Pursuing internships in STEM fields, particularly in disciplines like engineering, can bolster your college applications and create a solid foundation for future academic and professional endeavors. These engineering internships for high school students offer a practical extension of classroom learning, and they can showcase your dedication and interest in the field to college admissions officers.

STEM internships for high school students, especially in engineering, go beyond theoretical knowledge, allowing you to apply classroom concepts to projects. This practical exposure cultivates problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and familiarity with advanced technologies . In this article, we’ve curated a list of 9 of the best engineering internship opportunities for high school students in the US that are open for applications. Not only are these internship programs highly competitive and rigorous, but they also make for a prestigious addition to your college application. 

Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.

1. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program 

The AFRL Scholars Program extends paid internships to high school students. Internships take place at various times throughout the year in specific locations across the U.S. Upon selection, you’ll be mentored by full-time AFRL scientists and engineers. You will work in AFRL laboratories on cutting-edge research and technology projects. You can see the list of mentors here. The AFRL program focuses on diverse topics such as aerospace/mechanical design and intricate electromagnetic structures. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.

Cost/Stipend: No cost + stipend provided ($468.80/week)

Location: Varies based on the program

Application Deadline: January 10

Program Dates: Fall — from late August/early September to mid-December (16 weeks) | Spring — from mid-January to early May (16 weeks) | Summer — from late May/early June to August (10 weeks)

Eligibility: High school students (over 16 years old) who are U.S. citizens and have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA

2. Ladder Internship Program

Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.

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!

3. NASA Office of STEM Engagements (OSTEM) Internships

NASA’s Office of STEM Engagements extends paid internships across all its nationwide locations, offering high school students a chance to contribute to ongoing agency projects under the guidance of a NASA mentor. This program provides hands-on experience and includes training, mentorship, and avenues for career development. The internships cover various subjects and disciplines: space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, outreach, and communications. You may design experiments, analyze data from space missions, or pioneer new technologies. Getting an internship at NASA is an achievement that can significantly enhance your college applications.

Cost/Stipend: There is no application fee. A stipend is provided based on academic level and session length.

Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities. Students may select roles based on the cities they are in.

Application deadline: February 2 (Summer Internships). The office also offers internships in the fall and spring, with different deadlines. Check for updates!

Program dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions — Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August) | Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) |

Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and are US citizens.

4. QuarkNet Summer Research Internship at Fermilab

This 7-week summer internship is an opportunity for students who want to contribute to research conducted at Fermilab, a prominent center for particle physics exploration under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. Focused on particle physics and accelerator research, this program introduces you to Fermilab’s scientific endeavors, enabling collaboration with scientists. You will engage in diverse projects encompassing particle physics, particle accelerators, detectors, computing, and quantum science. You will collect data through surveys, contribute to research abstracts, and deliver oral presentations highlighting the progress achieved during the program. Project assignments vary annually, aligning with ongoing lab projects. These projects are detailed on the lab’s official webpage.

To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.

Cost/Stipend: No cost. $16.20 stipend per hour

Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL. Note that transportation, housing, or meals will not be provided.

Application Deadline: January 15

Program Dates: June 17 — August 2

Eligibility: Students who are high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors at the time of application who are enrolled in an Illinois high school and are US citizens or permanent residents.

5. Internships at Sandia National Laboratories

Sandia National Laboratories, contracted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), offers summer and year-round student internships. The lab’s affiliation with the government makes its internships prestigious. You will take on impactful roles in technical and business capacities. You will collaborate with scientists and engineers, contributing to technological advancements across cybersecurity, energy, engineering, and software. Each intern works under the guidance of a manager who helps define their work assignment, schedule, and internship duration. Competitive pay, academic credits, mentoring, and advanced training enrich these internships. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.

Cost/Stipend: No cost to apply. The stipend will vary based on the internship role.

Application deadline: Open throughout the year.

Location: Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, California.

