12 Civil Engineering Internships for High School Students
If you’re interested in civil engineering, internships are a great way to gain hands-on experience and see what the field is like. You’ll learn practical skills that go beyond the classroom and get valuable exposure to the industry. Internships also help you build connections with professionals who can offer guidance and support in the future. Many programs are free or low-cost, and some even offer a stipend, allowing you to earn while you learn. Whether you’re curious about construction, environmental design, or infrastructure planning, internships can help you explore civil engineering and decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Program Dates: June 8 - July 19
Deadline: February 15
Cost: Free; Need-based stipend available
Eligibility: A minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0, a math score in the 90th percentile or higher on a standardized test, and enrollment in or completion of Pre-Calculus. You must also commit to the full six-week program and be a permanent resident of Florida.
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a six-week residential summer program for Florida high school students with strong potential in STEM. You’ll explore advanced topics in engineering, math, science, and technology, building a solid foundation for fields like civil engineering. The program covers room, board, and tuition at no cost, offering an accessible opportunity to deepen your STEM skills.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Program Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program
The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Through the 8-week internship, students have the opportunity to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. Students work directly with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more.
This program is a great opportunity for students who have prior experience with AI/ML and are looking to gain real-world exposure to a career in the field. Students get a chance to network with industry professionals, work closely with company leadership, and receive a letter of completion from the company at the end of the internship. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
3. Explore Engineering Innovation (EEI) at Johns Hopkins University
Location: Offered at several colleges in Baltimore, MD, with a virtual option available
Cost: The program has a $50 application fee, $3,800 tuition, and varying residential or commuter costs, with need-based scholarships available
Program Dates: July 30 to July 25
Application Deadline:
Spring Sessions:
March 3
Summer Sessions
Session 1: May 2
Session 2: May 28
Eligibility: Current high school students between the ages of 15 and 17 with academic backgrounds in math, chemistry, and physics are eligible to apply
Explore Engineering Innovation (EEI) is a college-level summer program for high school students with a strong background in math and science and an interest in engineering. Offered as a three-credit course at Johns Hopkins University, it covers fields like civil, chemical, electrical/computer, mechanical engineering, and materials science. You’ll engage in lectures, hands-on activities, and problem-solving projects, such as testing the strength of household materials, designing bridges, and building a small bioreactor.
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective 8-week-long start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.
5. Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) at Columbia University
Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY.
Cost: $5,875, covering tuition, lab and materials fees, and activities. Housing and transportation are additional, with need-based scholarships available
Program Dates: July 7 - July 25; July 28 - Aug 15
Application Deadline: December 18
Eligibility: All current high school students are eligible to apply.
Columbia University’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) offers high school students the opportunity to explore project-based, college-level courses led by distinguished faculty. This three-week program includes courses like robotics, biomedical engineering, competitive programming, sustainable engineering, electrical engineering, and chemical engineering, with a focus on innovative solutions in sustainable engineering. In addition to coursework, the program provides workshops, electives, lab work, and college preparation sessions, all supported by Columbia’s accomplished students.
6. High School Initiative in Remote Sensing of the Earth Systems Engineering and Sciences
Location: New York City, NY.
Cost: $10000 stipend
Program Dates: June and August
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: NYC public or charter high school students with a strong interest in STEM, a minimum B average in math, and completion or enrollment in Algebra 1, Algebra 2, or Pre-Calculus. Applicants should be responsible, dependable, and motivated.
The HIRES program recruits students with limited access to STEM education and assigns research projects with graduate and faculty mentors in areas like climate, water, and environmental justice. Over 7-8 weeks, you’ll participate in professional development, technical workshops (including GIS, Python, and remote sensing), field trips, and public speaking sessions with Irondale. You’ll learn key tools for analyzing spatial data to enhance decision-making in civil engineering, supporting areas like urban planning, infrastructure development, transportation design, and environmental impact assessments.
7. The New York City School Construction Authority (SCA) High School Summer Internship Program
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students are paid $16.50 hours for 30 hours a week during the six-week internship.
Dates: Vary depending on the placement and assignment of the intern (6 weeks between June and August)
Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: New York City public high school students who are eligible to work in the United States and can work for the program's six-week duration. School GPA will be considered.
