25 High School Summer Engineering Programs in 2026
What’s Covered:
High school summer engineering programs are great opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in the field. They allow students to live and learn in a college-like atmosphere, meet like-minded peers, interact with professionals working in the field, and gain valuable insight into life as an engineer.
Participating in a high school engineering program can also look great on a college application—it shows admissions officers that you’re driven to learn more about your interests. Below are some fantastic high school summer engineering programs that will help put you on the path to a career as an engineer.
25 High School Summer Engineering Programs
1. Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES)
Dates: Late June – Early August
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Application Deadline: February 2
Cost: Free
MITES is a six-week residential program at MIT for academically talented high school juniors. The program immerses participants in life at MIT and challenges them with rigorous courses in fields such as math, science, and the humanities.
Participants build the skills necessary for success in both college and their careers while growing a network of like-minded peers. The program covers all educational, food, and boarding costs—the only cost to attendees is transportation to and from MIT.
Students from underrepresented and underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Women’s Technology Program (WTP)
Dates: June 27 – July 25
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Application Deadline: December 15
Cost: Free
This free four-week residential summer program introduces female high school rising seniors with little to no engineering experience. Throughout the program, students participate in hands-on activities such as classes, labs, and team-based projects. The program aims to empower students who excel in math and science but have little or no background in engineering
This program is highly selective, admitting only 20 students from a competitive pool of 380 to 650 applicants.
3. Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers (LLRISE) Program
Dates: July 12 – 25
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Application Deadline: March 11
Cost: Free
This free two-week workshop for rising high school seniors teaches them how to build a small radar system. Students work under the supervision of scientists and engineers at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, Massachusetts, while building creative problem-solving skills and experiencing a slice of college life by living on MIT’s campus.
4. Summer Engineering Exploration Camp (SEE Camp)
Dates: July 5 – 11
Location: University of Michigan
Application Deadline: February 19
Cost: $750
Hosted by the Society of Women Engineers at the University of Michigan, SEE Camp is a one-week, co-ed, residential program for high school students entering grades 10 through 11 interested in engineering, particularly those with limited access to engineering resources.
Participants at SEE Camp will take part in design challenges and gain hands-on experience via a variety of engineering-focused activities. Over the course of the week, students will also participate in social and team-building activities, and learn more about the University of Michigan—meeting with staff and students, and taking a campus tour.
The program is competitive—in past years, it has received more than 600 applications and accepted just 40 students.
5. Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)
Dates:
- Residential: June 28 – August 7
- Commuter: June 29 – August 8
Location: Boston University
Application Deadline: February 4
Cost:
- Residential: $10,468 – $10,810
- Commuter: $6,490
The RISE program at Boston University gives rising seniors a chance to conduct laboratory research under the guidance of BU faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students while working side by side with some of the nation’s best STEM students. A variety of research opportunities are available in fields such as:
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Pysichs
- Psychology
- Public Health
By the end of the program, students will have advanced their STEM skills, built a network of like-minded peers, and gained firsthand experience with college-level research. RISE is open to both commuter and residential students.
6. Carnegie Mellon University Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Dates: June 20 – August 1
Location: Carnegie Mellon University
Application Deadline: February 1
Cost: Free
SAMS is a no-cost, six-week opportunity for students from underrepresented communities to explore and improve their STEM knowledge at one of the nation’s top technical colleges. SAMS students will further their understanding of the STEM fields through classroom instruction and hands-on projects under the guidance of Carnegie Mellon’s acclaimed faculty and staff.
Participants in SAMS will also have the chance to explore majors at Carnegie Mellon, interact with current students, and ultimately gain a clearer picture of college life.
7. California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)
Dates: July 5 – 31
Location:
- UC Davis
- UC Irvine
- UC Los Angeles
- UC Merced
- UC San Diego
- UC Santa Cruz
Application Deadline: February 7
Cost: $5,518
COSMOS is a four-week residential program that aims to motivate the next generation’s most creative and talented future scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. The program builds a community of academically gifted students and allows them to work side by side with university faculty on topics that extend beyond the common high school curriculum. COSMOS is held at six University of California campuses:
- UC Davis
- UC Irvine
- UC Los Angeles
- UC Merced
- UC San Diego
- UC Santa Cruz
The program aims to create a community of students who participate in and contribute to an intensive academic experience delivered by distinguished educators and scholars. Admission to the program is competitive—the average COSMOS student has a GPA of 3.5 or above and a record of academic excellence.
8. ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program
Dates: July 20 – August 14
Location: University of Maryland
Application Deadline: March 29
Cost: Free
The ESTEEM (Engineering Science and Technology to Energize and Expand Young Minds) and the Summer Engineering Research (SER)-Quest is an intensive four-week program for high school seniors at the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering.
