13 Virtual Engineering Internships for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Sep 19
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 14
If you’re in high school and interested in STEM, engineering internships are a great way for you to explore STEM careers early. These opportunities provide exposure to professional skills, hands-on experience with real-world projects, insight into the industry, and valuable networking opportunities —all of which help students build a stronger resume and make more informed decisions about their future academic and career paths.
For those without access to in-person programs, virtual engineering internships for high school students are a strong alternative. They provide the same rigor of professional experience, and opportunities to network as in-person roles, but with added flexibility to participate from anywhere in the world. These programs often include mentorship, challenging research projects, and access to professional communities.
We have curated a list of the top 15 virtual engineering internships for high school students, chosen based on their selectivity, reputation, and ability to provide students with effective exposure to the field. From NASA research projects to university-led initiatives, these internships stand out for their real-world relevance and accessibility.
Location: Remote
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks; Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships gives high school students the opportunity to work with early-stage start-ups in a range of fields, including technology, health tech, AI/ML, marketing, and consulting. Based on your interests, you will be paired with a company where you can take on practical tasks and contribute to ongoing projects. Internships are virtual and typically run for 8 weeks, offering flexibility alongside real-world experience.
Throughout the program, you will receive guidance from both a company mentor and a Ladder Coach, with regular check-ins to help you stay on track. At the end of the internship, you will present your work to the company team. Many of the start-ups in the program are high-growth companies, raising over a million dollars. If you’re interested, you can review the current opportunities and submit your application here.
Location: Virtual internships available
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Most interns get stipends that are determined based on their academic level and session lengths
Program Dates: Spring (16 weeks): Mid-January – Early May | Summer (10 weeks): Late May/Early June – August | Fall (16 weeks): Late August/Early September – Mid-December
Application Deadline: Applications for the Summer internship session close on February 28, and the Fall applications are due on May 16
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 and have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers internships for students at various locations across the U.S., including some that are fully virtual. You can check for current remote openings on their website. These internships typically involve working on a defined project over a set period, with support from mentors such as NASA scientists and engineers. In most roles, you’ll gain experience with tasks like data analysis, experiment design, or technology development related to NASA’s missions. One previous virtual internship, the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) Student Collaboration, focused on atmospheric science, where interns assessed how well small sensors measure factors like ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and UVB radiation. This type of internship offers insight into NASA’s research and gives you a look at how engineering and science are applied in real-world contexts.
Location: Virtual internships available
Cost/Stipend: Free; No stipend provided
Program Dates: Typically runs between six and nine weeks, starting in June and ending in August; Certain participants and mentors may decide to extend the internship, in which case the program can run from September in the existing year to May next year
Application Deadline: Application windows typically close in mid-February; Check here for updates
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 15 years old, have a minimum GPA of 2.8, and reside in specific Maryland counties
ASPIRE is a STEM research program run by Johns Hopkins’ Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) for high school students. When applying, you can choose from several focus areas, including engineering, aerospace, space-related fields, and physical sciences. The program has a competitive selection process, with an acceptance rate of about 15–20%. If admitted, you’ll be paired with a mentor from the APL staff who will support your work on a research project throughout the program. The program emphasizes technical skills and workplace competencies such as communication, teamwork, and professional conduct through project deliverables and mentor feedback.
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Multiple 12–15-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis; Specific dates vary based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and managed by Harvard graduate students, offers programs designed for high school students interested in learning artificial intelligence. The programs are structured for both beginners and those with prior experience. If you are just getting started with AI, machine learning, or data science, the AI Scholars program provides an introduction through guided lessons, hands-on activities, and project-based work. For students with a stronger background, the AI Fellowship with Publication and Showcase offers the chance to develop an independent project under the guidance of mentors from leading universities. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
Location: Virtual (with an in-person component in Austin, TX)
Cost/Stipend: Free; No stipend provided
Program Dates: May 1–July 22
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors; Must be 16 and a U.S. citizen
This internship, part of the SEES (STEM Enhancement in Earth Science) program, is selective , 205 students were chosen from over 2,000 applicants in 2023. If accepted, you’ll have the option to participate either virtually or in person. Regardless of the format, the program begins with online modules that introduce key Earth science topics and basic Python programming skills. As an intern, you’ll work on a specific research project that involves analyzing NASA satellite data. With support from project scientists and subject matter experts, you may take on tasks such as interpreting remote sensing data, assisting with mission design, or studying ice sheets and Earth’s gravity field. The program concludes with a virtual science symposium where you’ll present your research to peers and mentors. Upon completing the internship, you’ll receive a certificate from NASA recognizing your participation.
Location: Remote internships available
Cost: Free, except the $25 application fee for which waivers are available; No stipend provided
Program Dates: June 18 — August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Applicants must be 15 years or older by June 18 of the application year
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University is an 8-week virtual research opportunity for high school students interested in STEM. During the program, you’ll be paired with a faculty mentor and take part in research projects in fields such as bioengineering, neuroscience, environmental science, cybersecurity, and mathematical modeling. The internship focuses on skills like data analysis, scientific writing, and research communication. You’ll contribute to ongoing work while gaining experience in how research is conducted in a professional setting. The program includes regular discussions, mentorship, and opportunities for independent work. At the end of the internship, participants share their findings at the ASSIP Research Symposium.
