10 Civil Engineering Summer Programs for High School Students
If you are looking for a STEM course that won’t conflict with your busy school year, then summer programs might be your best option. For those interested in exploring careers in STEM fields, these programs provide a great way to explore the field intensively and boost your passion and interest in the subject. These programs offer hands-on experience that can also significantly enhance college applications and resumes. You’ll also get networking opportunities with professionals and peers, further enriching the educational experience and giving you a competitive edge in the future.
For those keen on exploring civil engineering, this list of summer programs will help you deep dive into the field. To help you get started, here are some of the best summer programs for high school students that focus on civil engineering!
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: $60 application fee; $3,050 tuition fee; financial aid is available.
Program Dates: June 17, 2024 - June 28, 2024 | July 08, 2024 - July 19, 2024
Application Deadline: March 29, 2024
Eligibility: High school students who are in grades 8, 9, and 10 at the time of application are eligible.
Stanford's Pre-Collegiate Summer Institute offers an introductory engineering course for high school students that provides an immersive experience and gives you a glimpse into various engineering fields. In this course, you will explore the fundamental principles of civil engineering, biomedical engineering, computer engineering, and environmental engineering. Working in teams, you will engage in hands-on projects addressing real-world challenges, learn design principles, and consider obstacles and ethical issues. By the end of the program, you will have a deeper understanding of civil engineering and a clearer vision of potential career paths within this discipline. You will also learn from experienced faculty members and have opportunities to network within the field.
The admission process for Stanford’s Pre-College programs is selective. You can start your application process by creating an application account on their website! You must submit your unofficial academic transcripts, at least one work sample, and an optional video essay. The application fee is $60. You can explore the Stanford Summer Sessions in detail here.
Note: Financial aid is available on a need-basis. You can follow the instructions given on their website and submit the financial aid application before April.
Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY.
Cost: $5,500 program fee; covering tuition, lab and materials fee, and activities; housing and transportation are not provided; need-based scholarships are available.
Program Dates: Students can opt for one of these two 3-week sessions: July 8, 2024 to July 26, 2024 | July 29, 2024 to August 16, 2024
Application Deadline: December 15, 2023 (priority deadline) | March 26, 2024 (final deadline)
Eligibility: All current high school students are eligible to apply.
Columbia University’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) offers high school students project-based, college-level courses taught by the university’s diverse and established faculty. These three-week courses include robotics, biomedical engineering, competitive programming, sustainable engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, data science, and math and operations research.
The program also includes workshops, electives, lab work, college preparation, and learning from Columbia students. The program is prestigious and designed to have a smaller cohort to enhance engagement and learning among participants. Since it is competitive, spots tend to fill up quickly. You can check out the application requirements here and apply through their online portal! You must respond to three essay questions in the application form and submit your academic transcript, resume, and recommendation letter.
SHAPE is an academically rigorous program that will give you access to state-of-the-art resources and prepare you for college with hands-on projects. You will also have invaluable networking opportunities as you explore potential career paths.
You can find our detailed review of this program here.
Location: Various colleges in Baltimore, MD; a virtual option is available as well.
Cost: $50 application fee; $3,575 tuition fee; residential and commuter costs vary based on college; need-based scholarships are available.
Program Dates: July 1 to July 26, 2024
Application Deadline: December 15, 2023
Eligibility: Current high school students between the ages of 15 and 17 with academic backgrounds in math, chemistry, and physics are eligible to apply.
Explore Engineering Innovation (EEI) is a dynamic, college-level summer program designed for high school students with a strong aptitude in math and science and a keen interest in engineering. This three-credit course at Johns Hopkins University will immerse you in various engineering disciplines, including civil, chemical, electrical/computer, mechanical engineering, and materials science. Alongside attending college-level lectures, you will engage in hands-on activities, solve real-world problems, and test theories. Working in small teams, you will work on projects like testing the material properties of household materials like spaghetti, designing and constructing a structurally stable bridge, linking concepts of heat transfer and chemical reactions to a small bioreactor, and more.
By the end of the program, you will have developed the skills and confidence to think like engineers, preparing you for future academic and career pursuits in the field. In addition to boosting your resume and college applications, the Johns Hopkins School of Engineering will also offer you invaluable opportunities to network with professionals in the field.
If this sounds like something that sparks your interest, you can visit their website and apply! You can also explore the details of this program in our review here.
Location: University of San Diego (San Diego, CA), Rice University (Houston, TX), and University Of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA).
Cost: $3,895 for the residential program; $3,295 for the commuter program; scholarships are available.
Program Dates:
University of San Diego (San Diego, CA): June 30 - July 8, 2024 AND July 11 - July 19, 2024
Rice University (Houston, TX): June 30 - July 8, 2024 AND July 11 - July 19, 2024
University Of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA): July 14 - 22, 2024 AND July 25 - August 2, 2024
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions as spots are filled.
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 13 and 17 are eligible to apply.
The IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute is a civil engineering-focused program offered on three prestigious campuses: the University of San Diego, Rice University, and the University Of Pennsylvania. In this ten-day program, you will strive to answer critical questions in the field of civil engineering, especially about the infrastructure of our cities and societies. The curriculum includes several modules dedicated to civil engineering camp projects designed to immerse students in the practical and theoretical aspects of the discipline. Through hands-on design challenges, special guest lectures, and field trips in the city, you explore this field as a potential major or career.
