If you’re a high school student interested in civil engineering, summer programs are a great way to start. These programs will help you gain hands-on experience and build practical skills. You’ll learn about structural design, materials science, and environmental systems while exploring how these concepts are applied to real-world projects.
These programs often include training in tools like CAD software and GIS mapping, which are key in civil engineering. The skills you develop can be applied to fields such as urban planning, transportation systems, sustainable development, and construction management. They also provide insight into how infrastructure projects are designed and executed.
To get started, we’ve compiled a list of 10 civil engineering summer programs for high school students!
10 Civil Engineering Summer Programs for High School Students
1. Introduction to Engineering at Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
The Introduction to Engineering course, offered by Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes, is a two-week online program for students in grades 8–10. In this course, you will explore various engineering fields, including biomedical, computer, civil, and environmental engineering, through interactive sessions and team projects.
The course focuses on civil engineering, covering basic concepts like structural design, materials science, and sustainable construction. You will work on projects that simulate real-world challenges, such as designing infrastructure to handle environmental pressures or planning urban layouts. These activities give you a practical understanding of how civil engineering is used to shape cities and address issues like climate change.
Location: Online.
Eligibility: Open to students currently in grades 8–10.
Program Dates: June 16–27
Application Deadline: March 20
Cost: $3,080; financial aid is available.
2. Explore Engineering Innovation (EEI) – Johns Hopkins University
The Explore Engineering Innovation (EEI) program at Johns Hopkins University is a four-week, in-person summer course that introduces you to the world of engineering. You’ll gain hands-on experience across various fields, including civil, mechanical, electrical/computer, biomedical, and chemical engineering.
In the civil engineering segment, the program focuses on structural design, materials testing, and sustainable construction methods. You’ll work on team projects like designing and building bridges or testing materials for strength and durability, learning how civil engineers address real-world infrastructure challenges. Beyond civil engineering, you’ll also engage in projects like creating electronic devices or studying chemical reactions in bioreactors, giving you a broader understanding of the engineering field.
Location: Various colleges in Baltimore, MD; Virtual option is also available.
Eligibility: High school students with A/B grades in math and science, Algebra II, trigonometry, and one year of chemistry/physics. Residential participants must be 15–17 years old, born between July 26, 2007, and June 29, 2010.
Program Dates: June 30 – July 25. Residential students move in on June 29
Application Deadline: May 28
Cost: The application fee is $50; tuition is $3,800; residential and commuter costs vary. Need-based scholarships are available.
3. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP): Engineering Track
The Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) offers high school students a chance to conduct college-level research under the guidance of professors or Ph.D. scholars from top universities. The Engineering Track focuses on specialized fields like bioengineering, civil engineering, environmental health and engineering, and network science, helping you develop research and analytical skills.
Working with a mentor, you will create a research proposal, conduct an in-depth investigation, and produce a 20–25-page academic paper suitable for submission to journals or competitions. The program focuses on research methodologies, technical writing, and problem-solving, preparing you for advanced educational and professional careers in engineering.
Location: Virtual.
Eligibility: Open to high school students (typically grades 10–11) with a GPA of 3.67 or higher.
Application Deadline: Spring 2025: February 16, 2025; Summer 2025: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)!
Program Dates: Spring 2025: March 3, 2025; Summer 2025: June 16, 2025! Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Cost: $4,500; financial aid is available.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Engineering/Architecture Track
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students the chance to conduct advanced, independent research with guidance from Ph.D. fellows and post-doctoral researchers at top universities. The Engineering/Architecture Track allows you to explore specialized fields like structural design, sustainable engineering, computational modeling, and civil engineering, with a focus on infrastructure development, urban planning, and environmental sustainability.
In the civil engineering field, you’ll explore topics such as structural integrity, material science, and innovative construction techniques. You’ll work with mentors to create a research proposal, conduct an in-depth analysis, and produce a high-quality academic paper. Depending on the program level, you’ll also receive support from writing coaches and publication specialists to refine your research.
Location: Virtual.
Eligibility: Open to high school students with strong academic performance (unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher).
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The Spring Cohort application deadline is February 9, 2025!
Program Dates: Summer: June–August, fall: September–December, winter: December–February, spring: March–June.
Cost: $2,990 onwards, financial aid is available.
5. Try Engineering Summer Institute – Civil Engineering Track
The Try Engineering Summer Institute, sponsored by IEEE, is a two-week residential or commuter program for students in grades 8–12. The program introduces you to various engineering disciplines, with a focus on civil engineering concepts such as structural design, load-bearing capacity, and sustainable construction. You’ll engage in hands-on projects, like designing and building bridges in the Bridge Engineering Challenge and addressing real-world infrastructure issues in the Design Think Challenge.
Eligibility: Open to students aged 13–17.
