15 Engineering Summer Pre-College Programs for High School Students
Engineering summer pre-college programs can help you explore technical subjects beyond your regular school curriculum while building problem-solving and analytical skills. Many of these programs combine coursework with projects, design challenges, and collaborative activities that introduce you to fields like robotics, aerospace, computer science, and mechanical engineering. You can also gain exposure to college-level learning environments and explore how engineering concepts are applied through research, labs, and technical projects.
What are the benefits of an engineering pre-college program?
Engineering pre-college programs help you develop foundational technical skills while introducing you to different engineering disciplines and methods of problem-solving. Depending on the program, you can work on coding projects, engineering design challenges, lab activities, or research-based assignments while learning alongside students with similar interests. These experiences can help you better understand engineering fields and explore your academic interests before college.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 15 engineering pre-college summer programs for high school students.
If you’re looking for data analytics programs, check out our blog here.
1. MITES Summer
Location: Cambridge, MA, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Late June – early August
Application Deadline: Fall of junior year (tentatively)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; high school juniors
If you’re looking for a rigorous introduction to college-level STEM, MITES Summer offers an immersive six-week experience on MIT’s campus. You’ll take a full academic load, including math, life sciences, physics, humanities, and a hands-on elective, designed to mirror the intensity of a college semester. Beyond classes, your schedule includes lab tours, workshops, and exposure to practical applications like machine learning or genomics, helping you connect theory to practice. The program also integrates college admissions guidance, giving you insight into applying to selective universities and navigating STEM pathways. Living on campus, you’ll collaborate closely with a cohort of motivated peers while building independence and time-management skills.
2. Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)
Location: Cambridge, MA, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free for families earning <$200,000; $2,400 for families earning >$200,001
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 6 – early August
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: High school students living or attending school in the United States; completion of required online prerequisite courses
You’ll spend your time at BWSI moving from foundational learning into hands-on technical projects, with a strong emphasis on preparation before the summer even begins. The program requires you to complete structured online coursework starting in early February, which builds the skills needed for the in-person experience and also serves as part of the selection process. Once on campus, you’ll join a specific project track, such as robotics, autonomous systems, or aerospace, where you’ll collaborate in teams to design, build, and test real engineering solutions. The environment is fast-paced and expects you to apply coding, problem-solving, and analytical thinking in practical settings. Along the way, you’ll receive mentorship and feedback that help refine both your technical and teamwork skills.
3. MIT Women’s Technology Program (WTP-ME)
Location: Cambridge, MA, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free for families earning <$120,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective (~20 students)
Dates: June 27 – July 25
Application Deadline: December 15
Eligibility: High school juniors (rising seniors) living in the United States; strong math/science background with little or no prior engineering experience
Designed for students who are curious about engineering but haven’t had much exposure yet, WTP-ME offers a structured introduction to mechanical engineering through hands-on learning. Over four weeks, you’ll explore core topics like forces, circuits, CAD, and materials while working on design challenges and collaborative builds, from foam structures to Rube Goldberg machines. The curriculum emphasizes learning by doing, with daily classes, lab work, and team-based projects that develop both technical and creative problem-solving skills. You’ll also interact with MIT mentors and participate in site visits and engineering showcases, helping you understand how these concepts apply in real-world contexts. The program is intentionally geared toward students still deciding whether engineering is the right path, making it more exploratory than advanced.
4. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Cambridge, MA, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free; non-refundable application fee of $75
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective (<2.5%; ~100 students)
Dates: Late June – early August
Application Deadline: Early December (typically the second week)
Eligibility: High school juniors (must be at least 16 by program start); U.S. and international students from participating countries
Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious high school research programs, RSI immerses you in the full lifecycle of scientific research. You’ll begin with a week of intensive coursework taught by leading researchers, covering advanced topics across STEM fields. The core of the program is a five-week individual research project, where you’re matched with a mentor and work in a lab or research group, reading academic literature and conducting original investigations. Throughout the experience, you’ll develop skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication, culminating in a written paper and conference-style presentation. The program also includes lectures from prominent scientists and exposure to cutting-edge research environments.
