If you’re a high school student curious about how hardware and software come together to solve real-world problems, computer engineering summer programs for high school students offer a solid starting point.
Computer engineering summer programs for high school students go beyond classroom theory, giving you hands-on experience with microcontrollers, embedded systems, robotics, and circuit design. Whether you’re programming FPGAs, simulating logic gates, or building physical computing projects, you’ll develop the technical fluency that underlies modern engineering.
Many computer engineering summer programs for high school students are project-based and collaborative, helping you build a portfolio while learning to troubleshoot like an engineer. They’re also a good way to figure out whether you enjoy the intersection of electrical engineering and computer science, and whether you want to go deeper in the field through research, college courses, or future internships.
Here are computer 15 engineering summer programs for high school students.
15 Computer Engineering Summer Programs for High School Students
1. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: AI Scholars: generally accessible, AI Fellowship: moderately selective | AI Scholars: 5:1 student/mentor ratio, AI Fellowship: 1:1 student/mentor ratio
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers two programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program is designed for students looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI and data science and work on real-world projects. The AI Fellowship program is a more advanced program where you will work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. You will have access to the in-house publication team to help you secure publications in high school research journals. You can apply here.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: 10-25% | 500 spots as per last year
Dates: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year across four cohorts: spring (March–June), summer (June–August), fall (September–December), and winter (December–February)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale are encouraged to apply
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous 12-week research program tailored for high school students. It offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities with Ph.D. mentors across a broad range of subject areas like Biology, Medicine, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Physics, Math, Astrophysics, History, Computer Science, Psychology, Data Science, Engineering, and more. You will receive weekly mentorship, feedback, and guidance in research design, literature review, and academic writing. At the end of 12 weeks, you’ll have developed an independent research paper. You can earn a UCSD credit upon completion of the program. You can find more details about the application here.
3. NYU Summer Program for Automation, Robotics, and Coding (SPARC)
Location: New York University, NY
Cost/Stipend: $3,300 + $638 housing fee & $398 mandatory meal plan | None
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: 6% | 30 students
Dates: Session 1: June 16 – June 27 | Session 2: July 7 – July 18 | Session 3: July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: 15 May
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 15 or older by the program start date
Designed for high school students interested in hands-on engineering, SPARC is a two-week, full-day summer program that introduces core principles of robotics, coding, and automation. You’ll work with sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers to build interactive systems and explore the foundations of mechatronics. The curriculum covers a wide range of technical topics—microcontroller architecture, electrical circuits, sensor interfacing, and programming constructs such as loops and conditionals. You’ll apply this knowledge while building robotic devices using components from a provided kit. By the end of the session, you’ll have built working prototypes, developed comfort with embedded systems, and gained insight into how software and hardware interact in engineered systems.
4. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs
Location: NASA centers across the U.S. | Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free | Amount unspecified, but provided based on academic level and session duration
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: Highly competitive | Varies as per program
Dates: May – August (10 weeks)
Application deadline: February 27
Eligibility: U.S. citizens | Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) | Full-time high school student | At least 16 years old at the time of application
NASA’s OSTEM internships offer high school students a chance to contribute to real aerospace and engineering projects at NASA facilities across the country. During the internship, you’ll work alongside scientists and engineers on active research and development problems, gaining experience in coding, systems design, robotics, and algorithm development. The internships are project-based and vary depending on your placement, but all emphasize technical problem-solving and collaboration. The program also provides mentorship, technical training, and career development guidance, and you’ll build experience using engineering workflows within a federal agency context. If you’re looking to explore the intersection of aerospace and tech through meaningful work, this is an efficient way to do it.
5. Boston University’s Research in Science and Engineering (RISE) Internship
Location: Boston University, MA
Cost/Stipend: $5,700 + $485 service fee + $60 application fee; additional fee for room & board – $3,276–$3,600 depending on number of meals per week; limited financial aid available | None
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: Highly competitive | 130 students
Dates: Residential; June 29-August 8, Commuter; June 30-August 8
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are U.S. citizens
Boston University’s RISE program allows you to work on university-level research in a lab alongside faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. You will explore computer engineering through hands-on experimentation, data analysis, and independent inquiry. You’ll spend six weeks immersed in research, whether that’s building circuits, modeling systems with CAD, or analyzing data from embedded sensors, depending on your lab placement. The program is structured to help you sharpen both your technical and communication skills, with a research abstract and presentation rounding out your experience. RISE is best suited if you’re ready for an academically demanding environment that expects independence, initiative, and a strong interest in scientific inquiry.
