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Tamanna Parikh

9 Automotive Engineering Summer Programs for High School Students

If you’re passionate about automotive engineering, there are several exciting opportunities available for high school students. These programs provide hands-on experiences, exposure to cutting-edge technologies, and a glimpse into the world of automotive engineering. They will help in clarifying your preferences and career path while also improving your application for when you apply to colleges. 


In this blog, we have outlined 9 of the best automotive engineering programs for high school students. Whether you’re interested in design, research, or practical skills, there’s something here just waiting for you to explore further! 


Location: Various locations in Seattle, WA

Cost: Typically free for accepted participants; some internships even provide stipends. 

Program dates: 8 to 10 weeks in the summer; typically from June to August.

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.

Eligibility: High school students interested in STEM fields.


The SPARK Summer Internship Program is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about automotive engineering. As a participant, you’ll work in a professional setting related to your interest, which could include automotive companies or robotics startups. During the internship, you’ll engage in real-world projects, contributing to the design, construction, and testing of devices.


Mentorship and skill development are key aspects of the SPARK Program. Experienced engineers will guide you, offering industry insights, career advice, and feedback. Workshops and seminars on topics like CAD design, materials science, and thermodynamics enhance your understanding of automotive engineering. It’s a comprehensive experience that bridges theory and practice. For tips on how to land an internship here, you can check out this article. 


Location: Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Cost: Free for all accepted participants covering all meals and activities; housing and transportation are not provided.

Program Dates: Spans over 5 days in mid-July. 

Application Deadline: Usually in March.

Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18.


Camp Car is a unique opportunity offered by Ohio State University for those who would like to deep dive into automotive engineering principles as well as research. This camp exposes students to simulation, testing, and manufacturing in automotives. Additionally, campers will have the chance to visit various local automotive research facilities as a part of the program. 


The program is competitive and only accepts around 25 students annually. This camp is a great experience for those looking to understand how engineering principles are applied in the automotive industry. It will also allow you to meet like-minded students and professionals who are working in this industry and gain a deeper appreciation for the field. 


Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA

Cost: Free for all accepted participants.

Program dates: six weeks in the summer; typically from late June to early August

Application Deadline: Typically in February.

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


The MITES (MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science) Summer Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is an amazing opportunity for students who are eager to dive into engineering. Specifically designed for underrepresented minority students, MITES aims to prepare participants for future careers in STEM and engineering.

During the program, you’ll engage in a rigorous curriculum covering various STEM disciplines. You will acquire essential knowledge, develop problem-solving skills, and work on hands-on engineering projects. The program culminates in a capstone project that allows you to apply your learning to real-world challenges. You can read more about this program here.


Location: Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, MA

Cost: Day camps are $850; Residential camps are $950; financial aid is available. 

Program Dates: 15-19 July, 2024.

Application Deadline: Applications are considered on a rolling basis until seats are filled. 

Eligibility: For high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors aged 14-18. 


LTU offers several summer camps in many subjects, with the Automotive Engineering camp designed for those interested in foundational studies of vehicles and automotive engineering. Open only to twenty students every year, this camp will expose you to the fundamentals of vehicle design and performance. You’ll participate in activities in LTU’s engineering laboratories and visit an automotive industry lab that is involved in the design and manufacturing of modern-day vehicles.


By participating in this program, you will be able to meet like-minded peers who are deeply passionate about this field. Additionally, you will gain skills and in-depth knowledge about the theory as well as the industry of automotive engineering. For those opting to stay on-campus, this experience will provide clarity on what your undergraduate life will look like as well. 


Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Program Dates: Self-paced; available year-round.

Application Deadline: Available year-round.

Eligibility: Open to all students.


Ford offers free programs that act as job simulators for those interested in learning more about automotive engineering and design. These simulators allow you to ‘work’ as a Ford employee who works in the EV engineering team, where you will work with concepts like battery technology, robotics in the simulations, and data analysis. 


