15 Summer Engineering Internships for High School Students in Michigan
- Stephen Turban
- Jul 18
- 12 min read
Updated: Oct 11
If you're a high school student in Michigan with an interest in engineering, an internship in the field can be a great way to spend your summer!
Summer engineering internships designed for high school students typically offer hands-on experiences, firsthand insights into real-world engineering work, and the opportunity to learn directly from professionals in the field. As an intern, you will get to build technical skills, develop soft skills like teamwork and communication, and get early exposure to career paths you might want to pursue. These internships also offer opportunities to interact with mentors and peers and build networks that may last well beyond high school.
Whether you're interested in mechanical, civil, electrical, or software engineering, Michigan is home to a range of in-person summer programs that match various interests. To help you identify valuable opportunities, we’ve reviewed summer engineering internships for high school students in Michigan based on the prestige of the host institutions or organizations, the depth and rigor of the hands-on experience they offer, and whether they are fully funded or offer stipends.
Based on these factors, in this article, you can find a curated list of 15 summer engineering internships for high school students in Michigan.
Cost: Varies depending on program type.; financial aid is offered on a need-based system
Location: Remote
Application deadline: Multiple cohorts and deadlines throughout the year; summer session’s applications are due on June 23
Dates: Summer cohorts typically begin in June/July
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and gap year students who can commit to working for 10 to 20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks.
The Ladder Internship is a competitive program that offers high school students the opportunity to collaborate with startups across various industries, including technology, AI, machine learning, finance, sustainability, healthcare, and media. Many of these startups are well-established, often backed by major funding and led by founders with experience at accelerators like Y Combinator or companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Meta. Over the course of eight weeks, you will take on a real-world project and share your work with the start-up through a final presentation. Throughout the experience, you will be supported by both a startup manager and a Ladder Coach, a mentor who will help you navigate the fast-paced startup environment. The program’s dual model of coaching and hands-on work experience can help you build key professional skills.
Stipend: Free to participate; educational stipend provided
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Dates: Typically 6–8 weeks during summer; dates TBA
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; additional site-specific requirements may apply
As an AEOP High School Intern, you will work alongside Department of Defense scientists or university researchers on active, federally supported STEM projects. At the University of Michigan site in Ann Arbor, for example, you will contribute to molecular bioengineering research. You will also learn how to clone DNA, express proteins in bacteria, and analyze experimental results using techniques like fluorescence microscopy and cell-free expression systems. You will also have access to one-on-one expert mentorship and feedback offered by professionals in the lab. This program emphasizes hands-on scientific discovery and offers exposure to the pace and practices of real lab environments. You will be part of a national community of AEOP interns and connect with them through virtual office hours and career development webinars. Among summer engineering internships for high school students in Michigan, AEOP offers both academic rigor and national relevance with stipends that make it quite accessible.
Stipend: Free to attend; stipend provided
Location: University of Michigan’s North Campus, Ann Arbor, MI
Dates: July 6 – August 1
Application deadline: The priority deadline is January 31
Eligibility: Rising 12th-grade students who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents
The Harper Academy 4 Future Nuclear Engineers is a four-week residential summer program. Here, you will get to explore the field of nuclear engineering through academic instruction, lab exposure, and career exploration. Hosted by the University of Michigan in partnership with the NERS department and Detroit Second Chance/Charles Harper Charities, this program offers a structured curriculum that covers nuclear fusion, fission, and neutron interactions. You will get to engage in faculty-led lectures, panel discussions with current engineering students, and talks from Michigan Engineering alumni. During the on-campus program, you will also gain firsthand experience of college life while forming connections with peers and mentors.
Stipend: Free to attend with room and board included; stipend provided
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application deadline: February 16; applications open during late Fall
Eligibility: High school students in Michigan | Students from under-resourced, rural, or socioeconomically disadvantaged communities will be given preference
The Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship Program is a residential experience for high school students interested in life sciences and scientific research. Here, you will be paired with a research team at the University of Michigan and work on a real, lab-based project, contributing data and analysis to ongoing studies. The program offers structured professional development, college prep, and cultural enrichment opportunities alongside daily lab work and project development. You will present your research findings at the end of the program. Throughout the program, you will have access to support from faculty mentors, undergraduate advisors, and program coordinators. Housing, meals, and a stipend are provided, making it one of the more accessible summer engineering internships for high school students in Michigan. You will also interact with other youth program participants on campus and gain access to university facilities, getting a complete college immersion experience.