6. MITES Summer Program (MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free | None
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: Approximately 3% | 80-100 students
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors | U.S. citizens or permanent residents (Students from underrepresented, underserved, or first-generation backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply)
MITES is a six-week residential program at MIT designed for high-achieving high school juniors to explore STEM fields—especially engineering and computer science. You’ll take intensive, college-level courses across subjects like calculus, physics, biology, and chemistry, while also participating in hands-on lab work and engineering design challenges. The program emphasizes academic rigor and problem-solving, with projects that often involve building, coding, and applying computational methods to engineering tasks. Beyond the technical curriculum, you’ll gain exposure to research and mentorship from MIT faculty and current students. MITES is ideal if you’re exploring engineering or science as a career path and are looking for a challenging, community-driven summer experience focused on equity in STEM.
7. Carnegie Mellon University Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free | None
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: 10% | 110-120
Dates: 6 weeks (June 21-August 2)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: 11th grade at the time of application submission | At least 16 years old by the program start date | U.S. citizen or permanent resident
SAMS is a residential summer program at Carnegie Mellon University that offers an accelerated STEM curriculum for students interested in engineering, mathematics, and computer science. Over six weeks, you’ll take advanced coursework in areas like mathematical reasoning, programming, and problem-solving, while also working on team-based engineering and coding projects. Expect a mix of lectures, hands-on lab work, and collaborative design challenges—culminating in a final group project where you present a functional prototype or research outcome. SAMS is academically intense, with support structures in place to help you navigate the pace. It’s a strong fit if you’re looking for exposure to STEM research, college-level coursework, and a tight-knit peer group with shared academic goals.
8. Engineering Summer Academy at Penn (ESAP)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, PA
Cost/Stipend: $9,090; limited financial aid may be available for highly qualified applicants | None
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: Highly competitive | 250-300 students
Dates: July 6-25
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising sophomores through rising seniors who are at least 15 years old | Minimum 3.0 GPA
ESAP is a three-week academic summer program where you’ll explore applied computer science and engineering at Penn’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. You’ll work on structured projects that teach you how to code, design systems, and think algorithmically. If you enroll in the computer science track, expect a hands-on introduction to object-oriented programming and core concepts like loops, abstraction, modularity, and arrays—using languages like Python and Java. The robotics track dives into embedded systems and control theory, with lab time devoted to building and programming autonomous devices. ESAP is project-heavy, so you’ll leave with a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to build working systems—useful for future applications.
9. Boston Leadership Institute Engineering Research Program
Location: Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: $2,097; financial aid available | None
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: Competitive | Not specified
Dates: July 14 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students
In this three-week program, you’ll investigate areas tied to computer and mechanical engineering topics such as circuit design, materials analysis, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics, while learning how engineers approach complex problem-solving. You’ll work in teams or independently to complete a research-driven project, diving into design iterations, testing methods, and data analysis. The program emphasizes both technical depth and communication skills, culminating in a formal presentation of your project findings. If you’re curious about how engineering research happens in real-world settings and want to sharpen both your technical and presentation skills, this program offers a solid starting point.
10. Tufts University Pre‑College: Engineering & Computer Science Programmes
Location: Tufts University, Medford/Somerville, MA
Cost/Stipend: Varies as per course | None
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: 9-15% | Not specified
Dates: Varies based on program; between July-August
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students entering 10-12 grades
Tufts’ two-week summer programs deep dive into engineering and computer science, featuring courses like Engineering with Artificial Intelligence, Engineering Investigations, Engineering Design Lab, and Coding Academy. These cohorts combine expert-led instruction with hands-on projects, whether you’re implementing AI models, solving real-world engineering challenges, or building software systems. You’ll learn directly from Tufts faculty and graduate students, engage in small-group collaboration, and build projects that strengthen both your technical skills and analytical thinking. By the end of each session, you’ll have a portfolio-worthy project, college-level coursework experience, and access to peer networks and faculty mentors.
