Top 25 Engineering Research Opportunities for High School Students
Participating in engineering research opportunities can be a transformative experience for high school students eager to explore engineering in greater depth. These programs provide hands-on experience, foster problem-solving skills, and offer insight into real-world applications of engineering concepts. For motivated high school students, research can deepen their understanding of subjects they are passionate about and help them make informed decisions about their academic and career paths.
When selecting an engineering research opportunity, it is essential to consider personal interests, mentorship availability, and alignment with long-term goals. This blog highlights a list of 25 engineering programs opportunities for high school students to help them navigate their options and find the best fit for their academic journey.
1. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
SEAP offers high school students an immersive research experience at Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories across the country. Over eight weeks in the summer, you will work alongside scientists and engineers, contributing to ongoing naval research. This highly competitive program selects approximately 300 students annually based on academic achievements, personal statements, recommendations, and research interests. As an intern, you will engage in cutting-edge projects related to naval technology, materials science, and systems engineering, gaining exposure to potential career paths within the Department of the Navy.
Location: Various DoN Research Labs across the country.
Cost / Stipend: No cost. New interns receive a stipend of $4,000, while returning interns receive $4,500, paid bi-weekly.
Program dates: Varies depending on the laboratory. The program typically runs for eight weeks in the summer, with an option to extend for two additional weeks.
Application deadline: November 1.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least Grade 9 and are at least 16 years of age by the start of the internship are eligible to apply.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - Engineering Track
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research opportunity for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as engineering, psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, chemistry, international relations, and more.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June).
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students with a high level of academic achievement are eligible to apply. Accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4. No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
3. Boston University - RISE Internship
The RISE Internship Track at Boston University is a six-week program where high school students conduct research in fields such as mechanical, biomedical, or electrical and computer engineering. You will work 40 hours per week alongside faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students, refining your technical and analytical skills. Weekly workshops guide you through the scientific process, research paper analysis, and research poster creation. Students may also have the opportunity to present their work at prestigious competitions like the Regeneron Science Talent Search.
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA.
Cost: $5,700 tuition and $60 application fee. Additional room and board fees apply for the residential option.
Program dates: Residential: June 29 - August 8 | Commuter: June 30 - August 8.
Application deadline: February 14.
Eligibility: High school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply.
4. Veritas AI
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
Location: Virtual.
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students located anywhere in the world are eligible to apply. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Application Requirements: Online application form, answers to a few questions about the student's background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest.
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Research Science Institute (RSI)
RSI is a highly selective six-week summer research opportunity that brings together 100 of the world's top high school students for an immersive science and engineering experience. You will engage in the full research cycle, from reviewing scientific literature to conducting hands-on experiments and presenting findings. The program includes a week of STEM seminars followed by a five-week research internship under expert mentorship. Students have access to MIT's cutting-edge resources and develop skills in scientific writing, modeling, and conference-style presentations.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA.
Cost / Stipend: No cost. Students receive a stipend.
Program dates: June 22 - August 2.
Application deadline: December 11
Eligibility: High school juniors are eligible to apply.
6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology - MITES Summer
The MITES Summer program at MIT is a six-week research opportunity designed to provide high school students with advanced coursework in engineering, math, and science. The program challenges you with college-level content and exposes you to real-world STEM applications not typically covered in high school curricula. In addition to academic coursework, you will participate in lab tours, STEM professional seminars, and social events. The program also offers written evaluations from instructors, which can serve as valuable materials for college applications.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA.
Cost: Free!
Program dates: June 15–July 26 (tentative, based on last year's program).
Application deadline: February 1.
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply.
7. University of Pennsylvania - Engineering Summer Academy at Penn
The Engineering Summer Academy at Penn (ESAP) is a three-week research opportunity for high school students to explore college-level engineering. You will engage in hands-on projects and coursework in one of six offered courses—biotechnology, robotics, nanotechnology, computer science, artificial intelligence, and computer graphics. The program combines theoretical learning with practical applications, allowing you to earn college credit while experiencing life on Penn’s campus. ESAP is ideal for students with strong math and science backgrounds looking to explore engineering before college applications.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
Cost: $9000 tuition and $90 application fee. Limited financial aid is available.
