Interested in robotics, innovation, or addressing climate change? Engineering opens the door to these opportunities and more. Early exposure to engineering can help you develop valuable skills like problem-solving, innovation, and analytical thinking, which are useful in many industries.
However, the cost of many programs can be a barrier for many. To help, we've compiled a list of 15 free engineering programs for high school students. These programs offer hands-on experience, industry connections, and exposure to advanced fields, all at no cost.
15 Free Engineering Programs for High School Students
1. Horizon Academic Research Program - Engineering Track
Location: Virtual
Program Dates:
- Summer - June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024
- Fall- October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Application Deadline: May 21, 2024 (Summer), September 25, 2024 (Fall)
Subject Areas: Data science, biology, chemistry, political theory, psychology
Eligibility: High school students, typically in 10th or 11th grade with a 3.67+ GPA. 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, public health and safety, social psychology, and medicine. It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
The program includes a letter of recommendation for every student, plus comprehensive feedback on projects that can assist with future work and college applications. Apply here!
2. Veritas AI - Engineering Track
Location: Virtual
Duration: 10 sessions, 2.5 hours per session
Program Dates: Jun 9 - Aug 11 (Sundays, 11 AM - 1:30 PM EST)
Application Deadline:
- Early Admission - March 24, 2024
- Regular Admission 1 - April 21, 2024
- Regular Admission 2 - May 19, 2024
Subject Areas: Data science, biology, chemistry, political theory, psychology
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior Python experience.
Cost: $1790
Run by Harvard graduates, Veritas AI is a program designed to teach ambitious high school students about artificial intelligence. The AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program offers you the opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities, building AI projects over 12-15 weeks. You can choose to work on projects in various engineering disciplines, including mechanical, biomedical, computer engineering, and more. Additionally, you can collaborate with the in-house publication team to have your research published in a high school-level academic journal. Here is the program brochure and the application form.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - Engineering Track
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, and social sciences
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May.
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
Cost: $2,800 (12 weeks) | $5,400 (16-20 weeks). Financial aid is available.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, offers high school students the opportunity to work one-on-one with PhD mentors to develop an independent research project in their subject area. Selected students will undergo immersive sessions with their mentors, who will help them produce a college-level research paper based on their projects. Support from writing coaches will also be provided.
You have the flexibility to choose your area of interest, whether in hardware design, software development, embedded systems, or artificial intelligence. Financial aid ensures accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds.
Subject Areas: STEM (varied fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering)
Location: MIT Campus, Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (current juniors at the time of application); U.S. citizens and international students
Application Deadline: December 11, 2024
Program Dates: TBA
Cost: Free
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a six-week summer program hosted at MIT that combines rigorous coursework with a five-week research internship. You are mentored by top scientists and engineers, as you conduct your research projects across various STEM fields. You can work on projects involving different facets of engineering. By the end of the program, you present your findings through written and oral reports, mimicking professional research presentations.
Subject Areas: Mechanical Engineering
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: Rising female seniors (11th-grade students) with strong math and science backgrounds
Application Deadline: January 15, 2024
Program Dates: June 29 - July 26, 2024
Cost: Free for students with family income under $120,000; sliding scale fees for others, up to $6,000
The MIT Women’s Technology Program (WTP) in Mechanical Engineering is a four-week summer program designed to introduce high school women to the principles of engineering through hands-on classes, labs, and collaborative projects. You will explore topics like fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and engineering design. The program is designed to support young women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. No prior experience in engineering is required. It provides a structured academic environment while focusing on ungraded learning, allowing you to explore and build curiosity without the stress of grades.
Subjects: Biomedical Research, Engineering, Health Sciences
Location: National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher (or 2.75 with improving grades); must attend a school with 30%+ of students in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program and live within 40 miles of NIH in the D.C., Maryland, or Virginia area
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025
Program Dates: July 7 - August 7, 2025
Cost: Free
HiSTEP, hosted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is designed for students from underserved communities to explore STEM careers and engage in hands-on biomedical research. Participants gain valuable research skills, connect with mentors, and receive guidance on future educational and career paths. The program includes interactive workshops, lab experience, and exposure to public health topics, aiming to prepare youfor successful STEM careers.
Subjects: Various fields including natural sciences, engineering, humanities, and mathematics
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (at least 17 years old by program start)
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024
Program Dates: June 17 – August 1, 2024
Cost: Free, with a stipend of $750 and housing provided
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a highly selective, seven-week research program at Texas Tech University. This program allows you to engage in cutting-edge research under the mentorship of university faculty while working on individualized projects across a wide range of disciplines, including STEM and the humanities.
As a participant, you’ll attend weekly seminars, collaborate with peers, and take part in social events that enrich the overall experience. You’ll also gain access to the state-of-the-art facilities of a tier-one research institution. With the flexibility to choose a research topic that aligns with your interests within the available fields, this program offers an unparalleled opportunity for academic and personal growth.
