If you’re looking for an opportunity to work on advanced academics in engineering, consider an engineering program hosted by a university!
University-led programs, or, university research programs, run by top institutions, let students participate in university research, work with faculty, and gain hands-on experience with labs, data analysis, and design problem-solving.
Beyond academic enrichment, these research programs signal a high level of intellectual curiosity and initiative on your college applications. Also, working on real-world engineering projects like robotics, materials science, or biomedical innovation can strengthen your technical skills and prepare you for undergraduate study.
Below is a curated list of 14 university engineering research programs for high school students.
1. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA and Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free for families with an income of less than $150,000. Families in a higher income bracket need to pay a fee of $2,350
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: July 7 – August 3
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors attending school in the U.S.
The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute offers high school students an extraordinary opportunity to work on aerospace engineering projects. You’ll engage in activities such as satellite design, rocket propulsion, and autonomous flight, developing a deeper understanding of aerospace systems. The Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) typically offers new courses, such as microelectronics and hardware development, each summer. Other courses available for the summer include Cyber Operations, Autonomous Air Vehicle Racing, and Unmanned Air System–Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAS-SAR). The program emphasizes teamwork and real-world problem-solving, with guidance from MIT faculty and industry experts.
2. The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; the student will receive a $750 stipend upon completion of a successful research project report
Application Deadline: February 24
Program Dates: June 22 – August 7
Eligibility: Students must be at least 17 by the program start date and either graduating this year or the next. Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a prestigious seven-week summer research experience that enables high school students to collaborate with Texas Tech faculty on advanced projects in science and engineering. You could focus on areas like renewable energy systems, fluid dynamics, structural analysis, or advanced innovations in mechanical and electrical engineering. In addition to lab and fieldwork, participants attend seminars and engage in discussions that build critical thinking and technical communication skills. The program highlights independent research, enabling you to design experiments, analyze data, and present your findings professionally.
3. ResearcHStart – UChicago Medicine
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL (also hosted by Northwestern, UIC, UIUC, and Rush University)
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 stipend
Application Deadline: January 20
Program Dates: Second full week of June through the first week of August.
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors when applying; At least 16 by the start of the program
ResearcHStart is an eight-week, paid summer internship that introduces high school students to bioengineering and its applications in cancer research. Led by a consortium of leading Illinois universities, the program assigns students to state-of-the-art labs where they engage in projects at the crossroads of engineering, biology, and technology. You will gain practical experience in bioengineering methods, computational modeling, and utilizing AI and machine learning to analyze cancer datasets and create innovative treatment strategies. Alongside lab work, participants attend seminars, career development workshops, and receive mentorship from faculty and graduate researchers in biomedical and bioengineering fields.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September)
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
5. MIT MITES Summer
Location: MIT Campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: 6 weeks from June to August
Eligibility: 11th graders with a strong academic record; More details here
The MITES Summer Program at MIT is a fully funded, six-week residential experience to develop STEM skills through coursework and projects. You will engage in advanced studies in mathematics, science, and humanities, and explore specialized electives such as Machine Learning, Genomics, and Engineering Design. Hands-on experiences feature laboratory tours, practical STEM workshops, and visits to research facilities and technology companies. Through mentorship and college admissions guidance, you can build a strong foundation for pursuing higher education and careers in science and engineering fields.
6. Lumiere Research Scholars Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Cost varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
Eligibility: You must be a high school student with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3, but no prior experience in your field of interest is required.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students a 12-week research experience under the guidance of Ph.D. scholars. Offered in fields such as engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, and artificial intelligence, the program guides you through independent research, culminating in a research paper addressing real-world challenges. You will develop critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills while gaining experience in academic research methodologies. The program demands dedication and proactive effort, providing a structured setting to enhance research skills and generate work that can bolster college applications and academic prospects. You can also earn UCSD credit upon completion of the program.
7. Cornell Engineering High School Outreach Program – CURIE & CATALYST
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: $1,900
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: July 13 – 19
Eligibility: To be eligible, students:
- must have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- must be a current high school sophomore or junior at the time of application.
- Applicants must have taken high school courses in AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Physics, Honors or AP Chemistry, Additional rigorous math, science, computer science, or STEM-related courses
The CURIE Academy, part of the Cornell Engineering High School Outreach Program hosted by Cornell University’s College of Engineering, offers a one-week residential experience focused on aerospace engineering for rising high school juniors and seniors. Through a combination of lectures, lab sessions, and project-based learning, you will gain exposure to core aerospace concepts, including aerodynamics, propulsion, and structural design. You will engage in hands-on activities, such as rocket design and testing, and conduct experiments that mirror real-world engineering processes. Designed to reflect the rigor and scope of an undergraduate engineering environment, the CURIE Academy provides a structured introduction to aerospace engineering within a university setting.
8. NYU Tandon’s Summer Camp for Machine Learning
Location: NYU’s Washington Square Park campus, New York, NY
Cost: $3,050 and $308 Per Week for Housing (optional)
Application Deadline: April 21
Program Dates:
- Session 1: June 16 – 27
- Session 2: July 7 – 18
- Session 3: July 28 — August 8
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9, 10, or 11 who have completed Algebra 2 (or equivalent) and have some computer programming experience (in any language)
NYU Tandon’s two-week Summer Camp for Machine Learning introduces high school students to fundamental principles of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), including neural networks, linear regression, and model building. The program explores the science behind technologies such as autonomous vehicles, voice recognition, and medical diagnostics. Students encounter more advanced topics in mathematics, computer science, data science, and electrical engineering related to machine learning. Classes are led by Tandon faculty and supported by graduate mentors, ensuring personalized guidance.