5. Columbia SHAPE (Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers)
Location: New York, NY, USA
Cost/Stipend: ~$6,241 (commuter) or ~$11,492 (residential) per 3-week session; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective (~450 students across sessions)
Dates: July 6 – July 24; July 27 – August 14
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) and recent graduates; residential option for students aged 16+
If you want a flexible introduction to engineering without committing to a full summer, SHAPE lets you choose one or two three-week sessions focused on specific STEM topics. You’ll enroll in a college-level course, such as robotics, computer science, or electrical engineering, paired with an elective that emphasizes collaboration and applied skills. The curriculum is project-based, so much of your time is spent building, designing, and solving real engineering problems rather than just listening to lectures. Outside the classroom, the program includes workshops, industry exposure, and opportunities to interact with Columbia faculty and students. Because of its larger size and rolling admissions, SHAPE is more accessible than highly selective programs while still offering meaningful academic rigor.
6. USC Discover Engineering (Summer Trojan Program)
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Cost/Stipend: Paid program (tuition required; financial aid information varies).
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 22 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 13 (international); May 8 (domestic)
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least 9th grade; strong academic background; English proficiency required for international students
If you want to explore multiple engineering fields in a short, structured format, USC’s Discover Engineering program offers a broad, project-based introduction. Over four weeks, you’ll rotate through disciplines like aerospace, biomedical, electrical, and computer engineering, gaining exposure to each through lectures and hands-on builds. Much of your time is spent working in teams to design and test solutions, such as launching rockets, programming robots, or building circuits, while applying the engineering design process. The program also incorporates site visits around Los Angeles, helping you see how engineering works in real-world settings. You’ll complete a research paper and present your work, building both technical and communication skills.
7. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes – Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $3,200 (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 6 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–11; must meet age requirements (13–19)
This course is a focused, short-format introduction to mechanical engineering designed for students who want to explore core concepts without committing to a full residential program. You’ll attend live online classes each weekday, where instructors guide you through topics like engineering analysis, design processes, and problem-solving. The structure combines interactive lectures with group-based activities, giving you the chance to collaborate on a final project that applies what you’ve learned. Outside of class, you’ll spend additional time on assignments that reinforce concepts like computational thinking and system design. Because it’s part of Stanford’s broader Summer Institutes, the course emphasizes academic rigor and independent thinking rather than hands-on lab access.
8. Rutgers Engineering Summer Academy
Location: New Brunswick, NJ, USA
Cost/Stipend: $2,899
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: July 12 – July 18; July 19 – July 25
Application Deadline: April 12 (international); May 24 (domestic)
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (ages 16–18); minimum 3.0 GPA; English proficiency required
If you’re looking for a short, hands-on introduction to multiple engineering fields, Rutgers’ Engineering Summer Academy offers a one-week immersive experience on campus. You’ll explore disciplines like biomedical, civil, mechanical, and computer engineering through lab activities, design challenges, and collaborative projects guided by faculty and student mentors. The program emphasizes practical problem-solving, giving you opportunities to test ideas in contexts like building and racing a cardboard canoe. Alongside academics, you’ll get a taste of college life through residential activities and interactions with peers who share your interests. Because admissions are rolling, applying early can improve your chances of securing a spot in your preferred session.
9. Santa Clara University Summer Engineering Seminar (SES)
Location: Santa Clara, CA, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free (housing and meals included)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 12 – July 16; July 19 – July 23
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors; interest in engineering, especially with limited prior exposure
This program is designed to introduce you to engineering in a short but immersive format, especially if you haven’t had many opportunities to explore the field before. Over five days, you’ll rotate through workshops covering areas like bioengineering, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering, gaining broad exposure rather than specializing early. The structure blends lectures with interactive, project-based activities, allowing you to experiment with concepts while working alongside peers and mentors. Outside the classroom, you’ll live on campus and participate in community-building and recreational activities, giving you a glimpse of college life. The program also emphasizes social impact, encouraging you to think about how engineering can address practical challenges.
