If you have an interest in mechanical engineering, consider participating in one of these internships! These opportunities are ideal for enhancing your mechanical engineering skills and gaining practical experience. Participating in a mechanical engineering internship can significantly strengthen your college applications by demonstrating your commitment to engineering. Admission committees value candidates who demonstrate a genuine interest in pursuing engineering in college.

As you try to find a summer program that is a good fit for you, keep in mind that they can vary in terms of difficulty and accessibility; you will have to do your research and look for what aligns with your goals. To make things easier, we have compiled a list of the top 9 mechanical engineering internships for high schoolers. This blog includes aerospace engineering internships, summer engineering internships, as well as prestigious mechanical engineering internships for high school students.

1. Ladder Internships - Engineering Track

Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)

Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.

Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). 

Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!

Ladder Internships are great for you if you have an interest in mechanical engineering by providing real-world experience in engineering environments. As a Ladder Intern, you will be exposed to various aspects of mechanical engineering, ranging from basic design principles to advanced manufacturing processes. This program places you in settings where you can observe and participate in the development, testing, and refinement of mechanical systems. Whether it's working on automotive parts, robotics, or HVAC systems, you'll gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience that is invaluable for a budding mechanical engineer. You can explore all the options here on their application form.

Furthermore, Ladder Internships are designed to not only provide you with technical skills but also to develop your problem-solving and analytical abilities. Through tasks such as drafting designs, assisting in simulations, and collaborating on project teams, you will learn how to approach engineering challenges creatively and efficiently. These internships often involve mentorship from experienced professionals in the field, allowing you to gain insights into the industry and receive guidance on your educational and career pathways. Here is the application form.

2. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs

Location: NASA centers across the country

Stipend: Awarded based on academic level and session duration

Program dates: Spring session (Mid-January - Early May), Summer session (Late May - August), Fall session (Late August - Mid-December)

Application Deadline: May 26 (Fall), August 30 (Spring), October 20 (Summer)

Eligibility: Be a U.S. citizen with a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), a full-time student, and a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of application 

If you're a high school student interested in mechanical engineering and space exploration, the NASA Office of STEM Engagement High School Internship Programs are ideal for you. You'll have the chance to engage with technologies at the forefront of space exploration, satellite communication, and aerospace engineering. Whether your interest lies in robotics, software development, or the complex mechanics behind spacecraft, these internships allow you to apply your theoretical knowledge to challenges. These internships offer insight into a career in space exploration and technology. For tips on landing a NASA internship as a high schooler, check out our complete guide here.  

3. SPARK Summer Internship Program

Location: Seattle, Washington

Stipend: Some internships provide stipends. 

Program dates: 8-10 weeks (June - August)

Application Deadline: March

Eligibility: High school students 

As a participant in the SPARK Summer Internship, you will be placed in a professional setting that aligns with your interest in mechanical engineering. This could range from automotive companies to robotics startups, offering a professional context to the theories and principles you may have studied in school. Over the course of the internship, you will work on projects, assisting in designing, building, and testing mechanical devices. The SPARK Program emphasizes mentorship and skill development. You will be guided by engineers who will offer insights into the industry, career advice, and feedback on your work. The program includes workshops and seminars covering various topics in mechanical engineering, such as CAD design, materials science, and thermodynamics. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.

4. Stanford’s SHTEM: Summer Internship

Location: Virtual

Stipend: None

Program dates: End of June to mid-August

Application Deadline: January

Eligibility: Must be currently a high school junior or senior

As a participant in the SHTEM program, you will work on engineering projects under the guidance of Stanford's faculty and graduate students. This program focuses on various aspects of mechanical engineering, including design principles, material science, and robotics. In addition to the project work, the SHTEM program includes a series of workshops and seminars that cover advanced topics in mechanical engineering. Topics might include sustainable design practices, advancements in 3D printing technology, or the latest developments in biomechanics. Moreover, the program offers valuable networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with like-minded peers, industry professionals, and academic mentors. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.

5. MIT Beaverworks Summer Institute

Location: In-person at MIT and virtual

Cost: Free

Program dates: July - August

Application Deadline: March 31

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who attend school in the US

The Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) is a good choice for students looking for experience in robotics, autonomous systems, and mechanical engineering. Through BWSI, you will design, build, and program robotic systems while gaining an understanding of mechanical engineering principles. The curriculum covers cutting-edge technologies, engineering methodologies, and computer science techniques. A highlight of the program is working with other students to build autonomous drones, rovers, or other robotic systems. This culminates in a final presentation. Note that the Beaver Works Summer Institute is highly selective. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.

6. MITES Summer

Location: MIT

Cost: Free

Program dates: 6 weeks - Late June to Early August

Application Deadline: February 1

Eligibility: High school juniors; underrepresented, underserved, and first-generation students are especially encouraged to apply.

The MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science) Summer Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is an excellent opportunity for students interested in mechanical engineering and STEM. You will engage in a rigorous curriculum that covers a range of STEM disciplines, with a specific focus on mechanical engineering. You will develop problem-solving skills and work on engineering projects. The final output of the program is a capstone project that challenges you to apply what you’ve learned. MITES is highly competitive. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.

7. Engineering Summer Program at Penn (ESAP)

Location: University of Pennsylvania

Cost: $8,000

Program dates: 3 weeks in July

Application Deadline: March

Eligibility: Rising sophomores to rising seniors who are at least 15

The Engineering Summer Program at Penn (ESAP) is an opportunity for students with a strong interest in mechanical engineering. ESAP's curriculum covers a broad spectrum of engineering principles, including aspects of materials science, mechanics, and design. Throughout the program, you will participate in projects, experiments, and design challenges, gaining practical experience. The final output of ESAP often includes a group project that requires you to apply what you’ve learned to design and build a functioning prototype or complete an engineering challenge.

8. Carnegie Mellon University Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)

Location: Carnegie Mellon University

Cost: Free

Program dates: Six weeks from June to August

Application Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16; underrepresented and underserved students are especially encouraged to apply.

Carnegie Mellon University's SAMS combines mathematics, science, and engineering, making it a good choice for students considering a future in mechanical engineering. During the program, you will engage with a rigorous curriculum. You will work on projects, problem-solving exercises, and team challenges, gaining theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are crucial for mechanical engineering. The final output often includes a group project where you apply your learnings to design and build a working prototype, offering a tangible representation of your engineering skills. SAMS is highly competitive, making it a solid addition to your college admissions profile. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.

9. Boston Leadership Institute Engineering Research Program

Location: Boston

Cost: Free

Program dates: July 15 - August 2

Application Deadline: January

Eligibility: High school students

The Boston Leadership Institute Engineering Research Program is well-suited for those looking to deepen their understanding of mechanical engineering. Through the program, you will explore advanced engineering topics, from mechanical design and materials science to thermodynamics and fluid dynamics. You will engage in research projects, design challenges, and experiments, developing a deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles. The program culminates in a final research project, where you will work individually or in teams to address a specific engineering problem, design a solution, and present your findings. 

One other option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you would like to dive into research in mechanical engineering, you should also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students.

Jessica attends Harvard University where she studies Neuroscience and Computer Science as a Coca-Cola, Elks, and Albert Shankar Scholar. She is passionate about educational equity and hopes to one day combine this with her academic interests via social entrepreneurship. Outside of academics, she enjoys taking walks, listening to music, and running her jewelry business! 

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