15 Free Online Engineering Programs
Free online engineering programs give high school students a way to explore the field through comprehensive coursework, guided projects, and mentorship, all without leaving home. Many of these programs are developed by universities, research labs, or established nonprofits, so the learning closely reflects how engineering is approached in academic and professional settings. If you’re a student managing school schedules, family responsibilities, or limited local opportunities, free online engineering programs make sustained, high-quality learning far more attainable.
What are the benefits of an engineering program?
An engineering program helps you build concrete skills such as coding, data analysis, systems thinking, technical writing, and design-based problem solving. You may work on projects that involve modeling systems, analyzing datasets, developing algorithms, or applying engineering principles to practical challenges. Many programs introduce core concepts across mechanical, electrical, biomedical, and computer engineering, helping you understand how different disciplines connect.
To help with your search, we’ve curated a list of 15 free online engineering programs for high school students.
If you’re looking for online STEM programs, check out our blog here.
1. Johns Hopkins’ ASPIRE
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 23 – August 21
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are 15 or older by June 1 of the application year | Minimum 2.8 GPA | Residents of specific regions of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia | U.S. citizens
Johns Hopkins’ ASPIRE program places you in a virtual research setting at the Applied Physics Laboratory, where you work directly with a professional mentor on an engineering or computing-focused project. Over six to nine weeks, you commit at least 190 hours to applied research in areas such as computer science, engineering systems, cybersecurity, or information technology. Your work may involve coding, algorithm development, data analysis, or technical problem-solving tied to active APL research. Alongside technical work, you are expected to document your findings and produce a digital research poster. Mentors provide regular guidance and feedback throughout the program. For some students, the research collaboration continues beyond the summer into the academic year.
2. Veritas AI Programs
Cost: Varies by program; need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12- to 15-week cohorts throughout the year, including in summer
Application deadline: Rolling. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants must have either completed the AI Scholars program or have experience with AI concepts/Python
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in 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 have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity 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. MIT Think Scholars Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: February–June
Application deadline: January 1
Eligibility: High school students with permanent residence in the U.S.
The MIT THINK Scholars Program is a semester-long, student-run, free online engineering program that begins with a project proposal rather than completed work. You apply by outlining a science or engineering idea, including background research, goals, and a realistic execution plan. If selected as a finalist, you receive up to $1,000 in funding and weekly mentorship from MIT undergraduate students who help you navigate technical challenges. The program supports projects across engineering, technology, and applied sciences. Your final deliverables include a written research paper and a formal presentation. Some finalists are invited to MIT for a short, fully funded campus visit to present their work.
4. Immerse Education’s Online Research Programme
Cost: Varies by program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Flexible; multiple cohorts in a year
Application deadline: Rolling admissions; multiple dates throughout the year
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 (accredited options require age 14+)
The Online Research Program offers high school students the opportunity to conduct rigorous research under the guidance of tutors from Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League universities. You will work with your tutor to explore a subject of your choice in depth and write an academic research paper. The program is offered in 1:1 and small-group formats, and you can choose to earn college credit from universities in the US and the UK. The virtual research program is offered in over 20 subjects, including artificial intelligence, chemistry, psychology, economics, computer science, creative writing, philosophy, and more. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a written evaluation from your tutor, an opportunity to publish your research, and an invitation to present at the Immerse Online Symposium. You can find examples of papers Immerse students have worked on here. You can find more details about the application here.
5. MITES Semester
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June – December
Application deadline: Early February
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors with a strong interest and achievement in STEM; Priority for underrepresented and underserved students
MITES Semester is a six-month, fully online STEM and college preparation program that runs from the summer before senior year through December. You’ll take two live, synchronous courses during the summer, often in areas such as machine learning, physics, thermodynamics, or engineering-focused problem solving. One course is project-based, while the other strengthens core skills in calculus, physics, computer science, or science communication. Team projects culminate in a formal presentation at the MITES Semester Conference. During the fall, the free online engineering program shifts toward college advising through webinars, mock interviews, and essay reviews. You also receive written instructor evaluations that many submit with college applications.
6. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old
ASSIP at George Mason University places you in a full-time research internship under faculty mentorship, with virtual participation available. Over eight weeks, you work on research projects in fields such as engineering systems, cybersecurity, computational modeling, environmental engineering, or materials science. Online interns focus on tasks like data analysis, simulations, and technical writing using professional research tools. The program mirrors real research workflows, including literature review, documentation, and presentations. You also attend workshops covering research ethics, communication, and STEM career pathways.
7. Jackson Lab Academic Year Fellowships
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Academic year placements
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school juniors/seniors (16+) in good standing; Must be within commuting distance
The Jackson Laboratory Academic Year Fellowship places you within an active research group for a long-term project that typically runs from fall through spring. While the lab’s primary focus is biomedical research, engineering-related work often involves biomechanics, experimental instrumentation, data-driven modeling, or device-related testing embedded within larger studies. You work closely with a mentor to shape your project scope, design methods, and analyze results using established research protocols. As a fellow, you will participate in lab meetings, research discussions, and collaborative problem-solving with multidisciplinary teams. Regular mentor feedback supports iterative refinement of both research methods and scientific communication.
8. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) – Spring Outreach Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: March 7 – April 25
Application deadline: February 20
Eligibility: Applicants must reside and attend high school physically in the U.S.; currently enrolled in 10th or 11th grade
The MIT Beaver Works Spring Outreach Program offers free, project-based engineering and technology courses taught by MIT faculty and Lincoln Laboratory staff. You’ll take part in hands-on challenges across robotics, programming, artificial intelligence, and systems design through a variety of workshops. Many tracks in this free online engineering program require testing prototypes, analyzing system behavior, or refining computational models, exposing you to core engineering practices. Courses include topics such as autonomous vehicles, digital logic, Python programming, and aircraft design.
9. SPARK Summer Internship Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Less than 5%
Dates: 8–10 weeks between June and August; exact dates vary by project
Application deadline: May
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The SPARK Summer Internship Program matches you with a small research team working on a defined STEM project over eight to ten weeks, with remote options available. Engineering-related projects often involve machine learning models, robotics systems, semiconductor materials, or computational tools for scientific data analysis. You collaborate closely with a mentor who sets project scope and guides technical development. Alongside research work, you attend sessions on research workflows and professional skills. Teams present their findings at the end of the program. You may also receive stipends depending on placement and funding.
10. Kode With Klossy
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Multiple 2-week sessions available between June 2 and August 15
Application deadline: March; dates can vary
Eligibility: Girls and gender-expansive teens between the ages of 13 and 18 years are encouraged to apply
Kode With Klossy runs free, two-week virtual coding camps focused on applied computer science and software development. You choose a track such as web development, mobile app design, data science, or artificial intelligence, each centered on building functional projects. Programming languages include Python, JavaScript, Swift, HTML, and CSS, with an emphasis on real-world applications. Many projects mirror foundational software engineering tasks, such as designing user interfaces, structuring data, and implementing algorithms. You also explore technical topics such as accessibility and algorithmic bias. The program supports collaborative work and guided mentorship throughout.
11. Girls Who Code – Pathways Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Virtual Summer Immersion Program: Round One: July 7 – 18 | Round Two: July 28 – August 8 | Pathways: June 30 – August 8
Application deadline: April 11
Eligibility: 9th–12th-grade girls and non-binary students
The Girls Who Code Pathways Program is a flexible, 6–7 week virtual learning experience open to girls and non-binary students. You can choose from curriculum tracks such as game design, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or web development, completing project-based coursework at your own pace. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through practical, real-world technical projects. In addition to coursework, students can join a moderated Discord community to connect with peers nationwide. Optional corporate partner events, career panels, and advisor-led workshops provide exposure to emerging technologies and tech career pathways. The program also introduces participants to industry professionals, helping them begin building a long-term professional network within the technology sector.
12. Rice University Precollege Program – Engineering: Solving Real-World Problems
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 2-week and 4-week sessions
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students ages 13+
This free online engineering program introduces you to how engineers approach real-world challenges across multiple disciplines. Through video lessons and case studies, you study how physics, chemistry, mechanics, and calculus inform engineering design decisions. Mechanical and materials engineering modules examine forces, material properties, and component design. Additional units cover chemical, bioengineering, electrical, civil, and environmental engineering applications. The course includes perspectives from practicing engineers and discussions on current global challenges. You complete a final capstone project that integrates concepts from multiple engineering fields.
13. Northwestern Pre-College Online Program – Engineering: Solving Problems Through Design
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 2-week and 4-week sessions
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students ages 13+
Northwestern’s online engineering course focuses on the engineering design process through interactive modules and real-world case studies. Over 20–30 hours, you explore how engineers identify needs, generate solutions, prototype designs, and test outcomes. The free online engineering program spans mechanical, civil, biomedical, and materials engineering, with a particular focus on human–machine interaction and materials selection. You receive feedback from a personal mentor as you progress through assignments. The course focuses on both analytical reasoning and creative problem-solving. A final capstone project applies the design process to a discipline-specific challenge.
14. Summer@Brown Online Pre-College Programs – Biomedical Engineering: The Smart Design of Medical Implants and Devices
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 22 – July 10 | July 6 – 24
Application deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Students who have completed grades 9–12 and are aged 14–18 by June 15 (Check individual course pages for any additional prerequisites)
This Summer@Brown Online course introduces you to biomedical engineering through the study and design of medical implants and engineered devices. You’ll examine tissue replacement materials, cell–material interactions, and the mechanical properties that influence how implants function in the human body. Coursework integrates concepts from biology, physiology, mathematics, and engineering to explain how biomedical materials are evaluated and improved. Through guided discussions, you also analyze ethical considerations related to implant design, safety, and clinical use. A central component of the course is a design challenge to develop and refine a novel coronary artery bypass material.
15. Harvard’s Secondary School Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 20 – August 8
Application deadline: Early: January 7 | Regular: February 11 | Late: April 1 (or earlier if all course waitlists are full; no financial aid available)
Eligibility: Students who will graduate from high school and enter college in the next 3 years, are at least 16 years of age by June 21, and will not be 19 years of age before July 31
Harvard’s Secondary School Program allows you to enroll in real Harvard courses online during a seven-week summer term and earn official college credit. With more than 200 courses available, engineering-focused options include probability for engineering and data science, and thermodynamics for energy technologies. Classes meet live several times a week and require additional work, such as problem sets, labs, and technical writing assignments. You may take one or two courses, depending on workload preference. Instruction is delivered by Harvard faculty and visiting scholars. Completed courses appear on an official Harvard transcript.