If you’re a high schooler interested in pursuing a program in mechanical engineering, keep reading!
Mechanical engineering programs provide a great opportunity for you to develop advanced skills through hands-on projects and technical challenges. These programs allow you to engage with core concepts like mechanics, thermodynamics, and material science while working with industry-standard tools and technologies. By applying theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, you will be able to gain in-depth experience in the field, enhancing your problem-solving abilities and fostering critical thinking, all before college!
This early exposure can help you build a strong foundation for future academic and professional programs in engineering, such as engineering internships, summer pre-college programs, and engineering summer research programs. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
Here are 12 mechanical engineering programs every high school student should know about!
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
2. MIT Beaverworks Summer Institute
The Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) offers high school students a structured, hands-on experience in robotics, autonomous systems, and mechanical engineering. The program emphasizes practical skills such as designing, constructing, and programming robotic systems while reinforcing key mechanical engineering concepts. The curriculum integrates contemporary technologies and engineering methodologies with relevant computer science techniques.
A core component of BWSI is the collaborative project, where you will work together to develop autonomous systems such as drones or rovers. The program culminates in a final presentation of these projects, demonstrating the applied knowledge and problem-solving strategies developed throughout the course. BWSI is a great option for you if you have a strong interest in mechanical engineering and are seeking to engage in challenging, project-based learning. Admission is competitive, with limited spots available for qualified applicants.
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA, or Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 31
Program dates: Typically between July and August.
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who attend school in the US.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
4. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
The AFRL Scholars Program extends paid internships to university students pursuing STEM degrees at the high school and college levels. Internships take place at various times throughout the year in specific locations across the U.S. Upon selection, you’ll be mentored by experienced full-time AFRL scientists and engineers, immersing yourself in AFRL laboratories and actively participating in cutting-edge research and technology projects.
The program boasts a roster of highly knowledgeable mentors, whose expertise can be explored through a comprehensive list available here. The AFRL program focuses on diverse topics such as aerospace/mechanical design, intricate electromagnetic structures, and other cutting-edge subjects.
Location: Varies based on the program
Cost/Stipend: No Cost + stipend provided ($468.80/week)
Application Deadline: January 10 for the AFRL Program to receive internship opportunities. Application deadlines may vary based on the AFRL sites and/or projects to which you are applying. For site-specific deadlines, please visit the site page (accessed from the Locations menu).
Program Dates: Varies from internship to internship, but should be in one of these three cohorts –
- Fall — from late August/early September to mid-December (16 weeks)
- Spring — from mid-January to early May (16 weeks)
- Summer — from late May/early June to August (10 weeks)
Eligibility: High School students (Over 16 years old) who are U.S. Citizens can apply. Must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and be available full-time (40 hours a week) to work in their physical offices over the summer.
5. MIT Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers
MIT’s LLRISE program focuses on radar systems and provides participants with a detailed understanding of how to construct small Doppler and range radars. The program includes both theoretical instruction and hands-on work, allowing students to gain practical experience in radar technology. Participants work under the mentorship of scientists and engineers, receiving technical guidance throughout the program.
The workshop is held at two locations: MIT’s main campus in Cambridge, MA, and the Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA. This structure offers a collaborative environment where students engage directly with experts in the field, learning through applied projects in radar system design and functionality.
Locations: Held at both the MIT campus in Cambridge, MA, and Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA.
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded. Students only pay for their transportation to and from MIT. Transportation to Lincoln Laboratory will be provided. No stipend.
Application Deadline: To be announced
Program Dates: July 14 — July 27
Eligibility: Open to rising seniors passionate about STEM who hold US citizenship.
6. MITES Summer
The MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science) Summer Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology provides underrepresented minority students with an in-depth introduction to STEM fields, with a particular emphasis on mechanical engineering. The program offers a rigorous curriculum that spans a variety of STEM disciplines, equipping students with foundational knowledge and practical problem-solving skills. Participants engage in hands-on engineering projects, with the program often culminating in a capstone project that applies the learned concepts to real-world scenarios.
MITES is aimed at highly motivated students with a strong academic background who are interested in exploring engineering disciplines in a structured, academically challenging environment. While the program is competitive and demanding, it is specifically tailored to support students from underrepresented minority backgrounds. Potential applicants should carefully review the program’s goals and eligibility criteria to determine if it aligns with their interests and qualifications.
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 1
Program dates: Typically 6 weeks from late June to early August.
Eligibility: High school juniors; underrepresented, underserved, and first-generation students are especially encouraged to apply.
7. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) at NYU
NYU’s ARISE program provides a summer research experience for students interested in engineering and related disciplines. The interdisciplinary curriculum covers areas such as chemical engineering, robotics, and computer science. Participants conduct hands-on research in university labs, attend workshops on ethics and data collection, and receive mentorship from NYU faculty. The program concludes with a colloquium where students present their research findings. Previously, the program admitted between 76–80 students.
Location: NYU campus, New York City, NY
Cost: Fully funded. Students will receive a stipend of at least $750.
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: June 3 — August 9 (10 weeks). The first 4 weeks will be remote after-school workshops, and the next 6 weeks will have in-person labs on weekdays.
