10 Engineering Internships for High School Students in Massachusetts
If you are a high school student, an internship is a great way to explore your interests, develop practical skills, and strengthen your college applications. For aspiring engineers, internships offer hands-on experience with engineering principles, problem-solving, and innovation. These opportunities help you deepen your passion for the field while preparing for college-level programs and future careers in engineering.
Here’s a list of 10 engineering internships in Massachusetts designed to inspire and challenge young minds.
1. AI Internship Program by Veritas AI
Cost: $2,490
Location: Remote (work from anywhere)
Application Deadline: October 20, 2024
Internship Start Date: November 11, 2024
Eligibility: Open to high school students with prior AI/ML experience or those who have completed a Veritas AI program
The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI offers high school students a valuable opportunity to apply their AI and machine learning knowledge to real-world challenges. Designed and led by Harvard graduate students, this 8-week program pairs you with VC-backed startups to work on meaningful AI/ML projects. It’s an excellent way to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications in the rapidly growing field of AI.
As an intern, you will collaborate with industry leaders and mentors from institutions like Harvard and Wharton, as well as top companies such as Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey & Company. The program provides personalized mentorship, networking opportunities, and direct engagement with startup leadership. Upon completing the internship, you will receive a letter of completion from the company, highlighting your contributions to impactful projects.
By participating, you’ll develop valuable technical and professional skills, expand your network, and prepare for future opportunities in AI-related fields. Learn more and apply here.
Cost: No cost, stipend provided
Location: Multiple NASA facilities across the USA and virtual
Application Deadlines: Vary by internship
Internship Dates:
Fall Cohort: Late August/early September to mid-December (16 weeks)
Spring Cohort: Mid-January to early May (16 weeks)
Summer Cohort: Late May/early June to August (10 weeks)
Eligibility: Open to high school students who are U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0
NASA provides high school students with an exciting opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research and explore aerospace engineering through its esteemed internship programs. Managed by NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, these internships are available at various NASA locations across the U.S., with options for virtual participation. Each internship is unique, offering diverse experiences to match different interests and career goals.
As an intern, you may work on projects such as geophysics research, analyzing urban environments using satellite data, cameras, and temperature measurements, or contribute to aerospace and environmental engineering initiatives. This hands-on experience allows you to apply your theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges while working under the guidance of expert mentors.
NASA internships are highly competitive and offer not only invaluable technical experience but also a significant enhancement to your college applications, reflecting the prestige of NASA and its programs.
Cost: $2,490 (Financial aid available)
Location: Remote (work from anywhere)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; for the winter cohort, the deadline is December 10, 2024.
Internship Dates: Multiple cohorts; winter cohort starts December 16, 2024.
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks.
Ladder Internships offers high school students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with high-growth startups. Through this program, you can intern with startups across industries such as technology, deep tech, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), engineering, and more. These startups are carefully chosen and often led by Y Combinator alumni or founders with experience at top-tier companies like Microsoft, Google, and Facebook, and many have multimillion-dollar funding.
As a Ladder intern, you will work on real-world projects, collaborating closely with your startup manager and a dedicated Ladder coach. You’ll also have the chance to present your work to your company, demonstrating the valuable skills you’ve developed. The program includes personalized training in communication, time management, and other professional skills, complemented by group training sessions with peers in your cohort.
Whether you’re passionate about tech, healthcare, or creative industries, Ladder Internships provides a platform to explore your interests, build your skills, and prepare for success in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Here is the application form
4. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships
Cost: No cost to participate; stipends vary by location.
Location: AEOP placements are available in most states, with specific locations in Massachusetts for students to choose from.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Internship Dates: The internship takes place during the summer, with specific dates varying by location.
Eligibility: Open to current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Additional location-specific requirements may apply.
The AEOP High School Internships provide students with the chance to work on groundbreaking research alongside top university researchers or Department of Defense (DoD) scientists. This summer program immerses you in high-impact STEM fields, addressing challenges such as nanotechnology, regenerative medicine, chemical engineering, and neuroscience.
As an apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with advanced technology. Collaborating with professional scientists and engineers, you’ll develop critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that prepare you for a future in STEM. Each internship is site-specific, offering unique experiences and mentorship based on the location, making the program accessible to students across the country.
5. Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT
Cost: No cost to participate; students are responsible for housing, transportation, and meals.
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: December 13, 2023 (check the program site for future dates)
Internship Dates: July–August
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with strong academic records. Recommended standardized test scores include PSAT Math ≥ 740, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing ≥ 700, ACT Math ≥ 33, and ACT Verbal ≥ 34.
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a highly regarded pre-college research program that offers exceptional students the chance to engage in advanced scientific research. Hosted by the Center for Excellence in Education in collaboration with MIT, RSI provides a unique opportunity to explore STEM fields, work on innovative research, and connect with leading academics and professionals.
During the six-week program, you will start with a week of intensive STEM seminars and workshops led by top professors, covering topics in science, engineering, and mathematics. This foundation prepares you for the following five weeks, where you will focus on an individual research project under the guidance of expert mentors, utilizing MIT’s renowned facilities and resources. The program concludes with a final week dedicated to presenting your work through conference-style written and oral presentations.
RSI is highly selective, admitting only 100 accomplished students each year. It’s an ideal program for students passionate about advancing scientific discovery and preparing for a future in research or academia.