The program is partially focused on helping academically strong high schoolers become competitive college applicants and attract them to attend the A. James Clark School of Engineering.
Participants engage in an engineering-focused research project, deepen their understanding of engineering, and connect with undergraduate and graduate students while gaining exposure to college-level research.
9. National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) on Engineering Summer Program
Dates: Varies
Location:
- Columbia University
- Duke University
- Rice University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Michigan
- University of Oxford
- University of Pennsylvania
Application Deadline: Varies
Cost: $4,195 – $6,395
The NSLC summer high school engineering program allows students to explore engineering fields such as mechanical, civil, and chemical engineering. The program is held on several of the nation’s most renowned campuses, plus one international destination—Oxford University.
In addition to building engineering skills and familiarizing themselves with work in a college-like atmosphere, participants of the NSLC on Engineering Summer Program build leadership skills that will serve them in college and beyond.
10. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Dates: June 21 – August 6
Location: Texas Tech University
Application Deadline: February 16
Cost: Free
Although the Clark Scholars Program is not engineering-specific, it’s one of the most prestigious summer programs in the nation. It delivers an unrivaled experience to the 12 students selected to participate every summer. The lucky few selected as Clark Scholars gather at Texas Tech University for an intensive seven-week research experience in their field while working hand in hand with faculty.
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is free—in fact, participants receive a $750 stipend—and many of those chosen to participate have used the program as a launchpad to make their college and career goals a reality.
11. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Dates: June 1 – August 14
Location: New York University (NYU)
Application Deadline: February 27
Cost: Free
ARISE at NYU is an excellent chance for rising juniors and seniors in New York City with an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to gain research experience. During this free 10-week-long program, ARISE participants will have an authentic research experience, learning about expository writing, scientific methods, professional development, and ethics.
At the end of the program, students present their work at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) Poster Symposium and receive a $2,000 stipend for participating.
12. Santa Clara University Summer Engineering Seminar (SES)
Dates:
- Session 1: July 12 – 16
- Session 2: July 19 – 23
- Session 3: July 26 – 30 (Returning participants)
Location: Santa Clara University
Application Deadline: March 31
Cost: Free
This special summer program is for rising juniors and seniors interested in exploring engineering. SES is a five-day program with three sessions over the summer—the third session is open only to returning program participants. During the sessions, students are exposed to multiple engineering disciplines, participate in workshops, work on projects, and learn about the academic expectations and nature of college.
Female students, students from underrepresented groups in engineering, students from low-income families, and students who will be first-generation college students are strongly encouraged to apply.
13. My Introduction to Engineering (MITE)
Dates:
- Session 1: June 21 – 25
- Session 2: July 12 – 16
Location: University of Texas-Austin
Application Deadline: March 1
Cost: $200
Hosted by the University of Texas–Austin, the MITE Summer Program is a five-day residential camp giving high school juniors an immersive engineering experience. During camp, participants take part in hands-on activities and team projects while meeting and interacting with UT engineering students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Admission to the program is competitive—approximately 800 students apply annually, of which only 100 are accepted.
14. Women in Technology
Dates: July 19 – 24
Location: Milwaukee School of Engineering
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $1,100
The Milwaukee School of Engineering’s (MSOE) Women in Technology summer program is a week-long residential camp offering female students in grades 10 through 12 the chance to explore a variety of engineering disciplines, including:
- Construction management
- Architectural engineering
- Biomedical engineering
- Biomolecular engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Civil engineering
- Computer engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Software engineering
During the day, students participate in hands-on engineering projects led by MSOE faculty and female engineering students and decompress with fun activities like interactive comedy shows and bowling in the evening.
15. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Programs
Dates: June 14 – July 31
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Application Deadline: March 31
Cost: Free
The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign hosts a unique summer program for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Participants engage in cutting-edge research, develop college-ready skills, and build confidence in themselves as engineers and scientists. Students participate in fields such as:
- Cancer immunology
- Neuroscience
- Artificial intelligence
- Physics
- Quantum mechanics
- Bioengineering
- Electrical engineering
During the six-week program, students work 30 to 35 hours a week on research and professional development—and interact with people at every stage of the STEM path, such as faculty, post-doctoral researchers, graduate students, undergraduate students, and high school teachers.
The program is open to students from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
16. Office of Naval Research Science and Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP)
Dates: Varies by location (eight weeks)
Location: Varies (one of 38 Navy labs)
Application Deadline: November 1
Cost: Free
The Science and Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP) places talented high school STEM students as apprentices in one of the more than 38 participating Department of Defense (DoD) labs for eight weeks over the summer.
