If you’re an Arizona-based high school student interested in engineering, a summer research program is a great way to get hands-on experience. It also gives you an insight into how engineering works in the real world.
You might work on complex projects such as simulating secure finance systems in Python to identify vulnerabilities, developing medical devices like robotic surgery tools and advanced imaging technology, or improving transportation systems, including autonomous vehicles and electric aircraft..
Because these programs are offered by Arizona-based universities and research centers, or online, they are more affordable than out-of-state programs since they reduce travel and housing costs. Some engineering research summer programs for high school students in Arizona may also offer reduced fees or scholarships for locals.
To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of 15 engineering research summer programs for high school students in Arizona. We’ve also included a few virtual programs in engineering research that allow students in Arizona to apply.
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program — Engineering Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,990. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; the upcoming summer cohort deadline is June 23.
Dates: The program runs in four cohorts: spring (March–June), summer (June–August), fall (September–December), and winter (December–February).
Eligibility: Current high school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week opportunity for high school students to explore a topic of their choice by working on an independent research project with 1:1 guidance from a PhD mentor. You can choose from a wide range of subjects in engineering such as Biotechnology, Chemical & Biology Engineering, Software Development Systems, Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Deep Learning. The program includes workshops on research methods and support for writing a full-length research paper. Along with one-on-one mentoring, you’ll get help from a writing coach to shape and improve your research topic. You can check the application details here.
2. Ladder Internships – Engineering Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,490. Financial aid available
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; the next deadline for the summer cohort is June 23.
Dates: Programs run for 8 to 16 weeks, with multiple cohorts offered year-round in the spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students, undergrads, or gap year students who can work 10–20 hours a week for 8–16 weeks
Ladder Internships, founded by Harvard alumni, is a selective program that connects high school students with remote internships at global startups and nonprofits. Y Combinator has backed many of these startups, and their founders have experience at companies like Google, McKinsey, and Microsoft. Internships are available in engineering fields where you will work on real projects in the organization where you will be placed with and present your work at the end. You’ll also develop communication and time management skills, take part in group sessions with other interns, and get support from both a site manager and a Ladder coach. You can check the application form.
3. Helios Scholars at TGen
Location: TGen’s main headquarters, Phoenix, AZ | Pathogen Genomics Division in Flagstaff, AZ
Cost | Stipend: Free | $14.70 per hour
Application Deadline: February 5
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Eligibility: U.S. work authorization | At least 16 years old and will graduate from an Arizona high school by June 9
In this program, you’ll work on a biomedical research project alongside a TGen scientist on neurological disorders, cancer, diabetes, public health, pathogens like Valley Fever, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The program offers internships in computational biology, lab research, bioinformatics, statistics, math, and research administration. You will work at least 32 hours per week and learn about biomedical topics like developing medical devices, studying biological systems, and related research. The program also includes seminars on professional skills, career exploration in biosciences, scientific writing, research presentations, networking events, and a final symposium where you’ll present your work.
4. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Offered at several lab locations across the country, including Arizona
Cost | Stipend: Free | New participants – $4,000, returning participants – $4,500
Application Deadline: November 1
Dates: 8-week internship during summer with optional 2-week extension
Eligibility: High school students who have finished at least 9th grade | U.S. citizens | At least 16 years old, including graduating seniors | Check if your chosen lab has any additional requirements or exceptions
In this eight-week summer internship, you will work with Navy scientists and engineers on real research projects in the Department of Navy labs. It covers areas like engineering, computer science, math, oceanography, physics, meteorology, chemistry, biology, environmental science, astronomy, and more. You can list up to three lab choices and the internship matches projects suited to your interests. If you’re looking for engineering opportunities in Arizona, the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) in Flagstaff offers internships. You will work with an astronomer or engineer on a research or telescope engineering project. You’ll also analyze telescope images, use data processing tools, and apply concepts from astronomy, math, physics, and programming.
5. University of Arizona’s Summer Engineering Academy
Location: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Cost | Stipend: $750 (residential camps); $350 (day camps) + a $50 non-refundable registration fee. Need-based scholarships available | None
Application Deadline: March 28
Dates: Multiple day and residential camps between June 9 and July 25
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders and graduated seniors
This program offers five day camps and two residential programs which cover sustainable infrastructure, engineering, light, optics, semiconductor design, and sustainable environment. The residential programs allow you to explore various engineering fields, including civil, electrical, systems, industrial, mechanical, aerospace, environmental, mining, optical, and chemical engineering. During the program, you’ll work with professors, grad students, and undergrads on design projects that involve real-world problem-solving through hands-on activities, and be part of team challenges. You’ll get to explore the UA campus, facilities, and community, and connect with industry professionals, while learning about research, engineering degrees, and career paths.