Program Dates and Location:
- University of San Diego (San Diego, CA): June 30–July 8(Session 1); July 11–July 19(Session 2).
- Rice University (Houston, TX): June 30–July 8(Session 1); July 11–July 19(Session 2).
- University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA): July 14–22(Session 1); July 25–August 2(Session 2).
- University of Columbia (New York, NY): July 12–20 (Session 1); July 24–August 2 (Session 2).
Application Deadline: Check the program website for specific deadlines.
Cost: University of San Diego, Rice University, and University of Pennsylvania: Residential: $3,895 ($3,795 for IEEE members), Commuter: $3,295 ($3,195 for IEEE members); University of Columbia: $4,195 (Residential Only); Need-based scholarships available.
6. Summer Engineering Seminar (SES) at Santa Clara University
The Summer Engineering Seminar (SES), hosted by Santa Clara University, is a fully funded, five-day program for high school sophomores and juniors interested in engineering. The program introduces you to various engineering disciplines, with a focus on civil and environmental engineering.
In the civil engineering course, you’ll learn about structural design, sustainable construction, and environmental impact assessment. You’ll work on hands-on projects that simulate real-world challenges, such as designing eco-friendly infrastructure and testing materials for structural stability. Along with civil engineering, you’ll also gain exposure to bioengineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical engineering.
Location: Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores and juniors; priority to sophomores, limited space for juniors
Program Dates: Session 1: July 13–17; Session 2: July 20–24; Advanced Session 3: July 27–31
Application Deadline: March 31
Cost: Free; all fees, housing, meals, and activities are covered.
7. Introduction to Engineering Program (IEP) at the University of Notre Dame
The Introduction to Engineering Program (IEP), offered by the University of Notre Dame, is a two-week summer program for high school juniors. It provides an immersive experience in various engineering disciplines, focusing on civil engineering concepts like structural design and materials analysis.
During the program, you’ll attend lectures led by Notre Dame faculty, participate in hands-on computer programming and design sessions, and collaborate on team projects, such as designing and building bridges. The program also includes field trips to engineering facilities, giving you the chance to see real-world applications of engineering concepts.
Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors (rising seniors) with strong academic performance, particularly in mathematics and science.
Program Dates:
- Session I: June 29 – July 12
- Session II: July 13 – July 26
Application Deadline: Refer to the program website for specific deadlines.
Cost: $2,650; partial scholarships available
8. Fundamentals of Engineering at UC Berkeley – Summer Springboard
The Fundamentals of Engineering program, offered by Summer Springboard at UC Berkeley, is a two-week residential or commuter summer program for high school students aged 14–18. It introduces you to various engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, structural, and electrical engineering, through hands-on projects and interactive sessions.
You’ll gain practical experience by designing and building scale model structures that meet real-world constraints like codes, zoning, and budgets. You’ll also work on projects, such as creating artificial limbs that replicate natural function and movement.
Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California.
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 14–18.
Program Dates:
- Session 2: June 22 – July 4
- Session 4: July 6 – July 18
- Session 6: July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 16
Cost: Residential Tuition: $5,998; Commuter Tuition: $3,298
9. City Designers and Builders Camp at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The City Designers and Builders Camp, offered by the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE) Program, is a week-long residential summer camp for rising 10th to 12th graders interested in civil and environmental engineering. This program gives you hands-on experience in tackling real-world challenges related to infrastructure, climate change, water and air quality, and sustainable urban design.
You’ll work on projects like designing and building structures, conducting environmental impact assessments, and exploring innovative construction techniques. The program includes laboratory demonstrations, interactive workshops, and field trips, offering a practical introduction to civil and environmental engineering.
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Eligibility: Open to rising 10th to 12th graders with a strong interest in civil and environmental engineering.
Program Dates: July 20–26
Application Deadline: To Be Announced (TBA); check the program website for updates.
Cost:Residential: $1,000; Commuter: $600
10. Seminar for Top Engineering Prospects (STEP) at Purdue University
The Seminar for Top Engineering Prospects (STEP), hosted by Purdue University’s College of Engineering Honors Program, is a week-long residential summer program designed for rising high school seniors. It offers you an introduction to engineering disciplines like civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, emphasizing hands-on learning and teamwork.
You’ll work on workshops and projects exploring concepts in civil engineering, including structural design, sustainable construction, and environmental considerations. The program also introduces you to robotics, physics, computer programming, and 3D modeling
Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
Eligibility: Open to rising high school seniors (graduating in spring 2026). Recommended prerequisites include three years of high school mathematics and one year of chemistry or physics
Program Dates:
- Session 1: July 13 – 19
- Session 2: July 20 – 26
- Session 3: July 27 – August 2
Application Deadline: Registration opens in late January; specific deadlines will be provided on the program website.
Cost: $2,500; need-based scholarships are available.
Image source – Purdue University logo
