If you’re thinking about studying engineering in college or pursuing it as a career, doing a summer research program can give you a solid head start. These programs put you in real labs where you’ll use tools like MATLAB, AutoCAD, or Arduino, depending on the project. You might work on things like testing water filtration systems, programming sensors for robotics, or using Python to study satellite data.
You’ll also learn how to write lab reports, present research, and work with researchers who treat you like part of the team. Some programs even teach you to use simulation software, interpret geospatial data, or build circuits from scratch. These are the kinds of skills that make a difference when you’re applying to college or trying to figure out what area of engineering you enjoy.
To make your search easier, here is a list of 15 engineering summer research programs for high school students!
15 Engineering Summer Research Programs for High School Students
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program (Engineering Track)
Location: Remote
Cost: Starts at $2,990. Financial aid is available!
Program Dates: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the Fall cohort from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, Spring cohort from March to June
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The deadline for Summer Cohort II is June 23
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale can apply.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program gives you the chance to do independent research with support from a PhD mentor. It’s designed for high school students and lets you explore subjects like psychology, data science, economics, computer science, physics, engineering, international relations, chemistry, and more.
Over 12 weeks, you work closely with your mentor and a writing coach to choose a topic and shape your research project. You also attend workshops that help you understand how research works. By the end, you will write a full research paper based on your topic. You can find more details about how to apply here.
2. Horizon Research Program – Engineering Track
Location: Remote
Cost: You can find the exact cost by submitting an interest form. Full financial aid is available.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September)
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts. The summer II cohort application deadline is June 22.
Eligibility: High school students with a strong academic record (>3.67/4.0 GPA) are eligible to apply. Most accepted students are typically in 10th or 11th grade. Only a few tracks have formal prerequisites, and more details can be found here.
Horizon Academic offers a 12-week research program where you choose a subject track and do a deep dive project with support from a professor or PhD scholar. You can pick from subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biomedical engineering, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more.
If you’re interested in engineering, the Environmental Health and Engineering course lets you explore topics like sustainability, urbanization, infrastructure, and resource use. Once you choose your track and whether you want to do quantitative or qualitative research, you get matched with a mentor.
You’ll work one-on-one to develop a research question, explore your topic, and write a 20-page paper at the college level. You’ll also get detailed feedback on your work and a letter of recommendation.
3. MITES Summer Program (MIT)
Location: Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Dates: Six weeks over the summer—late June through early August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Rising seniors from underserved backgrounds
At MITES, you’ll take college-level engineering courses in topics like computation, thermodynamics, and materials design. You’ll do hands-on lab work, build projects using tools like CAD and Arduino, and attend seminars led by MIT researchers.
These activities help you get ready for college and improve your skills in advanced STEM subjects. You’ll also get a mentor to guide you, attend career panels, and receive help with your college applications. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a final project that could involve building a working prototype or creating a software system.
4. Engineering Summer Academy at Penn (ESAP)
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,000
Dates: July 6 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
At ESAP, you’ll take a college-level course in a specific area like robotics, computer graphics, or biotechnology. You’ll build projects such as autonomous robots or 3D models using tools like Unity and Python.
The program combines lectures with daily lab work and is taught by faculty from the University of Pennsylvania’s engineering department. You’ll also get training in how to present your work and write technical reports. By the end, you’ll complete a final project that shows what you’ve learned.
5. Boston University RISE Program – Engineering Track
Location: Boston, MA
Cost: $5,500 (Internship), $4,000 (Practicum)
Application Deadline: February 14
Dates: July 1–August 9
Eligibility: Rising seniors can apply!
At BU RISE, you’ll join a university lab and work with faculty and grad students in areas like mechanical or biomedical engineering. You may use tools such as laser optics, tensile testers, or 3D scanners, depending on your lab placement.
You’ll also attend lectures on research ethics, data handling, and how to design experiments. By the end, you’ll give a research presentation and write a formal report that you can use in college applications. You’ll learn how to record your results like a professional and work with lab teams across different fields.
6. NASA SEES Internship
Location: Austin, TX, and virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 22
Dates: May 19 – July 22
Eligibility: US citizens in 10th–11th grade
At NASA’s SEES program, you’ll work with real satellite data and learn from NASA scientists. You’ll use tools like ArcGIS and Python to study topics like climate, Earth systems, or space science.
You’ll gain experience in remote sensing, satellite image analysis, and geospatial modeling. You’ll complete a final presentation and receive mentoring throughout the program. Some students also visit the Johnson Space Center to share their work directly with NASA researchers.
7. Smith Summer Science and Engineering Program (SSEP)
Location: Northampton, MA
Cost: $6,300
Application Deadline: March 25
Dates: Session 1: July 5–18; Session 2: July 20–August 2
Eligibility: Female-identifying students in grades 10–12
In SSEP, you’ll join a small research group guided by Smith College faculty. You’ll work on engineering problems like building water filtration systems or testing materials. You’ll use tools such as AutoCAD and GIS while learning how to write and present your findings clearly.
