10 Ivy League Engineering Programs for High School Students
In today’s competitive academic landscape, many high school students are increasingly seeking opportunities that not only enhance their education but also bolster their college applications. If you’re one of these students, then consider applying to programs offered by Ivy League colleges. These prestigious institutions provide access to top-notch resources, renowned faculty, and a vibrant community of motivated peers.
Participating in an Ivy League program allows you to explore your fields of interest more deeply, leading to invaluable experiences that set you apart during college admissions. Engineering programs, in particular, stand out for their ability to engage students in real-world problem-solving. Such programs will immerse you in practical learning experiences, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to tangible projects.
This hands-on approach not only solidifies your understanding of engineering concepts but also cultivates critical skills like teamwork, creativity, and innovation. As you work collaboratively on projects, you will gain insights into the engineering process and develop a sense of belonging in a field that values diversity and collaboration.
Whether it’s designing a prototype, conducting research, or participating in workshops, Ivy League engineering programs provide an exceptional platform for high schoolers. They give you room to ignite your passion, build a strong foundation in your chosen discipline, and enhance your college applications. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 Ivy League engineering programs for high school students.
1. Harvard’s STEAM Pre-College Program
Cost: $5,800 (including tuition, room, meal plan, activities, and health insurance) plus a $75 application fee | Limited scholarships available; see here for more info.
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors who will enter college in 2026 or 2027 and are aged 16 – 18 by the program start date.
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Program Dates:
Session I: June 22 – July 3, 2025
Session II: July 6 – 18, 2025
Session III: July 20 – August 1, 2025
Application Deadline:
Application Opens: December 2, 2024
Early Application & Priority Financial Aid Deadline: January 8, 2025
Regular Application & Financial Aid Deadline: February 12, 2025
Late Application Deadline: April 9, 2025 (or earlier if course waitlists are full)
The Harvard Pre-College Program offers high school students an immersive, two-week glimpse into college life on Harvard’s historic campus. With almost 30 course options per session, you can explore various subjects, including Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). Their engineering-related courses include Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy. As a participant, you will tackle real-world problems and engage with complex concepts—all in small classes led by Ivy League faculty.
In a class averaging 15 students, you’ll engage in thought-provoking discussions led by Ivy League faculty, without the pressure of grades. Beyond the classroom, you’ll connect with like-minded peers in creative and social activities, from talent shows to Boston excursions. By the end of the session, you’ll receive a written evaluation and a Harvard transcript, which could be a valuable addition to your college application.
2. Brown Pre-College Programs: Summer@Brown
Cost:
Application fee till April 6, 2025: $65
Application fee from April 7, 2025: $100
Course fees vary
Scholarships are available (see here)
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9 to 12 who are between the ages of 14 to 18 by June 15, 2025 Location: On-campus | Online
Program Dates: June 16 – July 26, 2025
Application Deadlines: May 9, 2025 | Applications for 2025 open on November 13, 2024.
Brown Pre-College Programs’s Summer@Brown is a program that focuses on student-centered learning. It offers high school students access to over 230 non-credit courses, including engineering and technology, physical science and maths, literature, business, and more. As a participant, you will be able to trial-run the challenge of college-level academics without having to worry about your grades. You’ll get to participate in classes taught by Brown faculty as well as workshops, activities, and events that aim to inform, educate, and entertain.
Summer@Brown offers an on-campus hybrid experience as well as an entirely virtual experience—all to improve accessibility. The program is structured in such a way that it resembles first-year undergraduate study at Brown. This means that while you’re on campus, you’ll get to experience college life and learning on an Ivy League campus.
At the end of your course, you will receive a Digital CeCertificate of Completion and a Course Performance Report.
3. Princeton University’s Laboratory Learning Program
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Participants must be:
At least 16 years old by June 15, 2025
Enrolled in a New Jersey high school
Live within a 50-mile radius of Princeton University
Provide their own transportation
Location: Princeton University, NJ
Program Dates: Flexible; typically spans 5-6 weeks during the summer (dates based on research schedules)
Application Deadline: Rolling | Applications open from February 14, 2025, to March 14, 2025.
The Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) at Princeton University offers a hands-on, full-time research experience in the sciences and engineering for high school students. This opportunity allows selected students to engage in real research alongside Princeton faculty and research staff, gaining exposure to various scientific disciplines through immersive, project-based learning.
As a participant, you will be placed in active labs, where you will work on supervised projects tailored to the specifics of each lab’s schedule over a five to six-week period during the summer. Unlike a traditional summer camp, the LLP emphasizes rigorous scientific exploration. Admission is highly selective and requires parental consent forms, evidence of health insurance, and a recommendation from a high school teacher upon acceptance.
