If you have an interest in mechanical engineering, you won't want to miss out on attending a summer program! These opportunities are ideal for enhancing your mechanical engineering skills and gaining hands-on experience. Participating in a mechanical engineering summer program can significantly boost your college applications by showcasing your dedication to refining your engineering skills earlyon. Admission committees highly value candidates who demonstrate genuine commitment to their chosen field. 

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 mechanical engineering programs that you should definitely keep on your radar. 

1. MIT Beaverworks 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 Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) is a good choice for students looking for a hands-on, immersive experience in the world of robotics, autonomous systems, and mechanical engineering. Through BWSI, you will acquire practical, real-world skills such as designing, building, and programming robotic systems and fostering a profound understanding of mechanical engineering principles. The curriculum covers cutting-edge technologies, engineering methodologies, and computer science techniques. 

The highlight of the program is the collaborative project where you work with other students to build autonomous drones, rovers, or other innovative robotic systems. This culminates in a final presentation, allowing participants to showcase their creations. BWSI is an excellent fit for motivated, creative high school students seeking to expand their knowledge, work on challenging projects, and explore their passion for mechanical engineering within a supportive, intellectually stimulating environment. Note that the Beaver Works Summer Institute is highly selective, making admission to the program competitive and limited.

2. MITES Summer

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 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a great opportunity for students passionate about mechanical engineering and STEM fields. This program is particularly beneficial for underrepresented minority students who aspire to pursue careers in engineering. 

Over the course of the program, you will engage in a rigorous curriculum that covers a wide range of STEM disciplines, with a specific focus on mechanical engineering. You will acquire essential knowledge, develop problem-solving skills, and participate in hands-on engineering projects. The final output of the program often includes a capstone project that pushes you to apply what you’ve learned to real-world challenges.

MITES is a great fit for students who are highly motivated, academically strong, and curious about exploring the possibilities of mechanical engineering at a renowned institution like MIT. However, MITES is highly competitive, and its rigorous nature may be challenging for some students. Additionally, the program is geared towards underrepresented minority students, so it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's crucial for applicants to be aware of the program's goals and eligibility requirements before applying.

3. Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Engineering Innovation Pre College Program

Location: In-Person and Online
Cost: $3575
Program dates: June - July (tentatively, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: High school students who have completed Algebra 2

The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Engineering Innovation Pre College Program is designed to provide high school students with a comprehensive introduction to engineering principles and practices, making it particularly appealing to those considering a future in mechanical engineering.

Through the program, you will gain a solid foundation in engineering fundamentals, covering topics such as statics, dynamics, material science, thermodynamics, and electrical circuits. You will engage in hands-on projects, design challenges, and experiments, enabling you to apply what you've learned. The final output of the program typically includes a group project where you will work collaboratively to design and build a functioning prototype, giving you exposure to real-world engineering work.

If you’re looking to apply to this program, note that the cost may be a barrier. Additionally, students who are already well-versed in mechanical engineering may find that the content is more introductory; those seeking advanced coursework may need to look elsewhere. 

4. Engineering Summer Program at Penn (ESAP)

Location: University of Pennsylvania
Cost: $8000
Program dates: 3 weeks in July
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Rising sophomores to rising seniors who are at least 15

The Engineering Summer Program at Penn (ESAP) is a highly valuable opportunity for students with a strong interest in mechanical engineering. This program offers an immersive experience for high school students to explore the world of engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. ESAP's curriculum is particularly appealing for those interested in mechanical engineering as it covers a broad spectrum of engineering principles, including aspects of materials science, mechanics, and design. 

Throughout the program, you will participate in hands-on projects, experiments, and design challenges, gaining practical knowledge and experience. The final output of ESAP often includes a group project that requires you to apply what you’ve learned to design and build a functioning prototype or complete an engineering challenge. 

Note that the program has a high cost associated with it and can be academically rigorous, which could be challenging for students who are not fully prepared for the intensity of the coursework. 

5. 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

The Research in Science and Engineering Internship (RISE) is a highly advantageous program for students interested in mechanical engineering. RISE provides a unique opportunity for high school students to engage in cutting-edge scientific research, particularly in the mechanical engineering field.

Participants in RISE will have the chance to work closely with experienced mentors and researchers in a laboratory or research setting, allowing them to gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment and methodologies. You not only learn the theoretical foundations but also practical skills that are essential for mechanical engineering, such as CAD design, data analysis, and materials testing. The final output of the program typically includes a research project, often a working prototype or in-depth analysis, which allows students to apply their knowledge in a real-world context.

RISE is a good fit for you if you are interested in exploring mechanical engineering from a research perspective. Before you apply, you should know that RISE requires you to have a high level of independence, making it challenging if you are not prepared for such a demanding research experience. 

6. 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 comprehensive, immersive experience that combines mathematics, science, and engineering, making it a good choice for students considering a future in mechanical engineering. 

During the program, you will engage with a rigorous curriculum, covering a broad range of STEM subjects, with a focus on mechanics, materials, and design principles. Students are exposed to hands-on projects, problem-solving exercises, and team challenges, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are crucial for mechanical engineering. The final output often includes a group project where you apply your learnings to design and build a working prototype, offering a tangible representation of your engineering skills.

SAMS is highly competitive, and the admissions process can be challenging. The program's intensity and fast-paced curriculum might also be demanding for some students. If you are up for the challenge, you should definitely consider applying!

7. Brown Pre College Engineering Program

Location: On-Campus
Cost: $4987
Program dates: Multiple options throughout June and July 
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: High school students

Brown University's Pre College Engineering Courses offer a fantastic opportunity for students interested in mechanical engineering. These courses provide a strong foundation in engineering principles and practices, making them ideal for aspiring mechanical engineers. Students learn the fundamentals of mechanics, materials science, design, and problem-solving, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the field.

The final output of the program often includes a group project, where students work collaboratively to design, build, and test a mechanical system or device, allowing them to apply their knowledge in a real-world context. Sample courses include “Introduction to Nanotechnology '' and “Materials Engineering”. Brown's Pre College Engineering Courses are a great fit for motivated high school students eager to explore mechanical engineering in a challenging academic setting while receiving guidance from experienced instructors. The academic rigor of the program might also be demanding for some students, and they should be prepared for the fast-paced coursework.  

8. Boston Leadership Institute Engineering Research Program

Location: Boston
Cost: Free
Program dates: July 15 - August 2
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: High school students

The Boston Leadership Institute Engineering Research Program offers a remarkable opportunity for students with a passion for mechanical engineering. It is especially well-suited for those looking to explore and deepen their understanding of this field. 

Through the program, students will delve into an array of advanced engineering topics, from mechanical design and materials science to thermodynamics and fluid dynamics. You will engage in hands-on research projects, design challenges, and experiments, enabling you to gain practical experience and develop a deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles. The program culminates in a final research project, where you can work individually or in teams to address a specific engineering problem, design a solution, and present your findings. 

This program is a good fit for you if you are eager to explore the world of mechanical engineering and develop research and presentation skills.

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Image Source: MIT Beaverworks Summer Institute Logo