Chemical engineering is one of the most versatile engineering fields, combining chemistry, physics, and mathematics to solve real-world problems. For high school students eager to explore this dynamic discipline, summer programs offer a hands-on introduction to key concepts and industry applications.
These programs provide opportunities to conduct lab experiments, work with advanced engineering software, and tackle challenges in sustainability, materials science, and biofuel production. Whether you’re interested in mastering distillation processes or exploring nanomaterials, these experiences offer mentorship, practical training, and exposure to cutting-edge research.
To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of the 7 best chemical engineering summer programs for high school students, especially for those looking to develop advanced skills and gain real-world experience in this exciting field.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program
Subject Areas: Data science, biology, chemistry, political theory, psychology
Location: Virtual
Program Dates:
- Spring Start Date: March 3
- Summer Start Date: June 16 | July 14
Application Deadline:
- February 16 (Spring)
- February 16 (Summer – early) | March 23 (Summer – priority)
- April 20 (Summer – regular I) | May 18 (Summer – regular II)
- June 22 (Summer II)
Eligibility: High school students with a 3.67+ GPA. Few tracks require formal prerequisites, more details can be found here.
The Horizon Academic Research Program offers trimester-long, independent research opportunities for high school students in various fields. You can also choose 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 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. You can apply here.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, and social sciences
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year.
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. If selected, you will work with mentors to write a college-level research paper based on your project. You’ll also receive support from writing coaches to refine your work and enhance your skills.
In your application, you can choose your subject track, and focus on a specific area within the topic to tailor your research experience.
3. CURIE: Catalyzing UR Interest in Chemical Engineering
Subject Areas: Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Sustainability
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade students; focus on underrepresented populations in STEM (IDEA Camp)
Application Deadline: March 24 (Tentative, based on previous years)
Program Dates: July 21 – 27 (Tentative, based on previous years)
Cost: $1,000 (Residential), $600 (Commuter); scholarships available
The CURIE camp immerses you in the dynamic field of chemical engineering through hands-on activities, virtual tours, and lab experiments. You’ll explore industrial processes such as distillation and polymer creation while gaining exposure to real-world equipment like extruders and chemical plant operations.
Activities range from crafting Silly Putty to learning protein function via computer simulations — bridging fundamental concepts with practical applications. The camp also includes mentorship opportunities with faculty and students, fostering insights into chemical research.
4. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Subject Areas: Chemical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, AI, Molecular Engineering, Environmental Sustainability
Location: New York University Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NY (Remote and In-Person)
Eligibility: Students completing 10th or 11th grade in June, residing in New York City
Application Deadline: February 21
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8 (4 weeks remote evening workshops, 6 weeks in-person)
Cost: Free
ARISE is a competitive 10-week research program that combines interdisciplinary workshops with in-depth lab experiences. You’ll spend four weeks in remote evening workshops exploring topics like AI, molecular engineering, and robotics, followed by six weeks of in-person, full-day lab research. Partnering with NYU faculty, you’ll gain hands-on experience in chemical engineering research, exploring advanced techniques in molecular synthesis, reaction kinetics, and materials design.
The program also emphasizes problem-solving in areas like environmental sustainability and ethical engineering. ARISE provides a platform to understand how chemical engineers optimize processes for pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and polymer production, preparing you for further exploration in the field.
5. Lamar University Chem-E Summer Camp
Subject Areas: Chemical Engineering, Petrochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical and Food Manufacturing
Location: Lamar University, Beaumont, TX
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who have completed chemistry and Algebra II
Application Deadline: TBD
Program Dates: June 9 – 13
Cost: Free
This week-long day camp provides an immersive introduction to chemical engineering through hands-on activities, industry plant tours, and team-based projects. You’ll learn more about the roles of chemical engineers in the petrochemical and pharmaceutical/food manufacturing sectors, learning about essential equipment like distillation towers and reactors.
The program emphasizes safety, with personal protective equipment provided for lab and tour activities. You’ll also engage in problem-solving challenges that mimic real-world industrial scenarios. With a curriculum designed to combine technical skills and practical insights, this camp offers an opportunity to understand how chemical engineers create and optimize processes that impact daily life.
6. Manhattan University Science & Engineering Camp
Subject Areas: Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering
Location: Manhattan University, New York, NY
Eligibility: Students in grades 5–7
Application Deadline: Rolling (based on availability)
Program Dates: July 7 – August 7 (Monday–Thursday, 9:30 AM–3:00 PM)
Cost: $565 per week for 5 weeks, $589 per week for 3–4 weeks, $599 per week for 1–2 weeks; $100 non-refundable registration fee
The Manhattan University Science & Engineering Camp introduces young learners to engineering through hands-on projects and activities spanning multiple disciplines, including chemical engineering. During Chemical Engineering Week, led by Dr. Richard Carbonaro, you will dive into core concepts such as reaction processes and materials creation, engaging in projects that connect theory to real-world applications. Participants will also look into sustainability practices and the impact of chemical engineers on modern manufacturing and environmental stewardship. The program balances lab work, project collaboration, and daily virtual meetings with Manhattan University alumni, offering a well-rounded view of engineering careers.
7. Chemical Engineering Summer Institute
Subject Areas: Chemical Engineering, Sustainability, Materials Science
Location: South Dakota Mines, Rapid City, SD
Eligibility: Students entering grades 8–12
Application Deadline: Rolling until spots are filled
Program Dates: July 21 – 24
Cost: $300
In the Chemical Engineering Summer Institute, you’ll delve into essential topics such as polymer creation, chemical separation techniques, and the development of sustainable energy solutions. The program emphasizes the integration of chemistry, physics, and computational analysis to address real-world challenges.
Activities include working with high-temperature reactors to produce biofuels from biomass and exploring the Unit Operations Lab to understand large-scale industrial processes. Designed for students with a passion for innovation, this camp bridges theoretical concepts with practical applications, showcasing the role of chemical engineers in creating everyday essentials like medicines, fuels, and plastics.
Image source – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign logo
