Top 23 Summer Engineering Internships for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in engineering, an internship in the field can be a great way to spend your summer. Internships are a great way to get some real-world experience in your field of interest and get to work on your academic and practical skills.
Engineering internships can offer you opportunities to engage in hands-on activities and projects, conduct research or assist researchers, and learn about various engineering fields like mechanical, electrical, software, and chemical, among others. Such experiences also look great on your profile, demonstrating your willingness to get a head start in your career. Additionally, as an intern, you will get to work with professionals and experts who can offer solid insights into pursuing a career in engineering.
Many universities and organizations offer engineering internships over the summer to allow high schoolers the opportunity to get some early exposure to the field without worrying about disrupting their schoolwork.
To help you shortlist the right options, here we have listed the top 25 summer engineering internships for high school students:
1. NASA Internships
Location: Remote and in-person formats available in multiple locations around the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; most interns get stipends
Application deadline: Spring internships: September 12; Summer session: February 27; Fall internships: May 22
Program dates: Varies based on internship and cohort you choose; most internships tend to be 10 to 16 weeks long.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old, live in the U.S., and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement offers numerous internships to high school students. Here, you will get to work with scientists, engineers, researchers, and other NASA staffers, assisting them in carrying out tasks relevant to the agency’s missions. You can access the complete list of internships available for high school students here. For instance, an in-person opportunity at NASA called Data Acquisition Software Suite Development involves work on tasks like developing systems, writing and debugging code, and executing unit tests to aid the data acquisition systems that NASA uses. Another option that focuses on engineering is High Temperature Materials and Structures. Here, as an intern, you would help with the development of high-temperature materials, structures, and thermal protection systems for hypersonic vehicles. Through such opportunities, you can learn more about the real-world application of engineering principles and build technical skills.
2. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program
Location: Various sites in the U.S. You can choose a lab here based on your location and interests.
Cost/Stipend: Stipend of $4,000 for new participants and $4,500 for returning participants
Application deadline: November 1
Program dates: Vary based on the chosen lab, but the program runs for 8 weeks in the summer.
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are at least 16 and U.S. citizens | Each lab has its own prerequisites and rules, which you should review before applying.
Through the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP), the Department of the Navy (DoN) offers high school students a chance to contribute to Naval research alongside scientists and DoN engineers. While the precise work requirements can vary based on the lab you choose, you can expect to assist mentors with their guided research projects. For instance, at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), Lakehurst, NJ site, you will get to help with the hardware and software design and analysis of systems associated with aircraft launch and recovery equipment. You will also shadow professional researchers, interact with engineers, and attend technical meetings, seminars, and conferences. Mentoring sessions, lab tours, team-building workshops, and personal and professional development activities may also be key components of your internship experience.
3. Lockheed Martin High School Program
Location: Internships offered in Denver, CO, Sunnyvale, CA, Cape Canaveral, FL, King of Prussia/Valley Forge, PA, Huntsville, AL, and Herndon, VA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Application deadline: TBA, but the recruitment period typically runs from October to January.
Program dates: June to August
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 and live within a commutable distance from a Lockheed Martin Space facility offering internships
Lockheed Martin, a defense and aerospace manufacturer, offers high schoolers opportunities to work alongside aerospace scientists and engineers via its High School Program. As an intern, you will spend nine weeks undergoing training and working on defence tech projects. You will also get to tour the Lockheed Martin facilities and shadow professionals. Apart from the internship itself, you will get to engage in professional development workshops, networking events, and social activities. The experience can help you get some insights into STEM careers and how a large aerospace and defense production company works.
4. Ladder Internships
Location: Online
Cost: Starts at $2,490 | Financial assistance is offered.
Application deadline: The program has multiple application deadlines throughout the year. The applications for the upcoming summer cohort II are due on June 23
Program dates: The exact dates vary for each eight-week session, and multiple cohorts (Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall) are scheduled each year.
Eligibility: High school students
The Ladder Internships program is a selective virtual opportunity to work with nonprofits and start-ups. While applying, you can choose from subject areas like software engineering, deep tech, and machine learning to be paired with an organization operating in these industries. As an intern, you will get to work on a real-world project for the given startup. You will work closely with the assigned organization’s representative. Simultaneously, you will get to work with a Ladder Coach, who will serve as a second mentor. The internship also offers training sessions to help you develop a few crucial professional skills. The experience is a chance to get some hands-on work experience and real-world exposure to the field of engineering and a career path in STEM.
5. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Summer High School Intern Program
Location: NIST campuses at Boulder, CO, or Gaithersburg, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost; unpaid internship
Application deadline: February 6
Program dates: June 23 – August 8
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in the U.S. who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and live close to either the NIST Boulder or Gaithersburg Campus.
