Summer is an ideal time for high school students to delve into the fascinating world of engineering. Students can gain hands-on experience by working on real-world projects and interacting with industry experts. These top 10 engineering summer programs and internships offer a unique opportunity for young engineers to explore various fields, such as mechanical engineering, robotics, nanotechnology, and biotechnology.
Student interested in working on engineering projects can check out the MehtA+ Technical Project Mentorship program or MehtA+ Science & Engineering Mentorship program. For a personalized list of engineering summer programs and support with applications, check out the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program.
1. MIT Online Science, Technology, and Engineering Community (MOSTEC)
Type: STEM Mentorship Program
Age: Rising seniors
Timeline: 6 months (summer to December)
Location: Hybrid (Cambridge, MA and virtual)
Cost: Free (including room and board; transportation to MIT not included)
MIT’s MOSTEC program offers rising seniors a chance to dive into STEM through online courses and projects, paired with undergraduate mentors. Participants attend a five-day conference at MIT and engage in virtual webinars and Q&A sessions with faculty. Courses cover various STEM fields, including computer science. The program is free, with only transportation to MIT required.
2. BlueStamp Engineering
Type: Engineering Project Program
Age: All high school students
Timeline: 6 weeks (in-person, Palo Alto) or 3 weeks (remote)
Location: Palo Alto, CA or remote
Cost: $4,600 (in-person, excludes room and board); $2,000 (remote)
BlueStamp Engineering allows high school students to work on a self-driven engineering project with guidance from professionals. The program is highly independent, offering mentorship rather than classes or homework. Students select their own projects, with expert support available as needed.
3. My Introduction to Engineering (MITE) Program at UT Austin
Type: Engineering Camp
Age: Rising juniors
Timeline: 5 days
Location: Austin, TX
Cost: Free
The MITE program is a five-day camp that introduces rising juniors to engineering through hands-on projects, team activities, and interactions with engineering professionals. Students stay in dorms, attend lectures, tour engineering labs, and complete their own engineering project. This program offers a great introduction to the field of engineering for those still exploring career options.
4. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Type: Internship
Age: 15+
Timeline: June 18 – August 9
Location: Remote/Virtual
Cost: Free (requires a $25 application fee)
ASSIP is an 8-week internship where students gain hands-on experience working with faculty researchers across various STEM fields. The program enhances skills in communication, creative thinking, and scientific writing, and participants may have their research published or presented at conferences. The format is personalized, based on mentorship, and introduces students to different STEM careers.
5. Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program
Type: Internship
Age: 16+ (upper high school students)
Timeline: Fall (16 weeks), Spring (16 weeks), Summer (10 weeks)
Location: Varies based on program
Cost: Free; $468.80/week stipend provided
The AFRL Internship offers upper-level high school students the chance to work on aerospace research with expert mentors. Participants receive guidance in areas like mechanical design and complex electromagnetic structures. Past projects included cold atom sources and chatbox development. Full-time commitment (40 hours/week) is required, and applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and be U.S. citizens. Applications are due in January.
6. Ladder Internships (Tech Track)
Type: Internship
Age: High school students, undergraduates, gap year students
Timeline: 8–12 weeks
Location: Remote
Cost: $1,490 (financial aid available)
Ladder Internships offers high school and college students the chance to work remotely with startups in fields like computer science, AI, and biotech. Students gain hands-on experience, working on real-world projects and showcasing their work at the end. The program includes mentorship from both startup managers and a Ladder Coach. Applications are selective, and the program requires 10–20 hours of work per week.
7. Columbia University Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)
Type: Engineering Course Program
Age: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Timeline: 3 weeks
Location: New York City, NY
Cost: $4,270 (room and board not included)
Columbia University offers high school students the chance to take college-level engineering courses, such as robotics, electrical engineering, and environmental engineering. The program includes access to Columbia’s Makerspace and MechTech labs for hands-on projects. College preparation workshops are also provided to help students prepare for college life.
8. Penn State Engineering Summer Academy (ESAP)
Type: Summer Program
Age: All high school students
Timeline: 3 weeks
Location: University Park, PA
Cost: $7,785
Penn State’s ESAP allows high-achieving high school students to take college-level courses like biotechnology, robotics, and nanotechnology. Students live on campus, gain hands-on experience, and earn college credit. Courses are taught by faculty and graduate students.
9. Fermilab TARGET Internships
Type: Internship
Age: High school sophomores and juniors
Timeline: 6 weeks (June 17 — July 26)
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL
Cost: Free; $17.20 hourly stipend provided
The TARGET Program at Fermilab offers a competitive internship for high school sophomores and juniors interested in physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering. Participants work alongside scientists and engineers and gain hands-on experience. The program emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups in STEM. Students must have a 3.0 GPA and be eligible to work in the U.S.
10. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Type: Internship
Age: High school students who have completed at least grade 9, 16 years or older
Timeline: 8 weeks (summer)
Location: Various Department of Navy labs across the country
Cost: Free; $4,000 stipend for new participants, $4,500 for returning participants
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) offers high school students the chance to work in Navy labs, gaining hands-on experience in STEM fields like computer science and aeronautics. Students are mentored by professionals and contribute to real-world projects.
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By Muhammad H, Editor of MehtA+ High School Thriving Guide