If you’re a high school student interested in aerospace engineering, joining a summer research program is one of the most accessible ways to start learning early. These programs let you explore core aerospace topics like flight mechanics, aerodynamics, propulsion, spacecraft systems, and structural design while working on real projects.
You may design and test model rockets and gliders, analyze flight data, work with simulation software, and apply engineering principles to real-world problems. You’ll also develop skills in coding, data analysis, teamwork, and technical communication.
To help you find the right fit, here are 15 aerospace engineering summer research programs for high school students.
15 Aerospace Engineering Summer Research Programs for High School Students
1. Horizon Academic Research Program – Engineering track
Horizon Academic Research Program offers a trimester-long opportunity for high school students to explore college-level research in subjects like engineering, biology, political theory, and more.
If you’re interested in the intersection of sustainability, health, and engineering, the Environmental Health and Engineering track lets you study how human systems affect ecosystems and how design and technology can offer solutions.
You’ll explore topics like urban infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, and environmental policy, with links to aerospace systems and resource management. After choosing a research focus, you’ll work one-on-one with a mentor to develop a university-level research paper. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Cost: Financial aid 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 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.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program- Engineering Track
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective research opportunity that lets high school students work one-on-one with PhD mentors from top universities. The program is fully online and designed to help you explore a topic of interest by guiding you through the full research process.
Over 12 weeks, you’ll develop a research question, learn how to conduct a literature review, apply field-specific methods, and write an academic-style research paper. You can choose from a wide range of subjects, including engineering, data science, political theory, biology, economics, and more.
By the end of the program, you’ll have produced a research paper that reflects your independent thinking and subject knowledge. Apply now!
Location: Virtual
Cost: Individual Research Program: $2,990; Premium Research and Publication Program: $5,900; Research Fellowship: $8,900; Professor Premium Publication Program: $8,900. Some need-based scholarships are 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: All high school students can apply!
3. NASA Johnson Space Center’s Texas High School Aerospace Scholars
Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) is a free, year-long program for Texas high school juniors interested in STEM and space exploration. It starts with a four-month online course that covers Earth and space science, aeronautics, and NASA technology.
You’ll complete assignments, design projects, and join discussions while interacting with NASA experts through virtual sessions. A select group from this session may also get the chance to attend a four-day, in-person program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Location: Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, and Online Experience
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Unpaid. (Upon successful completion of the online portion of the course, students will be awarded a 0.5 Science elective credit.)
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in October.
Program Dates: This is a year-long program. October-April(Online course) | Onsite Residential Experience in July. More information here.
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school juniors who are U.S. citizens residing in Texas.
4. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
The AFRL Scholars Program is a paid summer internship for high school juniors and seniors interested in aerospace, engineering, and defense technologies. You’ll work with scientists and engineers at an Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) site, contribute to real research projects, and tour active lab facilities.
You can choose up to three research areas when applying, such as signal analysis, electromagnetic systems, simulation testing, or software development. A list of available mentors can be found online here.
Location: AFRL Scholar internship opportunities are offered at several locations across the United States, depending on the program.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; weekly stipends are provided based on the education level of the students and the GS pay scale.
Application Deadline: The applications typically close in January
Dates: The dates vary for different programs
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen, at least 16 years old, with a recommended 3.0 GPA, and available for full-time summer work
5. Cornell Engineering High School Outreach Program’s CURIE Academy
The CURIE Academy, offered through Cornell Engineering’s High School Outreach Program, is a summer opportunity for high school students interested in engineering, including areas related to aerospace. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on projects and provides support from Cornell faculty and research staff.
As a participant, you’ll engage in activities such as building and testing model rockets, conducting basic experiments, and learning about current topics in aerospace technology. The program focuses on helping you strengthen your understanding of engineering concepts while working alongside peers who share your interest in the field.
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: $1,900 (Includes room, board/meals, and research supplies). Scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: February 15
Dates: July 13–19
Eligibility: Must be a high school sophomore or junior with a minimum 3.0 GPA and strong math and science grades
6. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute
The Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) is a four-week STEM program focused on hands-on, project-based learning. It offers courses in various areas, including aerospace engineering.
The “Remote Sensing for Disaster Response” course teaches you to use Python for processing geospatial data and analyzing satellite and aerial images to support disaster management. In “Autonomous Air Vehicle Racing,” you’ll learn about the software, electronics, and aerodynamics involved in operating drones independently.
Another course, “Unmanned Air System–Synthetic Aperture Radar,” involves building a radar imaging system that combines drones, radio frequency hardware, and data analysis. BWSI brings together students from different backgrounds to work on specialized technical projects. Make sure to check the current course listing here.
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA (Virtual options are available).
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program Dates: July 7 — August 3.
Eligibility: High school juniors (11th grade) attending school in the U.S. can apply.
7. NASA and UT Austin’s SEES High School Summer Intern Program
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) internship is a research program for high school students, organized by the University of Texas at Austin in collaboration with NASA. It offers the chance to work with Earth and space science data while learning about how this information is used in real-world research.
The program begins with online modules that introduce key Earth science topics and basic Python programming. In July, selected students travel to the University of Texas at Austin for in-person research alongside NASA scientists.
Projects may include interpreting remote sensing data, studying ice sheet behavior, planning space missions, or examining variations in Earth’s gravity. The internship ends with a presentation of your research at a closing symposium.
Location: Hybrid. The on-site portion of the internship is conducted at the University of Texas at Austin, TX.
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates: May to August, with on-site experience typically starting in July. Here are all the key dates.
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors in the US can apply.
