Exploring the field of engineering when you’re still in high school is a good way to ignite your curiosity, deepen your understanding of STEM, and get a head start on future academic and career paths. Many universities offer specialized engineering programs that provide hands-on learning, access to cutting-edge technology, and guidance from expert faculty. These programs are tailored to introduce you to various engineering fields, from robotics and computer science to nanotechnology and aerospace. 

Here are 10 engineering programs for high school students to consider!

1. Engineering Design Summer Institute at UCLA

Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA

Cost: $461; financial aid is available

Application Deadline: Applications open for 2025 open in mid-January and close in June (tentatively) 

Program Dates: Students can choose to attend one of two three-week sessions:

• Session A: June to July (tentatively)

• Session B: July to August (tentatively) 

Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 11, who are at least 15 years old by the program start date can apply 

The Engineering Design Summer Institute at UCLA provides high school students with an immersive introduction to the principles of engineering design. Through hands-on projects, detailed report preparation, and exposure to UCLA's various engineering disciplines, you can explore potential career paths in engineering while earning academic credit.

As a participant, you will engage with state-of-the-art engineering design software and materials and choose one of three specialized tracks: aerospace engineering with a focus on rockets or planes, mechanical engineering with a focus on GoKarts, or electrical engineering with a focus on rovers. Each track offers a practical, project-based approach to learning, culminating in a letter grade upon completion.

In addition to engineering, UCLA offers three computer science summer institutes tailored to different experience levels: an introductory track, an intermediate track, and a generative AI track. These programs provide opportunities for students to deepen their knowledge of computer science concepts and cutting-edge technologies in a collaborative academic environment.

2. UC San Diego Academic Connections

Location: University of California, San Diego, CA 

Cost: International students: update coming in December 2024. Domestic students:

• $5,950 (residential course tuition + housing)  

• $6,150 (residential course tuition + housing + online SAT prep course)

Application Deadline: May 9, 2025

Program Dates: July 6 – 26, 2025

Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9 – 12 by July 1st. Must be 14 years old by program start and have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher + a recommendation from a teacher  

The UC San Diego Academic Connections summer program offers high-achieving high school students the chance to explore subjects, such as biophysics, programming, marine science, health, language, and more, at a collegiate level. Through interactive coursework, engaging discussions, and hands-on projects, you will be able to explore your chosen areas of interest, progressing from foundational concepts to a final project. 

In addition to classroom learning, you will engage in cutting-edge lab work and enjoy the vibrant intellectual community of UC San Diego. Courses span a diverse range of disciplines, from STEM subjects to the humanities, with offerings such as Digital Media Literacy, The Role of Art in Technological Innovation, and Refugee Migration from Central America: Perspectives from Anthropology. As a residential student, you will gain firsthand experience of university life, living on campus while connecting with peers who share their passion for knowledge.

3. Sally Ride Science Academy at the University of California, San Diego

Location: University of California, San Diego, CA + Virtual

Cost: Ranges from $175 to $450 (tentatively, based on previous years)

Application Deadline: Application deadlines vary depending on the course; typically, they close several weeks before the course starts

Program Dates: July 7 – 25, 2025

Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 to 12

The Sally Ride Science Academy provides interactive workshops across a variety of disciplines, including STEM areas like astronomy, biology, engineering, computer science, and robotics. It also extends beyond traditional STEM subjects to include fields like environmental science, biotechnology, coding, data analysis, digital design, and psychology.

Guided by experienced instructors and scientists, these hands-on sessions allow you to learn more about your interests, sharpen your critical thinking abilities, and collaborate on innovative projects. While most workshops are held in person, select courses are available online to accommodate diverse learning needs.

Here’s more relevant information on the Sally Ride Science Academy. 