6. BIO5 Institute’s Keep Engaging Youth in Science (KEYS) Research Internship
Location: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Cost | Stipend: Free | None
Application Deadline: December 13
Dates: June 2 – July 18
Eligibility: Current high school students who will be at least 16 years old by June 2 | Arizona resident for at least one year
This program provides hands-on experience working on real research projects alongside University of Arizona scientists. You’ll learn bioscience methods and techniques, apply what you’ve learned in school, and get support from mentors on active UA research. Before the summer starts, you’ll complete online assignments in biotechnology, data science, and science literacy between April and June. The first week of the program, called ‘Training Week,’ will cover key skills to help you start your research. After that, you’ll work full-time in a UA lab with guidance from faculty, students, and lab staff. You’ll also join a Science Seminar to hear from UA researchers, practice presentations, and prepare a research poster.
7. ASU’s SUCCESS: A Survey of Computing, Coding, and Engineering Software Systems
Location: ASU Polytechnic Campus, Mesa, AZ
Cost | Stipend: $300. Full and partial scholarships available | None
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: May 27 – 30
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12 | No coding experience needed
In this program, you will get hands-on experience and a practical introduction to computing. Run by ASU’s software engineering faculty, the camp lets you dive into tech by creating your own video games and testing out virtual reality tools. Each day focuses on a different area in computing, like AI, VR/AR, mobile and web development, game design, embedded systems, and cybersecurity. You’ll get to build an AI-powered web app, design games, try out VR headsets, create an LED message wall, and practice real-world cybersecurity skills. You’ll also explore different tech career paths and learn how these tools are used like healthcare, finance, and entertainment.
8. Mayo Clinic CARES (Career Advancement, Research, and Education Summer) Program
Location: Mayo Clinic campus, Phoenix, AZ
Cost | Stipend: Free | Paid only for full participation. It will be adjusted accordingly if you miss any days
Application Deadline: February 1
Dates: Four-weeks typically in June
Eligibility: Arizona high school students in grades 9-11
The Mayo Clinic CARES Program gives Arizona high school students the opportunity to explore healthcare careers through hands-on experience in a hospital setting. You’ll learn about different medical professions and get long-term support from a Mayo Clinic mentor. You’ll explore careers in engineering, biomedical research, surgery, nursing, public health, clinical genomics, social work, medical laboratory science, rehabilitation medicine, and community research. You’ll also observe professionals in roles such as surgical technician, nurse anesthetist, respiratory therapist, medical assistant, and CT technologist, among other roles. After the summer, you’ll be matched with a mentor in your area of interest to help you keep learning during the school year.
9. ASU’s National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI)
Location: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Cost | Stipend: Free |
Application Deadline: April 21
Dates: June 15 – 20
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who either live in Arizona or staying over the summer | Good GPA
ASU’s National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) is a free, one-week residential program for high school students interested in learning about how engineers shape the world through transportation. Funded by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration and the Arizona Department of Transportation, NSTI gives you the chance to explore how transportation systems are designed, built, and maintained across Arizona. You’ll stay on ASU’s campus, work closely with engineering faculty and students, and go on field trips to see real-world examples of transportation infrastructure. You’ll also complete a hands-on project focused on creating safe, efficient, and sustainable transit solutions.
10. Cybersecurity Internship at Arizona State University
Location: Hybrid; mandatory in-person attendance every Tuesday at the CTF lab on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe, AZ.
Cost | Stipend: Free | $1,800 for full participation. Else, will be prorated or forfeited
Application Deadline: January 27
Dates: May 27 – July 22
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who live in the Phoenix area
This program offers a research opportunity for local high school students interested in hacking and computer science. You’ll be matched with a PhD student mentor who will offer project ideas based on their research or ones you develop together. If you have already decided on a project topic, you can also work with your mentor to further develop it. You will be exposed to emerging concepts and technologies such as binary analysis using ‘angr.’ Past projects have included analyzing how social media ad scams target different demographics, building a bot in Python to simulate and identify flaws in secure financial systems, and more.
