12 Automotive Engineering Internships for High School Students
Participating in internships during high school offers exposure to practical skills, industry insights, and the opportunity to build meaningful professional connections. These experiences provide a hands-on approach to learning, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings without incurring significant expenses and under expert mentorship and guidance.
Exploring specialized internship programs can be particularly advantageous for students interested in automotive engineering and related fields. These programs deepen students' understanding of engineering principles and offer mentorship and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
To assist in this endeavor, we have curated a list of 12 automotive engineering internships for high school students!
1. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs
NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers internships that provide you with the opportunity to work alongside NASA professionals on real-world projects. You will get to engage in research and development related to space exploration, aeronautics, and technology. There are plenty of opportunities to earn hands-on experience in the application of automotive engineering in robotics and design, all while contributing to NASA's mission.
Location: Various NASA centers across the United States; virtual options are available.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; specific numbers vary by center and year.
Dates: 10-week sessions in Spring (Mid-January to Early May), Summer (Late May to August), and Fall (Late August to mid-December).
Application Deadline: July, November, or April/May, respectively for each of the sessions.
Eligibility: US citizens aged 16 years or older who are full-time high school students with a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
The Veritas AI Fellowship is designed for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence and its applications, including in the automotive industry. The program offers collaborative learning, project development, and one-on-one mentorship from experts. You’ll be undertaking independent AI research projects, which can be tailored to intersect with automotive engineering topics such as autonomous vehicles or smart transportation systems.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; cohort sizes vary.
Dates: 12-15 weeks; multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions.
Eligibility: High school students with a basic understanding of Python and completion of the Veritas AI Scholars program.
3. University of Michigan: Summer Engineering Exploration Camp (SEE Camp)
Hosted by the Society of Women Engineers at the University of Michigan, SEE Camp is a residential program aimed at high school students entering grades 10 and 11. In the camp, you can engage in various engineering disciplines, including automotive engineering. You’ll work on practical projects, workshops, and tours of the University’s state-of-the-art facilities, gaining insights into engineering opportunities at the university and beyond.
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies; designed to support students with limited access to engineering resources.
Dates: One-week sessions during the summer.
Application Deadline: Typically in the spring; exact dates vary.
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and juniors.
4. Ladder Internships – Engineering Track
Ladder Internships connect high schoolers with leading startups and nonprofits worldwide, offering opportunities in various fields, including mechanical and automotive engineering. As an intern, you’ll be working on real-world projects under the guidance of startup managers and Ladder coaches, gaining practical experience in engineering tasks such as design, prototyping, and analysis. The program emphasizes skill-building through individual and group training sessions.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; approximately 100 students placed annually.
Dates: 8-16 weeks across Summer, Fall or Winter cohorts.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; summer cohort deadlines typically in March, April, and May.
Eligibility: High school students able to commit 5-15 hours per week; gap-year and college students may also apply.
5. Georgia Tech Summer Engineering Institute (SEI)
Since 2008, the College of Engineering at Georgia Tech has organized the Summer Engineering Institute, a three-week residential program designed for underrepresented minority students entering 11th and 12th grades across the country. As a participant, you will gain insights into different engineering fields, such as automotive engineering, through engaging tours, practical projects, and opportunities to connect with faculty and industry experts.
Location: Atlanta, GA.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies; focuses on underrepresented minority students.
Dates: Three-week sessions during the summer.
Application Deadline: Typically in May.
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors.
6. MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science)
MITES is an immersive program where you can explore advanced science and engineering topics beyond the high school curriculum. You will collaborate on unique projects, such as robotics and computer games, and engage in rigorous coursework across various fields, including automotive engineering. The program also offers insights into the college admissions process and opportunities at MIT.
Location: Cambridge, MA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; cohort size varies.
Dates: Four-week program during June.
Application Deadline: Typically in February.
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a strong interest in STEM.
7. SAE International’s A World In Motion (AWIM) Program
AWIM provides hands-on engineering challenges designed to engage students in STEM education. You can participate in projects focused on automotive engineering, such as designing fuel-efficient vehicles or autonomous systems. The program also includes mentorship from industry professionals and collaboration with schools and educators.
Location: Various schools and virtual options.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies.
Dates: Ongoing throughout the year.
Application Deadline: Varies by program.
Eligibility: High school students interested in STEM.
8. Ford Summer Internship Program
Ford Motor Company’s Summer Internship Program provides high school students with a series of internships in various engineering disciplines. Through workshops, lab visits, and mentorship from Ford engineers, you will explore various aspects of automotive technology, including vehicle design, aerodynamics, and sustainable engineering solutions.
Location: Southeast Michigan, both in-person and remote.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited spots available.
Dates: 10- to 12-week summer program.
Application Deadline: Summer.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors interested in STEM.
9. Lockheed Martin High School Internship Program
Lockheed Martin offers high school internships designed to provide students with hands-on experience in STEM fields, including automotive engineering. As an intern, you’ll get to work alongside experienced professionals on projects related to aerospace and defense technologies, gaining exposure to advanced engineering concepts and practices. The program includes mentorship, professional development workshops, and opportunities to engage in community service and networking events.
Location: Various Lockheed Martin facilities across the United States, including Denver, CO; Sunnyvale, CA; Cape Canaveral, FL; King of Prussia, PA; Huntsville, AL; and Herndon, VA.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; specific numbers vary by location and year.
Dates: Varies by specific internship.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines depending on when internships are posted.
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older at the start of the internship, currently enrolled in high school, demonstrating a passion for STEM careers, and residing within a commutable distance from a participating Lockheed Martin facility.
10. SPARK Summer Internship Program
The SPARK Summer Internship Program provides a hands-on experience for students passionate about automotive engineering. You will get to work in professional environments, such as automotive companies or robotics startups, and contribute to real-world projects involving design, construction, and testing. Mentorship and skill-building are central to the program. Experienced engineers offer guidance, career advice, and feedback while you also have the opportunity to attend workshops and seminars on topics like CAD design, materials science, and thermodynamics.
Location: Various locations in Seattle, WA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive.
Dates: Runs for 8 to 10 weeks in the summer, typically from June to August.
Application Deadline: Applications generally close in March.
Eligibility: High schoolers residing in the US.
11. Siemens High School Internship Program
Siemens’ high school internship program allows you to explore projects at the intersection of engineering, technology, and automation. The program allows you to work on real-world projects in short-term or long-term internships, collaborating with Siemens professionals to develop innovative solutions. The program provides mentorship, exposure to advanced technologies, and opportunities to develop technical and professional skills.
Location: Various Siemens locations across the United States; specific locations depend on internship availability.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; specific numbers vary by location and year.
Dates: 8-12 week internships during the summer.
Application Deadline: Usually in the spring for the summer internships.
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older with a strong interest in STEM fields; specific requirements may vary by location.
12. Tesla Internship Program for High School Students
Tesla offers internships to high school students interested in automotive engineering and sustainable energy solutions. You work on innovative projects related to electric vehicle development, battery technology, and renewable energy systems. The program provides the opportunity to benefit from mentorship from industry leaders and exposure to cutting-edge technologies in the automotive industry.
Location: Various Tesla locations; specific locations depend on internship availability.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; specific numbers vary by location and year.
Dates: Typically during the summer; exact dates vary by location.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines depending on internship and location.
Eligibility: Specific eligibility criteria vary by the role that you’re applying for.
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