Stipend: Paid internship (competitive compensation)
Location: Primarily Southeast Michigan; hybrid work model
Dates: 10–12 weeks during the summer; exact dates vary by role
Application deadline: Not specified; applications typically open in the fall and close in early spring
Eligibility: High school seniors who are 18+ by the start date and recent graduates; roles may have specific requirements
Ford’s Summer Internship Program offers a structured, full-time experience focused on real-world projects within the automotive and mobility industries. As an intern, you will work closely with teams in various areas, including engineering, product development, sustainability, and manufacturing, depending on your placement. The program combines in-person and remote work. It offers professional development sessions, networking opportunities, and exposure to Ford leadership. You will begin with an orientation that introduces company policies and culture, and then spend the summer contributing to a department-specific project that aligns with your interests and skills. This internship is part of a larger talent pipeline for Ford’s College Graduate programs, making it a worthwhile consideration for students preparing to enter college engineering programs.
Stipend: $15.00/hour
Location: Metro Detroit, Flint, and Pontiac, MI
Dates: Typically runs for 6–8 weeks in summer; exact dates vary
Application deadline: Not specified; students must attend a partner high school
Eligibility: High school students from select schools in Metro Detroit, Flint, and Pontiac
The GM Student Corps is a paid summer internship program that blends professional development with community engagement. During the internship, you will join a team consisting of peers from your high school, a college intern, and GM retirees to design and implement service projects in your school or local neighborhood. These projects may include facility renovations, park cleanups, or recycling initiatives, offering you a chance to make a visible impact in your community. In addition to hands-on service, you will engage in weekly sessions focused on essential life and career skills like money management, communication, resume writing, and business etiquette. You will also receive mentorship from GM professionals and gain exposure to different career and educational pathways. Among summer engineering internships for high school students in Michigan, GM Student Corps stands out for its emphasis on leadership, teamwork, and social responsibility, while still offering a structured and compensated experience.
Stipend: Paid internship (compensation amount varies)
Location: NASA centers nationwide, including remote and hybrid options
Dates: Summer session typically runs 10 weeks (May–August); also available in fall and spring
Application deadline: February 27 for the summer session
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens and 16+ years old, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers summer internships to high school students interested in science, tech, engineering, and math. As a NASA intern, you will work alongside experienced engineers, scientists, or business professionals, contributing to meaningful projects that support the agency’s space exploration and research goals. These internships provide you with hands-on experience in a technical or non-technical field, depending on your interests and qualifications. Interns are placed at NASA centers across the country, with many roles offering hybrid or remote work options. You will have constant access to mentoring, professional development resources, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies in aerospace, robotics, and computing. Among summer engineering internships for high school students in Michigan and nationwide, NASA’s program stands out for its national scope, depth of engagement, and link to space exploration missions like Artemis.
Cost: Free
Location: Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI
Dates: July 7 – 31
Application deadline: June 20
Eligibility: High school students
Wayne State University's Summer High School Research Program is a chance to explore engineering through real-world lab experiences in one of three focus areas: emerging energy technology, CAD/3D modeling, or fuel cells. The program runs four days a week for four weeks and combines structured instruction with guided lab work and team-based projects. Each track is designed to introduce you to foundational concepts, such as battery fabrication, CAD design, or fuel cell development, depending on your area of interest. You will work closely with university researchers and graduate mentors, building both technical and communication skills. You will also make presentations to faculty during the final week. This is one of the more accessible summer engineering internships for high school students in Michigan, offering free participation and hands-on exposure in a university setting.
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; room and board provided if needed
Location: Facility for Rare Isotope Beams at Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Dates: July 20 – 25
Application deadline: Early March
Eligibility: High school students in the U.S.
The Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) program is a week-long summer experience for high school students interested in nuclear science and its connection to astrophysics and cosmology. Held at Michigan State University’s Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), the program immerses you in interactive lectures, experiments, and small group discussions led by FRIB researchers, faculty, and students. You will get hands-on nuclear science experience conducting nuclear physics experiments and learn how the atomic scale connects to the larger universe. In addition to lab activities, you’ll explore scientific careers and get a glimpse into college life on MSU’s campus. Among summer engineering internships for high school students in Michigan, PAN is unique in its focus on nuclear and astrophysical science and for providing access to one of the nation's leading research centers focused on rare isotopes.
Cost: $1,500; scholarships available based on financial need
Location: Kettering University, Flint, MI
Dates: July 14 – 25; move-in on July 13
Application deadline: Rolling; early application encouraged for scholarship consideration
Eligibility: Female-identifying students who will complete 11th grade by July 1 and are U.S. residents
LITES (Lives Improve Through Engineering & Science) is a two-week residential summer program at Kettering University designed for young women. While not an internship, the program offers an introduction to engineering and scientific fields through hands-on projects and mentorship. Here, you will explore how engineers solve real-world problems, like designing crash test systems, creating biomedical devices, or addressing environmental challenges, while working directly with Kettering faculty in labs and workshops. The program includes both academic sessions and social activities, offering a balanced experience of campus life and STEM exploration. You will also be paired with female mentors and find opportunities to build a support network of peers and professionals. For students interested in pursuing engineering and science careers, LITES is among the summer engineering internships for high school students in Michigan that focuses on improving representation in STEM.