Program dates: Year-round, if you choose that program option. For the Co-op internships, you can select your internship period with Sandia and your school.

Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old, are enrolled full-time in an accredited college, university, or high school, and are U.S. citizens. Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for R&D, technical, or business roles.

6. EnergyMag Research Internship

EnergyMag offers virtual research internships for high school and college students interested in the renewable energy sector. These programs introduce you to company research, technology analysis, and market exploration, fostering essential research skills and analytical capabilities. You can opt for half-time internships, spanning 2 to 8 weeks with 20 20-hour per week commitment, or quarter-time opportunities, ranging from 1 to 9 months with an 8-hour per week dedication. This flexibility allows you to engage based on your academic schedule while gaining valuable insights and experience in renewable energy.

Cost/Stipend: No cost to apply. Internships are unpaid.

Location: Virtual.

Application deadline: Applications are open all year round, you can apply here.

Program dates: Rolling dates

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have taken at least one honors science or honors English class and have a minimum GPA of 3.25 can apply.

7. Fermilab’s TARGET Internships

The TARGET Program offers a competitive six-week summer internship to Illinois high school sophomores and juniors. It’s tailored for students with a keen interest and proven physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering skills. This program combines work experience with learning opportunities. You will work alongside scientists and engineers at Fermilab. TARGET encourages minority participation and supports the representation of women in science, engineering, and computer science. The TARGET Program typically hosts a cohort of around 15–25 interns each year, making this a highly coveted opportunity. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.  

Cost/Stipend: No cost. $17.20 hourly stipend provided. 

Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL. Note that transportation, housing, or meals will not be provided.

Application Deadline: February 5

Program Dates: 6 weeks, June 17— July 26

Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors enrolled in Illinois high schools with a 3.0 grade point average or above on a 4.0 scale. Students must be eligible to work in the United States.

8. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) by the Department of Navy

The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) offers high school students an 8-week summer experience within Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories. You will collaborate with researchers and engineers at Navy laboratories and facilities across the country, engaging in Naval research. You will contribute to STEM projects, enriching your knowledge across disciplines like computer science and aeronautics. You will have the freedom to choose your lab placement. SEAP, renowned for its prestige and selectivity, offers approximately 300 placements across 38 labs nationwide. Check out our deep dive for more information on the program.

Cost/Stipend: $4,000 (New participants) | $4,500 (Returning participants)

Location: There are several lab locations to choose from across the country.

Application deadline: Applications close November 1 every year.

Program dates: Eight weeks in the summer, dates vary depending on the lab you choose.

Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9 and will be at least 16 years old when the internship begins. Graduating seniors are eligible as well. Check whether your preferred lab choice has any other requirements.

9. MIT Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers

MIT’s LLRISE program is tailored for those interested in radar systems. Throughout the program, you will learn about the intricacies of constructing small radar systems, including Doppler and range radars. You will collaborate with scientists and engineers, receiving guidance throughout the program. The workshop is held at two locations: the MIT campus in Cambridge, MA, and the Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA. This experience provides a unique opportunity to work alongside experts in radar systems. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.

Cost/Stipend: Fully funded. Students only pay for their transportation to and from MIT.

Locations: MIT campus in Cambridge, MA, and Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA.

Application Deadline: To be announced 

Program Dates: July 14 — July 27

Eligibility: Open to rising seniors who hold US citizenship.

One other option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you want to pursue independent research in mechanical engineering, consider exploring the Lumiere Research Scholar Program. This exclusive online high school initiative, established in collaboration with researchers from Harvard and Oxford, is tailored for individuals passionate about conducting top-tier research across key high school subjects. With a highly competitive selection process — last year attracting over 4000 applicants for just 500 spots — it’s an opportunity that draws considerable interest. You can find the application form here to apply for consideration.

Additionally, take a look at the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program designed specifically for gifted students from low-income backgrounds.

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1–1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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