anderson Engineering Summer Camp
Location: Detroit, MI
Cost: Varies depending on the specific camp or number of sessions selected; scholarships are available
Dates: Cohort I: June 22 – July 9; Cohort II: July 13–30
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Rising grades 9–12
This camp offers multiple themed options in engineering, computer science, and technology, so you can choose topics that match your interests. You might program a micro:bit handheld computer, design smarter future cities, build apps using Swift and Xcode, explore construction technologies, create Minecraft game worlds, or test a cardboard boat you engineered yourself. That variety makes the program especially appealing for students who are still figuring out which branch of STEM excites them most. Each activity is rooted in practical skills like coding, collaboration, design thinking, and critical problem-solving. With multiple summer cohorts and mix-and-match options, students can create a more personalized experience rather than following a fixed track.
11. Kettering University Robotics Camps — Mechanical Build Challenge / FRC Intake Systems
Location: Kettering University, Flint, Michigan
Cost: Day Camp: $700; Residential: $1,070
Dates: July 20–23
Application Deadline: Rolling registration
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–12
You spend four days at Kettering University's Robotics Center designing and building a robotics intake mechanism for a prebuilt FRC chassis, using the Engineering Design Process to guide your work. Alongside an experienced FIRST mentor, you brainstorm ideas, develop prototypes, and fabricate your design using hands-on tools and techniques. The focus stays squarely on mechanical engineering, including ideation, prototyping, fabrication, and design iteration. The camp culminates in a competition where teams test their intake mechanisms in action, showcasing creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. Sponsored by GM and Magna, it leads directly into the follow-on Scoring Systems camp running July 24–27, where you can keep iterating on the same robot.
12. Lawrence Technological University - High School Summer Programs
Location: Southfield, MI
Cost: $1,250 commuter; $1,400 residential (per program); multi-program discounts are automatically applied
Dates: July 13–17; July 20–24; July 27–31
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: Rising grades 10-12, ages 14-18
LTU offers multiple specialized experiences across engineering, technology, design, and science, letting students choose the subject that fits their interests, or combine more than one across the summer. Engineering-focused offerings include areas such as biomedical engineering, robotics, automotive engineering, smart cities, and Python-powered robotics projects like RoboDog Adventures. That variety means one student might spend a week exploring sensors and digital twins, while another is building robotic systems or examining engineering in healthcare. Sessions take place in university labs and studios, and the biggest advantage here is flexibility: different themes, multiple session weeks, and room to shape your own summer around what you actually want to explore.
13. University of Michigan - Zap It! Electrify Tech Summer Camp
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: $900; scholarships are available
Dates: August 10–14
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors
This camp turns advanced scientific topics into something students can explore directly through experiments, demonstrations, and guided activities. You get exposure to technologies that power modern research in energy, materials, and high-tech systems, while also building a clearer understanding of how engineering and physics intersect. No prior experience is required, which makes the program accessible even if these subjects are completely new to you. With limited spots and rolling reviews, it tends to appeal to students looking for a more specialized STEM experience than a general summer camp. The real draw is simple: few high school programs offer this level of access to frontier research equipment.
14. Michigan State University - Making a Game of It (MGIT)
Location: East Lansing, MI
Cost: $1,199
Dates: July 19–24
Application Deadline: July 10
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11-12 or recent graduates; GPA 3.0+ preferred in core STEM courses
Using game design as the learning framework, the program helps you build practical coding skills while exploring how engineering and creativity come together in digital products. You work with Python to develop software, understand core programming concepts, and design your own video game projects. This applied format can be especially useful for students who learn best by building rather than only studying theory. Instruction is led by faculty and graduate students, giving participants exposure to university-level teaching and current technical expertise. The program also offers a strong introduction to pathways in computer science and related engineering fields, includin
g the kind of work involved in future degree programs.
15. Michigan State University - High School Engineering Institute (HSEI)
Location: East Lansing, MI
Cost: $1,099
Dates: June 14–18; June 21–25; July 5–9; July 12–16
Application Deadline: June 5 (Session 1); June 12 (Session 2); June 26 (Session 3); July 3 (Session 4)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10-12 or recent graduates; GPA 3.0+ preferred in core STEM courses
In this program, you’ll explore different engineering majors through faculty-led sessions, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and collaborative problem-solving exercises. It introduces you to multiple pathways that can be useful if you are still deciding between areas such as mechanical, civil, computer, or other engineering disciplines. You’ll also meet graduate students and undergraduates, giving you a perspective on student life, research, and academic pathways in engineering. Additional sessions on admissions, honors opportunities, study abroad, internships, and undergraduate research help connect the academic experience with future planning. With campus tours and exposure to research facilities, the program offers a practical preview of studying engineering at a major university.
Frequently asked questions
What types of engineering programs are available for high school students in Michigan?
Options include free university research programs (MSU MAP, UM REY, UM Future Ready Scholars), quantum computing camps (MSU Quantum Motor City Camp), robotics and mechanical engineering camps (Kettering University), game design and coding programs (MSU MGIT, Wayne State Anderson Camp), construction and civil engineering camps (Wayne State SPARK, Michigan Tech), residential multi-discipline engineering programs (Michigan Tech SYP, LTU, MSU HSEI), energy and materials science camps (UM Zap It!, UM REY), and virtual AI and research programs (Veritas AI, Lumiere).
Are there free engineering programs for high school students in Michigan?
Yes, several programs are free. MSU Multicultural Apprenticeship Program is free and provides a weekly stipend. UM Research Experiences for Youth is free for eligible Michigan residents. UM Future Ready Scholars is free for Southeast Michigan students. MSU Quantum Motor City Camp is free for all eligible students. Wayne State SPARK Construction Management is free for C2 Pipeline students. Programs like Lumiere, Veritas AI, and UM SEE Camp charge tuition but offer financial aid or need-based scholarships.
Which Michigan engineering programs are best for students interested in research?
MSU Multicultural Apprenticeship Program places students with faculty mentors for research in agricultural engineering, environmental management, and related fields over four weeks. UM Research Experiences for Youth provides seven weeks of materials science research including semiconductors and sustainable polymers using experimental and computational methods. Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers year-round 1-on-1 PhD mentorship culminating in an independent research paper in engineering or computer science.
Which programs are best for students interested in robotics or computer engineering?
Kettering University Robotics Camp focuses on mechanical engineering and FRC robotics intake system design over four days using real industry tools. Wayne State Anderson Engineering Summer Camp offers micro:bit programming, Swift app development, and smart city design. MSU Making a Game of It uses Python and game design as a framework for learning software engineering. Veritas AI covers AI, machine learning, and neural networks with 1-on-1 mentorship for advanced students.
Are there Michigan engineering programs specifically for underrepresented students?
MSU Multicultural Apprenticeship Program is specifically designed to support underrepresented students in STEM fields. Wayne State SPARK Construction Management is free for C2 Pipeline students, a program that supports underrepresented students in college access. UM SEE Camp, hosted by the Society of Women Engineers, emphasizes access for students with limited prior engineering exposure, though it is open to all genders. Michigan Tech offers heavily subsidized Pathway Programs for students with financial need.
When should I apply to engineering programs for high school students in Michigan?
UM SEE Camp closes February 19 and MSU MAP closes March 13. UM Future Ready Scholars closes April 5 and MSU Quantum Motor City Camp closes April 25. Michigan Tech Pathway Programs close February 15. Wayne State and LTU programs accept rolling applications until spots fill. MSU HSEI and MGIT have session-specific deadlines in June and July. Students should begin researching in the fall and prioritize February and March deadline programs well before the spring semester.