11. Arizona State University’s Summer Engineering Explore (SEE@ASU)
Location: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Cost | Stipend: $1,300 | None
Application Deadline: April 1
Dates: June 1 – 6
Eligibility: Rising 11-12th graders | Arizona residents or residing in the state over the summer | Good academic standing GPA
Arizona State University’s Summer Engineering Explore program gives an overview of ASU’s 27 undergraduate engineering majors. You’ll get a solid introduction to engineering, meet current students, connect with faculty, and learn about the innovative programs at the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. You’ll stay on campus and be part of hands-on activities focused on human-centered engineering. You’ll also tour ASU’s engineering labs and campus, join in on student events like pool night and social gatherings, and work on a project led by a Fulton Schools of Engineering faculty member.
12. Arizona State University’s Barrett Summer Scholars (BSS)
Location: Rising 9th graders – Tempe campus | Rising 10th graders – Downtown Phoenix campus | Rising 11th graders – West Valley campus | Rising 12th graders – Polytechnic campus.
Cost | Stipend: $800. Need-based scholarships available | None
Application Deadline: April 1
Dates: Tempe campus: June 1 – 4 | Downtown Phoenix campus: June 8 – 11 | West Valley campus: June 15 – 18 | Polytechnic campus: June 22 – 25
Eligibility: Rising 9th and 10th graders with a 3.0 unweighted GPA | Rising 11th and 12th graders with a minimum 3.25 unweighted GPA
This program allows you to experience college life and get ready for future enrollment at Arizona State University and Barrett, the Honors College. As part of the program, you’ll join a T.R.A.C.K.—an elective path that lets you explore different college and career interests such as Technology and Engineering, Research and Sciences, Commerce and Business, Arts and Humanities, and Kinetics and Health. You will engage in college-level coursework, hands-on projects, and campus activities such as living in ASU’s residence halls. You will work alongside ASU faculty and strengthen your application chances for admission to Barrett Honors College, along with learning critical thinking, teamwork, and research acumen.
13. ASU’s Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) Bootcamp
Location: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Cost | Stipend: $600 | None
Application Deadline: Possibly rolling admissions
Dates: June 23 – 27
Eligibility: Rising 11-12th graders | Arizona residents or residing in the state over the summer | Good academic standing GPA
In this program, you’ll design, build, and test engineering solutions for nonprofits, schools, and charities. You’ll work on a hands-on project, guided by ASU engineering faculty, and join in project-based activities and tours of engineering labs and the ASU campus. You’ll learn about engineering design, rapid prototyping (like CAD, Arduino, laser cutting, and 3D printing), and prototype testing through hands-on projects. Community members will present real problems their organizations face, and you’ll spend the week working on possible solutions to meet their needs. Past projects have included solar-powered battery systems, 3D-printed prosthetics, enrichment toys for zoo animals, and training tools for service dogs, among others.
14. STEAMpunk Machines in Motion Camp @ ASU Polytechnic
Location: Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus, Mesa, AZ
Cost | Stipend: $125 | None
Application Deadline: June 2
Dates: June 9 – 13 | June 16 – 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–12
ASU Polytechnic’s STEAMpunk Machines in Motion Camp is a week-long camp where you’ll get a hands-on introduction to the engineering design process while using STEAM concepts to build your own steampunk-inspired automata. You’ll explore gears, gadgets, and steampunk themes while learning through hands-on projects. Instructors will guide you as you explore mechanical movement, genre-based aesthetics, electric circuits, programming, retro-futuristic storytelling, and computational thinking. The camp focuses on brainstorming, identifying problems, prototyping, teamwork, and communication. At the end of the camp, you’ll showcase your automata project and take it home. The camp is available for one or two weeks.
15. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Aerospace Engineering Summer Camp
Location: Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, AZ
Cost | Stipend: $1,700 | None
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: June 1 – 6
Eligibility: High school students ages 14 to 18 who will be at least 14 by May 1
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Aerospace Engineering Summer Camp is a program involving hands-on activities for high school students interested in aviation and engineering. You’ll learn about aerodynamics, aircraft design, materials, propulsion, structures, and computer-aided design. Working with Embry-Riddle faculty in their advanced labs, you’ll learn to apply design principles and do real-time testing. You’ll get to use your skills in competitions by designing structures, like flight testing balsa wood gliders and testing 3D-printed plastic models. Students who complete the residential program and then enroll full-time at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus are eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship.
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 – Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University