By the end of the program, you will submit a two-page summary of your research experience. With limited spots, the LLP provides a remarkable chance to gain firsthand experience in high-level scientific research, preparing students for advanced studies and careers in STEM.
4. Yale Summer Session: Pre-College Students
Cost: Application Fee: $75 | Tuition: $5,070 | Technology Fee: $85
Eligibility:
Applicants must be high school seniors and can attend this program in the summer after their junior year or the summer after their senior year.
Applicants must be 16 years old or older by the program start date.
See more info here.
Location: Online
Program Dates:
Session A: May 26 – June 27, 2025
Session B: June 30 – August 1, 2025
Application Deadline: TBD | Applications for 2025 will open mid-January 2025
The Yale Summer Session for Pre-College Students is a great way for high school students to experience college-level work and everything that makes studying at Yale unique. The program is open to high school seniors getting ready to shift to college, giving you the chance to study with Yale faculty and even earn credit. It offers various courses, including Mechanical Engineering I-III, Introduction to Computing and Programming, Multivariable Calculus for Engineers, and more.
As a high school participant, it’s important to remember that most of your classes will be taken alongside current college students and that the courses will be taught at an accelerated pace, resulting in a heavier workload. However, each course offered in the program is worth one Yale College credit, which is equivalent to four credit hours. It’s a good way to get a head-start on college and learn more about your field of interest.
5. Columbia Engineering’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)
Cost: $5,500; see the breakdown here. | Scholarships available
Eligibility: Open to rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent high school graduates with an interest in STEM fields
Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY
Program Dates:
Session 1: July 7 – July 25, 2025
Session 2: July 28 – August 15, 2025
Application Deadline: TBD | Applications for Summer 2025 will open on November 18, 2024
The Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) at Columbia University is a pre-college experience designed for rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent high school graduates passionate about STEM. This three-week program offers college-level, project-based courses in various engineering disciplines, including robotics, computer science, electrical engineering, and innovation and design.
As a participant, you will work closely with a diverse group of faculty and engage in hands-on projects that foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaborative skills. You will gain valuable insights into the engineering field, learn to tackle real-world challenges, and build a strong foundation for future academic pursuits in STEM. The program not only enhances your technical knowledge but will also encourage you to explore your interests and develop the skills necessary for success in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
6. Harvard Summer School’s College Programs for High School Students: The Secondary School Program
Cost: $4,050–$14,950 | Non-refundable application fee: $75 | Scholarships are available. See here for more information.
Eligibility: Open high school students who are at least 16 years old by June 21, 2025, and won’t turn 19 years old before July 31, 2025.
Location: Online, on-campus, or commuting options available
Program Dates:
4-Week: July 13 – August 8, 2025
7-Week: June 21 – August 9, 2025
Application Deadline: Applications for Summer 2025 open on Dec 2, 2024.
Application deadline: January 8, 2025 – February 12, 2025
Late application deadline: April 9, 2025
The Secondary School Program (SSP) is a 4 to 7-week program that’s a part of Harvard Summer School’s College Programs for High School Students. The program offers over 200 courses and on-campus, online, and commuting formats. As a participant, you can attend academically rigorous college courses for college credit, learn alongside other high school students and college students from around the world, and get a glimpse into life as a Harvard student.
Each course offered in the program will be taught by Harvard faculty and distinguished visiting faculty and will cover over 50 different topic areas, from humanities to STEM. The SSP courses are intensive and small, giving you the chance to engage more closely with faculty and peers. At the end of the program, you will receive a letter grade and can request a Harvard transcript that lists the courses you took. This is sure to help in your college applications.
7. Academic Year Weekend Program: Columbia University Pre-College Program
Cost:
$2,810/session for a single course registration. Additional courses are available at $2,700 each.
A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure a place in the program.
Budget at least $50 for course materials.
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9 – 12
Location: Online
Program Dates: Spring 2025: January 18 to March 23, 2025
Application Deadline: Application deadline for Spring 2025: December 5, 2024
Columbia University’s Pre-College Program offers high school students an opportunity to engage in a rigorous academic environment that simulates college life. The program features weekend courses that run for ten weekends, allowing you to choose from over 20 subjects, including engineering-related topics. Classes are conducted online, utilizing an interactive learning platform where you can participate in two-hour sessions on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.