Cost/Stipend: Free; students earn elective high school credit
Location: Livonia, MI, and surrounding areas; internship sites vary
Dates: During the academic year; specific summer session availability may vary
Application deadline: February 28 (for current high school juniors applying for senior year)
Eligibility: High school seniors attending Churchill, Franklin, or Stevenson High Schools
The LPS Career Intern Program (CIP) offers high school seniors in Livonia Public Schools the chance to explore real-world careers through internships across various fields, including engineering, healthcare, law, IT, education, and more. Once accepted, you will be matched with a professional mentor and spend part of your school day at an internship site, gaining hands-on experience. You will earn elective credit, and in some cases, may qualify for college credit or advanced admission into postsecondary programs. The program includes a wide variety of engineering-related placements with organizations like Roush, Hella Corporation, and CPI Engineering, making it among the few school-based summer engineering internships for high school students in Michigan that align directly with academic and career planning. Though primarily during the school year, some placements may extend into summer or transition into advanced opportunities (CIP II). This program is worth considering if you're looking for structured career exploration supported by your school community.
Cost/Stipend: $425, which includes room and board; scholarships may be available
Location: Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI
Dates: June 15 – 20
Application Deadline: Priority review begins February 17; rolling admissions afterward
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12; young women may be given preference
Michigan Tech’s Women in Engineering (WIE) Pathway Program is a one-week residential experience designed for high school students interested in exploring engineering disciplines through project-based learning. During the program, you will explore two engineering fields of your choice—ranging from mechanical and chemical to environmental and aerospace engineering—through hands-on labs, team projects, and faculty-led sessions. The program also offers mentorship from female professionals in STEM, along with opportunities to build collaboration and leadership skills in a university setting. You'll spend the week on campus living with peers from across the country and participating in team competitions and recreational activities in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. As one of the more comprehensive summer engineering programs for high school students in Michigan, WIE combines academic exploration with personal development and focuses on increasing representation in STEM.
Cost: Varies by session; financial aid available; $100 application fee
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Dates: Session 1: June 22 – July 4 | Session 2: July 6 – 18 | Session 3: July 20 – August 1
Application deadline: March 27 for guaranteed consideration; late applications reviewed if space is available
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The MMSS program provides high school students with a pre-college academic experience centered on current research in STEM fields. You get to choose from an extensive list of two-week courses, such as quantum computing, forensic physics, sustainable polymers, or AI, each taught by University of Michigan faculty. You will attend one course per session in a small class (consisting of ~15 students), allowing for focused, project-based learning and close interaction with instructors. While not strictly an engineering internship, MMSS provides deep immersion in scientific research and exploration, making it an academically rigorous summer STEM opportunity for high school students in Michigan.
Cost/Stipend: $900 fee; limited full and partial scholarships available
Location: University of Michigan, College of Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI
Dates: June 16 – 20 | June 23 – 27
Application deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors
Nano Size It is a week-long summer program at the University of Michigan that immerses high school students in the world of semiconductor technology and nanofabrication. As a participant, you will explore how tiny-scale engineering powers solar energy, computing, and artificial intelligence. One of the core activities involves designing and building a solar cell from scratch and using it to power a functional solar car. You’ll also get to work inside a real cleanroom while wearing a full cleanroom suit. This program emphasizes both theoretical learning and hands-on application, led by university faculty including Professor Pei-Cheng Ku. This program is among the few summer engineering internships for high school students in Michigan that offer direct access to university labs and exposure to advanced fabrication processes.
Cost: Free to attend
Location: Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI
Dates: Pre-camp virtual sessions: June (4 hours synchronous, 6–8 hours asynchronous); in-person camp: July 13 – July 19
Application deadline: May 22
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9 – 11
Northern Michigan University’s Cyber Defenders Camp is a week-long residential program designed to introduce high school students to the fundamentals of cybersecurity. Through instructor-led labs and hands-on activities, you will explore topics like ethical hacking, basic programming, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity career paths. In addition to receiving technical instruction, you will participate in evening social activities and connect with peers who share your interest in cybersecurity. The experience includes pre- and post-camp virtual components to reinforce learning. As a no-cost opportunity with hands-on exposure to emerging technologies, it is a summer engineering internship-like experience for high school students in Michigan.
One other option—Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you are interested in conducting university-level research in engineering or other STEM/non-STEM subjects, then consider checking out the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, which is a selective online opportunity for high school students developed in partnership with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, more than 4,000 students applied for just 500 spots in the program! You can learn about the available formats and subject areas on the application form.
Additionally, you can check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a nonprofit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, it offered 150 students full need-based financial assistance.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD 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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