NIST’s Summer High School Intern Program offers eight-week internships to students interested in engaging in physical and engineering science research. Here, you will get some exposure to NIST’s ongoing research work and work with NIST scientists and engineers on a research problem. NIST research is split among six labs, each focusing on meeting the industry’s needs for tools, data, measurement methods, and technology. You can highlight your preference for any lab while applying. For instance, if you choose the Engineering Laboratory, you will get to engage in research that contributes to meeting the measurement science requirements of tech-intensive manufacturing, construction, and cyber-physical industries. During the program, you will also work on your own research project and participate in a poster session, sharing your work with the NIST community.
6. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internship
Location: Various sites in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend is awarded, but the amount varies based on the location and duration of the internship
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Program dates: Varies based on project and site, but most opportunities are scheduled during the summer
Eligibility: High school students | Certain labs may have additional requirements.
The AEOP’s High School Internship initiative is designed for students interested in getting hands-on STEM-based research experience. Here, you will get to collaborate on science and engineering projects alongside scientists, university researchers, and/or Department of Defense staff. You will work either in a university research lab or a U.S. Army Research Lab on U.S. Army-funded research. Based on the lab location you choose, you will get to work on ongoing research in areas like geosciences, materials science, structural engineering, software engineering, and coastal science and engineering. A key feature of the experience is that you will submit an abstract of your research to be published in the AEOP online journal.
7. Idaho National Laboratory Internships
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, ID
Cost/Stipend: The internship offers a stipend, but the amount is not specified
Application deadline: February 28
Program dates: Not specified, but internships begin mid-June and last six to eight weeks
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors and recent graduates who have a minimum GPA of 3.0
Idaho National Laboratory offers high school students six- to eight-week internships to explore real-world research in energy. During the internship, you will work under the guidance of laboratory researchers and professionals on research projects in areas like nuclear energy, cybersecurity, and environmental science. In addition to project work, you will get to access mentorship opportunities and network with like-minded peers during the program. The program can help get insights into the application of STEM concepts. You will also be able to build technical skills essential for pursuing a research-based career.
8. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR): Bioengineering Team Internship
Location: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee, which can be waived on a need-based system | A minimum stipend of $500 will be awarded.
Application deadline: February 22
Program dates: June 9 – July 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 | Preference is given to Bay Area students.
SIMR’s Bioengineering Team Internship, also known as Bioengineering Bootcamp, is an eight-week hands-on introduction to the field of bioengineering. Here, you will attend a series of lectures covering bioengineering topics, from protein engineering to brain–machine interfaces, and work on a biodesign project that addresses a real medical need. During the program, you will create an engineering solution or prototype, test it, and assess its pros and cons under the guidance of Stanford faculty and students. You will also have access to Stanford’s advanced machine shop, maker spaces, and wet laboratories. At the end of the session, you will attend a poster session and share your prototype with family, teachers, and the Stanford community.
9. NYU’s Applied Research in Science and Engineering (ARISE) Program
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering campus, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded + participants who complete the program receive a $1,000 stipend
Program dates: June 2 – August 18
Application deadline: February 21
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 and 11 who attend NYC schools
ARISE at NYU Tandon School of Engineering is a 10-week deep dive into scientific research. During the internship, you will conduct research in an NYU lab under the supervision of faculty and graduate students. The internship is divided into two parts, beginning with a boot camp designed to introduce you to the world of scientific exploration through workshops on topics such as scientific ethics, research practices, and lab safety. The second part of the program is the research experience, through which you will participate in ongoing research projects at the NYU laboratories that are conducting studies in subject areas like engineering, life sciences, and computer and data sciences. You will also get to present your work at the end of the program and access continued mentorship and guidance to be better equipped for future education and a career in STEM.
10. ASPIRE by Johns Hopkins
Location: Virtual and in-person at Johns Hopkins APL, Laurel, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost; unpaid internship
Application deadline: February 15
Program dates: June 24 – August 21; You and your mentor can choose to extend the internship, in which case the program will run from September in the existing year to May the following year.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are 15 or older, have a GPA of at least 2.8, and live in specific regions in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia
The ASPIRE program is a STEM-based research opportunity offered by Johns Hopkins’ Applied Physics Laboratory, or APL. You can choose from various research areas, which include engineering as well as aerospace and space-related engineering. The program is selective, typically accepting 10% of applicants. If selected, you will be paired with an APL Applied staff mentor, who will offer support, resources, and guidance to help you complete your research. You may get to work on an existing project or come up with a unique engineering research project, depending on your mentor’s work. Your program experience will end with the submission of your digital project poster. The program can also help you develop technical and interpersonal skills that come in handy in a professional environment.
11. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: George Mason University Campus, Fairfax, VA
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee that can be waived
Application deadline: Not specified, but applications are processed in February
Program dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old | Applicants for wet-lab internships should be at least 16 years old
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program conducted at George Mason University is an eight-week research internship. Here, you will work one-on-one with researchers on projects and contribute to their research efforts. You can choose your preferred mentor and research area, including electrical and computer engineering, bioengineering, cybersecurity engineering, and mechanical engineering. This can be a chance to explore an engineering discipline and get exposure to the real-world applications of engineering concepts. You also have the chance to get your research abstract published in the Mason Journal of Student Scientists Research! Apart from the research and lab work, you will engage in discussion forums and meetings to explore potential career paths in STEM.
12. Johns Hopkins ISPEED in Biomedical Engineering
Location: Johns Hopkins Homewood Campus, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost; need-based stipends are available
Application deadline: February 28
Program dates: June 30 – July 25
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who are 15 to 18 years old and U.S. citizens/permanent residents
Although the Johns Hopkins ISPEED is not exactly an internship, the fully funded program offers a chance to explore biomedical engineering through hands-on activities, projects, and research. You can also be awarded a stipend on a need-based system. As an ISPEED participant, you will explore topics like biology and other life sciences, computer programming, machine learning, scientific computing, and healthcare design in Johns Hopkins labs and design studio. This experience can help you get some work experience, which can be helpful if considering a career in STEM. You also get to earn three college credits for attending the program. Presentations, career exploration, and college admission guidance are also key components of the program.
13. Sandia National Laboratory Internships
Location: Sandia facilities in Albuquerque, NM; Livermore, CA; or other sites
Cost/Stipend: $17.75/hour or $19/hour (based on the program location)
Application deadline: Rolling admission
Program dates: Exact start and end dates vary based on the internships; however, each internship typically runs from 10 to 12 weeks from May to August
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
Sandia National Laboratory is a U.S. laboratory that focuses on security, nuclear weaponry, and energy. It offers various summer and year-round opportunities to high school students interested in exploring STEM fields and getting some hands-on work experience. As an intern, you will work under the guidance of Sandia mentors on projects in areas like cybersecurity, engineering design, energy, and software development. Some opportunities involve working on coding assignments as well as programming and maintaining hardware such as sensors, drones, and 3D printers. You will also get access to professional development opportunities and social activities.
14. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program
Location: Princeton University campus, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Application deadline: March 15
Program dates: Start and end dates are based on individual research programs, but each internship runs for at least five weeks during the summer.
Eligibility: High school students and recent graduates who are 16 or 17 years old and live locally around the campus
Princeton University’s Laboratory Learning Program is a fully funded opportunity to engage in research. Throughout the internship, you will participate in natural science and/research under the supervision of Princeton faculty and research staff. You will also submit a two-page research summary of your project toward the end of the program. In your report, you will summarize the research question, data, methods, and conclusion of the study. This experience can help you explore research skills like data collection and analysis, experimentation, investigation, and presentation. It is also an opportunity to explore a niche topic in engineering.
15. Johns Hopkins’ Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens
Location: Johns Hopkins Campus, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend is offered
Application deadline: February 28
Program dates: Not specified, but the program typically runs from June to mid-August
Eligibility: High school students in the Baltimore City area
The Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens (BRBT) is an opportunity to explore biophysics research at the Johns Hopkins campus. While engineering is not the sole focus here, the program can help you get some exposure to research labs and the research process. During the internship, you will engage in tasks like preparing reagents and materials for biophysical research and learn microbiology techniques like DNA and protein engineering. In addition to lab work, you will get to attend classes where you learn the scientific concepts, which are crucial for the experiments you perform. You will also get to connect with graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty, and explore career opportunities in STEM research.
16. Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars
Location: Tufts University Campus, Medford, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Application deadline: May 31
Program dates: July 1 – August 15
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 and live in specific MA regions (Medford, Revere, Chelsea, Malden, Everett, Somerville, Arlington, Winchester, Boston, Cambridge, Melrose, and Quincy)
The Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars Program (or TUBERS) is a six-week research internship. Here, you will work on a research project under the supervision of a mentor and a lab supervisor. As a participant, you will explore research techniques and a topic of interest in biomedical engineering while also contributing to the development of new methods to analyze organs, cells, and tissues. While not a paid internship, this research opportunity offers hands-on experience in experimental protocols, analysis, and hypothesis testing in a biomedical engineering lab. Additionally, you can submit your project to conferences and competitions. Previous TUBERS participants have participated in the Massachusetts State and Engineering Fair and the Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology.
17. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience Summer Research Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Cost/Stipend: A stipend of $13/hour is awarded
Application deadline: March 4
Program Dates: June 16 – July 25
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are 16 or older and live in Palm Beach or Martin Counties in Florida
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience offers six-week research internships to high schoolers interested in STEM research. During the internship, you will work on a research project alongside an institute scientist. You can choose your internship track, which includes mechanical engineering. Here, you will get some exposure to machining tools and designing and creating custom parts using a CAD program—SolidWorks. Additionally, you will write an abstract based on the research you engage in, and then present your research and findings at the end of the internship. This experience can help you work on your research and presentation skills in a laboratory.
18. UT Austin’s STEM Enhancement in Earth Science Summer Intern Program
Location: Hybrid, with onsite research at the University of Texas Center for Space Research, West Pickle Research Center, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Application deadline: February 22
Program dates: May 1 – July 22
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are 16 years or older
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Sciences internship is an internship opportunity offered by NASA and UT Austin. During this program, you will work with scientists and engineers on a project of your choice while learning how to analyze and interpret NASA satellite data. Your fields of study could include astronomy, remote sensing, climate science, and/or space geodetic techniques. The program is split into two phases, beginning with a mandatory virtual component where you will cover modules such as Python and Earth and Space Science, along with engaging in remote work with your project mentors. You then get to conduct on-site research, following which you will present your findings at the SEES Science Symposium.
19. The University of Utah High School Summer Research Internship
Location: University of Utah Campus, Salt Lake City, UT
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Application deadline: Not specified
Program dates: 8 weeks during the summer months
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The John and Marcia Price College of Engineering at the University of Utah offers a free summer research experience to high school students. During the eight-week internship, you will engage in academic research and explore various fields and career paths in engineering. You will spend most of your time working on your engineering research project under the guidance of university faculty. You will also create a poster based on your research and present it at the end of the program. In the past, participants have worked on research projects like the “Synthesis of Polymers for the Replacement of Sodium Polyacrylate and other SAPs” and “Modeling Biparietal Fractures in Infant Skulls”.
20. Textron Aviation’s High School Internship Opportunities
Location: Not specified, but opportunities may be available at various Textron offices in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Application deadline: Not specified, but applications for the summer open in January
Program dates: Six weeks during the summer
Eligibility: High school students over the age of 16
Textron Aviation produces, designs, and maintains aircraft across the U.S. and its partner nations. It offers part-time internships for high school students interested in exploring the daily operations of an aviation company. During the internship, you will contribute to real-world projects alongside Textron Aviation staff in fields like aviation maintenance, engineering, and information technology. You will get some hands-on work experience and opportunities to build technical and professional skills. The experience can also help you explore roles and career paths in aviation.
21. UC Santa Cruz’s Science Internship Program
Location: University of California, Santa Cruz Campus, Santa Cruz, CA
Cost/Stipend: $4,850 tuition + $65 application fee | You may also have to pay for housing and transportation, which cost $1,575 to $6,650. Full need-based financial aid is available.
Application deadline: February 28
Program dates: June 16 – August 9
Eligibility: High school students who are 14, 15, or 16 and not graduating seniors
University of California, Santa Cruz offers summer research opportunities to high schoolers through its Science Internship Program. Here, you get to work on a research project of your choice in engineering, science, and even non-STEM fields. You will work on the project under the guidance of current USCS researchers and present it at the end of the program. You will also learn how to read scientific research published in professional journals, write code for scientific computing, and develop practical skills in a lab. You can look at past research projects here to know what to expect.
22. Fermilab’s Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL
Cost/Stipend: A stipend of $500/week is offered
Application deadline: March 15
Program dates: July 14 – August 8
Eligibility: High school seniors and recent graduates in Illinois
PRISM is a four-week summer school for students interested in exploring STEM fields and topics like engineering design, particle physics, quantum science, and AI. As a participant, you will get to interact with Fermilab professionals and learn about STEM careers. You will also attend lectures, participate in hands-on activities, and tour Fermilab’s research facilities. You will work on a research project under the guidance of a mentor and share your work with others by presenting an abstract and a poster at the end of the program. This experience can help you get insights into a particle physics laboratory’s work and the fields of engineering and physical sciences. The program also offers access to professional development opportunities.
23. University of New Hampshire’s High Tech Bound
Location: University of New Hampshire Campus, Durham, NH
Cost/Stipend: Interns are compensated at a competitive hourly rate
Application deadline: February 28
Program Dates: July 7 – August 7
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
HighTech Bound is a four- to six-week internship for high schoolers interested in software engineering and networking technologies. Here, you will get to work in a computer lab to find solutions for your assigned project. Throughout the program, you will work under the guidance of mentors and supervisors, and your projects will include technologies that companies such as Apple, Dell, and Cisco use. You will also get to explore the technology used in smart cars and internet devices. You will also get to explore career paths in tech through visits to local tech organizations.
If you are looking to build a project or work on a research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduate students, offers a chance to work 1-on-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and more, and create unique, personalized projects. In the past, we had over 1,000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!
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