4. Introduction to Engineering: Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institute

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Cost: $60 application fee + $3,050 tuition fee; financial aid is available 

Application Deadline: March (tentatively)

Program Dates: Sessions happen between June and July (tentatively)

Eligibility: High school students in grades 8, 9, and 10 at the time of application 

Stanford's Pre-Collegiate Summer Institute offers a foundational engineering course designed for high school students interested in exploring various engineering disciplines. This program introduces key principles of civil, biomedical, computer, and environmental engineering. Through collaborative, hands-on projects, you will tackle real-world challenges, apply design principles, and navigate ethical considerations. By the program's conclusion, you will gain valuable insights into civil engineering and an understanding of potential career paths in the field, all while learning from experienced faculty and building professional connections.

Admission to Stanford’s Pre-College programs is competitive. The application process requires creating an account on the Stanford website, submitting unofficial academic transcripts, one or more work samples, and an optional video essay. 

5. Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) at Columbia University 

Location: Columbia University campus, New York, NY

Cost: $5,500 program fee; need-based scholarships are available 

Application Deadline: 

• December 18, 2024 (priority deadline) 

• March 26, 2025 (final deadline)

Program Dates: 

• July 7 – 25, 2025 

• July 28 – August 15, 2025

Eligibility: Current high school students 

Columbia University’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) provides high school students with the opportunity to engage in project-based, college-level courses led by experienced faculty. This three-week program offers a variety of subjects, including robotics, biomedical engineering, competitive programming, sustainable engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, data science, and mathematics and operations research.

In addition to core courses, you will benefit from workshops, electives, lab activities, and college preparation sessions while learning from current Columbia students. With a selective admissions process and a small cohort size, SHAPE fosters a highly engaging and interactive learning environment. Prospective students must complete an online application that includes responses to three essay questions, submission of an academic transcript, resume, and a letter of recommendation.

SHAPE provides a rigorous academic experience, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and hands-on projects to help you prepare for college. You will also have the chance to build a professional network and explore potential career paths in engineering and related fields.

You can find a detailed review of this program here. 

6. Explore Engineering Innovation (EEI): Johns Hopkins University

Location: Various colleges in Baltimore, MD + a virtual option 

Cost: 

• $50 application fee + $3,575 tuition fee 

• Residential and commuter costs vary based on college

• Need-based scholarships are available 

Application Deadline: 

• Early Action Deadline: February 14, 2025

• Students Requiring a Visa: March 14, 2025

• Students Living Outside the US (Online): May 16, 2025

• Final Deadline: May 28, 2025

Program Dates: June 30 – July 25, 2025

Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 15 and 17 with academic backgrounds in math, chemistry, and physics 

Explore Engineering Innovation (EEI) is a comprehensive summer program offered by Johns Hopkins University, tailored for high school students with strong skills in math and science who are eager to explore engineering. This three-credit course provides an introduction to a range of engineering fields, including civil, chemical, electrical/computer, mechanical engineering, and materials science. As a participant, you will attend college-level lectures and engage in interactive projects that tackle real-world challenges. 

Working in collaborative teams, you will design and execute projects, such as testing the material properties of household items like spaghetti, constructing bridges with structural integrity, and exploring concepts of heat transfer and chemical reactions through small-scale bioreactors. This hands-on approach ensures you apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

By the program's conclusion, you will gain a deeper understanding of engineering principles and the confidence to approach future academic and career opportunities in the field. EEI also provides a valuable platform for networking with professionals and peers, enhancing resumes and college applications while offering a glimpse into the dynamic world of engineering.

7. MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) Summer 

Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA

Cost:  Free  

Application Deadline: February 1, 2025

Program Dates: The program typically runs late June through early August (6 weeks, exact dates yet to be announced for 2025)

Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Priority is given to students from underrepresented and underserved communities 

The MITES Summer Program at MIT is an esteemed initiative that provides high school students with an immersive STEM learning experience. As a participant, you can enroll in five courses: math, life sciences, physics, humanities, and a project-based elective tailored to your interests. Placement in math, life sciences, and physics courses is determined by your background and skills, while elective options have previously included topics such as Engineering Design, Architecture, Machine Learning, and Electronics. If you're particularly drawn to engineering, you can select electives that align with your passions.