Eligibility: Students residing in New York City, who will complete 10th or 11th grade in June, are eligible to apply.
8. NASA Office of STEM Engagements (OSTEM) Internships
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement offers paid internships to high school students across its various locations, providing an opportunity to contribute to active NASA projects under the supervision of a NASA mentor. These internships emphasize practical experience, with students participating in training, mentorship, and career development activities.
Interns work on a diverse range of subjects, including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, outreach, and communications. Tasks may involve designing experiments, analyzing space mission data, developing new technologies, and offering insight into the technical and research work conducted by NASA. The program provides students with a structured environment to gain relevant experience in science and engineering fields.
Location: Offered across NASA facilities. Students may select roles based on the cities they are in.
Cost/Stipend: No application cost. A stipend is provided, based on academic level and session length.
Application deadline: February 2 (Summer Internships). The office also offers internships in the fall and spring, deadlines for which are different. Check for updates regarding the new program!
Program dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions — Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August) Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May).
Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and are US citizens.
9. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at TexasTech University
With an acceptance rate below 3%, this program admits only 12 high school students each year. Participants join a cohort to conduct research across multiple disciplines, including mechanical engineering, under the supervision of established scholars. In addition to one-on-one mentorship, students attend seminars, discussions, and field visits, all designed to provide practical research experience and deepen subject knowledge. The program is led by experienced faculty, and while the research fields for the upcoming cycle are yet to be announced, previous options have included biology, physics, electrical engineering, and chemistry.
Location: TexasTech University campus, Lubbock, TX. This is a residential program!
Cost: Fully funded. Students will receive a stipend of $750 on completion of the program.
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: June 16 — August 1 (7 weeks).
Eligibility: Students who will be at least 17 years old by the program start date, are set to graduate in this or next year and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents can apply.
10. Carnegie Mellon University Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
The SAMS program offers a focused STEM experience for students interested in computer engineering. The curriculum includes coding, robotics, and design principles, with an emphasis on hands-on projects and problem-solving. Participants acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to mechanical and computer engineering.
The program involves group projects where students design and build working prototypes, providing practical applications of engineering concepts. SAMS has a competitive admissions process and a rigorous, fast-paced curriculum. Prospective applicants should be prepared for a demanding experience if they choose to apply.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PN
Cost: Fully funded.
Application Deadline: 1st March
Program Dates: Typically 6 weeks from June to August
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16; Underrepresented and underserved students are especially encouraged to apply.
11. Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Engineering Innovation Pre-College Program
The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Engineering Innovation Pre-College Program offers high school students an introduction to core engineering principles, with a focus on topics relevant to mechanical engineering. The curriculum covers foundational subjects such as statistics, dynamics, material science, thermodynamics, and electrical circuits. Students participate in hands-on projects and design challenges, applying theoretical knowledge through practical experiments.
The program culminates in a group project where participants collaborate to design and build a functioning prototype, simulating real-world engineering tasks. While the program provides a solid grounding in engineering basics, students with prior experience in mechanical engineering may find the content more introductory. Prospective applicants should also consider the program’s costs, as financial accessibility may be a concern for some.
Location: John Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, and Online
Cost: $3575
Application Deadline: Typically in February
Program dates: June — July
Eligibility: High school students who have completed Algebra 2 are eligible to apply.
12. Research in Science and Engineering Internship (RISE)
The Research in Science and Engineering Internship (RISE) offers high school students the opportunity to engage in scientific research, with a mechanical engineering background. Participants work alongside mentors and researchers in lab environments, gaining hands-on experience with advanced equipment and methodologies. The program covers essential mechanical engineering skills such as CAD design, data analysis, and materials testing, allowing students to apply both theoretical knowledge and practical techniques.
The program typically culminates in a research project, which may involve developing a working prototype or conducting a detailed analysis. RISE is suitable for you if you are interested in the research aspects of mechanical engineering and requires a high degree of independence, as you will be expected to manage the demands of a rigorous research experience.
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost: $8246
Application Deadline: March 1
Program dates: Typically between July — August
Eligibility: Riding high school seniors who are US citizens
13. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) by the Department of Navy
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) provides high school students with an 8-week summer opportunity to work in Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories. The program allows participants to engage in research alongside experienced Navy scientists and engineers, contributing to ongoing STEM projects. Students gain exposure to disciplines such as computer science, aeronautics, and other fields based on their specific interests.
SEAP offers around 300 placements across 38 Navy labs nationwide, and students are matched with labs that align with their areas of interest. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and technical skill development under professional mentorship. SEAP is a competitive program, designed for students seeking practical experience in science and engineering environments. Look through this deep dive for more info on the program.
Location: There are several lab locations to choose from across the country.
Stipend: $4,000 (New participants) | $4,500 (Returning participants)
Application deadline: Applications close November 1 every year.
Program dates: Eight weeks in the summer. Exact dates vary depending on the lab you choose.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9, and are at least 16 years old when the internship begins, can apply. Graduating seniors are eligible as well. There is room for some exceptions. Students are recommended to check whether their preferred lab choice has any other particular requirements.
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