Electrical engineering (EE) offers exciting opportunities to explore circuits, microcontrollers, embedded systems, robotics, signal processing, and power electronics. If you participate in an EE program, you’ll get to go beyond theory and gain hands-on experience with real engineering challenges. These programs also help you understand how electrical systems work and develop practical skills that are essential for your future studies or career.
Why should you choose an EE Program in NYC?
New York City is home to leading universities and institutes that open their doors to high school students each year. By joining a local EE program, you can access cutting-edge labs, work on collaborative projects, and learn from experienced instructors while staying close to home. These programs provide a solid foundation in both technical skills and problem-solving abilities. They also offer hands-on experience and the chance to deepen your technical knowledge and work on real engineering projects.
Here is a list of 15 electrical engineering programs for high school students in NYC to explore. However, if you’re interested in exploring other STEM opportunities, check out this blog on STEM programs in NYC or this one on online STEM internships!
15 Electrical Engineering Programs for High School Students in NYC
1. Cooper Union Summer STEM
Location: The Cooper Union, New York, NY
Cost: $3,150 (3-week courses); $5,150 (6-week courses); Financial aid offered
Dates: July 6 – August 13 (multiple sessions)
Application Deadline: March 22
Eligibility: High school students who have completed 9th-11th grade; Rising 9th graders are not eligible
Cooper Union’s Summer STEM program provides a rigorous, in-person opportunity for you to explore engineering and computer science through hands-on projects and college-level coursework. Over three- or six-week sessions, you will engage in immersive courses such as Design and Drawing for Engineering, Water Quality Engineering, and Python for Engineers, among others. The program emphasizes practical problem-solving, prototyping, and digital modeling, with activities including building circuits, designing 3D CAD models, and testing sustainable energy solutions. You’ll have the chance to work closely with Cooper Union faculty and staff, gain mentorship, and collaborate with peers in small teams to tackle real-world engineering challenges. By the end of the course, you will develop technical skills, create tangible projects, and build a portfolio that demonstrates your design thinking and innovation.
2. STEM Saturdays Program
Location: The Cooper Union, New York, NY
Cost: $2,000 – $3,000 per course; Fee waivers available for eligible low- or moderate-income students
Dates: Varies by course
Application Deadline: Opens on August 7
Eligibility: NYC residents in 9th-11th grade; Priority given to students with little or no prior exposure to Engineering or Computer Science
The STEM Saturdays Program offers you an immersive, project-based introduction to STEM fields, emphasizing design thinking, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Courses such as 3D Printing Meets Wearable Tech & Design, Mechanics & Electronics for Emergency Response, and Swift in Motion: App Development Essentials introduce core electrical-engineering-adjacent skills, including basic electronics, embedded systems thinking, hardware–software integration, and applied circuitry. Through hands-on projects, you’ll prototype devices, experiment with electronic components, and build interactive systems that mirror real engineering workflows. Each class meets in person at Cooper Union’s School of Engineering, allowing you to work directly in engineering labs, collaborate with peers, and engage with instructors experienced in EE and related disciplines. The program is especially valuable for students without access to engineering or computer science courses at their schools, helping you develop a foundational engineering skill set and an early technical identity.
3. Summer Engineering Awareness Program
Location: Manhattan University, Bronx, NY
Cost: Free
Program Date: Multiple sessions
Application Deadline: April 25
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
Manhattan College strives to introduce you to careers in engineering, math, and science through the Summer Engineering Awareness Program. This intensive program combines hands-on lab experiments with classroom learning, covering chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, and mechanical engineering, as well as physics. As a participant, you will explore topics such as AI strategies, robotics, green building and sustainability, geotechnical engineering, and computer-aided design. The program also includes guest lectures, industry site visits, and guidance on scholarships, financial aid, and career pathways in STEM fields. You’ll gain exposure to real-world engineering practices, mentorship opportunities, and insights into related fields such as law, business, and medicine, building both technical knowledge and professional awareness.
4. Innovation & Entrepreneurship for Smart Cities (ieSoSC)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Program Date: July 6 – August 7 (ieSoSC I); July 13 – August 7 (ieSoSC II)
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: NYC current 9th to rising 11th graders (15+)
ieSoSC is a five-week immersive program that combines technology, entrepreneurship, and smart city innovation. As a participant, you will develop coding, electrical engineering (EE), and electronics skills, including sensor integration and circuit design, while engaging in product prototyping. The program also introduces business strategies, such as project management, pitching, and intellectual property considerations. You’ll participate in hands-on workshops, team-based projects, and theater-based communication training to strengthen both technical and presentation skills. Collaborative projects provide practical experience designing innovative solutions for urban challenges. By the end of the program, you will have the skills to ideate, prototype, and present projects relevant to the future of smart cities, combining engineering expertise with entrepreneurial insight.
