If you're considering a career in engineering, exploring the field while still in high school is an excellent way to test your interest and determine which engineering branch suits you best. Given the competitive nature of engineering majors, having relevant experience on your resume can significantly boost your application, showcasing your passion, motivation, and competence.

With numerous options available, we've compiled a list of 10 top engineering programs to consider before applying to college. These programs have been selected based on their depth and breadth of research and include offerings from both public and private organizations. 

1. Lumiere Research Scholars Program—Mechanical Engineering Track

Location: Virtual

Application Deadline: August 25, 2024 (Fall Cohort)

Program Dates: 12 weeks in the Fall

Cost: $2,990 - $9,400 (depending on the program selected). Financial aid is available, but make sure you mention your need for it in your application. 

Eligibility: High school students from all over the world

The Lumiere Research Scholars Program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, is a chance for high school students to work on an independent research project under the direct mentorship of a Ph.D. candidate in their field. Through such mentorship, students will learn about the opportunities in their field while also obtaining practical experience to prepare them for their careers.

The individual research program gives the student 9 sessions with their mentor, 2 sessions with a writing coach, and program oversight from a Lumiere program manager. By the end of the program, students will produce a college-level academic paper based on the process and results of their projects. Multiple project options are available, including a mechanical engineering track for the analysis, design, and execution of a mechanical system.

Check out our review of Lumiere Education here! 

2. Veritas AI’s AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase Program

Location: Virtual

Application Deadline: August 14, 2024 (Fall cohort deadline)

Program Dates: Cohort starts in September

Cost $5,400 

Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12) from all over the world

Veritas AI’s AI Fellowship with Publication Program offers 1-on-1 mentorship to high school students to support them in making an independent AI project. The program, started by Harvard alumni, offers a comprehensive experience and requires a basic understanding of Python or a completion of Veritas AI’s AI Scholars program.

As part of this program, selected students will spend weeks 1-4 exploring and learning, weeks 5-8 analyzing data and exploring the feasibility of the project, and weeks 9-15 executing the project, troubleshooting, meeting mentors, and finally presenting the project to peers. Support is also available if you wish to submit your research project for publication. A combination of AI and any engineering subfield is something you can take up here, as past projects have included AI in combination with various disciplines.

3. Horizon Academic Research Program

Location: Virtual 

Application Date: May 21, 2024 for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort 

Program Dates: 

• Summer seminar - June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024

• Fall seminar - October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025

• Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.

Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.

Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research! 

Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. 

This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and on college applications. Apply here!

4. Sally Ride Science Academy at the University of California, San Diego

Location: University of California, San Diego

Application deadline: May (tentatively, based on previous years)

Program dates: 4-day workshops held across July until August for different courses. Students can choose more than one course, the dates don’t overlap

Cost: Each course’s fees differ, ranging from $175 to $450. Scholarships are available

Eligibility: Open to all high school students

This program offers a variety of dynamic workshops across a broad spectrum of subjects, including traditional STEM fields like engineering, astronomy, biology, computer science, and robotics. Additionally, it features workshops on modern topics such as coding, data science, digital design, and psychology.

Led by expert instructors and scientists, these interactive workshops provide an excellent opportunity for participants to explore diverse interests, enhance critical thinking skills, and engage in collaborative projects. While most courses are conducted in person, the program also includes online options to ensure greater flexibility for students.

5. UC San Diego Academic Connections at the University of California, San Diego

Location: University of California, San Diego (for the residential courses)

Application deadline: June (tentatively, based on previous years)

Program dates: Sessions in June & July (tentatively, based on previous years)

Cost: $1,500 (online courses), $5,950 (residential courses tuition). Scholarships are available

Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply

Designed for high-achieving students eager to delve deeply into their chosen subjects, this summer program offers a diverse array of STEM courses, from ocean ecosystem dynamics to an introduction to structural engineering. 

Participants will engage in stimulating coursework, interactive discussions, and hands-on projects, thoroughly exploring their interests and mastering fundamental concepts, culminating in a final project. Guided by UC San Diego faculty members, the program fosters intellectual discussions among peers who share a passion for learning.

6. Diablo Valley College’s Environmental Engineering Summer Academy

Location: California State University East Bay Concord Campus, CA

Application Deadline: Currently open, deadline unspecified. More information can be found here.

Program Dates: July- August (tentatively, based on previous years)

Cost: $350

Eligibility: Non-graduating high school students are eligible to apply

In collaboration with Bay Area LEEDS, this environmental science and engineering summer camp provides students with an in-depth exploration of various environmental topics. Over the course of four days, participants will dive into subjects such as climate change, wetland ecology, and water quality in the Delta region, gaining practical experience through lab work, field studies, and visits to public agencies.

Students will interact with keynote speakers and work together to create public service announcements, presenting their insights to industry experts. This hands-on experience not only educates participants about environmental issues but also highlights diverse career paths in environmental science and engineering.

7. Department of Navy’s Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) 

Location: There are several lab locations to choose from across the country, with several in California.

Application Deadline: November 1, every year.

