If you are a high school student interested in engineering, one way to explore the field is by enrolling in a fall internship. These internships run during the school year and give you the chance to work on engineering tasks beyond what you cover in class. You might spend time learning design tools, testing systems, or helping with small parts of larger projects.
By joining an engineering internship in the fall, you get exposure to areas like mechanical, electrical, civil, or aerospace engineering before the summer. You also learn how professional engineers solve problems, work in teams, and apply technical knowledge in practical ways. At the same time, the experience you gain can add weight to your college applications (if you’re a high school senior) and help you decide if engineering is the right path for you (if you’re in junior high!).
To get started, here are 12 fall engineering internships for high school students!
12 Fall Engineering Internships for High School Students
1. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
2. Careers in Science (CiS) Internship – California Academy of Sciences
Cost/Stipend: None. A stipend is paid (amount not specified)
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Program Dates: Year-round, multi-year commitment (after-school, weekends, summer)
Application Deadline: Applications open February 1 and close April 1
Eligibility: 9th–10th graders enrolled in SFUSD with a GPA of 2.5+; U.S. citizens or authorized to work; valid work permit required
The Careers in Science (CiS) Internship is a long-term, paid research opportunity for San Francisco high school students who are underrepresented in STEM, including girls and students of color. As a CiS intern, you work closely with mentors at the California Academy of Sciences across fields like botany, anthropology, and engineering. You might design small prototypes, assist with field research, or contribute to science education projects. The program runs for two to three years and includes after-school, weekend, and summer sessions. You commit to consistent participation, gaining hands-on experience and growing as a researcher, communicator, and leader.
3. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Cost: None. A stipend of $4,000 (new participants); $4,500 (returning participants)
Location: 38+ Department of Navy laboratories nationwide
Program Dates: 8 weeks in summer (option to extend 2 additional weeks)
Application Deadline: Typically early November
Eligibility: U.S. citizens only; grades 9–12; must be at least 16 by program start; graduating seniors eligible; exceptions vary by lab for permanent residents, dual citizens, or grade/age minimums
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is an eight-week summer internship that places high school students in Department of the Navy research labs. You’ll work with Navy scientists and engineers on defense-related projects, exploring areas like electrical engineering, mechanical systems, and computer science. About 300 students are selected each year across 38 labs nationwide. Applications are judged on academics, essays, recommendations, and research interests. If accepted, you get mentorship, hands-on STEM experience, and a paid stipend.
4. Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) High School Internship
Stipend: Paid; $16.50/hour
Location: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Acceptance Rate: Competitive; mentor-selected
Program Dates: Fall session; part-time (10–20 hours/week) during the school year
Application Deadline: September 30 (applications open August 1)
Eligibility: High school seniors attending New Mexico schools; must be at least 16 years old with a minimum 2.75 GPA; drug test required
The LANL High School Internship is a part-time, school-year opportunity for New Mexico high school seniors to work on real research projects at Los Alamos National Laboratory. You’ll spend 10 to 20 hours per week gaining hands-on experience in engineering, science, and technical fields while working with professional researchers. Depending on your interests and placement, you might work on mechanical design, electrical systems, or applied computing, all within one of the country’s leading national labs. As an intern, you’ll strengthen your foundation in science and engineering while learning workplace practices and building connections that can support future research or professional opportunities.
5. High School Work Study Program – Baltimore/Washington & WV
Cost/Stipend: Paid; approximately $15/hour
Location: Fort George G. Meade Complex, MD, and Sugar Grove, WV
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Program Dates: September to August; part-time (20 hours/week) during senior year
Application Deadline: September 30
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors (age 16+ by December 31) with a minimum GPA of 2.5 preferred
The NSA’s High School Work Study (HSWS) Program is a paid internship for high school juniors entering their senior year. You’ll work part-time during the school year, about 20 hours per week, in areas like business, computer science, engineering, manufacturing, construction, Chinese language, or intelligence analysis. The program provides hands-on experience, paid leave, and sponsorship for a security clearance. Interns may also be considered for full-time jobs after graduation. Positions range from Office Assistant and Computer Aide to specialized roles in language or analysis.
6. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by the program. 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. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI offers two research tracks designed for high school students at different experience levels. In the AI Scholars program, you spend 25 hours learning core AI concepts in a small group setting with a 1:5 mentor ratio. You’ll explore Python, machine learning models, and real-world applications in fields like finance, medicine, and data analysis. If you already have some experience, the AI Fellowship runs for 12 to 15 weeks and focuses on building an independent AI research project. You work 1-on-1 with a mentor who is either a researcher or an industry professional, and you’ll take your project from idea to execution.
7. Stokes Educational Scholarship Program (NSA)
Cost/Stipend: Free/ A stipend of $35,395 annually, plus up to $30,000 tuition assistance per year
Location: NSA Headquarters, Fort Meade, Maryland
Program Dates: Fall; includes summer internship (12 weeks minimum)
Deadline: September 30 (supporting documents due by October 8)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are high school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA and strong SAT/ACT scores. Applicants must plan to major in Computer Science, Mathematics, Cybersecurity, or Electrical/Computer Engineering.
