Participating in a research program during high school can be a valuable way of exploring your interest in engineering. These programs help you develop technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills that are crucial for any future STEM career.
Many engineering research programs also allow you to learn and work with industry-standard software, such as MATLAB, SolidWorks, Python, CAD tools, or simulation platforms. Learning these tools not only strengthens your current projects but also gives you a head start for advanced research opportunities, internships, or college-level coursework.
In addition to building your knowledge, the research experience can also be useful when applying to college. It shows that you’ve taken the initiative to go beyond classroom learning and are willing to engage with more advanced topics.
If you’re thinking about a research career in engineering, consider exploring one of these 12 engineering research programs for high school students. They offer practical experience and a closer look at what studying or working in engineering might involve.
12 Engineering Research Programs for High School Students
1. Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) – Princeton University
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: February 15 – March 15
Dates: 5-6 weeks
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (16+); More details here
Princeton’s Laboratory Learning Program involves working closely with Princeton faculty and research staff on ongoing science or engineering research projects. The program emphasizes real laboratory experience, with no social or entertainment activities and no remote options; all participation is in-person. Students receive safety training and are required to submit a two-page research summary at the end of their internship.
2. MITES Summer
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: November – February 1
Dates: Six weeks in the summer (late June through early August)
Eligibility: High school juniors from underserved backgrounds in the U.S.
At MITES, you’ll take college-level courses in engineering subjects such as computation, thermodynamics, and materials design. The program includes lab work, project-based learning using tools like CAD and Arduino, and seminars led by MIT researchers. Throughout the program, you’ll have opportunities to strengthen your understanding of advanced STEM topics, receive guidance from a mentor, and participate in career panels. The program concludes with a final project, which may involve developing a prototype or designing a software system.
3. ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program
Location: A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: April 25
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders from underrepresented ethnic groups with a minimum 3.2 GPA; No Cs in math and science courses
In the ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program, you will take part in research activities, write a project proposal, and complete a literature review to build your understanding of engineering topics. You will receive guidance from undergraduate and graduate mentors, who will support you in learning research methods and developing your project. The program also includes workshops on college planning, financial aid, and career exploration. Throughout the experience, you will work on engineering tasks designed to strengthen your problem-solving abilities and introduce you to practical applications in the field.
4. Biorocket by Genspace
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $2,000 stipend
Application Deadline: Applications open November 1
Dates:
- Orientation day: February 20
- Spring Session: February 25 – May 21
- Summer Session: July 6 – August 14
Eligibility: High school students (16+) who live or attend a NYC Public or Charter School within 45 minutes of Genspace
The Biorocket Research Internship Program is a six-month opportunity for high school students in New York City to gain experience in genetic engineering and biotechnology. As a participant, you will work with scientists to plan and carry out a research project that applies concepts from biological engineering. The program includes lab visits, meetings with professionals in the biotech industry, and discussions on career paths in STEM. You will have the chance to practice science communication by presenting your research and explaining scientific concepts to different audiences.
5. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $1,000 stipend
Application Deadline: January 6 – February 21
Dates: June 2 – August 8 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising NYC high school juniors and seniors
The first four weeks of the ARISE program focus on research practices, lab safety, and professional development. During the remaining six weeks, you will work in a research lab at NYU under the guidance of faculty and research staff. You will contribute to ongoing projects in areas such as mechanical, electrical, or biomedical engineering, gaining over 120 hours of practical lab experience. The program ends with two presentations—a Colloquium and a Poster Symposium at the American Museum of Natural History—during which you will share your research with peers and the broader community.
6. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple locations across the country
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $501.60/week for high school students
Application Deadline: January 9
Dates: Dates vary depending on the project
Eligibility: High school students (16+) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
The AFRL Scholars Program provides a summer research opportunity for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students in STEM fields. As a participant, you will work with Air Force Research Laboratory scientists and engineers on projects related to ongoing research efforts. This paid internship allows you to apply engineering and scientific concepts to practical problems in areas relevant to national defense. You will be involved in tasks such as designing experiments, analyzing data, and developing prototypes, all within a professional research environment.