Apprentices work closely with researchers and gain firsthand scientific and engineering experience while earning a stipend—first-year interns earn $4,000 and second-year interns earn $4,500.
17. Purdue University Maximizing Impact Through Engineering (MITE)
Dates: July 5 – 17
Location: Purdue University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost:
- Indiana residents: $695.70
- Non-Indiana residents: $1,896.60
The two-week Multiethnic Introduction to Engineering (MITE) program focuses on college readiness with an emphasis on math and engineering research projects. Over the course of the program, students participate in hands-on engineering projects, meet current engineering students, and learn about a wide variety of engineering majors and careers, all while living like a college student in Purdue’s residence halls.
18. Simons Summer Research Program
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Location: Stony Brook University
Application Deadline: February 5
Cost: Free
High school juniors interested in science, math, and engineering should consider this hands-on research opportunity at Stony Brook University. Participants are paired with mentors and become members of a research team, providing them with firsthand experience of life at a major research university.
Students also take part in workshops, special events, and tours. At the conclusion of the program, students will produce a written research abstract and a research poster.
19. University of Wisconsin–Madison Engineering Summer Program (ESP)
Dates: July 11 – 31
Location: University of Wisconsin, Madison
Application Deadline: March 2
Cost: Free
The ESP from the University of Wisconsin–Madison seeks to introduce high-achieving high schoolers to the field of engineering. The three-week residential program for rising juniors and seniors offers an experience similar to that of first-year engineering students at UW–Madison, featuring activities like hands-on workshops, engineering-related field trips, and mentorship.
Admission to the program is competitive, so put your best foot forward.
20. Northeastern Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Dates: June 22 – July 30
Location: Northeastern University
Application Deadline: March 2
Cost: Free
This free six-week summer experience for Boston-area rising seniors offers the opportunity to gain research experience working with Northeastern University’s Colleges of Engineering, Science, and Health Sciences.
Participants take part in a seminar series exploring a variety of engineering fields, receive college and career counseling, take field trips to see engineers in action, and experience college life—learning on a year-round campus surrounded by Northeastern students.
21. Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program
Dates: Varies
Location: Princeton University
Application Deadline: March 15
Cost: Free
This free summer program provides high schoolers the opportunity to intern at ongoing research projects under the supervision of Princeton University faculty and staff. Internships typically last between five and six weeks, and opportunities are available in a variety of engineering fields.
Participants are required to submit a two-page research summary at the program’s conclusion.
22. Bucknell Engineering Camp
Dates: June 22 – 26
Location: Bucknell University
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost:
- Residential: $1,500
- Commuter: $1.000
This summer program at Bucknell University is open to students in grades eight through 12, allowing them to experience a slice of college life while getting a hands-on introduction to engineering. Participants are introduced to numerous fields of engineering, test themselves against engineering problems, and conduct research in labs.
23. Young Researchers Program (YRP)
Dates: June 15 – July 24
Location: University of Southern California (USC)
Application Deadline: April 5
Cost: Free
The USC YRP is a six-week program delivering motivated high school seniors hands-on scientific research experience. Participants are paired with a graduate mentor and complete a research project, culminating in the presentation of their results at a symposium open to friends and family.
Over the course of the program, students will attend seminars to help them with everything from the skills needed to succeed in college to identifying potential career paths in STEM fields. The program is open to students from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM or from under-resourced areas with limited research opportunities.
24. Boston Leadership Institute Summer Engineering Program
Dates: July 13 – 31
Location: Olin College
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $4,597
Students engage in hands-on projects in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer programming, while competing in a variety of engineering challenges. They gain firsthand experience with 3D printing and CAD, building valuable real-world skills.
Participants will explore the MIT and Boston University Engineering Product Innovation Centers and take a field trip to see the Liberty Fleet tall ship in Boston Harbor, experiencing engineering principles in action.
25. University of Texas at Austin High School Research Academy (HSRA)
Dates: June 9 – July 15
Location: University of Texas at Austin
Application Deadline: March 22
Cost: $4,000
Students in this five-week non-residential experience participate in research projects in fields like:
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Environmental science
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Genome engineering
- Data analytics
- Ecology
Students collaborate with peers, undergraduates, and faculty while learning research techniques, gaining insights, and developing real-world experience. They also participate in weekly seminars and present a poster of their research at the conclusion of the program.
How Much Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
Extracurricular activities play a considerable role in admissions at selective colleges, and taking part in a super-selective summer program like the Anson L. Clark Scholars Program can give your odds of acceptance a huge boost.
CollegeVine’s free chancing engine can add clarity to the college admissions process—including how schools view your activities outside of the classroom—using factors like GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars to estimate your odds of getting into hundreds of schools and to provide tips to improve your profile.
