15 Engineering Summer Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student who is interested in engineering, summer programs are a great way for you to learn about your interests without committing to an expensive or long-term option. For those curious about engineering, these programs provide opportunities to explore robotics, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and more. You’ll gain exposure to skills, projects, and mentorship from experts, which are difficult to access in a typical high school setting. Some of these programs also allow you to connect with peers who share your interests and can even spark ideas for future college or career goals.
To make things easier, we’ve narrowed down this list to 15 engineering sumer programs for high school students.
1. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~100 students selected worldwide; ~3–5% acceptance rate
Dates: Six weeks each summer, early July – mid-August
Application Deadline: December–January
Eligibility: High school juniors with exceptional academic and research potential; U.S. and international students eligible
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a fully-funded six-week immersion in advanced science and engineering at MIT. You will begin with an intensive week of STEM seminars led by MIT professors, followed by a five-week research internship under the mentorship of scientists and engineers. Throughout the program, you’ll gain experience with the full research cycle: reviewing literature, designing and executing experiments, analysing results, and presenting findings in both written and oral formats. RSI also provides evening lectures with Nobel laureates, entrepreneurs, and leaders in science and technology, as well as field trips to Boston’s cultural and scientific institutions. This program is ideal if you want to push your intellectual limits while joining a global network of top young researchers.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, small cohorts with 1:1 mentorship for advanced students
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered in spring, summer, fall, and winter (10–15 weeks)
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students worldwide; AI Fellowship applicants should have prior experience with AI or Python, or completion of AI Scholars
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduate students, offers structured programs designed to introduce high school students to artificial intelligence and engineering applications. Through the AI Scholars program, you will attend ten sessions covering AI fundamentals, machine learning, and data science, while completing projects that mirror real-world challenges. For more advanced students, the AI Fellowship pairs you with mentors from top universities to design and execute an independent AI project. Fellowship participants also receive guidance from Veritas AI’s in-house publication team, with the chance to submit their work to high school research journals.
3. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: No program; additional costs for travel/residence are detailed on the website/ stipend award provided at program completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~40 students chosen annually
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7, recommendations due February 14
Eligibility: Current U.S. high school juniors (11th grade) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; must be at least 16 years old by program start.
The Simons Summer Research Program offers high-achieving high school juniors the chance to immerse themselves in hands-on research across science, math, and engineering fields at Stony Brook University. You will be paired with a faculty mentor, join an active research team, and take responsibility for a project that culminates in a written abstract and poster presentation. In addition to lab work, you will attend weekly faculty seminars, skill-building workshops, and campus events designed to give you a deeper look at life in a research environment. The program emphasises independent inquiry, creativity, and teamwork, preparing you to engage with authentic scientific questions. At the conclusion, you will present your work at a symposium and receive a stipend in recognition of your efforts.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 1:1 or small group mentorship
Dates: Summer (June–August), Fall (September–December), Winter (December–February), Spring (March–June)
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines depending on cohort
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA above 3.6
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a highly selective virtual opportunity that pairs you with a Ph.D. mentor to design and complete an independent research project. You will develop a research question, conduct literature reviews, and analyse data using tools such as Python or R. The program includes weekly one-on-one mentorship sessions, structured feedback, and training in academic writing. Disciplines range across STEM and social sciences, with strong offerings in engineering and data science. By the end, you’ll produce a publication-ready research paper that can be submitted to journals or competitions, showcasing your skills in analytical thinking and research design.
5. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program
Location: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free; includes housing, meals, and a monetary award
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort of high school researchers
Dates: June 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: Applications due in early spring; notifications released in May
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders from IL, IN, KY, MI, MO, IA, and WI; AEOP track requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
The Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program places high school students into research groups at the University of Illinois to conduct projects in engineering, medicine, and computer science. You will spend 30–35 hours per week engaged in research activities such as bioengineering, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, electrical engineering, and quantum mechanics. You will work alongside faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers, while also participating in weekly professional development seminars. The program includes mentorship, training in scientific communication, and opportunities to present your findings in a final symposium. With complete financial support, including meals and housing, this program makes research accessible to students from diverse and underserved backgrounds.
