Engineering camps give high school students a chance to explore STEM fields in a hands-on, focused environment. Unlike regular academic programs, these camps are much shorter, highly structured, and often dedicated to a single engineering discipline, allowing you to gain depth and clarity in your area of interest. Through guided projects and interactive learning, you build technical and problem-solving skills essential for future careers.
Texas, known for its strong academic and industrial ecosystem, hosts numerous engineering camps each year through universities and local organizations. For students living in Texas, choosing a nearby program can be both practical and cost-effective, saving on travel and accommodation expenses. To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of 13 top engineering camps for high school students in Texas.
1. ELITE Tech Camp
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: $1,799 – $3,899
Application Deadline: Depends on the program you apply for
Dates: Various sessions from June to July
Eligibility: High school students
You can join Rice ELITE Tech Camp, a pre-college summer program designed for high school students aspiring to careers in engineering and technology. Developed by faculty from Rice University’s School of Engineering and RCEL, it blends technical learning with leadership development. One-week sessions feature hands-on activities applying the engineering design process to real-world problems. Topics include AI, machine learning, 3D printing, IoT, data analytics, and bioengineering. You also gain exposure to college-level engineering concepts and guidance on preparing for related majors. Through group challenges and mentorship, you’ll build problem-solving, teamwork, and project-management skills essential for future tech leaders.
2. Kode with Klossy – Summer Camps
Location: Virtual or in-person in Chicago, Dallas, Washington D.C., London, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, and St. Louis.
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines.
Dates: June 2 – June 13 | July 7 – July 18 | July 21 – August 1 | August 4 – August 15.
Eligibility: High school women and gender-expansive teens, aged 13-18, are eligible to apply.
Kode With Klossy is a free, two-week summer coding camp designed for high school students from underrepresented gender identities in tech. You can select one of four focused tracks—Web Development, Machine Learning, Mobile App Development, or Data Science—and gain practical experience in programming languages like JavaScript, Python, and Swift. Throughout the camp, you’ll complete practical projects such as building websites, designing mobile apps, training AI models, and conducting data analysis. The curriculum also explores algorithmic bias, user experience design, and responsive development, combining technical proficiency with ethical awareness and creative problem-solving.
3. Girls Who Code – Summer Immersion Program
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Free! A $300 needs-based grant is available to U.S. students only.
Application Deadline: April 16.
Dates: US students: July 7 – July 18 | US and International students: July 28 – August 8.
Eligibility: High school students who identify as girls or non-binary are eligible to apply.
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is a free, two-week virtual experience designed for high school students eager to explore computer science and game design. Combining live instruction with hands-on projects, you’ll learn core concepts in coding, UI design, and software development. Supported by major technology partners, the program offers mentorship and networking opportunities with industry professionals. Throughout the course, you’ll work collaboratively to create a playable game and engage in team-based challenges. By the end, you’ll gain exposure to potential tech careers while building lasting connections within a supportive learning community.
4. Engineering Overview Camps
Location: University of Texas at San Antonio, TX
Cost: $550 – $750
Program Dates: June 9 – 13 | June 30 – July 4
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
The Engineering Overview Camp, held twice each summer, allows high school students to explore six branches of engineering, including Biomedical, Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil, through hands-on labs and engaging activities. Guided by UTSA faculty, you’ll gain exposure to each discipline and its potential career paths. The program also introduces you to UTSA’s academic offerings and admissions process. Designed as a supportive and low-stress environment, the camp helps you identify which area of engineering aligns best with your interests and future goals.
5. Biomedical Engineering Camp
Location: UTSA – Klesse College, San Antonio, TX
Cost: $250 – $750
Program Dates: June 23 – 27
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: 9th – 12th graders
The Biomedical Engineering Camp introduces high school students to careers at the intersection of engineering and medicine. Organised by the UTSA Biomedical Engineering Society, it offers hands-on exposure to the technical skills biomedical engineers use in their work. You’ll attend guest lectures from professionals who share insights into academic and industry career paths. A key feature is the make-a-thon, where teams design and prototype solutions to healthcare challenges. Centred on innovation and teamwork, the camp provides valuable experience and professional connections while showcasing the impact of biomedical engineering.
6. Rocketry and Aerospace Engineering Camp
Location: UTSA Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design, San Antonio, TX
Cost: Day Camp: $550; Overnight Camp: $750 (Financial assistance is available)
Application Deadline: Applications are open till seats fill up.
Dates: July 14 – July 18
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
At UTSA’s Rocketry and Aerospace Engineering Camp, you’ll design, build, and launch your own rocket while exploring the fundamentals of flight and stability. Guided by members of the Aeronautics and Rocketry Club, you’ll see how design decisions influence performance. The camp also features workshops, classroom lessons, and lab tours led by aerospace engineering faculty. Through these activities, you’ll learn about current research and potential careers in the field. The experience offers a hands-on introduction to aerospace engineering and insight into what studying the subject at UTSA involves.
7. Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Summer Workshop
Location: UTSA Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design, San Antonio, TX
Cost: Day Camp: $550; Overnight Camp: $750 (Financial assistance is available)
Application Deadline: Applications are open till seats fill up.
Dates: June 16 – June 20
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
The Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Summer Workshop at UTSA offers hands-on exposure to core engineering tools and concepts. Guided by UTSA faculty and graduate mentors, you’ll explore topics such as piezoelectric energy harvesting, corrosion prevention, and additive manufacturing. The program features lab sessions where you’ll design projects and study how devices and energy systems are built. You’ll also participate in modules on electronics fabrication and digital design. This immersive experience allows you to tackle practical engineering challenges while discovering emerging technologies in mechanical and electrical engineering.
8. Prefreshman Engineering Program (PREP)
Location: University of Texas at San Antonio + Other locations
Cost: $500
Application Deadline: January 14 – February 14
Dates: June 10 – July 9
Eligibility: High school students in 9th to 11th grade
The Dr. Manuel P. Berriozábal Prefreshman Engineering Program (PREP) introduces high school students to STEM through interactive, on-campus experiences. Created by UTSA faculty and local teachers, it emphasises the use of math and science in solving practical challenges. You’ll collaborate in teams to design solutions, enhance communication skills, and build confidence in your academic goals. The program also includes guest speakers who share insights on motivation, community impact, and cultural relevance. By engaging in PREP, you’ll gain practical STEM knowledge while discovering potential career paths and developing essential problem-solving skills.
9. Storytelling with Data
Location: Frisco Landing, Preston Rd. Frisco, TX
Cost: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: June 9 – June 13
Eligibility: Middle Schoolers-High School Seniors
At the Storytelling with Data summer camp, you’ll discover how to transform raw data into meaningful insights. Using Python, an accessible programming language, you’ll work with real-world datasets to identify patterns and craft compelling stories. Hands-on projects and creative visualisations will help you build skills in coding, data analysis, and effective communication. The camp welcomes beginners; no prior experience is required, just curiosity and enthusiasm. By the final session, you’ll share your own data-driven story with peers and family. It’s an engaging opportunity to combine technical learning with creativity and personal expression.
10. NexGen DATA Leadership
Location: Frisco Landing, Preston Rd. Frisco, TX
Cost: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – July 11
Eligibility: Rising 9th Graders-High School Seniors
The NextGen Data Leadership Summer Camp offers high school students hands-on exposure to the growing field of data science. With prior programming experience, you’ll engage in topics such as machine learning, predictive analytics, and generative AI. The program emphasises solving practical problems using large datasets and data-driven reasoning. You’ll also explore leadership roles in data, including analyst, engineer, and chief data officer. Through team projects and guided mentorship, you’ll gain both technical depth and collaboration skills. The camp helps you identify career options across data-centric professions.
11. My Introduction to Engineering (MITE)
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: $100
Application Deadline: To be announced
Dates: To be announced
Eligibility: Current high school juniors
My Introduction to Engineering (MITE) is a weeklong summer program introducing high school juniors to engineering principles and teamwork. You’ll collaborate on group design projects, applying math and science to solve practical problems. Guided by university faculty and current engineering students, you’ll learn how engineers plan, build, and communicate solutions. The camp also offers workshops and interactions with alumni and professionals. MITE is open to students across the U.S., especially those with limited access to engineering courses. This experience helps you understand pathways within different engineering disciplines.
12. Engineering Design Experience
Location: Lyle School of Engineering, Dallas, TX
Cost: $1,400
Application Deadline: Applications open on February 17 and are on a rolling basis
Dates: Girls Camp: June 2 – 6 or June 16 – 20 | Boys Camp: June 9 – 13 or June 23 – 27
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th grade students
This Texas-based engineering program introduces high school students to core engineering concepts through hands-on problem-solving. You’ll work in the Deason Innovation Gym, using advanced tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters to bring your ideas to life. Projects cover multiple fields, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. Alongside technical learning, you’ll strengthen collaboration, communication, and project management skills. Guided by mentors, including undergraduate students and alumni, you’ll complete and present a final project to faculty, staff, and family at the program’s conclusion.
13. TryEngineering at Rice University
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: $4,095
Application Deadline: Registrations are open till program seats fill up/ a week before the program starts
Dates: Session 1: June 29 – July 7 | Session 2: July 11 – July 19
Eligibility: Students aged 13-17
At Rice University’s TryEngineering Summer Program, you’ll discover how engineers solve real-world problems through creativity and design. The camp features modules in electrical, mechanical, aerospace, and civil engineering. You’ll practice soldering circuits, assemble a functioning robot arm, and explore flight mechanics by building gliders. Civil engineering activities let you design and test model bridges in team competitions. Guided by professionals and mentors, you’ll strengthen technical, communication, and teamwork abilities. This immersive experience helps you explore different engineering disciplines before entering college.
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