The simulator offers a unique way to gain hands-on experience of what it is like to work with engineering principles in vehicle design and assembly. Easy access to the program also means that you will not have to wait to enroll and you can go through the course at your own pace without any financial commitment.


Location: Depends on locations open to the applicant in the U.S. 

Cost: Free for all accepted participants; stipend may be provided. 

Program Dates: Internships last full-time for 6 weeks; internships usually run from June to December and January to May. 

Application Deadline: February 15 to March 31 for an internship from June until December; September 15 to October 15 for an internship from January until May.

Eligibility: 

  • You are seeking to follow a technical degree.

  • The desired course of study requires a compulsory internship. This means that the pre-study internship is a prerequisite for enrolling at the university.

  • Good university entrance qualification, especially in scientific subjects.

  • You are not yet enrolled in the respective degree program.


BMW’s Technical Pre-Study Internship is a prestigious internship for those looking for experience in automotive engineering before they start college. This opportunity will allow you to explore all aspects of car manufacturing as internship roles are not limited to the technical aspects but are open to all elements of the production line. The program is competitive and is restricted to those who are seriously dedicated to pursuing higher education in this field. 


You stand to gain knowledge, skills, and access to a network of expert professionals in the car industry. The BMW team will treat you as a full-time team member which means students will gain hands-on experience as well. 


Location: Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI

Cost: Free for all accepted participants.

Program Dates: Typically held for 5 days in late June.

Application Deadline: Reviewed on a rolling basis every two weeks. 

Eligibility: All students in grades 9 to 11.


WIAE is a pathway program conducted by Michigan Tech for talented women who wish to explore engineering careers in the automotive industry, including mechanical and electrical aspects. You will have the chance to work with their mechanical engineering department and learn about engines and vehicular technology. Students will also get to speak to female role models in the industry and have the chance to tackle real-world engineering problems. 


This program will allow you to gain skills and a broader understanding of automotive engineering. While the program is competitive, the admissions process is holistic and considers existing academics and extracurriculars. 


Location: Kettering University, Flint, MI

Cost: $1500 program fee; covering housing, meals, and activities; scholarships may be available. Participants will have to pay for travel to and from the university.

Program Dates: Typically spans over 10 days in mid-July. 

Application Deadline: Typically due in June. 

Eligibility: Female High school students who have finished 11th grade just before the program.  


Kettering University, through its LITES program, offers a vast array of engineering and STEM opportunities for girls interested in the field. This 10-day program covers various STEM disciplines through live projects, theoretical courses, and laboratory work. It also covers automotive engineering topics and concerns. The program is geared towards making participants understand how science can be used to solve human problems. 


This program will let you interact with faculty and female experts in the field. Students will meet like-minded peers. Since it is a residential program, students will also experience what their undergraduate years may be like. The interdisciplinary nature of the program will also help you realize how other aspects of engineering relate to automotive engineering. 


Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

Cost: $4000 program fee; need-based scholarships are available. 

Program Dates: Usually spans over seven weeks from mid-June to early August. 

Application Deadline: Typically due by March. 

Eligibility: Juniors at the time of application.


The HSHSP is a highly selective research program offering research apprenticeships in science, engineering, and mathematics. Participants interested in topics like automotive engineering must mention their preferred area of research. You will work with faculty advisors, undergraduate, and graduate students to identify the research methodology and execute it. You will be exposed to the various facets of conducting research as well as several career options in your field of interest. HSHSP believes in preparing students for their future jobs and their undergraduate life. 


This program will allow you to develop research skills and learn about engineering through an academic lens. The long stay on campus will help you understand what your undergraduate experience may look like and help define your interests in the future. It is also a chance to find like-minded peers from diverse backgrounds. For a deeper dive into this program, you can check out this article.




One other option - the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research in STEM, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs 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. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!


Tamanna Parikh is an alum of Ashoka University. She studied Psychology and English at Ashoka and will be joining the University of Pennsylvania as a graduate student. She plans on studying behavioral science and specializing in decision theory at Penn.


Image Source: Ohio State University logo

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