The Stokes Educational Scholarship Program at the National Security Agency offers a full college scholarship combined with paid summer internships. As a participant, you’ll attend college full-time while spending each summer working at NSA, where you gain hands-on experience in national security and advanced STEM fields. You’ll be mentored by professionals in intelligence and technology, exploring areas like cybersecurity, data science, and engineering in a real-world setting. The program covers tuition and provides a competitive salary, along with housing and travel support if you live more than 75 miles from NSA. In exchange, you commit to working at the agency after graduation for a period equal to your time in college.
8. Textron Aviation Fall Engineering Internship
Stipend: Paid, part-time internship
Location: Textron Aviation facilities
Program Dates: Fall; schedule between 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday
Deadline: Applications open in April
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years old with a school schedule that allows for daytime work
Textron Aviation Fall Engineering Internship is a part-time opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience in the aviation industry. As an intern, you will work alongside professionals in engineering and technical departments, contributing to real-world projects that build your problem-solving, teamwork, and technical skills. You will engage directly in applied engineering work, gaining insight into how aviation systems are designed, tested, and improved. This internship offers a strong foundation for students interested in aerospace, mechanical engineering, or related fields.
9. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Cost/Stipend: Paid stipend ($468.80/week)
Location: Multiple AFRL sites nationwide
Program Dates: Fall session runs late August/early September to mid-December (16 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: High school students 16+ with 3.0+ GPA; U.S. citizens only; must have a valid driver’s license
AFRL Scholars Program is a prestigious research internship that places upper-level high school students alongside scientists and engineers at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). As a scholar, you will contribute to advanced research in fields such as aerospace engineering, cybersecurity, electromagnetic structures, and atomic physics. The program offers hands-on experience through technical training, mentorship, and exposure to real-world defense and aerospace projects. You will also participate in laboratory tours, networking events, and present your research findings to peers and professionals.
10. Impact Internships Engineering Immersion Program (E-IP)
Cost/Stipend: Fee-based program (cost not specified)
Location: Virtual (Zoom platform)
Program Dates: 9 Saturday sessions: October 4, 11, 18, 25; November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students interested in engineering careers
Impact Internships Engineering Immersion Program (E-IP) is a virtual nine-week experience designed to introduce high school students to a range of engineering disciplines, including bioengineering, chemical, civil, and computer engineering. Through project-based learning, you will tackle real-world engineering challenges and gain hands-on exposure to design and product development. The program includes presentations from working professionals, college pathway workshops, and leadership development sessions. You will also collaborate on team projects that simulate the engineering design process, helping you build problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
11. Honeywell #FutureShapers High School STEM Internship
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Location: Honeywell facilities nationwide
Program Dates: Flexible scheduling during the school year and summer
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students interested in STEM and engineering
Honeywell FutureShapers High School STEM Internship gives you the chance to work directly with engineers and technical experts on real-world projects in aerospace, automation, and energy. You will gain hands-on experience in engineering fields while contributing to meaningful work that supports Honeywell’s business operations. As an intern, you will explore multiple engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering. You will receive professional development training, mentorship from Honeywell staff, and access to networking opportunities with industry professionals. You will also learn how large-scale engineering projects are managed and how innovation drives solutions in global industries.
12. Boeing Core Plus Aerospace Manufacturing Internship
Cost/Stipend: Paid: $16.28/hour (high school students); $17.28/hour (returning participants)
Location: Boeing facilities in Everett, Renton, and Auburn, Washington
Program Dates: Summer program (June-August); check for fall opportunities
Application Deadline: February 5 (for summer); applications open November 5
Eligibility: Students enrolled in Core Plus Aerospace or those with advanced hands-on manufacturing skills; must be 17+ years old
The Boeing Core Plus Aerospace Manufacturing Internship is a full-time paid program for high school students. You work weekday shifts from 6 AM to 2:30 PM and get hands-on training in aerospace engineering and manufacturing. You learn about materials science, mechatronics, and advanced manufacturing while working directly with Boeing professionals. The internship includes job shadowing, innovation challenges, and training in communication and teamwork. You also meet Boeing engineers and leaders and explore career paths in aerospace. If you live more than 65 miles away, you may receive a housing bonus to help with travel and stay.
13. Tesla Fall Engineering Internship (Various Disciplines)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship ($20-55/hour depending on role)
Location: Tesla facilities in Palo Alto, Fremont, and Austin
Program Dates: Fall: September-December; minimum 12 weeks, full-time
Application Deadline: Rolling applications; typically February-March for fall positions
Eligibility: High school students actively enrolled in academic programs; returning to school after an internship
Tesla Fall Engineering Internship is a competitive program for high school students interested in electric vehicles and energy technology. You can apply for internships in fields like electromagnetic design, thermofluids analysis, software integration, and product engineering. You will work on real projects that support Tesla’s mission to advance sustainable transportation and energy systems. The internship gives you hands-on experience with cutting-edge engineering tools and practices used in the automotive and energy sectors.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Core Plus Aerospace