6. MITES Summer
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 70–80 students
Dates: Late June–early August
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; high school juniors, especially those from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds in STEM
MITES Summer is a six-week residential program that immerses high school juniors in challenging STEM courses at MIT. You will take math, physics, life sciences, and humanities classes, along with electives such as engineering design, machine learning, and genomics. The program includes lab tours, site visits, and a college fair, providing both academic enrichment and exposure to STEM careers. Outside of class, you’ll participate in social events, workshops, and community-building activities that mirror the college experience. You will also receive a written evaluation from instructors at the end of the program.
7. Summer Engineering Institute
Location: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort of rising juniors and seniors
Dates: June 8 – June 16
Application Deadline: Typically due in spring
Eligibility: Rising 11th–12th graders interested in engineering, math, science, or technology
The Summer Engineering Institute at Georgia Tech provides high school juniors and seniors with a week-long introduction to engineering and computer science. You will participate in experiments, interactive workshops, and collaborative projects while engaging directly with Georgia Tech professors, students, and staff. The program also includes guided tours of Georgia Tech’s campus and labs, as well as sessions on the admissions process at a top-tier engineering school. Designed as a residential experience, the program allows you to stay in campus housing and explore life as a college student.
8.WIE Change the World
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost: $1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort of rising juniors and seniors
Dates: July 6 – July 11
Application Deadline: Opens mid-January
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-grade students interested in engineering
WIE Change the World is a week-long residential program at the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering designed to introduce students to the interdisciplinary nature of engineering. Each day features department presentations, workshops, lab tours, and team design projects across fields such as aerospace, bioengineering, mechanical, and chemical engineering. You will also gain exposure to UMD’s campus and participate in evening social activities that mirror the college experience. Current UMD engineering students serve as mentors and program interns, providing insight and guidance throughout the week. The program emphasises teamwork, problem-solving, and exposure to multiple engineering disciplines in a supportive and engaging environment.
9. Summer Engineering Exploration (SEE) Camp
Location: Ann Arbor, MI (residential program)
Cost/Stipend: $700 (includes room and board); need-based financial aid available, including for travel
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~40 students
Dates: July 6 – July 12
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th–11th graders of all genders, especially those with limited access to engineering resources
SEE Camp, hosted by the Society of Women Engineers at the University of Michigan, introduces students to a wide range of engineering disciplines through projects, team challenges, and lab activities. You will work in small groups on a week-long design challenge, learning to apply the engineering design process while collaborating with peers. The program also includes campus tours, admissions workshops, and social activities like kayaking and leadership challenges. You will stay in residence halls, giving you a preview of college life at U-M. With mentorship from current engineering students and exposure to multiple disciplines, the program is designed to spark interest in engineering careers and provide resources to students who may not otherwise have access.
10. Engineering Summer Institutes
Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: ASM International Materials Camp: Free; Electrical & Computer Engineering Summer Institute: $750; Materials Science & Engineering Summer Institute: $750 (in-person), $450 (virtual)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: ASM Materials Camp: June 23–27; Electrical & Computer Engineering: July 14–17 (in-person) or July 21–24 (virtual); Materials Science & Engineering: July 14–17 (in-person) or July 21–24 (virtual)
Application Deadline: ASM Camp: March 30; ECE Institute: June 15; MSE Institute: June 1 or until filled
Eligibility: High school sophomores–seniors. ASM and ECE are limited to rising juniors and seniors
Drexel University offers several Engineering Summer Institutes tailored to different areas of STEM. The ASM International Materials Camp introduces juniors and seniors to materials science and engineering through hands-on labs, industry tours, and a group design project at no cost. The Electrical and Computer Engineering Institute focuses on programming and hardware using the Raspberry Pi Pico 2W, teaching how circuits, algorithms, and software power everyday technology. The Materials Science and Engineering Institute explores how atomic structure and processing influence material properties, with themes of sustainability and nanotechnology woven throughout. Each program emphasises applied learning, problem-solving, and exposure to engineering fields.
11. TryEngineering Summer Institute – IEEE
Location: University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA), Rice University (Houston, TX), Columbia University (New York, NY), University of San Diego (San Diego, CA)
Cost/Stipend: Approximately $2,895–$3,495, depending on campus; no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Cohorts of ~30–40 students per campus
Dates: Sessions vary by campus. Check here.
