8 Aerospace Engineering Programs for High School Students
If you have an interest in aerospace engineering, you won't want to miss out on attending one of the summer programs listed below! These opportunities are ideal for enhancing your physics, computer science, and engineering skills and gaining hands-on experience. Participating in an aerospace engineering summer program can also significantly boost your college applications by showcasing your dedication to refining your engineering skills earlyon.
As you go about trying to find a summer program that is a good fit for you, keep in mind that they can vary in terms of difficulty and accessibility - you will have to do your research and look for what aligns with your goals! To make things easier, we have compiled a list of the top 8 aerospace engineering programs that you should definitely keep on your radar.
Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program
Location: In-Person (Various locations across the US)
Cost: Free with weekly stipend of $468
Program dates: June - August
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility:
A grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is highly encouraged for all applicants.
Must be a US Citizen. Must be at least 16 years of age.
Must be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for summer internship positions
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program is a respected and competitive program designed to train the next generation of research and development leaders within the United States Air Force. This program offers selected scholars access to state-of-the-art laboratories, cutting-edge technologies, and mentorship from top experts in the aerospace and defense fields.
You will get a chance to engage in hands-on research projects that span a wide range of disciplines, from aerospace engineering and materials science to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The program will not only equip you with the technical skills and knowledge required to address complex challenges but also expose you to the strategic aspects of national defense. Furthermore, the AFRL Scholars Program encourages collaboration among scholars, fostering a dynamic and innovative environment for research. Overall, this program is a significant gateway for students to play a pivotal role in advancing the capabilities of the U.S. Air Force while shaping the future of military technology and research.
NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs
Location: NASA centers across the country
Stipend: Awarded based on academic level and session duration
Program dates: Spring session (Mid January - Early May), Summer session (Late May - August), Fall session (Late August - Mid December)
Application Deadline: May 26 (Fall), August 30 (Spring), October 20 (Summer)
Eligibility:
Be a U.S. citizen
Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
Be a full-time student
Be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of application
The NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs provide a remarkable opportunity for students interested in aerospace engineering. These programs offer hands-on experience and mentorship within NASA, allowing you to work on real aerospace engineering projects, from designing rockets and spacecraft to developing cutting-edge technologies. This exposure not only fosters a deep passion for aerospace but also cultivates valuable skills that are essential in this field. Students gain insights into the complexities of space missions and the principles of rocketry, while also fostering their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The program also exposes them to the collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of aerospace engineering, preparing them for a future in the industry.
Lumiere Research Scholars Program - Aerospace Engineering Track
Location: Virtual
Cost:
Lumiere Individual Research Program - $2,800
Lumiere Premium Research and Publication Program - $4,800
Lumiere Research Fellowship - $8,400
Program dates: Upcoming - December 18
Application deadline: Rolling, cohort-based. Applications for the winter cohort are now open. You can apply here!
Eligibility: High school students
Founded by Harvard and Oxford PhDs, Lumiere is a selective research program for high school students, where students work one-on-one with a PhD mentor to develop an independent research paper. The program offers an array of disciplines and you can opt to focus on aerospace engineering. Due to its one-on-one nature, you can expect to learn the most recent developments in the field and expand your skill sets by working directly with experts.
An added bonus is the opportunity you get to interact with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, CMU and more. This program is a particularly good option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper.
Cornell Engineering CURIE Academy
Location: Cornell University
Cost: $1850 (scholarships available)
Program dates:July 14-20
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: High School Juniors and Seniors who reside in the US (non-citizens may apply)
The Cornell Engineering CURIE Academy is a great opportunity for students interested in aerospace engineering and offers a blend of rigorous coursework, hands-on projects, and mentorship from esteemed faculty and researchers at Cornell University. For students aspiring to pursue a career in aerospace engineering, CURIE Academy provides exposure to cutting-edge research and innovation in the field. Through the program, you will engage in aerospace-related activities, such as designing and building rockets, conducting experiments, and learning about the latest advancements in aerospace technology. This immersive experience not only enhances your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration among like-minded peers.
Research in Science and Engineering Internship (RISE)
Location: Boston University
Cost: $8246
Program dates: July - August
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Riding high school seniors who are US citizens
Boston University's Research in Science and Engineering Internship (RISE) is a highly reputed program that offers an enriching experience for students aspiring to excel in aerospace engineering. This program allows students to immerse themselves in cutting-edge research and development projects, where they can opt to focus on aerospace engineering. Through RISE, you engage in a diverse range of aerospace-related activities, including designing aircraft, developing propulsion systems, and exploring space technologies. The program facilitates collaboration with faculty members and access to state-of-the-art research facilities. Furthermore, Boston's strong aerospace industry presence and connections open doors to internships, networking opportunities, and future career prospects in the field. RISE at Boston University offers an ideal platform for aspiring aerospace engineers to gain practical skills, cutting-edge knowledge, and industry exposure.
Carnegie Mellon University Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University
Cost: Free
Program dates: Six weeks from June to August
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16; Underrepresented and underserved students are especially encouraged to apply.
The Carnegie Mellon University Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) offers a rigorous and enriching academic experience that sets the stage for future success of students interested in aerospace engineering. The program provides a well-rounded curriculum encompassing mathematics, science, and engineering, all of which are essential foundations for aerospace engineering. Students engage in hands-on, project-based learning, giving them opportunities to explore various aspects of aerospace, from designing and building prototypes to studying aerodynamics and propulsion. SAMS also emphasizes research and innovation, and gives you access to cutting-edge technology and guidance from faculty and experts. Additionally, the program fosters a dynamic and collaborative environment, enabling you to work alongside like-minded peers and develop teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Location: MIT
Cost: Free
Program dates: 6 weeks - Late June to Early August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors; underrepresented, underserved, and first generation students are especially encouraged to apply.
The MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science) Summer Program is hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and provides an immersive experience for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds. MITES offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on, project-based learning. You will get to engage in challenging aerospace-related activities, including designing, building, and testing aerospace systems and components.The program also includes exposure to cutting-edge research and innovation and you will have the opportunity to learn from d faculty and researchers while collaborating with like-minded peers from diverse backgrounds. The MITES program not only equips students with a solid foundation in aerospace engineering but also promotes diversity and inclusion in the field, ensuring that talented individuals from all backgrounds have access to opportunities in aerospace engineering and related disciplines.
MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute
Location: In-Person at MIT and Virtual
Cost: Free
Program dates: July - August
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising High school seniors who attends school in the US
The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute is a highly regarded program for students interested in aerospace engineering. It offers a combination of academic coursework and hands-on, project based learning. Through a carefully designed curriculum, students gain a deep understanding of aerospace systems, ranging from rocket propulsion to satellite design and autonomous flight. What makes this program particularly exceptional is its emphasis on real-world problem-solving. You get to work in teams on complex, multifaceted aerospace projects, helping you gain practical experience and the ability to apply engineering principles to relevant challenges. Additionally, the program offers mentorship from MIT faculty and industry experts, ensuring that students receive top-notch guidance and support.
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!Image Source - NASA Logo