Program dates: July 6 - 25.
Application deadline: March 1.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their freshman year (ninth grade) and are at least 15 years of age by the start of the program are eligible to apply. A minimum 3.0 GPA, or equivalent, is required.
8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Women's Technology Program
The Women’s Technology Program (WTP) at MIT is a four-week summer research initiative designed to introduce exceptional high school students to mechanical engineering. Taught by MIT graduate students and supported by undergraduates, the program emphasizes practical exposure through labs and team projects. You will explore topics such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and materials science. WTP encourages young women and underrepresented students to pursue engineering careers by providing hands-on experience and mentorship.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA.
Cost: Free for students with family income less than $120,000. Know the detailed cost of the program here.
Program dates: June 28 - July 26.
Application deadline: January 15.
Eligibility: High school juniors with a permanent family home address in the U.S. and who have demonstrated ability to excel in math and science are eligible to apply.
9. New York University - ARISE Program
The ARISE Program at NYU is a 10-week research opportunity for high school students in engineering and related STEM fields. You will conduct research in areas such as bioengineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence, collaborating with faculty and researchers from NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering. The program emphasizes applied research, enabling you to design, test, and analyze your work in a lab setting while gaining valuable exposure to academic professionals and industry experts.
Location: New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY.
Cost / Stipend: No cost. Students receive a stipend of $1000 upon successfully completing the program.
Program dates: June 2 - August 18 (preceded by 4 weeks of remote workshops).
Application deadline: February 21.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors in the upcoming school year who are full time NYC residents attending NYC schools are eligible to apply.
10. Columbia University - Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)
The SHAPE program at Columbia University offers high school students an opportunity to engage in college-level engineering research in a structured academic environment. You can choose from courses such as Biomedical Engineering—which explores the intersection of biology, medicine, and design—or Sustainable Engineering—where you'll work on projects aimed at designing solutions to environmental challenges. The program also includes faculty mentorship and workshops on cutting-edge engineering topics such as robotics, chemical engineering, and renewable energy.
Location: Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University, New York, NY.
Cost: Commuter: $5,875 | Residential: $10,790. Need-based scholarships are available.
Program dates: Session I: July 7 - July 25 | Session II: July 28 - August 15.
Application deadline: March 3. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent graduates are eligible to apply.
11. Harvard University - Secondary School Program
Harvard’s Secondary School Program (SSP) allows high school students to explore engineering research in a college setting. Courses include User Experience Engineering and Robotics, where you will learn about design principles and automated systems. Taught by Harvard faculty and visiting professors, SSP provides exposure to cutting-edge research while allowing students to earn college credit. The program also emphasizes core skills such as time management and independent research.
Location: Virtual or in-person at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA.
Cost: 7-Week Online or Commuting: $4,050 (4-credits) or $7,900 (8-credits) | 7-Week Residential: $14,950 (8-credits) | 4-Week Residential: $8,650 (4-credits). Need-based financial aid is available.
Program dates: 4-week: July 13 – August 9 | 7-week: June 21 – August 9.
Application deadline: April 9.
Eligibility: High school students who will turn 16 before the start of the program and will not turn 19 before July 31 are eligible to apply.
12. Stanford University - Stanford AI4ALL
Stanford AI4ALL is a two-week program focused on artificial intelligence research for high school students. The curriculum covers topics such as robotics, medical AI, and natural language processing. You will work directly with Stanford’s AI Lab on real-world research projects and receive mentorship from AI professionals. The program promotes diversity in AI and fosters connections among students passionate about artificial intelligence.
Location: Virtual.
Cost: $4,000. Financial aid is available.
Program dates: June 18 - July 2.
Application deadline: January 24.
Eligibility: High school students in 9th grade or rising 10th graders over the age of 14 by the start of the program are eligible to apply.
13. University of Maryland - ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program
The ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program, offered by the University of Maryland, is a four-week research opportunity for high school students aspiring to engineering careers. You will develop research proposals, conduct literature reviews, and apply engineering concepts to real-world problems. In addition to technical training, the program provides college and career readiness support, including guidance on college applications and financial aid.
Location: University of Maryland A. James Clark School of Engineering, College Park, MD.