11. Vaughn College’s Computer Engineering Summer Academy Program
Location: Vaughn College, Queens, NY
Cost/Stipend: Not specified | None
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: Generally high | Not specified
Dates: July 14 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and college students with an interest in computer engineering, AI, or cybersecurity
Vaughn College’s three-week Computer Engineering Summer Academy gives a practical introduction to rapidly growing fields like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity. Through daily in-person sessions, you’ll explore both foundational and intermediate topics—from understanding how blockchain secures digital transactions to training basic AI models and analyzing real-world cyber threats. The curriculum blends theory with hands-on exercises, giving you a 360° view of how these technologies work and interact. You’ll engage with tools and concepts used in industry while developing problem-solving skills critical to any tech-focused career. This is a strong option if you’re curious about computer engineering and want exposure to multiple specialties before college.
12. MIT Women’s Technology Program (WTP)
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free for students with family adjusted gross income of $120,000 or less; $2,000 – $15,000 for income between $120,000 and $400,000+ | None
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: 6 – 10% | 60 students
Dates: June 28 – July 26
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Female high school juniors who live and attend school in the U.S.
The MIT Women’s Technology Program (WTP) is a four-week summer residential experience where 60 female high school students explore engineering through hands-on classes, labs, and team projects. You’ll learn directly from MIT graduate students in a collaborative and rigorous academic environment and engage deeply with engineering principles through practical activities. Students typically focus on either Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), where they work in teams on challenging engineering projects such as designing and building Rube Goldberg machines or exploring analytical and computational problems. However, please note that the EECS track is discontinued for the summer of 2025.
13. Stanford Summer Session – Computer Science and Engineering
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $1,447 – $7,235 depending on the course | None
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: 15-30% | 300-550 students
Dates: June 23 – August 17
Application Deadline: February 12
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are at least 16 years old and not entering Stanford as first-year students | Specific computer science and engineering courses have prerequisites such as CS 106A and CS 106B
Stanford Summer Session offers high school students the opportunity to experience college-level academics at a top-tier research university. During the eight-week term, you can choose from a wide range of for-credit courses in computer science and engineering, including options like Introduction to Computer Science, Programming Abstractions, Web Applications, Machine Learning, and Robotics. Whether you’re just getting started with coding or want to explore specialized topics in depth, the program provides academic flexibility while earning a Stanford credit. You’ll study alongside Stanford undergraduates and visiting college students in small, rigorous classes while gaining a firsthand look at university life.
14. AEOP (Army Educational Outreach Program) High School Internships
Location: Multiple U.S. Army research labs, university centers, and defense R&D facilities across the country
Cost/Stipend: Free | Provided (varies by site)
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: <15% | Generally more than 300 across locations
Dates: Summer sessions lasting 5–10 weeks (typically between May and August), depending on the specific site
Application Deadline: Rolling (opens around December; close dates depend on the specific location)
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Site-specific requirements apply
The AEOP High School Internships connect you with university researchers and Department of Defense scientists on real-world STEM challenges. Depending on the site, you might work in areas like AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and computer engineering, some placements focus specifically on coding, machine learning, or control systems. Through direct mentorship and hands-on lab work, you’ll gain experience with cutting-edge tools and techniques while building vital research skills and professional networks. These internships are highly selective and they prepare you for future STEM study and careers. Each location varies in specialization and schedule, so it’s important to research specific labs for available computer engineering projects.
15. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Department of Navy research labs across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Free | $4,000 stipend for new participants, $4,500 for returners
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: 3-13% | 100+
Dates: 8-week internship during summer with optional 2-week extension
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in high school or early college courses | Age 16 or older by the program start date | Graduating seniors may apply; some labs may have additional criteria.
SEAP is a paid summer research program hosted by the U.S. Department of the Navy that places high school students in Navy labs to work alongside professional scientists and engineers. You’ll spend the summer contributing to real research projects in fields ranging from computer engineering and robotics to materials science and fluid dynamics. You’ll be matched with a lab based on your interests, which means you might end up modeling systems in ANSYS, helping with cybersecurity simulations, or analyzing components of naval tech. The program emphasizes mentorship and hands-on work, making it a solid option if you’re looking to explore engineering in a structured research setting.
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 – NYU