8. Boston University’s Research in Science and Engineering (RISE) Internship Track
The CURIE Academy, hosted by Cornell University’s College of Engineering, is a summer program for high school students interested in engineering, including aerospace topics. You’ll work on hands-on projects like designing and testing model rockets, running simple experiments, and exploring real-world challenges in aerospace and related fields. Cornell faculty and research staff lead the sessions, helping you build a stronger foundation in core engineering concepts.
Location: Boston, MA
Cost: $5700 tuition fees. More information here.
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: June 29 — August 8 (residential) | June 30 — August 8 (commuter)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are US citizens are eligible.
9. UIUC Illinois Aerospace Institute (IAI) Summer Program
The University of Illinois Engineering Summer Programs offer high school students the chance to explore aerospace engineering through hands-on projects and guided instruction. The program is held on campus and is best suited for juniors and seniors, but no previous experience in aerospace is required.
You’ll learn about flight mechanics, aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials used in aircraft and spacecraft. Through workshops and activities, you’ll design and build model gliders and egg-drop landers. All materials are provided, and staff are available to help you during the building process.
Location: Urbana, IL (virtual option is available).
Cost: $1,000 (on-campus fee) | $150 (virtual camp fee). Scholarships are available for each camp.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all slots are filled.
Program Dates: June 22–28 (Residential) | July 13–19 (Residential) | July 20–26 (Virtual)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 can apply.
10. MIT Lincoln Laboratory High School Internship Program
The MIT Lincoln Laboratory Summer High School Internship Program is for rising seniors from the New England region who want to explore STEM fields before college. You’ll work with mentors at the lab on hands-on projects that build technical and teamwork skills in a research setting.
If you’re interested in aerospace, you might join projects on radar systems, electronic warfare, or missile defense. Other options include sensor development for air travel, weather tracking, automation tools, or satellite systems for space and Earth observation.
Location: Lexington, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend is provided.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March (tentative, based on previous years’ dates)
Dates: Typically 4 weeks in July and August (tentatively, based on previous year dates).
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen, a local rising high school senior, and at least 16 years old before the program starts
11. NSLC – High School Summer Aerospace Program
The NSLC Aerospace Summer Program introduces high school students to key areas of aerospace engineering through a mix of technical projects and group work. You’ll take part in building and testing various systems, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, model rockets, gliders, wind turbines, and payload delivery mechanisms.
The program also includes instruction in skills like soldering, computer-aided design (CAD), propulsion systems, and flight dynamics. In addition to hands-on activities, you’ll hear from professionals working in the field and visit relevant sites, giving you a broader view of how aerospace engineering is applied in real-world settings.
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD | Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost: $4195 (Residential Program)
Application Deadline: NSLC will continue to accept applications if space is available in a program or on a program’s waitlist. The online enrollment application will display all current availability.
Program Dates: Multiple sessions are offered. You can check the exact dates here.
Eligibility: Students must be between the ages of 14–18 and have completed at least one year of high school (students may attend NSLC through the summer following high school graduation).
12. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Programs
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships to high school and college students at various NASA centers across the country. You will gain experience in areas such as science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, and communications, as well as in fields like finance, IT, and public outreach.
One past example is the ESEA (Equity Strategies for Emerging Aviation) internship, where you’ll research advancements in electric propulsion and automation, and examine how these technologies could influence future transportation systems for both people and goods.
As an intern, you’ll work with mentors and contribute to ongoing projects, which may involve designing experiments, analyzing data from missions, or developing new technologies.
Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities. Depending on the project, interns will work either remotely or on-site at any of NASA’s 10 field centers across the country.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session duration.
Application Deadline: Summer: February 27
Program Dates: Vary depending on the opportunity (10-week program during the summer, from late May or early June to August).
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen, at least 16 years old, have a 3.0 GPA, and be a full-time student or part-time college student with 6+ semester hours.
13. MITES Summer
The MITES Summer Program at MIT is for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in science and engineering. It’s a free, six-week residential program that includes academic courses, research projects, and hands-on activities.
If you’re interested in aerospace, you might design and test simple systems as part of your coursework. You’ll study with MIT faculty, work with peers from across the country, and explore real-world engineering problems. The program helps you build technical skills and prepares you for future study in STEM.
Location: MIT
Cost: Free
Program dates: 6 weeks — Late June to Early August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors; underrepresented, underserved, and first-generation students are especially encouraged to apply.
14. North Carolina State University Look Up! Way Up! Program
Look Up! Way Up! is a summer program at NC State University for high school juniors and seniors interested in aerospace and mechanical engineering. You’ll explore how aircraft fly, how engines work, and how engineers design safe and efficient structures.
The program combines lectures with hands-on labs, including airfoil design, wind tunnel testing, and electronic controls. You’ll build and fly a model airplane, use flight simulators, and visit local airports.
Location: North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
Cost: $1,500, limited financial aid available
Application Deadline: March 28
Program Dates: June 15–20 | July 6–11 | July 13–18
Eligibility: Open to 11th or 12th graders in fall; homeschooled, out-of-state, and international students can apply
15. Sally Ride Science Academy
The Sally Ride Science Academy, run by UC San Diego, offers summer workshops for students in grades 3–12 to explore different STEM fields. The program includes both in-person and online options over four weeks.
For students interested in aerospace, the Deep Space Base Building workshop introduces concepts related to space exploration and engineering. Workshops are led by UC San Diego instructors and cover a range of topics, such as programming and design, with activities tailored to different age groups.
Location: In person at UCSD, San Diego, or virtual.
Cost: Variable based on selected course.
Application Deadline: June 6
Program Dates: July 7 — July 25
Eligibility: Open to high school students.
Image source – UCSD, Extended Studies