Cost: Free!
Program dates: July 7 - August 1.
Application deadline: April 25.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed 11th grade by June, have a minimum 3.2 GPA with no C's in Math and Science courses, and are ready to take Pre-Calculus by 12th grade are eligible to apply. See the full eligibility requirements here.
NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) internships provide high school students with the opportunity to work on projects in space exploration and aeronautical engineering. You will collaborate with NASA scientists and engineers on research and projects spanning multiple engineering disciplines. The program offers hands-on experience in systems engineering, project design, and technical research, providing a valuable foundation for future careers in aerospace engineering.
Location: Varies depending on the internship.
Cost / Stipend: No cost. Students receive a stipend.
Program dates: Varies depending on the internship.
Application deadline: Summer: February 28 | Fall: May 16.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years of age at the time of application, have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale and are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply.
15. UC San Diego - Research Experience for High School Students
The University of California, San Diego and San Diego Supercomputer Center’s annual research program offers high school students with a hands-on introduction to computational science and engineering research. This eight-week program immerses you in active research teams alongside experienced computational scientists, where you engage in real-world projects, learning to formulate and test hypotheses, conduct computational experiments, and analyze results. You also participate in lab meetings and discussions, offering insight into the collaborative nature of scientific research, and create a scientific poster summarizing your work at a culminating event.
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA.
Cost: $1500.
Program dates: June 16 – August 8.
Application deadline: March 15.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 studying at a public/private high school or in a home school setting within Southern California who are at least 16 years of age on or before June 15 of the application year are eligible to apply. Applicants must have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 and be college bound.
16. University of California Santa Barbara - Research Mentorship Program
The Summer Sessions Research Mentorship Program at UC Santa Barbara begins with a virtual component, introducing high school students to available resources and their assigned mentor. You will then spend six weeks on campus, working closely with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, or faculty members on a research project of your chosen field, including engineering. You will learn to present your findings through a technical paper and an academic symposium, and gain exposure to leading researchers through the GRIT Talks lecture series.
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA.
Cost: Commuter: $5,175 | Residential: $12,474. Limited need-based scholarships are available.
Program dates: June 16 – August 1.
Application deadline: March 17. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-11 with a minimum 3.80 academic weighted GPA are eligible to apply. Exceptional 9th graders are accepted on a case-by-case basis.
17. Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Beaver Works Summer Institute
MIT’s Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) is a prestigious engineering research opportunity for high school students eager to explore advanced engineering concepts. This competitive program challenges you through hands-on, team-based projects in cutting-edge fields such as autonomous systems, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Participants may work on projects such as designing and programming drones for the Autonomous Air Vehicle Racing course or building radar systems in the Unmanned Air System-Synthetic Aperture Radar course. BWSI emphasizes project-based learning, fostering engineering design, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Location: Virtual and in-person at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA.
Cost: Free! Families with an income of $150,000 or greater, the fee for the program will be $2,350.
Program dates: Online Courses: February 3 - June 20 | In-person Summer Program: July 7 - August 3.
Application deadline: March 31.
Eligibility: High school students entering their senior year who are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply.
18. University of Wisconsin-Madison - Engineering Summer Program
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Engineering Summer Program (ESP) is a fully funded, three-week research opportunity for high school students passionate about engineering. You will engage in coursework covering mathematics, physics, and engineering design, complemented by hands-on workshops and industry site visits to companies such as GE Healthcare and Rockwell Automation. You will also experience university life by attending lectures from UW-Madison faculty and exploring diverse engineering topics through team-building exercises and discussions.
Location: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI.
Cost: Free!
Program dates: July 12 – August 1.
Application deadline: March 3.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are interested in engineering, have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and have completed at least one year of algebra and geometry are eligible to apply.
19. University of British Columbia X: Software Engineering: Introduction
UBCx’s Software Engineering: Introduction course provides high school students with early exposure to software development, focusing on designing and building multi-version software systems. This virtual research introduces essential software engineering principles crucial for large-scale system development. The curriculum covers agile methodologies, software specification, and information security while also incorporating concepts such as refactoring and testing to ensure software quality and maintainability. You will work collaboratively in teams, and also address topics such as intellectual property and ethics in software engineering.