5. The New York City School Construction Authority (SCA) High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Various SCA departments and business partner companies in New York City, NY
Stipend: $16.50/hour
Program Date: July 6 – August 14
Application Deadline: January 5 – March 6
Eligibility: NYC public high school students in good academic standing
The High School Summer Internship Program will immerse you in real-world projects across architecture, engineering, construction management, IT, business, and public administration, with a strong emphasis on electrical engineering and EE-adjacent disciplines. You’ll work four days with your assigned host and spend one day in educational workshops, panel discussions, and site tours. You’ll gain hands-on experience using professional tools like AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, and industry software while learning workplace etiquette and project workflows. Career mentoring and networking with professionals enhance your understanding of potential STEM and design pathways, particularly in electrical and systems engineering. The program develops both technical and interpersonal skills essential for future academic and professional success.
6. Hk Maker Lab Summer Engineering Design Program
Location: HYPOTHEkids, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Program Date: July 6 – 24 (phase I); July 27 – August 7 (phase II)
Application Deadline: December 5
Eligibility: Rising 11th or 12th grade students attending NYC public or charter high schools; Must demonstrate educational or economic disadvantage through ENI, family income, or public housing status
This five-week program immerses you in hands-on engineering and design principles under guidance from Columbia Engineering faculty. The program is divided into two phases: Columbia Engineering’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers, AKA SHAPE (or phase I) and the Hackathon for Health Equity (or phase II). The first three weeks (phase I) are spent completing courses in areas like Biomedical Engineering or Innovation and Design, building technical skills, and gaining familiarity with professional engineering tools and EE concepts. The final two weeks (phase II) focus on a Hackathon for Health Equity, where you’ll work in interdisciplinary teams to design digital solutions addressing real health disparities. You’ll gain exposure to mentorship, collaborative problem solving, and project management, while joining a supportive alumni network and accessing pathways to future paid internships and STEAM opportunities.
7. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) at NYU
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $1,000
Program Date: June 1 – August 14
Application Deadline: January 6 – February 21
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors attending NYC public or charter high schools
ARISE is a ten-week summer program at NYU Tandon that combines foundational STEM training with hands-on research experience. The first four weeks focus on lab safety, research skills, and college writing workshops. In the remaining six weeks, you will work in over 80 research labs across disciplines such as bioengineering, civil engineering, robotics, molecular biology, and data science, assisting faculty and researchers on real projects. You will gain ~120 hours of lab experience, develop communication and presentation skills, network with industry professionals, and present your research at the AMNH Poster Symposium. Additional benefits include college application guidance, mentorship, and access to a broad alumni network.
8. Engineering the Next Generation (ENG)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Stipend: $17/hour
Program Date: July 6 – August 13
Application Deadline: December 2 – January 12 (FoR), March 1 (CS3)
Eligibility: Rising 11th graders attending NYC high schools; Must be legally allowed to work in NYC
Engineering the Next Generation (ENG) is a six-week summer program where you’ll work alongside Columbia Engineering researchers on real-world projects in biomedical, computer science, environmental, and other engineering fields. You’ll gain hands-on research experience, attend science communication and college prep workshops, and engage in multi-level mentorship. ENG offers two tracks: Foundations of Research (FoR) and Center for Smart Streetscapes (CS3). They allow you to explore traditional and urban-focused engineering challenges. You’ll also attend supplemental seminars, benefit from professional development, and foster technical, academic, and career skills in STEM.
9. Residential Engineering Summer Program
Location: Manhattan College, Bronx, NY
Cost: $2,500
Dates: August 2 – 8
Application Deadline: January 16 – February 28
Eligibility: High school students (16+) currently in 10th or 11th grade
Manhattan College’s Residential Engineering Summer Program is an immersive one-week experience designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, and mechanical engineering. While living on campus, you will engage in hands-on lab activities, explore New York City, and meet industry professionals to discuss career pathways. The program emphasizes practical skills, mentorship, and exposure to real-world engineering applications, providing a foundation for future academic and professional pursuits. Daily sessions include engineering workshops, presentations, and applied projects, allowing you to experience both the technical and collaborative aspects of engineering in a residential setting.
10. New York Institute of Technology: High School Summer Maker Academy
Location: Long Island Campus and New York City Campus, NY
Cost: $250 per program session
Program Dates: July 21 – 25; July 28 – August 1; August 11 – 15
Deadline: May 6 (rolling)
Eligibility: High school students ages 14-18
The High School Summer Maker Academy at New York Tech is a hands-on, project-based engineering program centered on real-world sustainability challenges. You’ll choose between two themed tracks aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals: Clean Water and Sanitation or Sustainable Cities and Communities. Working in small teams, you’ll design and build functional prototypes using tools like Arduino, PCB design, 3D modeling, laser cutting, and soldering. Projects range from autonomous water-delivery vehicles to tech-enabled smart city structures, emphasizing environmental impact and systems thinking. Guided by engineering faculty and lab professionals, you’ll take ideas from concept to prototype and present your work in a final showcase, gaining practical engineering, electronics, and collaborative design experience.
