15 Summer Engineering Research Programs for High School Students

If you are a high school student curious about engineering, summer research programs can be immersive ways to explore the field. 

Research programs give you a taste of college-level research and lab environments while letting you work on real projects in areas like biomedical, electrical, and mechanical engineering. In the process, you will build technical skills, explore potential majors and career paths in engineering, and gain early exposure to lab work and collaboration. 

Many programs also include site visits, opportunities to network with engineers and professors, and workshops that help you understand both the academic and industrial sides of engineering. If you are serious about engineering, a summer research program can be a unique way to test your interest before committing to a college degree. 

To help you get started, we have curated a list of 15 summer engineering research programs for high school students. 

1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Virtual

Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines

Program Dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (spring cohort, weekends) or 25 hours over 2 weeks (summer cohort, weekdays)

Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a virtual research opportunity for high school students looking to explore a topic and field in detail. You can choose from various subject areas, including engineering subfields. You will primarily work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor throughout the program to come up with an independent engineering research project. You will also connect with a writing coach to explore the scientific writing process. At the end of the program, you will have developed an independent research paper! You can explore available program formats, research areas, and application details here.

2. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA

Dates: Five weeks in the summer

Application Deadline: TBA

Eligibility: Current high school juniors (with specific academic prerequisites)

Cost: Free

RSI is a highly selective, fully funded summer research program that brings together ~100 high school juniors from around the world for five weeks of academic and research training. The program offers access to professional labs, guidance from experienced researchers, and exposure to MIT’s academic environment. You will begin with a week of advanced STEM coursework, attending sessions taught by MIT faculty, and then engage in a mentored research internship in science or engineering. The program emphasizes original inquiry, offering you support and resources to complete a research paper. You will also deliver a formal conference-style presentation at the end of the program. 

3. Veritas AI 

Location: Remote

Dates: June – August for summer cohorts; multiple cohorts offered each year

Application Deadline: May/June for summer cohorts

Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants need prior AI or Python experience or completion of the AI Scholars Program

Cost: Varies by program; need-based financial assistance available

Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers various AI-focused learning opportunities to high school students. If you are just getting started with AI, ML, and data science, you can choose the beginner-friendly AI Scholars program. During this 10-session boot camp, you will learn about the fundamentals of AI and data science and work on real-world group projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase, which offers the opportunity to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. This program also offers you access to an in-house publication team to help you secure a publication in high school research journals. To know what to expect, you can check out a few examples of past projects here. 

4. Department of the Navy’s Science and Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP)

Location: Navy research labs across the U.S.

Dates: Eight weeks in the summer

Application Deadline: November 1

Eligibility: U.S. citizens in grades 10–12 who are at least 16 years old

Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; stipends of $4,000 for new participants and $4,500 for returning participants

SEAP places high school students in Navy labs across the country to work on real research under the mentorship of scientists and engineers. Here, you will gain exposure to current naval technologies, including robotics, aerospace systems, and mechanical design. You will contribute to ongoing projects, assisting scientists with research, testing, and analysis, while building technical and research skills in a professional setting. You will also shadow professionals and participate in seminars, lab tours, and conferences. You must review site-specific responsibilities while applying, as select sites offer hands-on engineering research placements.

5. Princeton University’s Laboratory Learning Program

Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Dates: Five to six weeks during the summer

Application Deadline: March 15

Eligibility: U.S. high school students aged 16 or older by June 15

Cost: Free to attend; housing, meals, and transportation not covered

Princeton’s Laboratory Learning Program pairs high school students with faculty-led research teams to engage in independent lab work over the summer. You will join ongoing projects in areas like mechanical engineering, materials science, and robotics. Past placements have included work on piezoelectric soft robots, battery materials, and coral-safe robotics. Schedules vary by lab but usually involve daily lab work and mentorship. The program concludes with a short written report summarizing your research experience. 

6. NYU Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

Location: MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA

Stipend: Weekly pay; round-trip travel and discounted housing at Northeastern University for up to 11 weeks for students living 50+ miles away; daily free shuttle provided

Dates: 10–12 weeks in the summer

Application Deadline: Varies according to available positions

Eligibility: Undergraduates who have completed their sophomore year and are U.S. citizens

ARISE is a fully funded research program combining four weeks of virtual instruction with six weeks of in-person lab work. Here, you will be matched with one of the NYU labs that focuses on engineering research and undergo training in scientific methods, research ethics, and lab safety. Opportunities are typically available in subfields like bioengineering, civil, environmental, and crystal engineering. Under the mentorship of graduate students, you will conduct an independent project and present your findings at a final symposium. The program also offers seminars, workshops, and skill-building sessions to help you prepare for college and STEM careers.

7. NIST Summer High School Intern Program

Location: NIST campuses in Gaithersburg, MD, and Boulder, CO

Dates: June 23 – August 8

Application Deadline: February 6

Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA; applicants must live near a NIST campus and be U.S. citizens

Cost/Stipend: None

The NIST Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) allows you to work with scientists and engineers in a NIST lab. You can indicate your preference for engineering research while applying. During your internship, you will work on an engineering research project alongside a mentor. You may get to investigate the reliability of electronics, building materials/structure, or intelligent manufacturing technologies. You will also get access to lab equipment and technical seminars. The internship culminates in a final poster session where you will present your work to peers and researchers. 

8. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships 

Location: Multiple U.S. universities and labs

Dates: Vary by opportunity

Application Deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; additional requirements depend on the specific internship

Stipend: Educational stipends offered; details vary by role

AEOP Internships are Army-sponsored research-focused opportunities for high schoolers interested in STEM. If selected, you will work on science and engineering research in a laboratory setting under the guidance of a university researcher or a Department of Defence scientist. You may be assigned tasks like experimentation, data collection, analysis, and comparison of data sets. In the past, interns have contributed to military engineering and geospatial engineering research. You may assist with tasks like data analysis and development of materials or models. During the program, you will participate in workshops, online tutorials, and webinars to develop professional and academic skills.

9. University of Maryland ESTEEM/SER-Quest

Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD

Dates: July 7 – August 1

Application Deadline: April 25

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors

Cost: Free

Hosted by UMD’s A. James Clark School of Engineering, this four-week program offers high schoolers research experience in an academic setting. Here, you will develop a research question, review existing literature, and carry out a mentored engineering project. The program also includes lab visits, college prep sessions, and peer presentations. Past participants have explored topics in environmental, civil, and mechanical engineering. Throughout the program, you will work in a lab setting and gain insights into engineering pathways through discussions with undergraduate and graduate students.

10. Johns Hopkins ASPIRE

Location: Virtual or in-person at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD

Dates: June 24 – August 21

Application Deadline: February 15

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, at least 15 years old, with a minimum 2.8 GPA, living in specified regions of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C.

Cost/Stipend: None

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory’s ASPIRE is a STEM research opportunity for high school students. If selected, you can choose engineering or aerospace engineering out of the available placement areas. Then, you will be paired with a mentor who will offer support to help you complete your engineering research project. During the program, you will also find opportunities to build technical and interpersonal skills. The program ends with the submission of your digital project poster. You can choose to continue your research experience during the academic year if your mentor is willing to offer support once the summer program ends.

11. Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program 

Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX

Dates: June 22 – August 7

Application Deadline: February 24

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens and at least 17 years old

Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee; $750 stipend offered

The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program allows you to engage in research alongside a faculty mentor in one of the available research areas, which include mechanical engineering and electrical/computer engineering. This program typically accepts 12 students each year, offering one-on-one mentorship and support. If selected, you will work on an independent engineering research project, contribute to ongoing research, participate in weekly seminars and field visits, and explore scientific and academic careers. The program can help you gain experience in data analysis, experimental design, scientific writing, and scientific inquiry, and refine critical thinking and communication skills. 

12. NASA and UT Austin’s SEES Internship Program

Location: Virtual + in-person at UT Austin campus, Austin, TX

Dates: May 19 – July 22

Application Deadline: February 22

Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors who are at least 16 years old by July 5, and U.S. citizens

Cost: None

The SEES (STEM Enhancement in Earth Science) internship is a joint NASA and UT Austin initiative designed for high school students interested in exploring space and Earth science. The program starts with distance learning modules covering key Earth science concepts and the Python programming language. Then, you will work on a project, conducting research in areas like engineering, astronomy, or planetary/Earth science, as well as analyzing NASA satellite data under the guidance of subject matter experts. Your tasks may include visualizing remote sensing data, assisting with mission design, and studying Earth’s gravity field and ice sheets. You will present your research at a virtual symposium at the end of the program.

13. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

Location: Virtual or at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA

Dates: June 18 – August 8

Application Deadline: February 2

Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old

Cost: $25 application fee with need-based fee waivers available

ASSIP offers research internships in various fields, including electrical and computer engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, cybersecurity engineering, and bioengineering. You can choose a mentor offering research opportunities in engineering fields and contribute to research during the program. You will also get to refine your scientific writing and communication skills over the course of eight weeks. During the program, you will learn about STEM career paths through discussions with professors, researchers, and professionals. The program concludes with the annual ASSIP Research Symposium and Celebration, where you will learn about ASSIP research led by your peers. You may also get to publish or present your contributions at scientific conferences.

14. NASA High School Internships (OSTEM)

Location: NASA centers across the U.S.

Dates: Late May – August

Application Deadline: February 27

Eligibility: Full-time high school students who are 16 or older, U.S. citizens, and hold a minimum 3.0 GPA

Stipend: Paid; amount varies by academic level and term

NASA’s OSTEM offers high school students the chance to work alongside engineers and scientists at NASA centers. You will contribute to research in aerospace, robotics, data science, and other STEM fields. Your tasks may involve analysing or collecting data and testing new or existing technologies. You will receive mentorship, attend seminars, and gain exposure to advanced technology during the program. The program supports career exploration while developing professional and technical skills. 

15. Stony Brook University Simons Summer Research Program

Location: Stony Brook University campus, Stony Brook, NY

Dates: June 30 – August 8

Application Deadline: February 7

Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old and U.S. citizens or permanent residents

Cost: No tuition fee; residential students cover housing costs

The Simons Summer Research Program is a seven-week opportunity to work in a university lab with a Stony Brook faculty-led research team and contribute to an ongoing project in engineering. As a Simons Fellow, you will be matched with a mentor and engage in tasks like designing experiments, analyzing data, or working with lab equipment. The program also offers access to workshops, faculty seminars, and research-focused activities. During the program, you will work on writing a formal abstract and creating a scientific poster on your research, which you will present at the program’s final symposium.

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 in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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