The SCA Summer Internship Program (SIP) offers NYC public high school students a 6-week paid internship, providing exposure to careers in architecture, engineering, construction management, IT, business, and public administration. Interns gain hands-on experience, career mentoring, and participate in workshops, design challenges, and panel discussions. The program runs in-person, Monday to Friday (9:00 am–4:00 pm), with a 10-hour OSHA safety course before starting. Parent consent is required for construction site visits.
This program is a good fit for those interested in construction management. It is a key role in civil engineering, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to high-quality standards by coordinating and overseeing construction processes.
8. NovaEdge Diversity in Engineering
Location: Villanova University, Pennsylvania (PA).
Cost/Stipend: $775
Program Dates: July 12-19
Eligibility: For rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Deadline: February 16
The NovaEdge Diversity in Engineering program is a one-week, on-campus opportunity that introduces you to fields like Chemical, Civil and Environmental, Computer and Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering. You’ll also explore Villanova’s College of Engineering, with highlights including international service learning, Sustainable Engineering, and Engineering Entrepreneurship. The program includes lectures, hands-on lab experiments with Villanova faculty, and guest speakers who connect academia to real-world engineering careers. Evenings feature fun activities and time for project work. Additionally, you’ll gain valuable insights into the college admissions process to help prepare for your next step.
9. Women in Engineering Summer Camp at the University of Maryland
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD.
Cost: $1,500 program fee; covering housing, meals, and activities.
Program Dates: July 7 - July 12
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: The program is designed for rising 11th and 12th high school women but is open to all gender identities.
The Women in Engineering Program at the A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland (UMD), is a week-long residential program for rising 11th and 12th-grade students of all gender identities interested in engineering. You’ll explore fields like Aerospace, Bioengineering, Chemical, Fire Protection, and Mechanical Engineering through lessons, hands-on activities, and team challenges.
The program also demonstrates how various engineering disciplines, such as mechanical and chemical engineering, connect to civil engineering in areas like infrastructure and sustainability. UMD engineering students will mentor you, offering guidance and support. To apply, submit your academic transcript, a STEM teacher recommendation, and a personal statement on your interest in engineering and the importance of diversity in the field.
10. MIT Lincoln Laboratory High School Internship Program
Location: Lexington, MA
Cost: Stipend is provided to the interns.
Application Deadline: 10 February.
Program Dates: July 9 - August 15
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens, local high school rising seniors, and students who are 16 years old before the program start date
The Summer High School Internship Program at MIT Lincoln Laboratory offers rising seniors from the New England area the opportunity to explore STEM careers. You’ll be paired with a mentor to work on real projects, solve problems, and develop technical and communication skills in a professional setting. This paid internship provides access to the lab’s resources and expertise, offering valuable hands-on experience before choosing a college major. It also allows you to explore various types of engineering and their advancements.
11. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, NY
Cost: No participation cost but students are expected to cover transportation, dining, and residential costs; Stipend is provided to the interns.
Program Dates: June 30 - August 8
Application Deadline: Applications typically close on February 7.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors at the time of application, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and students who are 16 years of age by the program start date.
Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program offers high school students the opportunity to engage in hands-on STEM research with faculty mentors. You’ll be paired with a mentor, join a research team, and contribute to a specific project. By the end of the program, you’ll create a research abstract and poster. Expect to spend at least 4 hours a day working on your project, either independently or with your mentor, with the option to focus on civil engineering if it interests you.
12. National Security Agency High School Work Study
Location: Varies
Cost: Provided
Application Deadline: October 31
Program Dates: Part-time employment from September to August of your senior year
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old and have an interest in Business, Computer Science, Applied Arts, Engineering, Graphic Arts, Manufacturing, Mandarin Chinese, or Russian.
In this National Security Agency High School Work Studyprogram, you'll learn practical skills across various areas. In the Model shop, you'll work with tools for machining, welding, 3D printing, woodworking, and graphic design—skills useful for building or designing. In Vo-Tech, you'll operate printing and packaging equipment, use software like Adobe Creative Suite for design, and gain hands-on experience with industrial tools such as die cutters, air compressors, and soldering equipment. In Installation and logistics, you'll assist with installing and maintaining building systems, including creating or repairing items from wood, plastic, and metal, and applying finishes. You'll also help with eco-friendly disposal of materials, an important aspect of construction and engineering. These experiences aim to provide a foundation for you to pursue careers in engineering, construction, or design.
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