11. Columbia Engineering’s SHAPE Program
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $5,880 (commuter) or $10,705 (residential); Limited need-based scholarships offered
Program Date: Session 1: July 6 – July 24; Session 2: July 27 – August 14
Application Deadline: November 25 – March 2
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, as well as recent high school graduates (residential option limited to students aged 16+ attending U.S. schools)
Columbia Engineering’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) is a selective, college-level program designed for students who want a serious introduction to engineering before college. You’ll take intensive, project-based engineering courses—like the Electrical Engineering: Harnessing the Energy of the Sun course—taught by Columbia University faculty, with an emphasis on applied problem solving, design thinking, and hands-on lab work. The curriculum mirrors undergraduate engineering instruction, giving you exposure to academic rigor, collaborative learning, and technical expectations at a top-tier research university. With rolling admissions and a competitive applicant pool, SHAPE is best suited for motivated students exploring engineering pathways in a demanding academic environment.
12. TryEngineering Summer Institute: Engineering Summer Camp
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $4,495; Scholarships are offered
Program Date: Session 1: July 12 – 20; Session 2: July 24 – August 1
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served; Rolling
Eligibility: High school students ages 14-17
TryEngineering Summer Institute: Engineering Summer Camp is a pre-college program providing a comprehensive introduction to engineering disciplines. As a participant, you’ll engage in hands-on projects across electrical, mechanical, aerospace, and civil engineering, collaborate on building circuits, robots, gliders, and bridges, and attend interactive workshops with industry speakers. You’ll explore NYC, experience campus life at Columbia University, and participate in a field trip to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. You’ll also develop teamwork, problem-solving, and technical skills while cultivating leadership, confidence, and a passion for innovation.
13. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Program Date: 8-10 weeks
Application Deadline: April
Eligibility: High school students across the U.S.
The SPARK Summer Mentorship Program is a selective mentorship-based experience that connects motivated high school students with professionals across industry, research, and academia. Through a structured matching process based on interests and goals, you’ll work closely with an assigned mentor to explore a specific field while gaining exposure to professional workflows and expectations. The program emphasizes hands-on, in-depth learning rather than classroom instruction, allowing you to develop practical skills, career clarity, and independent thinking. Past participants have collaborated on advanced projects, including research and software development, with some co-authoring IEEE papers or competing in national science and engineering competitions. Mentorship relationships often extend beyond the summer, supporting continued academic and technical growth. Overall, SPARK offers a focused, relationship-driven pathway to explore careers, build research experience, and develop professional confidence early.
14. Columbia University NYC Residential Summer Program
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $12,764 per 3-week session
Program Date: Session A: June 29 – July 17; Session B: July 21 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 2 (Early); March 2 (General)
Eligibility: High school students turning 16 by December 31
This pre-college program places you in a structured academic environment where you take one intensive, college-level course taught by expert instructors, spending about four hours per day in class. While not exclusively focused on electrical engineering, the STEM catalog includes relevant offerings such as robotics, circuits and electronics, computer engineering fundamentals, data science, and applied physics, all of which align closely with EE pathways. Many of these courses emphasize lab work, system design, and problem-solving skills that are foundational to electrical and computer engineering. You’ll work within a collegiate setting, gaining experience with lecture-based instruction, analytical assignments, and project-driven coursework. Residential life provides access to campus resources like libraries, maker spaces, and faculty-led events that mirror real university expectations. Together, this structure helps you build strong academic habits, explore EE-adjacent coursework, and engage with peers pursuing rigorous STEM study.
15. Electrical and Computer Engineering Summer Program
Location: Manhattan University, New York, NY
Cost: $400 before May 1; $500 before July 1
Program Dates: July 27 – 30
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising 10th and 11th graders
This weeklong Electrical and Computer Engineering program introduces you to core ECE concepts through hands-on labs, applied workshops, and real-world engineering challenges. You’ll explore how electrical and computer engineers design, build, and test systems that power modern technology, with sessions led by faculty and supported by practical lab work. The curriculum emphasizes applied problem-solving, giving you exposure to both hardware- and software-driven engineering pathways. You’ll also engage with industry-facing perspectives through professional visits and conversations with faculty, alumni, and engineers working in the field. The program is designed to help you test your interest in ECE while building foundational technical literacy before college. Overall, it offers a compact but rigorous introduction to how electrical and computer engineering connects theory, experimentation, and real-world impact.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, materials science, robotics, and engineering design, 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!
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