Mechanical engineering is everywhere, from the cars we drive to the robots that assemble them, and if you’re even a little curious about how things actually work, exploring the field in high school can be genuinely fun. There are tons of ways to get exposure, but camps are one of the easiest entry points: they let you experiment, build things with your hands, and get a feel for engineering without committing to a full semester-long course.
Why choose a camp over a program?
Camps are shorter, hands-on, and immersive than typical academic programs. Instead of sitting through lectures for weeks, you’re prototyping, designing, troubleshooting, testing, and learning by doing. They’re also much more social; you get to work in teams, meet other students who love engineering, and experience a fast-paced, project-based environment. If you want an intro that feels exciting rather than overwhelming, a camp is the perfect starting point.
We have listed 13 mechanical engineering camps for high school students. But if you are looking for a program, you can check out some options here.
13 Mechanical Engineering Camps for High School Students
1. TryEngineering Summer Institute
Location: Various locations, including the University of Pennsylvania, the University of San Diego, Rice University, and Columbia University
Cost: $4,095 in all locations except Columbia University, where the program is $4,295 (scholarships available for US residents)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies each year; typically, more than 300 students attend across the four campuses
Dates: June – July (exact dates vary by location)
Application Deadline: July 23 (previous year)
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9 to 12 between the ages of 13 and 17
The TryEngineering Summer Institute gives you an understanding of mechanical engineering principles, such as the mechanics of motion and the design of complex structures, through hands-on projects. It is a residential program where you will participate in field trips, attend lectures, and take on challenges such as the Hydraulic Robot Arm Challenge, where you build a functional robot. You will get to know the mechanics behind daily objects and also discover future career possibilities in mechanical engineering and other STEM-related fields.
2. Summer Residential Camps for High School Students
Location: College of Engineering at NC State University, Raleigh, NC
Cost: $1,500 (need-based financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: Three sessions of the Look Up! Way Up! – Aerospace Engineering camp available (3rd week of June and 2nd and 3rd weeks of July)
Application Deadline: January 13 – March 28
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders
NC State University offers engineering camps across different disciplines and lets you choose the particular engineering field of your interest. As a mechanical engineering enthusiast, you will enjoy the Look Up! Way Up! Aerospace Engineering camp. It covers topics in aeronautical, mechanical, and electronic engineering. You will use this knowledge to build a toy plane that can fly. Your schedule on this residential campus will also include lectures and field trips that give you an in-depth understanding of having a career as an engineer.
3. Explore Engineering
Location: Texas Tech University Campus, Lubbock, TX
Cost: $400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 22 – June 26
Application Deadline: February 1 – March 28
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 to 12
This camp, organized by the Texas Tech Whitacre College of Engineering, lets you experience being an engineering student. You will be involved in lectures and projects that give you an understanding of different engineering concepts, even those focused on mechanical engineering. Moreover, the program is a residential camp that gives you an overview of studying at the university.
4. Jackling Introduction to Engineering Camp
Location: Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO
Cost: $600 (includes all meals, housing, and camp materials)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 150
Dates: June 8 – June 12, June 22 – 26, or July 6 – 10 (choose from one of the three sessions)
Application Deadline: Opens on December 16, and applications close when the camp reaches its capacity
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 15 and 18
This is another engineering camp where you get to explore different engineering disciplines, including mechanical engineering, offered by the Missouri University of Science and Technology. You will attend lectures and observe demonstrations of different engineering projects, learning about the various challenges that arise while working on them. Simultaneously, you get to work on your very own engineering assignments.
5. Advanced Engineering
Location: University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Cost: $530
Acceptance rate/cohort size: More than 1000 students participated across the many camps offered by UGA
Dates: June 2 – June 6
Application Deadline: January 15 – March 31
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 15 and 17
The University of Georgia organizes nearly 60 summer camps. Among them, the Advanced Engineering Camp is your chance to explore different engineering fields, including mechanical, by being involved in projects that help you understand the responsibilities of an engineer. You will have the opportunity to work on various projects in different engineering fields, allowing you to determine whether mechanical engineering is truly the right fit for you or if another discipline, such as electrical or civil engineering, appeals to you more. You will also learn how to use the different software and tools used by engineering professionals.
6. Designing Your World
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost/Stipend: $500 (scholarships available for limited students)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Classes in CSU typically have 30 students
Dates: July 14 – July 18
Application Deadline: June (tentatively)
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders who are between the ages of 14 and 17
In this interactive summer camp, you will make a simple gadget that solves an existing engineering problem. You will design, build, and make as many required improvements to your creation, which will most likely include an Arduino-controlled robot. Working on this project helps you develop your time management and problem-solving skills during the camp. You also get to take a look at CSU’s well-equipped engineering laboratories, such as the 3-D facility, the mechatronics lab, and the machine shop.