Beyond academics, the program features lab tours, social events, admissions counseling, and career-focused activities to give you a well-rounded understanding of STEM fields and what to expect from a future in engineering. With a cohort of only 80–100 students selected each year, the program is highly competitive. Throughout the summer, you'll engage in dynamic workshops, recitations, field visits, and classes led by experts in their respective fields. Additionally, you'll receive a written evaluation at the end, providing valuable feedback on your performance and growth. Participating in this program will give you a competitive edge in college admissions.

8. Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) at Princeton University 

Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Cost: Free 

Application Deadline: Rolling | March 14, 2025 (Applications will open on February 14, 2025)

Program Dates: 5 to 6 weeks in the summer. 

Eligibility: High school students who

• are enrolled in a U.S. high school and are at least 16 years old. High school graduates who will not turn 18 by June 15, 2025, can apply (for the 2025 cohort)

• are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. International students enrolled in a U.S. high school can also apply 

The Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) at Princeton University offers a unique opportunity for high school students to engage in hands-on research alongside faculty and researchers in cutting-edge laboratories. This highly selective program admits only 40 participants across 25 labs, focusing on engineering and the natural sciences. As a participant, you will spend the majority of your time immersed in laboratory work, learning advanced research techniques, and contributing to ongoing projects. 

Research teams are led by Princeton faculty and include a diverse mix of postdoctoral researchers, graduate and undergraduate students, and staff researchers. After the program, you will be required to submit a two-page research summary, demonstrating your understanding of the work and your contributions. This experience not only sharpens research skills but also provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and invaluable networking opportunities with industry professionals and academic experts.

Research topics vary each year, reflecting the labs' dynamic focus areas. Past projects have included machine learning applications for power magnetics modeling, exploring heat pumps for climate solutions, investigating antibiotic heteroresistance, advancing green power generation through machine learning, analyzing human genetic variation in health and disease, and studying biofuel oxidation at supercritical pressure. 

9. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) at NYU

Location: NYU campus, New York City

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: February 21, 2025

Program Dates: June 2 – August 8, 2025 (10 weeks) 

Eligibility: High school students in New York City who will complete 10th or 11th grade in June 2025

NYU's ARISE program is a 10-week program that offers an in-depth summer experience for students passionate about engineering and related STEM fields. As a participant, you will spend the first four weeks attending remote after-school workshops and the next six weeks in person in weekday labs. The program features an interdisciplinary curriculum that spans chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, bioengineering, molecular engineering, machine learning, anthropology, biology, aerospace engineering, and artificial intelligence.

Through ARISE, you will gain hands-on experience by working in research labs while also attending classroom sessions and workshops on topics, such as ethics, lab safety, and data analysis, as well as college admissions preparation. A standout element of the program is the personalized mentorship provided by NYU’s research faculty, which fosters collaboration, guidance, and innovation. You will also engage in meaningful projects that address real-world challenges and advance knowledge in your chosen disciplines. The program culminates in a colloquium, where you will present your research findings to peers, mentors, and faculty, highlighting the skills and insights you gained.

10. Engineering Summer Academy at Penn (ESAP) at UPenn

Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Cost: $8,500 + $85 application fee

Application Deadline: March 1, 2025

Program Dates: July 6 – 26, 2025

Eligibility: High school students at least 15 years old by the program start date. Different tracks in this program might have additional prerequisites 

The Engineering Summer Academy at Penn (ESAP) at UPenn program accepts approximately 230 students annually, offering a focused learning environment with an instructor-to-student ratio of 1:19. As a participant, you will benefit from small class sizes and a curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Guided by expert faculty from the University of Pennsylvania, you will have access to state-of-the-art technology and the opportunity to earn college credit upon program completion.

The program provides various specialized tracks in engineering, technology, and computer science, including Robotics, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology. Each track incorporates both collaborative group activities and independent study, allowing you to explore your chosen subject area. You will also gain foundational knowledge in your selected field while exploring potential career pathways in engineering.

If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs tailored 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, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. 

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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