If you are curious about computer engineering, a structured program in the field can be a great next step! Computer engineering programs can help you build foundational skills in logic design, programming, electronics, and systems thinking well before college. These programs offer hands-on exposure to how software interacts with physical systems. Participating in such programs can show technical interest and hands-on problem-solving experience, which are qualities that competitive engineering admissions committees actively seek.
Why should you choose a structured program?
Unlike regular STEM camps or introductory coding classes, structured computer engineering programs are centered on systems-level thinking. As a participant, you will not only learn syntax and how to assemble kits; you will also work on real projects, attend labs, and engage in debugging exercises, building skills in algorithmic thinking, circuit analysis, hardware–software integration, and technical documentation. Many programs introduce tools such as the Arduino and Raspberry Pi platforms, HDL languages like Verilog and VHDL, circuit simulation software, and low-level programming in C or Python for embedded systems.
If you are looking for internships in the field, you can explore our curated list here. You can also check out our list of computer science research programs to dive into the field through structured scientific inquiry.
15 Computer Engineering Programs for High School Students
1. UCSD Research Experience for High School Students (REHS)
Location: San Diego Supercomputer Center at UCSD, San Diego, CA
Cost: $1,500 registration fee for research projects | No cost for non-research projects; fee waivers available for students qualifying for free or reduced lunch
Program dates: June 8 – July 31
Application deadline: March 15; application opens on February 15.
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12, ages 16 and up, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are Southern California residents; one year of high school chemistry or biology is recommended but not required.
The UCSD REHS program places you in an eight-week, mentor-led research experience at the San Diego Supercomputer Center, offering hands-on exposure to computational science and engineering applications. You will work on a research project, learning how to formulate hypotheses, design computational experiments, and analyze results using domain-specific software and data-driven methods. Depending on the project, you will gain exposure to high-performance computing, data analysis pipelines, modeling, simulation, or scientific visualization tools. You will participate in regular lab meetings, engage in technical discussions, and collaborate in small peer groups to mirror real research environments. The program culminates in the development of a scientific poster that documents your methodology, findings, and technical takeaways.
2. Berkeley Lab Director’s Apprenticeship Program: Interdisciplinary Pathways to Machine Learning and Data Science
Location: Berkeley Lab main campus, Berkeley, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend of $500/week
Program dates: June 16 – July 24
Application deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Public school students in grades 10 and 11 in the Bay Area, particularly in Alameda, San Francisco, and Contra Costa counties
The BLDAP: IPMLDS program places you in a structured, project-based STEM environment focused on machine learning and data science applications within a national laboratory. You will receive instruction in Python programming and core data science concepts, which you will then apply to guided scientific and bioscience-related projects. The program emphasizes computational thinking, data handling, and basic modeling. You will work closely with Berkeley Lab researchers and operations staff, gaining exposure to real research workflows and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Throughout the program, you will build professional skills through presentations, technical discussions, and mentorship. The experience ends with a final presentation, where you share your project with peers and Berkeley Lab mentors.
3. CE4G: Computer Engineering for Good @ NYU
Location: New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn/New York, NY
Cost: $4,620 (housing and meals available at additional cost)
Program dates: Session 1: June 15 – July 2, Session 2: July 6 – 24
Application deadline: May 15 (rolling review)
Eligibility: Students, ages 15 and up, who are current 9th graders to graduating 12th graders, and have taken AP Math, Algebra 2, and Trigonometry; completion of PreCalc and enrollment in AP Stats/Calculus is preferred, not required. U.S. residents and international students are both eligible.
CE4G at NYU is a project-based computer engineering program focused on embedded systems and socially oriented technology design. Here, you will learn to develop internet-connected devices using platforms such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi, applying core concepts from computer and electrical engineering. The curriculum emphasizes systems thinking, guiding you through problem analysis, hardware selection, circuit design, and software implementation. Projects are framed around real-world challenges in areas such as sustainability and public health, requiring you to balance technical constraints with practical impact. You will also develop experience in prototyping, debugging, and iterative design while translating abstract requirements into functional systems.
4. NYU’s I-SITE: Immersive Summer Interacting with Technology and Engineering
Location: New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn/New York, NY
Cost: $10,350 (housing and meals available at additional cost)
Program dates: Five-week summer program; session dates to be announced
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students, ages 15 and up, who are current 9th graders to graduating 12th graders; U.S. residents and international students are both eligible.
I-SITE is an interdisciplinary, full-day summer program that integrates computer engineering, robotics, and applied machine learning. You will spend five weeks at NYU working with physical computing platforms, circuits, and sensors while developing software skills in Python and machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch. The curriculum is structured around interconnected technical modules, allowing you to move from low-level hardware interaction to higher-level data-driven modeling. Additionally, you will build teamwork and technical communication skills through collaborative labs and structured presentations. The program culminates in a team-based capstone where you will prototype and present a technology-driven solution to a real-world problem in areas like cybersecurity or climate systems.
