Fascinated by aviation, space exploration, and aerospace technology? These top summer programs offer hands-on experience in rocket design, radar systems, satellite technology, and aeronautics research. Below are the 5 best aerospace and aeronautics engineering programs for high school students.
Student interested in working on aerospace/aeronautics engineering projects can check out the MehtA+ Science & Engineering Mentorship program. For a personalized list of aerospace/aeronautics engineering summer programs and support with applications, check out the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program.
1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Summer Camp
Type: Summer Program
Age: K-12 students
Timeline: 1-2 week sessions
Location: Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach, FL or Prescott, AZ)
Cost: Varies by course.
Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University offers immersive summer programs designed specifically for students interested in flight, spacecraft systems, and engineering design. Courses introduce students to space flight, propulsion theory and orbital mechanics fundamentals, blending university‑level instruction with hands‑on engineering labs.
2. Boston University Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)
Type: Internship Program
Age: Rising high school seniors who are U.S. citizens
Timeline: 5 weeks
Location: Boston University, MA
Cost: $8,940 – $9,246 plus a $50 application fee (financial aid is available)
If you are interested in hands-on research, Boston University’s Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship track provides an opportunity to explore, in-depth, the many facets of university laboratory research occurring across a variety of fields. In this six-week program, students will get to conduct research for 40 hours per week under the guidance of a faculty member, postdoctoral fellow, or graduate student mentor. As a RISE Internship student, students tackle a research project and acquire valuable technical and analytical skills, culminating in the Poster Symposium.
3. Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program (High School Internship)
Type: Internship Program
Age: Must be sixteen (16) years of age before the start date
Timeline: 8-12 weeks
Location: Multiple ARFL sites nationwide
Cost: No cost; stipend is provided
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program offers stipend-paid internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate-level university students pursuing STEM degrees, as well as upper-level high school students. Interns gain valuable hands-on experiences working with full-time AFRL scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research and technology and are able to contribute to unique, research-based projects.
4. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)
Type: Summer Program
Age: High school juniors (11th grade) attending school in the U.S.
Timeline: 4 weeks
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA (virtual options are available)
Cost: Free
The 4-week Beaver Works Summer Institute is a project-based STEM program featuring workshop-style courses on various subjects. Students receive the opportunity to design, prototype, test and operate a complex atmospheric flight vehicle in a large team environment.
5. NSLC Engineering Leadership Program – Aerospace
Type: Summer Program
Age: Students must be between the ages of 14-18
Timeline: Multiple sessions are offered. Check the website for exact dates.
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD or Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Cost: $3,895 (residential program)
The NSLC Engineering Leadership Program in Aerospace combines hands-on engineering projects with leadership development. Throughout the program, students work on real-world aerospace challenges, collaborate with industry professionals, and explore careers in aviation, space exploration, and aeronautics.
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Written by Wallyson S, MehtA+ Alum & Intern