Each week, you’ll attend lectures on engineering ethics and take part in group discussions. You’ll also practice forming research questions, running experiments, and analyzing data in a college setting.
8. USC SHINE Program
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Starts at $4,864
Application Deadline: March 5
Dates: June 17–August 2
Eligibility: Rising seniors
At SHINE, you’ll work with USC faculty on research in biomedical devices, computing, and related fields. You’ll learn MATLAB and lab techniques while analyzing real data. You’ll attend weekly writing workshops and mentorship sessions, ending with a research presentation.
You’ll get access to USC’s research labs and work with advanced datasets. The program also helps you with publishing and applying to top STEM programs. You’ll join a group that does peer review, technical editing, and problem-solving together.
9. UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program (RMP)
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: Starts at $8,000
Application Deadline: March 17
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
At RMP, you’ll work with UCSB faculty on projects like microfluidics, machine learning, or materials engineering. You’ll take research methods classes, write technical reports, and create a formal poster presentation.
You’ll also learn about academic publishing and work in university labs. You’ll contribute to an ongoing research project and gain experience with simulation software, lab instruments, and coding tools like MATLAB or Python.
10. Boston Leadership Institute – Engineering Research
Location: Wellesley, MA
Cost: $4,800
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; applications are reviewed weekly until the program reaches capacity
Dates: July
Eligibility: Grades 9–11
At the Boston Leadership Institute’s Engineering Research program, you’ll explore biomedical or mechanical engineering through hands-on labs and mini-capstone projects. You’ll build circuits, test materials, and use modeling software in a university-style setting.
You’ll also practice technical writing, present your findings, and get feedback to help you improve. Group challenges will show you how real engineering teams work. By the end, you’ll have a project ready for your portfolio and a solid foundation for future STEM research.
11. AI4ALL @ Stanford
Location: Stanford, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: June 18 – July 2
Application Deadline: January 24
Eligibility: Rising juniors/seniors from underrepresented backgrounds
In this program, you’ll explore how AI is used in engineering areas like smart cities and health tech. You’ll use tools such as TensorFlow and Jupyter Notebooks while working on research problems with your team. You’ll attend workshops on AI ethics, get guidance from mentors, and hear from tech professionals.
You’ll also work on projects that focus on social impact and present your research at a student forum. You’ll learn how to find bias in machine learning models, design clear and fair AI systems, and apply algorithms to solve real problems.
12. Columbia Pre-College Engineering Program
Location: New York, NY
Cost: $12,764 per session
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Session A- 3 Weeks: June 30–July 18; Session B- 3 Weeks: July 22–August 8
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
In this course, you’ll take modules in robotics, circuit design, and energy systems. You’ll build working prototypes using Arduino and complete group projects focused on sustainable engineering. You’ll work with faculty, complete a final project, and practice both technical and communication skills.
You’ll also use engineering software to analyze how systems perform and receive feedback on your work. You’ll visit Columbia’s engineering labs, use digital simulation tools, and create a portfolio of your projects.
13. NYU Tandon ARISE
Location: New York, NY
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Cost: Free, stipend: $1000
Eligibility: NYC-based juniors/seniors
Application Deadline: Feb 21
At ARISE, you’ll work in NYU engineering labs on projects in nanotech, robotics, or smart infrastructure. You’ll join a research team, contribute to data collection and analysis, and present your findings at a final symposium.
You’ll write lab reports, attend weekly STEM seminars, and take part in workshops on lab safety, research ethics, and college preparation. You’ll also work with other students through cohort activities and peer review sessions.
You’ll use lab instruments, learn how academic labs operate under grant-funded research, and receive mentoring from NYU PhD students. Some students continue their projects through extended mentorship or submit their research to science fairs and journals.
14. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program
Location: Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 15
Dates: June 17–July 26
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors
At the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program, you’ll join a university research lab and contribute to ongoing projects alongside undergraduates and graduate students. You’ll work on experiments in fields like engineering, physics, or materials science, depending on lab placement.
You’ll attend faculty-led lectures, participate in skill-building workshops, and complete a formal presentation of your research. You’ll also practice technical writing, data analysis, and documentation based on your lab work.
The program gives you experience with advanced lab tools, exposure to grant-funded research, and a view into the academic expectations of research-focused college majors. It is one of the few options where high school students take part in authentic university lab work at an Ivy League institution.
15. Simons Summer Research Program – Stony Brook University
Location: Stony Brook, NY
Cost: Free. Pays a stipend of $1,000
Application Deadline: February 10
Dates: June 30–August 9
Eligibility: High school juniors
This program places you in university labs to work on projects in electrical engineering, computational modeling, or biotechnology. You’ll contribute to an ongoing research project, attend lab meetings, and maintain a research log.
You’ll write a formal paper, present at a research symposium, and receive feedback from mentors and peers. Many students continue their work by submitting to science fairs or competitions.
You’ll also gain experience with tools used in professional labs, such as circuit simulators, modeling software, or genetic analysis platforms.
Image source – Stony Brook University