5. XR: Extending Reality through Virtual Worlds @ NYU
Location: New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn/New York, NY
Cost: $3,180 (housing and meals available at additional cost)
Program dates: Session 1: July 6 – 17, Session 2: July 20 – 31
Application deadline: May 15 (rolling review)
Eligibility: Students, ages 15 and up, who are current 9th graders to graduating 12th graders who have completed Algebra II or equivalent logic coursework; U.S. residents and international students are both eligible.
XR is a short-term NYU program focused on augmented reality design and development using contemporary XR platforms. You will learn the technical workflow for building AR experiences, moving from concept sketches and low-fidelity prototypes to functional, high-fidelity proofs of concept. The curriculum introduces AR development tools such as Adobe Aero and SparkAR, along with core principles of user experience and interface design. You will also gain exposure to asset preparation, interaction design, and iterative testing within immersive environments. By the end of the program, you will have developed a working AR prototype and assembled portfolio-ready artifacts that document your design and technical processes.
6. NIST’s Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: NIST campuses in Boulder, CO, or Gaithersburg, MD
Cost: Free
Program dates: June 22 – August 7
Application deadline: January 26
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 who are U.S. citizens living within 50 miles of the NIST Boulder or Gaithersburg campus
SHIP places you in a federal research laboratory environment, where you will work directly with NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) scientists and engineers on an independent or team-based research project. Your work may involve computational modeling, electronics, data analysis, software development, or experimental measurement, depending on mentor assignment and lab focus. The program focuses on helping you build applied research skills, including proficiency in problem definition, experimental design, and technical documentation. You will engage with professional research tools and programming environments such as Python, LabVIEW, SQL, or CAD software, depending on the project. Rather than shadowing, you will contribute to an active research effort under close mentorship.
7. Microsoft High School Discovery Program
Location: Microsoft campuses in Redmond, WA, or Atlanta, GA
Stipend: Paid internship ( amount not publicly specified)
Program dates: July 7 – August 1
Application deadline: Rolling; applications typically open in early February
Eligibility: Graduation high school seniors who live and attend school within 50 miles of Redmond, WA, or Atlanta, GA; Redmond office applicants must be members/participants of Microsoft-sponsored organizations specified on the official program site; Atlanta applicants should attend schools within the Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett County School Districts or the Atlanta public school district
The Microsoft High School Discovery Program is a four-week, full-time internship designed to introduce you to applied technology work within a large-scale industry environment. You will work on structured projects while developing foundational skills related to software, technology systems, and professional collaboration. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing you to explore how technical roles function within real product and service teams at Microsoft. You will also receive mentorship from Microsoft employees, with a focus on career exploration, communication, and workplace readiness. Alongside project work, you will gain exposure to how large technology organizations approach problem-solving and innovation.
8. Columbia University’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $5,880 (commuter) | $10,705 (residential); need-based scholarships available
Program dates: Session 1: July 6 – 24, Session 2: July 27 – August 14
Application deadline: March 2; applications open on November 25.
Eligibility: Current high school students; residential program applicants must be 16 or older.
SHAPE is a three-week, faculty-led pre-college engineering program centered on project-based, college-level coursework. You will select a single engineering course per session, such as robotics, computer programming, data science, AI, electrical engineering, or biomedical engineering, and engage in advanced coursework within the field throughout the program. Courses emphasize applied problem-solving using discipline-specific tools, including programming environments, data analysis methods, and engineering design workflows. You will also participate in supervised work in Columbia’s Makerspace, gaining exposure to prototyping tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC equipment. In addition to core coursework, the program includes professional development workshops, college preparation sessions, and technical presentations.
9. University of Washington’s Changemakers in Computing (CiC)
Location: University of Washington campus, Seattle, WA
Stipend: $1,200
Program dates: July 6 – 30
Application deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors attending Washington State high schools who are U.S citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients, or those with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Changemakers in Computing is a project-based summer program that introduces you to computing through the lens of social impact and justice. You will work in small mentee groups led by undergraduate mentors from the Allen School, building foundational coding skills through structured, culturally relevant projects. The curriculum emphasizes how computing intersects with society, ethics, and community needs, rather than focusing solely on technical abstraction. You will also explore different subfields within computer science and engineering, gaining exposure to applied problem-solving and real-world use cases. Throughout the program, you will receive guidance on continued learning pathways in computing and build peer networks with other students interested in technology-driven change.