Each course includes live attendance web conferences led by world-class instructors, promoting direct interaction and collaboration. You can enroll in up to four courses per session and participate in various activities designed to enhance your learning experience, including college preparation seminars, career exploration workshops, and networking events with peers from around the world.
Upon successful completion, you will earn a Columbia University Certification of Participation, which can be a valuable asset in your college applications.
8. Research in Science and Engineering (RISE)
Cost: Tentative costs for 2025:
Residential Student: $8,940 (includes tuition, housing, board with 14 meals per week, textbooks, and all sponsored activities)
Commuter Student: $5,820 (includes tuition and all meals)
Limited financial aid available
Note: Application fees and spending money are not included, and a nonrefundable deposit is required upon acceptance.
Eligibility: Open to high school students currently in their junior year who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.
Location: Boston University, Boston
Program Dates:
Residential program: June 29 – August 8, 2025 (tentatively)
Commuter program: June 30 – August 8, 2025 (tentatively)
Application Deadline: Applications open on December 15 for the 2025 summer session, and close on February 14, 2025.
The RISE Internship/Practicum program at Boston University is an immersive six-week summer experience designed for high school students passionate about the sciences. This program, which accommodates high school students currently in their junior year, provides an opportunity to engage in cutting-edge university laboratory research under the mentorship of distinguished faculty and graduate students.
As a participant, you can choose between two tracks: the Internship, which involves hands-on research in various scientific fields, and the Practicum, which is focused on structured group research in computational neurobiology. If you opt for the Internship track, you will dedicate 40 hours per week to your research projects. You will be able to develop valuable technical and analytical skills while gaining insight into the scientific process. You'll also get to present your findings at the concluding Poster Symposium, reinforcing your presentation skills and research ethics.
On the other hand, the Practicum track offers a more structured environment, beginning with lectures followed by group research and culminating in a collaborative presentation at the symposium. Both tracks also include workshops aimed at enhancing your academic and professional skills, providing an enriching and collaborative environment for students.
9. Tufts Engineering Design Lab
Cost:
Commuter: $4,225
Residential: $5,750
Materials fee: $200
Limited scholarships available
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 10-12 or 2025 high school graduates
Location: Tufts University | Medford / Somerville Campus
Program Dates:
Session 1: July 8 – July 16, 2025
Session 2: July 20 – August 1, 2025
Application Deadline: Opens on Dec 2, 2024, and closes on May 1, 2025
Tufts’ Engineering Design Lab is a 2-week program designed to give high school students exposure to engineering, fabrication, robotics, and more, but in the context of solving real-world problems. During the program, you will attend lectures and workshops where Tufts faculty and other industry professionals discuss the research happening within their labs or research groups and the issues and real-world challenges they’ve faced.
You will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and resources while you explore engineering concepts like while you explore concepts like laser cutting, robotics, 3D printing, and computation. Another benefit of the program is that you will get the chance to deepen your knowledge of engineering and design by learning more about rapid prototyping and the client-centered design process.
One of the highlights of this program is that it allows small groups of students to work together on a project that investigates engineering questions. You’ll essentially be applying your newly learned analytical skills and creativity to the experimental process. At the end of the program, your group will present your project at a Project Showcase.
10. Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES)
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 7 – 12 from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Program Dates:
Summer Program: Six-week residential experience for rising high school seniors (dates typically in June to July).
Semester Program: Six-month hybrid experience for rising high school seniors (June through December).
Saturdays Program: Multi-year STEM academy for grades 7 – 12 (exact dates vary).
Application Deadline: Varies by program; typically, applications are available in the spring before the program starts. Check the website for specific dates for 2025 sessions.
The MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) program is an educational experience tailored for highly motivated students in grades 7 through 12 from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. By fostering a love for STEM, MITES provides an opportunity for students to engage in hands-on learning, equipping them with critical skills needed for future academic and professional pursuits. As a participant, you will benefit from a collaborative environment where you can engage with peers who share similar interests and form lasting connections and friendships.
Through mentorship from experienced professionals and exposure to a variety of STEM disciplines, you will gain insights into potential career paths and expand your understanding of the possibilities within the field. The program emphasizes not just academic growth but also personal development, empowering students to tackle pressing issues in their communities and the world.
Conclusion
In summary, attending an Ivy League engineering program as a high school student will give you unique opportunities to explore complex subjects, gain hands-on experience, and enhance your college applications. Each program offers distinct advantages, whether through rigorous coursework, research involvement, or networking with peers and industry professionals.
As you consider your future paths in STEM fields, participating in these prestigious programs can be a valuable step toward solidifying your interests and building essential skills.
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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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