If you’re a high school student in Houston, Texas, with an interest in engineering, local summer programs in the city can be a smart way to learn more about the field.
Summer engineering programs for high school students in Houston can offer a structured opportunity to explore advanced engineering topics in fields such as biomedical engineering, AI, robotics, or aerospace engineering. Summer engineering programs for high school students often take place on university campuses, giving you a feel for college-level coursework and expectations, and many of them give a tuition-fee concession for local students.
Several leading research institutions and universities in Houston (such as the University of Houston at Texas and Rice University) offer rigorous engineering summer programs for high school students. Moreover, choosing a local summer engineering program also helps cut down travel and housing costs.
To help you get started, here’s a list of 15 summer engineering programs for high school students in Houston, Texas. We’ve also included a few virtual programs in engineering research that allow students in Houston, Texas to apply.
15 Summer Engineering Programs for High School Students in Houston, Texas
1. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10%
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Summer cohorts. Summer Cohort I: 8 weeks from June 2 | Summer Cohort II: 8 weeks from July 14
Application Deadline: Summer Cohort I: May 11 | Summer Cohort II: June 23
Eligibility: High school students
Ladder Internships is a remote, 8-week internship program for high school students interested in engineering and technology. The program pairs you with a high-growth startup, where you’ll work on real-world projects in areas like software engineering, AI, machine learning, and health tech. Throughout the internship, you’ll regularly meet with company mentors, learn to navigate industry tools and workflows, and engage in diverse projects aligned with company goals. You can also apply to the CEO Internship Program, where you work directly with startup founders from FAANG-level companies and top universities. Interns typically commit 5–10 hours per week and receive a letter of completion from the company at the end of the program. Apply here!
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 42.5% | AI Scholars: 5:1 student/mentor ratio, AI Fellowship: 1:1 student/mentor ratio
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including summer
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary according to cohorts Summer I: May 25 | Summer II: June 22
Eligibility: High school students from across the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Founded by Harvard graduates, Veritas AI’s AI Scholars program is a 10-week virtual course designed for high school students that covers topics such as regression, neural networks, deep learning, and natural language processing using Python, TensorFlow, and Keras. The program combines lectures, coding walkthroughs, and hands-on group project work—led by experienced instructors— to help you apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems in fields like healthcare, gaming, and climate change. You’ll also explore AI ethics and model-tuning techniques as part of your training. Students can also apply to the advanced AI Fellowship program, which includes 1-on-1 mentorship to complete a unique, individual research project that they can submit to high school or college-level research journals. Apply here!
3. University of Houston’s Mohan Lab Summer Internship
Location: Mohan Lab, University of Houston, Houston, TX
Cost | Stipend: Free | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive | Limited spots
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
Hosted by the University of Houston, the Mohan Lab Summer Internship is an eight-week research program for rising high school seniors interested in biomedical science and bioengineering. The program starts with one to two weeks of basic lab training, following which you will engage in bench research alongside scientists, graduate students, and lab staff on the topic assigned to you. You’ll work in a collaborative lab environment and gain experience with experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. Depending on your project, you may have the opportunity to contribute to future research publications. You may also have the option to continue your research with the lab even after the summer ends.
4. PATHS-UP Digital Health Young Scholars Program
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost | Stipend: Free | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive | 12 students per cohort
Dates: June 9 – 26 (virtual orientation and symposium are held on May 21 and July 24 respectively)
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: Houston residents studying in grades 10 and 11
The PATHS-UP Digital Health Young Scholars Program at Rice University is a three-week summer experience focused on digital circuitry, computer science, physics, and engineering research. You’ll learn the fundamentals of healthcare technology, programming, and biomedical device design by directly studying and working with instruments like pulse oximeters, GPS devices, and accelerometers. You will also have the chance to prototype a basic smartwatch using Tiny Circuits and explore how programming and electrical engineering can support healthcare innovation. Under the guidance of Rice faculty, graduate students, and local educators, you’ll develop skills in scientific writing, collaboration, and research communication, while being exposed to ongoing work at the PATHS-UP Engineering Research Center.
5. DPR’s Build Up High School Internship
Location: Multiple project locations across the country, including Houston, TX
Cost | Stipend: None | $20/hour – $26/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive | Approximately 22-38
Dates: Dates may vary, but the program lasts for 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors | Family income below HUD Median Family Income guidelines | Legally entitled to work in the U.S.