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Free! Paid audit option is available.
Program dates: This is a self-paced program.
Application deadline: Open enrollment.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply.
20. Texas Tech University - Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program offers 12 high-achieving high school students a selective seven-week research experience at Texas Tech University. You will engage in seminars, discussions, and field trips designed to enhance critical thinking and deepen your understanding of your chosen field. This highly competitive program attracts students from across the country and beyond, providing a rigorous research environment. You will explore various applications of engineering principles, from Electrical and Computer Engineering to Mechanical Engineering: Cancer Bioimaging, while gaining hands-on research experience.
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX.
Cost: Free!
Program dates: June 22 - August 7.
Application deadline: February 24.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 17 years of age by the start of the program and are graduating in 2025 or 2026 are eligible to apply.
21. Stony Brook University - Simons Summer Research Program
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University provides high school students with the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research—either in biomedical, civil, electrical & computer, or mechanical engineering—under the mentorship of distinguished faculty. As a Simons Fellow, you will engage in laboratory-based projects, applying scientific, mathematical, or engineering techniques to real-world research challenges. In addition to hands-on experimentation, you will attend weekly faculty lectures, participate in specialized workshops, and take part in campus events. The program concludes with a stipend award and a research presentation.
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY.
Cost / Stipend: No cost. Students receive a stipend at the end of the program.
Program dates: June 30 - August 8.
Application deadline: February 7.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are at least 16 years old by the program start date are eligible to apply.
22. The City University of New York - STEM Research Academy
The City University of New York (CUNY) STEM Research Academy is a structured, two-semester program designed for high school students interested in STEM research, including engineering. The program begins with a spring pre-college course introducing you to fundamental research methodologies. This is followed by a six-week summer research experience in a CUNY research lab, where you receive mentorship from expert faculty while developing essential research techniques. A key highlight of this program is the opportunity to present research findings at a summer exhibition held at the American Museum of Natural History.
Location: Spring semester pre-college course is offered at 10 CUNY campuses across four boroughs.
Cost / Stipend: No cost. Students receive a stipend.
Program dates: Spring Semester: February 11 - May 22 | Summer Research: June 30 - August 7.
Application deadline: January 16.
Eligibility: New York City Public School (NYCPS) students in grades 10-11 are eligible to apply. Highly motivated 9th grade NYCPS students are considered on an individual basis.
23. Milwaukee School of Engineering - Women in Technology Program
The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) Women in Technology Program is a week-long residential opportunity designed for high school girls with a strong interest in engineering. You will explore a variety of engineering disciplines, including biomedical, civil, electrical, mechanical, computer, construction management, and architectural engineering. MSOE faculty and female engineering students lead practical workshops, providing hands-on exposure to engineering concepts. The program also includes industry tours and networking opportunities with professionals in the field.
Location: Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, WI.
Cost: $1,100.
Program dates: July 6 - July 11.
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: High school girls entering 10th through 12th grades are eligible to apply.
24. University of Chicago - Data Science Institute (DSI) Summer Lab
The University of Chicago’s DSI Summer Lab is an eight-week, paid research opportunity for high school students interested in materials science engineering and biomedical research. You will work alongside experienced mentors in fields, gaining practical exposure to data analysis, machine learning, and research methodologies. The program emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, allowing you to tackle real-world challenges through computational techniques. At the program’s conclusion, you will present your research findings through a final video presentation.
Location: Ryerson Laboratory, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
Cost / Stipend: No cost. Students receive a stipend of $4800.
Program dates: June 16 – August 8.
Application deadline: January 12.
Eligibility: Chicago area high school students are eligible to apply.
25. IBM - Software Engineering Basics for Everyone
IBM’s Software Engineering Basics for Everyone is an introductory course designed to provide high school students with foundational knowledge of the software development process. The curriculum covers the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Agile methodologies, and basic programming concepts using Python. You will learn how to construct logic structures such as loops and conditions, gaining practical experience in software design and architecture. Through interactive modules, you will gain familiarity with industry tools, technologies, and best practices essential to the field.
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Free!
Program dates: This is a self-paced program.
Application deadline: Open enrollment.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply.
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