10. Manhattan University’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Summer Program
Location: Manhattan University, Riverdale, NY
Cost: $400 (early rate before May 1) or $500 (before July 1)
Program dates: July 27 – 30
Application deadline: Rolling; pricing tiers apply before May 1 and July 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th and 11th graders (current high school sophomores and juniors)
This program is designed to introduce you to core ECE domains through hands-on workshops and applied labs at Manhattan University. You will explore foundational topics such as circuit design, electronic systems, and power engineering, alongside applied areas including artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, and bioengineering. The curriculum focuses on experiential learning through interactive challenges and team-based competitions rather than lecture-only instruction. You will also gain exposure to real-world engineering environments through professional site visits and structured interactions with faculty, alumni, and industry professionals. Technical activities are designed to mirror undergraduate-level problem-solving.
11. Manhattan University’s Residential Summer Engineering Program for High School Students
Location: Manhattan University, Riverdale, NY
Cost: $2,500 (includes tuition, room and board, supplies, and program activities)
Program dates: August 2 – 8
Application deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Current 10th or 11th grade students who are at least 16 years old
This residential summer engineering program provides a week-long introduction to multiple engineering disciplines within Manhattan University classrooms. You will rotate through structured sessions covering chemical, civil, environmental, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering, engaging in lab activities and applied problem-solving. Daily programming combines technical instruction with workshops and presentations focused on engineering careers and professional pathways. You will also connect with industry professionals and faculty, gaining exposure to real-world engineering applications and career paths. Outside of labs, the program offers guided exploration of New York City, integrating experiential learning with campus life.
12. Carnegie Mellon University’s Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free
Program dates: June 20 – August 1
Application deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current 11th-grade students who are at least 16 years old by June 20 and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; students from underrepresented or financially underserved backgrounds in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply.
SAMS is a six-week residential program designed to help high school juniors build advanced quantitative, computational, and research skills in a university STEM environment. You will complete college-level coursework in math and science while working on a mentored STEM research project guided by CMU faculty or graduate students. The curriculum emphasizes analytical reasoning, computational thinking, experimental design, and data interpretation, supported by structured tutoring and academic coaching. Additionally, you will participate in writing workshops centered on college application essays and complete a credit-bearing “Student to Scholar” course focused on identity development, decision-making, and college transition skills. The program culminates in a formal research symposium where you will present your project findings.
13. NYU’s Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn/New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: July 6 – August 7 | July 13 – August 7
Application deadline: May 15
Eligibility: New York City high school students, from current 9th graders to rising 12th graders
NYU’s ieSoSC is a five-week program designed to guide high schoolers in using computer engineering and entrepreneurial skills to tackle smart city challenges. As a participant, you will attend sessions led by faculty and students from NYU and study coding, design thinking, and Internet of Things concepts while examining how tech can improve urban systems. Additionally, you will apply what you learn to work in a small team to design and prototype a device or app that addresses a real problem. The program also offers public speaking and presentation training. At the end of five weeks, you will present your prototype to peers and NYU Tandon faculty.
14. Tufts University’s Pre-College Engineering with Artificial Intelligence
Location: Tufts University campus, Medford/Somerville, MA
Cost: $4,425 (commuter) | $5,950 (residential); limited need-based scholarships available
Program dates: Session 1: July 5 – 17, Session 2: July 19 – 31
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12 or recent high school graduates with prior programming experience; Python experience is preferred, but familiarity with variables, loops, conditionals, functions, and data structures in any language is also accepted.
Tufts University’s Engineering with Artificial Intelligence is a two-week program that introduces you to the mathematical, algorithmic, and engineering foundations of AI and machine learning. You will study core concepts such as data representation, model training, and evaluation while working with modern AI systems used in academic and industry contexts. The curriculum balances technical instruction with hands-on development, allowing you to design and implement an AI-driven solution to a defined problem using machine learning techniques. You will also examine ethical considerations, system limitations, and societal impact through structured discussions and case studies. Instruction takes place in university classrooms and labs and is led by faculty and student mentors.
15. Computer Engineering Summer Academy @ Vaughn College
Location: Vaughn College, Queens/NYC, New York
Cost: Tuition-based (program fee not publicly specified)
Program dates: July 14 – August 1
Application deadline: Rolling admissions; space is limited
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, and college students
The Computer Engineering Summer Academy is a three-week program conducted at Vaughn College that introduces you to core domains at the intersection of computing and security. You will begin by studying foundational concepts in blockchain, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, then progress to exploring intermediate applications that emphasize system design and programming. The curriculum is modular, with concurrent instruction in blockchain and AI scheduled in the first week, followed by focused cybersecurity training and a final research-oriented module. Instruction combines theory with hands-on practice, requiring you to apply concepts to structured design and coding projects.
One more option—Horizon Academic Research Program
If you are looking for a competitive mentored research program in computer science, data science, AI, and tech of your choice, you can consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! It is a selective virtual research program that allows you to engage in advanced research and come up with a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1,000+ high school students so far, offering 600+ research specializations to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image Source –