Application Deadline: Rolling until spots are filled
Eligibility: High school students ages 13–17 interested in engineering
The IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute is a nine-day residential program that gives students exposure to a variety of engineering fields. You will participate in design challenges, build and test projects, and explore disciplines such as electrical, civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering. Beyond classroom learning, the program features VIP tours of engineering companies, guest lectures from professionals, and mentorship from college instructors and industry experts. You will also experience college life by living in residence halls and working collaboratively in teams. The program emphasises both technical skill-building and personal growth, preparing you with problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills that extend beyond engineering.
12. Engineering Design Summer Institute
Location: Los Angeles, CA (commuter program)
Cost/Stipend: Estimated $2,881
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited seats per track
Dates: Session A: June 23 – July 11; Session B: July 14 – August 1
Application Deadline: June 13
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders (must be at least 15 years old by June 23)
The UCLA Engineering Design Summer Institute offers specialised tracks in Mechanical Engineering (Go-Karts), Electrical Engineering (Microcontrollers), and Mechanical/Electrical Engineering (Rovers). In the Go-Kart track, you’ll learn CAD, finite element analysis, and machining while building and testing a vehicle in a final competition. The Microcontrollers track introduces circuit design, programming, and hardware/software integration to create devices like game controllers and robotic plotters. The Rovers track combines mechanical, electrical, and computer science principles to build and program autonomous rovers that navigate obstacles. Each track emphasises design, build, and test cycles, with a culminating competition or presentation to showcase your engineering skills.
13. Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $5,880 (commuter); $10,705 (residential)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Rolling admissions with limited seats per session
Dates: Session 1: July 7 – July 25; Session 2: July 28 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent high school graduates interested in STEM
Columbia Engineering’s SHAPE program is a three-week pre-college experience offering project-based engineering courses taught by Columbia faculty. You will explore topics in fields such as computer science, robotics, and biomedical engineering while using the university’s MakerSpace and labs. The curriculum emphasises collaboration, design thinking, and problem-solving, with courses tailored to both introductory and advanced learners. Students also participate in field trips, industry visits, and community-building activities across New York City. With both commuter and residential options, SHAPE provides an intensive and immersive look at college-level engineering while offering mentorship and guidance from current Columbia students and faculty.
14. Fundamentals of Engineering
Location: Berkeley, CA
Cost: $5,998 (residential); $3,298 (commuter)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Session 2: June 22 – July 4; Session 4: July 6 – July 18; Session 6: July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: High school students interested in engineering and design
The Fundamentals of Engineering program at UC Berkeley introduces students to key engineering disciplines through hands-on design challenges. You will design and build projects such as artificial limbs and scale model structures while learning principles from civil, mechanical, structural, and biomedical engineering. Excursions to the Tesla Fremont Factory and Circuit Launch makerspace provide exposure to applications and career paths. Professional engineers and faculty lead sessions that highlight advancements in technology and problem-solving in the field. The program emphasises collaboration, design thinking, and applying engineering concepts under real-world constraints like budget, time, and resource limits.
15. Explore Engineering Innovation
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,115- Tuition plus additional lab kit fees
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate selectivity; small virtual cohorts
Dates: Five-week sessions offered in summer
Application Deadline: Rolling, with priority deadlines in spring
Eligibility: High school students (rising sophomores–seniors and recent graduates); must have completed Algebra II, a trigonometry-based math course, and a year of chemistry or physics with lab
Explore Engineering Innovation: Online is a college-level summer program where you earn three Johns Hopkins University credits while studying from home. You will complete projects across civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and materials engineering, such as building a spaghetti bridge, designing a bioreactor, and creating an electronic device to improve user well-being. The course combines synchronous video meetings, lab work with mailed supply kits, and independent study to mirror the rigour of JHU’s undergraduate engineering course. You’ll work in small virtual teams, collaborate on experiments, and pitch your ideas in final presentations. The program emphasises critical thinking, teamwork, and hands-on application of engineering concepts in an accessible online setting.