In this program, you will work alongside a professional project team on an active commercial construction site. As an intern, you’ll spend 35–40 hours a week learning how large-scale construction projects are planned and managed while assisting with tasks like subcontractor coordination, quality control, and site plan updates. You’ll gain hands-on experience with industry tools and processes, from safety protocols to blueprint reviews, and explore various roles, including that of a project engineer, within construction management. Throughout the program, you’ll also work on a capstone project that reflects your understanding of project workflows and the built environment. The program also gives you insight into career pathways in engineering, architecture, and construction.
6. Rice University’s Sustainable Futures Academy
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost | Stipend: Free | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Low | Limited size
Dates: July 7 – 11
Application Deadline: June 7
Eligibility: High school girls who are rising sophomores and juniors | High school boys and non binary students currently in grades 10 & 11
This one-week summer program at Rice University teaches high school girls the role of engineering in designing more sustainable technologies and infrastructure. You’ll explore sustainability-focused physics and engineering concepts through hands-on lab sessions using tools like TI-Nspire Rovers and Microbits to investigate motion concepts, circuits, and system design. The program includes lab-based challenges such as building landing capsules and roller coasters while examining the environmental implications of engineering designs. Rice University graduate students and faculty oversee discussions on the relationship between engineering and sustainability, emphasizing practical problem-solving and green design strategies. This program cultivates critical skills in engineering and physics and fosters a mindset geared towards sustainable design.
7. Education from Tomorrow Alliance (EFTA) Student Internship Program – Architecture and Construction
Location: Various locations across Houston, TX
Cost | Stipend: $20 application fee (waivers available) | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive | Approximately 170 students
Dates: Multiple sessions throughout June and July
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: Grade 11 students who live or attends school within Montgomery County, Texas
In this two-week summer internship, you will explore the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries through hands-on experiences at firms across Houston. Depending on your placement, you may learn how structural and civil engineers move a project from concept to completion, visit sites, or design your own project with support from professionals. You’ll interact with architects, civil and electrical engineers, and other specialists to understand the full scope of project development and the different roles they play in construction. You will also gain insight into site logistics, safety protocols, and client interactions. In addition to your internship duties, you’ll be required to complete a four-hour volunteer shift at IRONMAN Texas as part of the program.
8. Rice University’s Energy and Environmental Engineering Academy
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost | Stipend: $499/week + $50 registration fee (scholarships available) | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective | Limited number of seats available on a first come, first served basis
Dates: July 14 – 18
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–10
Rice University’s Energy and Environmental Engineering Academy is a week-long program where you can explore the science behind energy production and its environmental impact. You’ll work in lab settings on hands-on projects involving fuel cell cars, steam-powered Hero’s Engines, and nuclear half-life simulations while learning about energy transformation and sustainability. The curriculum covers fossil fuels, renewable energy, and emerging environmental technologies through a mix of guided experiments and group problem-solving challenges. You’ll also use computer-based simulations to study light energy and tour facilities like the Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen to witness first-hand the practical applications of environmental engineering and green design. You will build foundational skills in environmental science, energy engineering, and experimental design.
9. Rice ELITE Tech Camp
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost | Stipend: $1,695 for the commuter program and $3,795 for the residential program (scholarships available) | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive | Not specified
Dates: Residential: June 22-28; July 6-12; July 13-19; July 20-26 | Commuter: June 23-27; July 7-11; July 14-18; July 21-25
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–11
Rice ELITE Tech Camp is a one-week pre-college program that introduces high school students to advanced topics in engineering and technology through hands-on, project-based learning. You’ll choose from technical courses covering topics like 3D modeling and printing, robotics, Internet of Things, Python programming, machine learning, and bioengineering and spend your week applying engineering principles to real-world challenges. Each course is designed by Rice-affiliated instructors and delivered by engineering students, giving you access to college-level instruction in areas like AI for smart cities or spaceflight engineering using C++. You’ll leave with experience in the engineering design process and an insight into potential academic and career paths in engineering and technology.
10. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs
Location: NASA facilities in states across the U.S., including Houston, TX (virtual internships are also available)
Cost | Stipend: None | Provided based on their academic level and session duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive | Varies as per program
Dates: Summer internships run 10 weeks from late May/early June to August
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. The Summer internship deadline is February 27
Eligibility: High school students | U.S. citizen | At least 16 years old at the time of application | 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
As an intern, you’ll work alongside NASA scientists and engineers on real-world problems in fields such as aerospace engineering, data science, planetary science, and systems design. Projects may involve designing components, running simulations, analyzing mission data, or supporting technology development efforts. You will be part of active research projects and have access to cutting-edge NASA labs and technology. You’ll gain practical research experience and technical skills while learning to navigate collaborative workflows in high-stakes scientific environments. Internships are mentor-guided and emphasize applied problem-solving and professional communication. You’ll build experience using engineering workflows within the context of a federal agency and become adept at independent problem-solving and applied research.
11. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Engineering Track
Location: Virtual
Cost | Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12.5% | 500 spots as per last year
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including the summer. Summer I: 12 weeks starting from June 2 | Summer II: 12 weeks starting from July 14
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Summer I: May 11 | Summer II: June 23
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholars Program is a selective research program that pairs high school students with PhD mentors for a one-on-one, university-level research experience. Throughout the program, you will work closely with your mentor to design and complete an independent research project in a subject area of your choice—ranging from astrophysics and engineering to computer science. You’ll gain exposure to research methodologies, literature review practices, and academic writing techniques as you develop a full-length research paper. If you choose the Premium Research and Publication Program, you will get the opportunity to work with a publication specialist to refine your work for submissions to high-school or college-level journals. You can find the application form here.
12. Tapia STEM Camps
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost | Stipend: $2,500 per student | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: | 110+ students
Dates: Session 1: July 6 – 12 | Session 2: July 13 – 18 | Session 3: July 20 – 25 | Session 4: July 27 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12
Tapia STEM Camps are week-long residential programs at Rice University that combine technical learning with collaborative project work and communication training. You’ll choose from project tracks like carbon capture modeling and algorithm design for college admissions using Excel or Google Sheets. If you’re a high schooler with a strong background in geometry, you can choose a more rigorous session focused on mathematical problem-solving techniques. Each track includes team-based projects, daily instruction from Rice students and faculty, and structured public speaking practice. Throughout the week, you’ll develop core skills in data interpretation, coding, algorithm design, systems modeling, and scientific communication. The camp also includes a field trip to the NASA Johnson Space Center.
13. Rice University Aerospace Academy
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost | Stipend: $6,745 (scholarships available) | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive | Approximately 100 students
Dates: June 22 – July 3 | July 5 – 16
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students interested in pursuing careers in aerospace
At the Rice University Aerospace Academy, you will explore aerospace and aviation engineering through guided, hands-on projects such as designing, launching, and analyzing atmospheric data from your own satellite. Based on your interests, you will participate in interactive sessions led by Rice faculty and engage with leading space scientists through site visits to NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the Lone Star Flight Museum. The program also includes workshops on topics like aerodynamics, satellite systems, and orbital mechanics, along with skill-building sessions in areas such as flight simulation and mission planning. Outside of project work, you’ll take part in faculty forums, collaborative group exercises, and career-focused seminars.
14. TRYEngineering Summer Institute
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost | Stipend: $4,095. Scholarships are available subject to meeting criteria | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective | Approximately 90-100 students
Dates: Session 1: June 29 – July 7 | Session 2: July 11 – July 19
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. Enrollment closes 30 days before each session begins
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders | Must be between ages 13–17 during the program
The TryEngineering Summer Institute is a nine-day, residential program designed to introduce you to foundational engineering principles through hands-on, team-based projects. You’ll explore major fields like mechanical, civil, electrical, and aerospace engineering by tackling design challenges that increase in complexity over the course of the program. Additionally, you will also gain practical engineering skills, such as soldering and breadboarding, to create AM radios, lighted signs, and more. The curriculum also includes site visits to NASA’s Johnson Space Center and sessions with engineering experts, giving you a glimpse into future career prospects in the field.
15. University of Houston (Sugar Land) – Code Cougars High School Academy
Location: University of Houston at Sugar Land, Sugar Land, TX
Cost | Stipend: $400/student (scholarships available) | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Less competitive | 5-7 students
Program Dates: June 9 – 13
Application Deadline: June 6
Eligibility: Rising high school students (9-12 grades)
This is a one-week summer program designed to introduce high school students to core areas of AI and machine learning under the guidance of graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Houston. You will explore topics like Python programming, web development, game design, Microbit programming, and cybersecurity in a collaborative learning environment. Whether you’re just starting out or already experimenting with code, the program allows you to work at your own level while building technical fluency. The curriculum also emphasizes computational thinking, creative problem-solving, and practical application, helping you gain confidence in navigating key programming tools and languages.
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 – Rice University