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free; No stipend provided
Program Dates: Not fixed; Half-time internships are 2 to 8 weeks (20 hours per week) | Quarter-time internships are 1 to 9 months (8 hours per week)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions throughout the year
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors and seniors only | Have at least one honors science or honors English class; exceptions are made for some cases | GPA over 3.25
The EnergyMag Virtual Internship offers high school and college students the chance to explore topics in renewable energy and energy storage through remote research work. As a participant, you’ll focus on a specific area such as a company, technology, or market trend and learn to gather and evaluate information from a range of sources. Your work may include analyzing data, reaching out to industry professionals, and writing reports on current issues in the energy sector. A mentor will support you throughout the process, helping you develop skills in research, writing, and critical analysis. The program concludes with a written report, which may be published and used to demonstrate your experience in the field.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Application Fee: $40; Program Participation Fee: US$850 if accepted; Fee waivers/scholarships are available to offset cost for eligible students
Program Dates: June 16–27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 who reside in the U.S. and are at least 14 years old by the start of the program
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging offers a two-week virtual summer internship for high school students with an interest in technology, engineering, and AI. The program focuses on how artificial intelligence is used in healthcare, providing both foundational knowledge and practical experience. As an intern, you’ll attend lectures on AI applications in medicine and work on a project that involves using engineering and computational methods to address a real-world problem in medical imaging or healthcare. You’ll receive guidance from Stanford researchers and students, and take part in career-focused sessions featuring professionals from various sectors, including academia, industry, and government. Around 25 students are selected each year. Participants who complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion.
Location: Virtual or in-person at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $1,750 for families with an income exceeding $150,000; Free for families earning less
Program Dates: Four-week intensive STEM program in July (exact dates vary by year)
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 who attend high school in the U.S.
The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) offers a series of workshop-style STEM courses for high school students, including several that focus on engineering and related fields. These courses are held online and cover a range of technical topics designed to introduce students to real-world applications of engineering and computer science. For example, the “Microelectronics and Hardware Development” course introduces the process of creating microchips, circuit boards, and hardware systems, with hands-on work involving microcontrollers and basic electronics. The “Quantum Software” course focuses on the fundamentals of quantum computing, with coding exercises and a final project where you’ll create and test a simple quantum algorithm. Additional subject areas offered through BWSI include AI, machine learning, game development, and coding. You can view the full list of courses here.
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free; No stipend provided
Program Dates: July 289 — August 12 ((Monday through Friday from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET)
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students
The WIE RISE! Summer Research Program, led by current engineering students at the University of Maryland, is designed to introduce high school students , especially those identifying as women , to the field of engineering. The program is open to all and offers a week-long overview of different engineering disciplines. Each day, you’ll learn about a new area of engineering and explore the research being done in related university labs. The program includes activities such as reading and writing scientific papers, conducting simple experiments that can be done at home, and engaging in discussions with undergraduate engineering students to gain perspective on academic and career pathways in the field.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; No stipend provided
Program Dates: July 7–25
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Open to female and gender minority students currently in grades 9–11, internationally; Preference is given to first-generation students, underrepresented groups in physics, and rising seniors
SPINWIP is a three-week virtual summer program offered by the Stanford Physics Department and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology that introduces high school girls and gender minorities to core topics in physics. The program covers subjects such as quantum physics, quantum computing, cosmology, and astrophysics, and includes introductory Python coding ( no prior experience is required). While the focus is on physics, the skills developed , such as coding, data analysis, and problem-solving , are also applicable to various areas of engineering, particularly in fields involving computation and research. In addition to lectures and technical workshops, you’ll participate in small group research projects and sessions that explore college and career pathways. The program connects you with mentors from Stanford, including undergraduate and graduate students as well as faculty, who offer guidance throughout the experience.
Location: Virtual internships available
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend varies based on position
Program Dates: Varies based on position, but the Internship Experience Program (IEP) runs for the entire length of the student’s academic program, while the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP) may take place during seasonal and holiday breaks or at any point during the year
Application Deadline: Varies based on position
Eligibility: Students at least 16 years old with U.S. citizenship and a minimum 2.0 GPA
The U.S. Department of State’s Pathways Internship Program offers high school students the chance to explore careers in the federal government across a wide range of fields. Depending on availability, you can apply to either the Internship Experience Program (IEP) or the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). Internship opportunities vary by application cycle but may include roles in areas such as law, engineering, space and cyber operations, public health, environmental science, trade, agriculture, and information technology. Some positions may be available remotely, though it’s important to confirm this when reviewing specific listings. This program is suited for students interested in understanding how different disciplines connect within public service and government work.
Location: Remote (students participate online from anywhere; BlueStamp mails all parts/tools directly to the student)
Cost/Stipend: $2200 tuition
Program Dates: Session 1: June 16 -July 3; Session 2: July 7 -25; Session 3: July 28- August 15
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until seats are filled; Early application is encouraged
Eligibility: Open to incoming 8th -12th grade students
BlueStamp’s live, synchronous remote program offers high school students a project-based engineering experience from home. Each participant selects a project from an extensive project book during a pre-program meeting with a lead instructor. BlueStamp provides all necessary components and tools by mail, so students build real physical projects with staff guidance over Zoom. The 4:1 student-to-staff ratio ensures close mentorship throughout. You will develop engineering fundamentals, document your work in an online portfolio, and present at a virtual Demo Night. After completing their base project, you can pursue custom modifications for deeper learning. The program emphasizes practical engineering, project problem-solving, and technical presentation skills. Admission is competitive, with interviews and rolling decisions throughout the spring and early summer.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you are interested in pursuing university-level research in STEM or other subjects, 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!
Stephen Turban 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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