7. Young and Rising Engineers Summer Camp
Location: Clifton Campus, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: Day camps cost $125; Overnight camps cost $575
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective (selection committee uses a rubric measurement with different factors to determine who gets to participate in the camp)
Dates: June 9 – 14 for the Young Engineers Camp; July 14 – 18 for the Rising Engineers Camp
Application Deadline: February 1 – March 31
Eligibility: Young Engineers Camp is open for 9th and 10th graders (only day camp available); Rising Engineers Camp is open for 11th and 12th graders (day and overnight camps available)
Get a glimpse of different engineering fields, such as mechanical, civil, chemical, and more, by going on educational field trips to engineering companies in this camp. The program also helps you figure out the right college or career path to follow your aspirations of becoming a mechanical engineer. It is also a nice place to find friends and network with engineering graduates who share similar professional interests with you and can give you advice on how to succeed as an engineer in the future.
8. Summer Experience in Engineering Camp
Location: College of Engineering & Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, OH
Cost: $350 (limited scholarships available for families with financial needs)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30
Dates: June 1 – June 5
Application Deadline: Opens in April and closes when all 30 spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9 to 12
If you are interested in becoming a mechanical engineer or would like to check out the various engineering areas available, you should try the Summer Experience in Engineering Camp. Its schedule ensures that you learn about a wide variety of engineering disciplines, such as aerospace systems, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, corrosion, electrical, and mechanical engineering. In this one-week camp, you will work on engineering projects and visit engineering firms, thus gaining insight into the field.
9. CBU Engineering Camp
Location: Christian Brothers University, Memphis, TN
Cost: About $500 based on other academic summer camps at CBU
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 23 – June 27
Application Deadline: Midweek of May (tentatively)
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders
In this five-day camp, you will work on a series of engineering projects that provide you with a basic understanding of the field. You will mostly work with a Sparkfun Inventors Kit (SIK) and participate in other hands-on activities, such as making a chemical reactor using ingredients available in your kitchen, operating drones through obstacles, designing a water filtration machine, and many more. By being involved in these projects, you will get a basic understanding of a diverse range of engineering fields, which also includes mechanical engineering.
10. UMSL Engineering Summer Camp
Location: Benton Hall, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Cost: $195 (need-based scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 30
Dates: June 23 – June 27
Application Deadline: June 13
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 to 12
This camp allows you to gain practical knowledge in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, making it a smart choice for you if you are interested in mechanics. In addition to being immersed in different projects, you will also listen to guest speakers from local engineering companies. The program also helps you prepare for college by interacting with staff and students of UMSL who can clear any doubts you may have regarding getting a degree in mechanical engineering after graduating from high school.
11. Engineering Days
Location: Gallogly College of Engineering, Norman, OK
Cost: $25 per day
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 50 per day
Dates: June 4 – June 27
Application Deadline: Opens in April and closes when all 50 spots are filled
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders
Engineering Days is a series of one-day engineering camps hosted by the University of Oklahoma’s Gallogly College of Engineering. Each day of the camp is allocated to a different field of engineering. As a high school student who is interested in mechanical engineering, you would benefit the most from the aerospace and mechanical engineering cohort of the camp series. Here, you will learn and build a functioning off-road vehicle and airplane. If you wish to explore other engineering fields, then Engineering Days includes options such as biomedical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, industrial and systems engineering, and more.
12. Project Engineering
Location: Lamar University, Beaumont, TX
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Space is limited
Dates: July 27 – July 31
Application Deadline: Opens on February 1
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders
The Project Engineering camp will introduce you to the fundamentals of engineering and the different disciplines that fall under it. You will also explore concepts related to mechanical engineering through activities and lectures. Your projects will include robotics design, coding, and the application of physics concepts such as potential and kinetic energy. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to network with industry experts. Please note that the program is highly selective, so you will need to have good grades and teacher recommendations to be considered.
13. High School Summer Engineering Camp
Location: Purdue University Northwest, Hammond, IN
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Space is limited
Dates: July 7 – July 11
Application Deadline: Applications for the Summer camp open in the Spring
Eligibility: High school students aged 14 to 17
With Purdue University Northwest offering degrees in civil and mechanical engineering, the university organizes camps for high school students to gain a better understanding of these two disciplines of engineering. As a participant, you will be immersed in projects that help you understand major engineering concepts, such as 3D printing, renewable energy, bridge/road designing, virtual reality, and electric cars.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like mechanical engineering, robotics, materials science, or related fields, 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 – Purdue University Northwest