10. Tufts Engineering with Artificial Intelligence
Location: Medford/Somerville, MA, USA
Cost/Stipend: $4,425 (commuter) / $5,950 (residential); limited financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 5 – July 17; July 19 – July 31
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12 or recent high school graduates; prior programming experience required
This program focuses on helping you understand how artificial intelligence is actually built and applied, rather than just using it as a tool. You’ll spend your time learning core concepts in machine learning, coding in Python, and exploring how algorithms work behind the scenes, all within a structured, full-day classroom environment. The curriculum blends technical instruction with discussions about the ethical and societal impact of AI, giving you a more complete perspective on the field. As the program progresses, you’ll work in small teams to design and prototype your own AI-based solution to a real-world problem, culminating in a final showcase. Guest speakers from academia and industry add context by sharing how these technologies are used in practice.
11. Georgia Tech Summer Engineering Institute (SEI)
Location: Atlanta, GA, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free (residential program)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 7 – June 15
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders; must be Georgia residents
If you want a short, immersive preview of engineering at a top university, Georgia Tech’s SEI offers a one-week residential experience focused on exploration and exposure. You’ll participate in hands-on experiments and interactive workshops that introduce different areas of engineering and computer science, rather than diving deeply into just one field. The program also includes campus tours and sessions on the college admissions process, giving you insight into what studying engineering at a place like Georgia Tech might look like. Living on campus, you’ll interact with faculty, students, and peers while getting a feel for the academic and social environment. Activities are designed to be engaging and accessible, whether you’re already committed to engineering or still exploring your interests.
12. COSMOS (California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science)
Location: Multiple UC campuses (Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, San Diego, Santa Cruz), CA, USA
Cost/Stipend: $5,518 (residential; financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive (~160–200 students per campus)
Dates: July 5 – July 31 / August 1
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: California high school students (grades 8–12)
This program is built for students who want to go well beyond standard high school STEM coursework and engage with advanced topics in a university setting. You’ll apply to a specific “cluster” at one UC campus, where you’ll spend four weeks immersed in a focused subject area, ranging from engineering to biomedical sciences, through intensive labs and collaborative projects. Much of your learning happens in research-style environments, where you’ll work with faculty and explore concepts that mirror early college-level material. The experience is both academically demanding and highly interactive, with an emphasis on applying theory through experimentation and problem-solving. Living on campus, you’ll also be part of a cohort of similarly motivated students, which adds to the pace and depth of the program.
13. University of Maryland ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program
Location: College Park, MD, USA (commuter only)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 7 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 29
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders; strong academic background in STEM; ability to commute
If you’re interested in experiencing engineering through a research lens, ESTEEM/SER-Quest offers a structured introduction to how real projects are developed and executed. Over four weeks, you’ll work on a research project, learning how to conduct literature reviews, develop proposals, and analyze findings, skills that are typically introduced at the college level. The program also includes sessions on college admissions, financial aid, and career readiness, helping you connect your academic interests with future pathways. You’ll interact with undergraduate and graduate students, gaining insight into both the academic and social aspects of studying engineering. Because it’s commuter-based, the experience is more focused on academics and mentorship rather than residential life.
14. Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation – Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEE)
Location: Multiple U.S. locations or online
Cost/Stipend: ~$3,960–$10,190 depending on format (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 29 – July 24 (in-person); June 29 – July 31 (online)Application Deadline: January 30 (priority); May 27 (final)
Eligibility: High school students; strong grades in math/science; completion of Algebra II and a lab science
This program centers on how engineering solutions can address real-world energy challenges, giving you both technical knowledge and a broader context. You’ll explore renewable energy systems like wind, solar, and hydropower while working with real datasets and conducting lab-style investigations. The course is structured like a college class, so you’ll balance lectures with hands-on projects, including designing your own sustainable energy system with a team. Along the way, you’ll also examine how energy decisions intersect with policy, economics, and environmental impact. The workload is substantial, with regular homework and collaborative work expected throughout the program.
15. Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free (fully funded; students cover travel)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; high school juniors (rising seniors); must be 16+ by program start
For students interested in both academic rigor and community, SAMS blends intensive STEM coursework with a strong focus on collaboration and personal growth. You’ll begin with a short virtual “jumpstart” before transitioning into a six-week residential experience where your days are filled with classes in subjects like math, biology, and chemistry, alongside hands-on labs and research-style projects. The program also includes a college transition course, helping you think intentionally about your academic path and future goals. Throughout the summer, you’ll work closely with faculty and peers, culminating in a research symposium where you present your work. Beyond academics, SAMS emphasizes building a supportive cohort, particularly for students from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM.
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