6. Young Scholars Program (YSP) at Northeastern University
Cost: Free of cost
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Application Deadline: February 20, 2025
Internship Dates: June 23, 2025 – July 31, 2025
Eligibility: Open to Massachusetts residents (within commuting distance of Northeastern University) who are rising high school seniors
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) at Northeastern University offers rising high school seniors a comprehensive introduction to research, with a focus on engineering. This hands-on summer experience allows you to collaborate with faculty from Northeastern’s College of Engineering, Science, and Health Sciences, gaining a deeper understanding of scientific inquiry and the engineering process.
Through the program, you will engage in cutting-edge research projects across diverse areas such as agent-based modeling, model compression algorithms, battery chemistries, and cancer therapies. Engineering enthusiasts can also participate in specialized seminars and workshops covering topics like radar systems, environmental engineering, superconductivity, laser technology, microwave materials, robotics, and chemical analysis.
You will gain further insights into engineering through corporate and government site visits, where you can observe professional engineers at work. The program also includes career counseling and educational guidance, helping you explore pathways in engineering and related STEM fields. Based at Northeastern University’s Boston campus, YSP provides a glimpse into college life, access to state-of-the-art labs, and mentorship from dedicated faculty.
7. Remote Internships at BlueStamp Engineering
Cost: $2,200, including all parts, tools, equipment, and live instruction. International shipping may incur additional costs
Location: Live, online (accessible worldwide)
Application Deadlines: Rolling | Dates for 2025 not yet released
Internship Dates:
Session 1: June 16 – July 3, 2025
Session 2: July 7 – July 25, 2025
Session 3: July 28 – August 15, 2025 (Closed on federal holidays; make-up sessions available)
Eligibility: Open to incoming 8th–12th graders
Bluestamp Engineering offers high school students two summer program formats: virtual and in-person. Both options provide the opportunity to design and build 2-3 working prototypes of your own engineering projects. With a focus on hands-on experience, the program immerses you in areas such as robotics, programming, mechanical engineering, and electronics. Guided by expert instructors, you’ll work through every stage of the engineering process, from brainstorming and designing to building and testing. Past projects have included custom-built drones, Bluetooth speakers, and 3D-printed prosthetics.
Throughout the program, you will receive one-on-one mentorship from professional engineers, with personalized guidance tailored to your interests and goals. The curriculum emphasizes the engineering design process, project management, and technical documentation—essential skills for careers in engineering and computer science.
At the program’s conclusion, you will present your completed projects to peers, instructors, and external audiences. You’ll also create a digital portfolio to showcase your work, making it a standout addition to your college applications.
8. Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship
Cost: 2024 fees were $5,820 (commuter) and $8,940 (residential)
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Application Deadline: Applications open on December 15, 2024, and close on February 14, 2025
Internship Dates: Tentatively scheduled for June 29, 2025, to August 8, 2025
Eligibility: High school seniors who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents
The Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship at Boston University is a six-week summer program for high school seniors passionate about STEM. This program provides hands-on research experience under the mentorship of experienced faculty or graduate students, making it an excellent opportunity to explore careers in fields such as mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and other scientific disciplines.
As an intern, you will work on active research projects in state-of-the-art university labs, sharpening your technical and analytical skills. The program also includes weekly workshops on topics like research ethics, reading academic papers, and networking, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.
The program concludes with the Poster Symposium, where you will present your research findings to peers, faculty, and families. This experience not only enhances your presentation skills but also prepares you for national science competitions like the Regeneron Science Talent Search.
9. Stanford SHTEM Summer Internship
Cost: Free
Location: Remote
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Internship Dates: June 17, 2024 – August 9, 2024
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors during the 2023–2024 school year
The Stanford SHTEM (Science, Humanities, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Summer Internship offers high school juniors and seniors a chance to engage in innovative research while collaborating with Stanford faculty, researchers, and community college students. Hosted by the Stanford Compression Forum (SCF), the program focuses on advancing data compression and related fields.
As an intern, you will participate in research projects across disciplines such as mechanical engineering, material science, robotics, biomechanics, design, simulation, testing, and analysis. The program is remote, allowing you to conduct research from your location, with materials provided for hardware projects to ensure you have the necessary tools.
In addition to research, you will attend workshops, seminars, and virtual social events, gaining both technical knowledge and networking opportunities. You will need to commit approximately 30–40 hours per week, staying in regular contact with mentors and group members for feedback and guidance.
10. Summer High School Internship Program at MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Cost: Free admission; paid internships
Location: Onsite at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA
Application Deadline: March 2025 (applications open in February 2025)
Internship Dates: Tentatively July 10, 2025 – August 15, 2025
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are rising high school seniors in the Lexington, MA area, and who are at least 16 years old by the program's start date.
The Summer High School Internship Program at MIT Lincoln Laboratory offers rising high school seniors in New England the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in STEM fields. This paid program pairs you with Laboratory staff mentors who will guide you through projects, problem-solving tasks, and skill-building activities.
As an intern, you will have access to the Laboratory’s technical resources, providing exposure to cutting-edge STEM applications. Through this mentorship, you will explore engineering and science careers, preparing for your future academic and professional paths. The program concludes with a presentation of your project work, highlighting your learning and contributions.
Tyler Moulton is Head of Academics and Veritas AI Partnerships with 6 years of experience in education consulting, teaching, and astronomy research at Harvard and the University of Cambridge, where they developed a passion for machine learning and artificial intelligence. Tyler is passionate about connecting high-achieving students to advanced AI techniques and helping them build independent, real-world projects in the field of AI!
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