9. USC Viterbi CS@SC Summer Camps
Location: Virtual and USC Viterbi School of Engineering, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: $200 for Virtual classes and $600 for In-Person classes, but full scholarships are available
Application Deadline: Varies based on course
Program Dates: 5 weeks from June 23
Eligibility: Students enrolled in Grades 9 – 12
The CS@SC Coding Camps, run by the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, offer high school students a chance to build technical skills in computer science and engineering through focused courses in cybersecurity, game design, Java, mobile app development, Python, and web development. These programs, available both virtually and in person, focus on hands-on programming, software development, and problem-solving techniques not typically covered in standard curricula. Online courses follow a structured two-week schedule with daily sessions, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. Although it isn’t a conventional research program, it offers hands-on coding experience and enhances your understanding of computational thinking, helping you prepare for future studies and careers in engineering and technology.
10. Data Science Academy – Wharton Global Youth Program
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Costs range from $7,899 to $9,799, depending on the particular course. Online courses range from $329 to $4,099
Application Deadline: April 2
Program Dates: July 13 – August 2
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 10-11 with a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA
The Wharton Data Science Academy provides high school students with a practical chance to learn data science skills while addressing real-world issues. You will learn essential skills, including data visualization, data wrangling, and modern machine learning methodologies, with a focus on the R programming language, which is widely used in academia and industry. Guided by expert Wharton instructors and supported by undergraduate and graduate TAs, you will analyze real-world data, engage with guest speakers from the field, and collaborate on a team project presented to peers. Sessions include themes and topics such as Essentials of Finance, Leadership in the Business World (LBW), Data Science Academy, Moneyball Academy, Product Design Academy, and Management & Technology Institute (M&TSI), among others.
11. UPenn Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program (SMP)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Application Deadline: February 21
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Eligibility: Current 9th-10th grade students; International Students welcome
The University of Pennsylvania’s Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) provides a four-week immersive experience that offers exposure to engineering and various other professional fields. Within the School of Engineering & Applied Science, you can participate in hands-on experiences with Penn faculty, developing practical skills in problem-solving, digital literacy, and technical applications related to engineering fields. The program also includes workshops on SAT preparation, financial literacy, and professional development, equipping you with essential skills for academic and career readiness. This initiative aims to support first-generation and underrepresented students by enhancing college access and preparing them for future STEM opportunities.
12. Pathways Program | Maryland Robotics Center
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost/Stipend: Pathways students participating in MRC research will be supported on an hourly basis up to 10 hours per week
Application Deadline: Two weeks before the start of the term/semester you are applying in (check program start dates below)
Program Dates:
- Summer: June 2
- Fall: August 26
Eligibility: High school students are eligible for participation in the Pathways program.
The Maryland Robotics Center offers the MRC Pathways program, a paid research internship for high school and undergraduate students to work with faculty on robotics projects. Supported in part by the Army Research Laboratory through the ArtIAMAS cooperative agreement, the program focuses on advancing robotics, smart systems, and human-machine collaboration. You will acquire practical experience in fields like autonomous navigation, multi-agent systems, AI-driven decision-making, and cybersecurity for connected platforms. The internship provides the opportunity to develop skills in machine learning, system design, and experimental research while contributing to cutting-edge robotics innovations.
13. Carnegie Mellon’s Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: June 21 — August 2
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and in their junior year at the time of application
SAMS (Summer Academy for Math and Science) at Carnegie Mellon University offers high school juniors from underrepresented backgrounds an immersive, six-week experience that advances their knowledge in higher-level math and science while earning college credit. The program, led by CMU faculty, blends rigorous classroom learning with hands-on research projects and includes professional and academic development courses. SAMS culminates in a Symposium where students present their research.
14. GRASP Lab High School Internships – UPenn
Location: GRASP Lab, UPenn, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: 6 weeks during the summer (from early or mid June to July). Check out the documents required here
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Must be a rising senior
- At least 6 weeks of commitment, varies with the internship
- Maintain proper behavior for a research lab
The UPenn GRASP Laboratory provides high school students with summer internships led by faculty, allowing them to participate in robotics research. As an intern, you will work on projects involving autonomous systems, computer vision, machine learning, and robotic perception. The program offers practical experience in designing and testing intelligent systems, while also developing technical skills such as programming, mechanical design, and sensor integration. Selection is at the discretion of individual faculty members, and you are encouraged to contact faculty whose research aligns with your interests.
Bonus – Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of at least 3.3 out of 4; Previous knowledge not required
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides high school students with an in-depth, personalized research experience. Throughout this 12-week program, you’ll collaborate closely with a Ph.D.-level mentor to carry out an independent research project, culminating in a formal research paper. The program covers a broad spectrum of fields, ranging from psychology and data science to engineering and international relations. This structure allows you to develop strong research skills and explore advanced subject matter under expert guidance. You can apply here.
Image source – University of Pennsylvania