Aerospace engineering involves the development of aircraft and spacecraft, which may at first seem too advanced for a high school student to study. Luckily, plenty of opportunities are available if you’re interested in this field.

Most of these programs involve working with faculty in order to design an aircraft, which will require knowledge of basic aviation and related knowledge. That being said, some of these programs also accommodate students who lack prior experience, so if you are passionate about learning more, explore and apply to the programs listed below!

Here are 10 best aerospace engineering research opportunities available to ambitious high school students:

1. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program

Upper-level high schoolers may have a chance to study at the Air Force Research Laboratory over the summer. If selected, you will have the opportunity to receive guidance from full-time AFRL scientists and engineers while touring AFRL laboratories and working on cutting-edge research and technology. You can expect to work on areas such as aerospace / mechanical design for morphing aircraft technology, complex electromagnetic structures, and metalens design and modeling (to name a few). These opportunities are also open to undergraduate and graduate-level students so be sure to filter for specific opportunities open to high school students. Competitive rates for stipends are available as well.

Costs: None

Eligibility:

• Have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is encouraged and possess good academic standing.

• Must be a US Citizen, be at least 16 years of age, and have a valid driver’s license.

• Must be enrolled or accepted at an educational institution taking at least half-time academic course load leading to a degree or certificate for semester immediately preceding internship session.

• Must be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for summer internship positions.

• Must be willing to temporarily relocate to a physical work location and arrange transportation to and from the worksite each day.

• Must be able to pass a background check, such as the Secret Security Clearance.

Selectivity: High

2. Sally Ride Science Academy

Named after the renowned astronaut and physicist, the Sally Ride Science Academy and an initiative by UC San Diego, the Sally Ride Science Academy provides opportunities for students in grades 3-12 to experience STEM roles, such as space explorer and computer engineer. Workshops can be in-person or online and take place over four weeks. Popular workshops include iOS Programming, Messy Discoveries, and Tiny Houses, but for aerospace specifically, there is Space Out. Faculty at the University of California San Diego will be leading the program in order to ensure a fulfilling, academic experience for those who attend.

Costs: $450

Eligibility:

• Entering grades 3-12

• Interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Selectivity: Open

3. Summer High School Intensive in Next-Generation Engineering (SHINE)

USC Viterbi's SHINE students have the chance to join a research team for seven weeks. In a team, you can discover how engineering addresses our real-world problems in various fields, including aerospace. Students will work in experimental lab work or computational research while pursuing the lab projects of cutting-edge technology. In addition, the community of SHINE is incredibly strong, as social and intellectual networking, college prep tips, and extensive experience in science communication will be provided.

Costs: $5,750, scholarships available

Eligibility:

• The program is designed for freshman, sophomores and juniors.

• GPA of 3.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale is recommended.

• Throughout the duration of the program, student must be prepared to contribute at least 20 hours per week (except the July 4th and Juneteenth holidays).

Selectivity: High

4. The University of Arizona Summer Engineering Academy

Rising 10th through 12th graders can get hands-on experience in engineering at the University of Arizona. The program includes working with professors, undergraduate students, and graduate students by designing projects; learning about engineering as a career; exploring the UA campus and facilities; and networking with peers. Program details for summer 2023 are still being decided, so if you’re interested, check the website for updates.

Costs: Not mentioned. It is a good idea to contact them and ask.

Eligibility:

• Open to all rising 10th–12th graders interested in learning about engineering.

Selectivity: Moderate

5. NASA High School Internships

NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships at locations all around America. High school students located near NASA facilities can check which research facilities have open positions and have hands-on experience in subjects related to aerospace engineering.

Costs: None

Eligibility:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen

• Meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.

Selectivity: Moderate

6. UIUC Illinois Aerospace Institute

The Engineering Summer Camps at the University of Illinois has multiple sessions for their Aerospace Engineering program for high schoolers of all grade levels, although juniors and seniors are preferred for on-campus activities. Though many campers have some sort of experience with the aerospace field, you don’t need experience to apply. Students will learn about aerospace engineering topics including flight mechanics, aerodynamics, rocket propulsion, and more.

Costs: $1,000 for on-campus activities, $50 for virtual camp activities

Eligibility:

• Open to all students from grades 9-12.

• Though most of the students who attend are from the Midwest, students all over the U.S. and the world are welcome to apply.

Selectivity: Moderate

7. NASA and UT Austin’s SEES High School Summer Intern Program

This is a nationally competitive STEM program for high school students where students work beside NASA subject matter experts. The program is focused on Earth and space research and relies on interns to assist with analyzing and visualizing data - key aspects of moving a project faster and foundational knowledge for aerospace engineering. All project teams will present their research during the Virtual SEES Science Symposium. There is a virtual, learning component to the program and then an onsite experience on campus at University of Texas, Austin.

Cost: None

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be sophomores or Juniors in High school.

• Must be 16 by July 1, 2023, and have a strong interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

• Ability to complete online requirements prior to the on-site intern program. Must be a U.S. citizen.

Selectivity: High

8. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute

MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute will be offering various virtual project-based courses for academically driven students in high school. Topics can range from different engineering concepts such as Embedded Security and Hardware Hacking and Serious Game Development with AI, but for aerospace engineering in particular, there is Autonomous Air Vehicle Racing and Remote Sensing for Disaster Response. The program experience includes classes from 10am - 6pm EDT during the weekdays, along with a mix of lectures, labs, and office hours.

Costs: None

Eligibility:

• Must be a student attending high school in the United States.

• Program encourages interested students to be nominated or self-register to access the online course, but as a limited number of students are selected, accepted students are usually rising seniors.

Selectivity: High

9. North Carolina State University Look Up! Way Up! Program

Every summer, the College of Engineering at NC State University accepts passionate 11th and 12th graders to attend programs on engineering and reside in its Raleigh campus. In particular, the Look Up! Way Up! program provides classes on airfoil and aircraft performance to structures and propulsion. Students will be able to participate in wind tunnel and building labs while applying basic principles of mechanical and aerospace engineering. Ultimately, with the aid of the faculty and undergraduate students, students will build and fly a model airplane. Field trips to local airports and access to flight simulator programs are available as well.

Costs: $1,225, limited financial aid available

Eligibility:

• Must be in 11th or 12th grade in fall 2023. Younger students are not able to apply.

• Home-schooled students are also encouraged to apply, as are students from out of state and out of the country.

Selectivity: Very High

10. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University Summer Camps

Among the summer camps offered by Embry-Riddle, there are many options for those interested in aerospace engineering and aviation. High schoolers that are 18 years old or younger will take a look into the world of aerospace by exploring topics of space flight, aviation maintenance, the science of flight, and more. The programs that are available are Aerospace Camp, Aerospace Career Exploration Camp, Aerospace Engineering, Air Traffic Control, Aircraft Accident Investigation, and Aviation Voyage Camp.

Costs: Varies by program, but ranges from $950 to $2,475

Eligibility:

• Age range varies by program

Selectivity: Moderate

If you are passionate about STEM subjects, check out some of our other opportunities in computer science, physics and biology.

One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you are passionate about research, you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students that was founded by researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 2100 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Lydia is currently a sophomore at Harvard University, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology. During high school, she pursued engineering activities like attending the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. In her spare time, she likes to create digital art while listening to music.