7. Cooper Union Summer STEM
Location: The Cooper Union, Cooper Square, New York
Cost: $3,950: 6-week course; $1,950: 3-week course; Financial aid available
Application Deadline: March 27 (tentative)
Dates: July 7 – 24; July 28 – August 14
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-11
The Cooper Union Summer STEM Program runs for either 3 or 6 weeks and includes classes that cover core engineering principles and involve hands-on project work. You’ll work on practical problems, develop prototypes, and apply STEM concepts in a classroom setting that typically includes 18 to 22 students. The coursework is modeled on introductory classes from Cooper Union’s undergraduate engineering program, giving you an early look at what studying engineering at the college level involves. You’ll also get to explore student and faculty research projects.
8. NIST Summer High School Intern Program
Location: NIST campuses in Gaithersburg, MD, and Boulder, CO
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: January (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: The second or third week of June to the second week of August
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA; Applicants must live near a NIST campus and be U.S. citizens
The NIST Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) offers the chance to work with researchers in a laboratory setting at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. When applying, you can indicate an interest in engineering-related research projects. As an intern, you’ll be paired with a mentor and contribute to a specific research area, which may include topics such as electronics reliability, structural materials, or manufacturing systems. You’ll have access to lab tools and may attend technical seminars throughout the program. The internship ends with a poster session, where you’ll present your project to fellow interns and NIST staff.
9. Department of the Navy’s Science and Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP)
Location: Various Navy research labs across the U.S.
Stipend: $4,000 for new participants; $4,500 for returning participants
Application Deadline: August 1 – November 1
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: U.S. citizens in grades 10-12 who are at least 16 years old
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) places high school students in Navy research laboratories across the United States. As a participant, you will work alongside scientists and engineers on active research projects. Your tasks may include supporting data collection, assisting with testing procedures, and contributing to technical analyses. You will also observe day-to-day lab operations, attend informational sessions, and take part in tours or other professional development activities. Responsibilities vary by location, and some sites may offer opportunities in areas such as robotics, aerospace, or mechanical systems.
10. Johns Hopkins ASPIRE
Location: Virtual or in-person at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: February 15 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: June 24 – August 21 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (15+) with a minimum 2.8 GPA, living in specified regions of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C.
The ASPIRE program at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is a highly selective program with an acceptance rate of approximately 10%. If selected, you can request a placement in engineering or aerospace engineering, depending on availability. You’ll then be matched with a mentor who will guide you through the process of working on an engineering-focused research project. At the end of the summer, you will submit a digital project poster summarizing your work. In some cases, you may be able to continue your project into the academic year if your mentor is available to continue supporting it.
11. Engineering the Next Generation (ENG)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Stipend: $15/hour
Application Deadline: March 26 (tentative)
Dates: July 7 – August 14
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors interested in engineering
Columbia University’s Engineering the Next Generation (ENG) is a K-12 outreach initiative that exposes high school students to key engineering principles and design practices through project-based learning. You will engage in hands-on workshops, seminars, mentorship by university faculty or engineering students, and collaborative learning experiences. The program’s structure emphasizes student-driven projects, real-world problem solving, and exposure to engineering research and professional development resources. ENG also connects participants with the broader Columbia engineering community and offers pathways to explore related outreach, competition, and enrichment activities within the School of Engineering.
12. Engineering Research – Boston Leadership Institute
Location: Olin College, Greater Wellesley, MA
Cost: $2,500 (tuition) + $699 (residential); Limited scholarships available
Application Deadline: Rolling; Apply as early as possible
Dates: July 14–August 1 (tentative, based on 2025 schedule)
Eligibility: High school students
This competitive three-week summer program immerses high school students in electrical, mechanical engineering, and computer programming through challenging hands-on projects. You’ll work on designing and programming Arduino-powered sailboats for performance in regattas, including soldering, wiring, circuitry, and CAD/3D printing to build and optimize boats for different tasks. You’ll also gain experience in experimental research, engineering design, and real-world project testing on a lake used by college teams. The program also includes field trips to major engineering institutions like MIT, Boston University’s EPIC center, and Olin College for exposure to advanced labs, equipment, and engineering environments.
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 – Columbia University