Internship Dates: Eight weeks in the summer. Exact dates vary depending on the lab you choose

Cost: There are no registration costs, however, housing, meals, transportation, and medical expenses are not covered. You can expect to have to travel to and from your lab, depending on your placement

Stipend: $4,000 (new participant) | $4,500 (returning participant)

Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9, are at least 16 years old when the internship begins, can apply. Graduating seniors are eligible as well. There is room for some exceptions. Students are recommended to check whether their preferred lab choice has any other particular requirements

The Department of Navy's Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) offers an excellent opportunity for students to gain practical, hands-on experience in science and engineering. Participants will work on projects related to cybersecurity, software development, algorithm design, or data analysis, enabling them to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. This exposure helps students understand and utilize new technologies and methodologies within their field of interest. Students with a focus on computer science should look for labs aligned with their specific interests.

SEAP is structured as an eight-week summer apprenticeship, immersing students in a professional research environment. Each student is paired with a mentor who guides them through their projects, providing valuable insights into scientific research and development. This program is ideal for high school students who are passionate about science and interested in exploring its practical applications, particularly those considering careers in science and technology related to national defense.

8. Internships at Sandia National Laboratories

Location: Livermore, CA | Albuquerque, NM | other Sandia sites.

Application deadline: Rolling deadline, as internship openings are continuously updated.

Program dates: Year-round, if you choose that program option. For the Co-op internships, you can select your internship period, in coordination with Sandia and your school.
Summer Interns - 40 hours per week | Year-round Interns - 25 hours per week 

Stipend: Students will receive a stipend commensurate to the work they put in, and it will vary with the internship role.

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

Sandia National Laboratories, a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), offers highly esteemed internships available both during the summer and year-round. 

Students can apply for positions in technical, business, and research & development roles, engaging in national projects that provide hands-on experience in a leading research environment. Interns work alongside seasoned scientists and engineers, contributing to technological advancements in areas such as cybersecurity, energy, engineering, and software. Each intern is guided by a manager who helps structure the work assignment, schedule, and internship duration. This program offers invaluable guidance from top scientists and experts, as well as cutting-edge training, making it a significant learning opportunity.

Year-round internships: These positions are designed for students attending local schools, allowing them to work part-time at a Sandia site. High school students can work up to 25 hours a week, with the option to increase to 40 hours per week during school breaks.

Co-op internships: Conducted in partnership with individual schools, these internships enable students to take time off during the academic year to gain work experience at Sandia. These positions run for 3–8 months, including an adjacent summer term, with students working up to 40 hours a week.

These internships provide a unique chance to gain practical experience and learn from some of the nation's leading experts in their fields.

9. Summer High School Intensive in Next-Generation Engineering (SHINE)

Location: USC Viterbi Campus, Los Angeles, CA

Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)

Program Dates: June - July (tentatively, based on previous years)

Cost: $5,750, scholarships available

Eligibility: Open to all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors with a GPA of 3.4 or more on a 4.0 scale.

USC Viterbi's SHINE program offers high school students a unique opportunity to join a research team for seven weeks. Participants select their top three preferred engineering tracks, and SHINE pairs them with a suitable mentor (professor) based on their interests.

Students are expected to dedicate about 20 hours per week to the program, engaging in either experimental lab work or computational research on cutting-edge technology projects. The SHINE community is robust, offering social and intellectual networking, college preparation tips, and extensive experience in science communication.

Note: The program is selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 26%. You can find the complete application flyer here.

10. UCLA Environmental Engineering Summer Institute

Location: Commuter-only program at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA. No housing is provided for attendees

Application Deadline: The deadline for the 2024 program was June 1, 2024. TBA for 2025. 

Program Dates: Typically 2 weeks from July to August

Cost: $2,759; A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available.

Eligibility: 9th-12th grade students are eligible to apply. Students must be at least 15 years old by the first day of the program

The UCLA Environmental Engineering Summer Institute is a two-week, intensive program offering students a hands-on research experience addressing real-world community needs, especially focusing on environmental justice and health. Participants will collaborate on projects that explore the intersections of race, poverty, and environmental exposures, gaining a deep understanding of how marginalized communities are disproportionately affected.

The program features practical training in relevant research skills, including analyzing coastal water samples for antimicrobial resistance and testing community garden soils for lead contamination. Through community-engaged research, participants will enhance their technical skills, critical thinking, and comprehension of environmental justice issues. This experience is designed to prepare students to leverage science and engineering to benefit underserved populations and drive positive societal change.

11. Stanford Pre-College Summer Institute in Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Location: Online

Application Deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)

Program Dates: Sessions in June & July (tentatively, based on previous years)

Cost: $3,050. Financial aid is available

Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 at the time of application are eligible

Stanford University's non-credit course on chemical and environmental engineering offers an immersive and interactive learning experience, free from the pressure of grades. This course delves into advanced engineering topics, particularly focusing on energy and environmental issues. Held online for two hours daily, it emphasizes skill development and fosters a collaborative learning environment where you can engage with instructors and peers.

Throughout the course, you will diagram processes, convert variables, and establish material and energy balances to find steady-state solutions. You’ll have the opportunity to apply these principles to real-world challenges such as renewable energy, wastewater purification, and CO2-based biomanufacturing. The program concludes with interactive assignments and a collaborative, student-led group project, providing a thorough and practical educational experience.

If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!

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