Subjects: STEM fields including mathematics, engineering, computer science, and natural sciences
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Eligibility: High school juniors at least 16 years of age
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025 (Preferred) | March 1, 2025 (Final)
Program Dates:
- June 16 & June 17, 2025 (Virtual Jumpstart)
- Jun. 21 - Aug. 2, 2025 (In-person)
Cost: Free, with room and board included for participants
The SAMS program at Carnegie Mellon University is a six-week summer experience designed to strengthen your understanding of STEM fields. You’ll engage in advanced coursework, hands-on projects, and lab work, gaining exposure to college-level math and science while building problem-solving and analytical skills. SAMS focuses on supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds, offering mentorship and resources to help you prepare for a career in STEM.
This program is a solid option if you are interested in pursuing engineering, as it provides both mentorship and practical experience, preparing them for future studies and careers in the field.
Subject Areas: Electrical Engineering, Radar Technology, Physics
Location: MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA, and MIT Campus in Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
Application Deadline: TBA in January 2025
Program Dates: TBA in January 2025
Cost: Free
The Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers (LLRISE) program is a summer workshop where you’ll learn how to build small radar systems. This free, two-week, project-based STEM program is open to exceptional high school juniors and is held at the end of July.
You’ll get hands-on experience in building Doppler and range radar systems, tackling challenges with creative problem-solving strategies. Throughout the program, you’ll work directly with skilled scientists and engineers, gaining valuable insights and skills in radar technology that will help you in future academic and career pursuits.
Subject Areas: Engineering, mathematics, science
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Eligibility: Open to all students, with priority for students from underrepresented ethnic groups (African American, American Indian, Pacific Islander, and Latino/Hispanic).
- Minimum 3.2 GPA with no C’s in math and science courses, have completed 11th grade by June 2024, and be prepared for Pre-Calculus by 12th grade.
- Completion of Chemistry with at least a B, demonstrated interest in engineering, and strong communication skills.
Application Deadline: April 26, 2024 (recommended)
Program Dates: July 8 - August 2, 2024
Cost: Free
The ESTEEM/SER-Quest program at the University of Maryland is a six-week program focused on engineering and applied sciences. It is designed to strengthen your technical skills through rigorous coursework and lab experiences. You will engage in projects and experiments that deepen your understanding of engineering fundamentals, such as mechanics, circuitry, and problem-solving methodologies. This program is especially aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds, offering hands-on experience in engineering labs and exposure to college-level STEM concepts.
Subject Areas: Engineering, computer science, data science, robotics, and related STEM fields
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Eligibility: 10th and 11th graders in New York City by June 2024
Application Deadline: March 6, 2024
Program Dates: June 3 – August 9, 2024
Cost: Free
The ARISE program at NYU Tandon School of Engineering is a six-week immersive research experience that places high school students in real-world labs across a range of STEM fields, including robotics, data science, and chemical engineering.
You will work alongside NYU faculty on research projects, developing technical skills in lab work, programming, and data analysis. Designed for high schoolers with a strong interest in STEM, ARISE emphasizes hands-on learning and professional research skills, preparing you for future study in engineering and related fields.
Subject Areas: Various engineering fields including civil, mechanical, electrical, and bioengineering
Location: Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors; applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in engineering but are unable to explore this discipline in this coursework
Application Deadline: TBA in December 2024
Program Dates: TBA in December 2024
Cost: Free
SES at Santa Clara University offers an intensive week where you can explore the real-world applications of various engineering fields. Through workshops and interactive labs, you will dive into topics like biomedical device design, structural integrity, and circuit dynamics. With a focus on collaborative problem-solving and hands-on experimentation, the program helps you develop analytical skills and creative thinking. You will also explore different engineering fields while working with peers and faculty in a university setting.
Subject Areas: Engineering, computer science, physics, environmental science, and applied mathematics
Location: Various U.S. Navy research labs across the country
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and older who are U.S. citizens; open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Application Deadline: November 1, 2025
Program Dates: Eight weeks during the summer
Cost: Free, with a stipend provided
The SEAP program offers high school students the chance to work alongside scientists and engineers in Navy research laboratories, gaining real-world experience in technical fields such as materials engineering, robotics, and environmental sciences. You will engage in hands-on research projects under the mentorship of Navy professionals, using state-of-the-art equipment and technology. This eight-week apprenticeship is designed for students aiming to deepen their knowledge in engineering and related sciences through applied research and practical problem-solving in a professional lab environment.
Subject Areas: Engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and technical communications
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors; minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Program Dates: July 13 – August 2, 2024
Cost: Free, including room and board
The Engineering Summer Program (ESP) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a six-week residential experience designed to strengthen your academic foundation in core engineering subjects. You will attend classes in calculus, chemistry, physics, and technical communications while gaining hands-on experience through engineering-focused workshops. The program aims to prepare underrepresented students for engineering careers, focusing on both academic skills and practical project work in different engineering fields. ESP offers a supportive environment to help you build a solid resume/portfolio for future research projects and internships
Subject Areas: Engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, and computer science
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors within commuting distance from the Boston area
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Program Dates: June 23 – July 31, 2025
Cost: Free
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) at Northeastern University offers high school seniors a research experience in STEM fields such as bioengineering, robotics, and environmental science. You will work with Northeastern faculty and graduate students in labs, engaging in projects that develop skills in research design, data analysis, and scientific reporting. This six-week program allows you to explore engineering disciplines in a research environment, making it suitable for students interested in pursuing studies and careers in STEM.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.