This program will give you access to university engineering labs and tech spaces with cutting-edge technology. Working in teams, you will tackle engineering challenges such as designing load-bearing bridges and hydraulic robot arms — applying mechanics and mathematics to solve real-world problems. This program not only provides a comprehensive introduction to civil engineering but also exposes students to the fundamentals of mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering, helping them discover their best fit within the STEM landscape. You will develop real-world skills and academic experiences that will enhance your college applications.
If you want to explore the field of civil engineering in detail, you can apply to this program at the University of Pennsylvania, Rice University, and the University of San Diego.
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA.
Cost: Free for all accepted participants; covering housing, meals, and activities.
Program Dates: The program typically runs late June through early August (6 weeks).
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024
Eligibility: High school juniors are eligible to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The program prioritizes students from underrepresented and underserved communities.
MITES Summer is a prestigious program offered by MIT that allows students to dive into a range of STEM subjects. Students take one math course, one life sciences course, one physics course, one humanities course, and one project-based elective course. You will be placed into the math, life sciences, and physics courses based on your knowledge and skills. Elective courses have previously included Engineering Design, Architecture, Machine Learning, and Electronics. If you are keen on engineering, you can pick courses suited to your interests!
The program also includes social activities, events, lab tours, and admissions counseling for students to gain a deeper insight into the field and what to expect from a career in engineering. MITES Summer will give you an advantage in the college admission process while allowing you to explore potential career paths. This program is competitive and takes in around 80-100 students annually. You will participate in immersive classes, workshops, recitations, and field visits while also getting the opportunity to learn from experts and MITES alumni. You will also receive a written evaluation at the end.
You can review your eligibility and apply here! If you want to find out more about this program, you can read this deep dive on it.
Location: Yale University (New Haven, CT); Duke University (Durham, NC); Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD); University of California, Berkeley (San Francisco, CA); University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI).
Cost: $3,795 - $4,095 depending on campus; scholarships are available.
Program Dates:
Yale University: June 24 - July 2, 2024 | July 6 - July 14, 2024 | July 17 - July 25, 2024
Duke University: July 6 - July 14, 2024 | July 18 - July 26, 2024
Johns Hopkins University: June 16 - June 24, 2024 | June 27 - July 5, 2024
University of California, Berkeley: June 17 - June 25, 2024 | June 29 - July 7, 2024 | July 12 - July 20, 2024 | July 24 - August 1, 2024
University of Michigan: July 13 - July 21, 2024 | July 25 - August 2, 2024
Application Deadline: Rolling applications as long as spots are available.
Eligibility: Current high school students are eligible to apply.
At the NSLC on Engineering Summer Program, high school students will have the opportunity to design prototypes and build robots alongside their peers while exploring career paths in civil, mechanical, and chemical engineering. This program offers hands-on workshops and practical simulations across various engineering disciplines. Past workshops have included skill rotations, building wind turbines, creating unique aircraft carrier launches, and developing remote-controlled cars — providing a comprehensive introduction to the field.
As a participant, you will also benefit from guest speakers who bring industry knowledge and real-world perspectives, as well as immersive trips and tours that reveal the inner workings of engineering. Additionally, you will get a glimpse into college life, gaining insights into the academic and social aspects of university education. The program also offers college credit.
This program will equip you with practical skills and a deeper understanding of the engineering profession through various hands-on experiences. You can apply through their website. A deep dive into this program and its details can be found here.
Location: Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA.
Cost: Free for all accepted participants.
Program Dates: Session One: July 14 to 18, 2024 | Session Two: July 21 to 25, 2024 | Returning Participants (Year Two): July 28 to August 1, 2024
Application Deadline: March 12, 2024
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (who have completed their school year by July 1, 2024) who are interested in exploring engineering and have not been exposed to this field before are eligible to apply. Students from underrepresented communities who may lack the means to access engineering courses are encouraged to apply.
The School of Engineering at Santa Clara University annually hosts the Summer Engineering Seminar (SES) program, designed for current high school sophomores and juniors eager to explore the field of engineering. This five-day program features specially crafted introductory workshops led by experienced engineering faculty, combining lectures with interactive activities across various engineering disciplines. You will also experience university life, gaining insight into the academic expectations of college. You will live in dorms, interact with faculty, and engage with the SCU community throughout the week.
The 2024 SES program will be offered three times over the summer. The first two sessions are introductory, prioritizing sophomores with limited space for juniors. The third session is an advanced program exclusively for returning participants from the summer of 2023, allowing us to offer SES as a two-year program. This structure provides an opportunity for those who completed the introductory program to return in the summer of 2025 and delve deeper into their chosen engineering majors. This comprehensive approach ensures that students not only gain foundational knowledge but also have the chance to build on their experiences, fostering a deeper understanding and passion for engineering.
To apply, you need to fill out the application form here! You must submit a 500-word essay explaining what makes you an ideal candidate for the program and how you could benefit from the program. You can explore the details of this program in this blog post here.
Location: University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA.
Cost: $2,799 for first-time participants; financial aid is available.
Program Dates: Students can choose to attend one of these two 3-week sessions:
Session A: June 24 to July 12, 2024
Session B: July 15 to August 2, 2024
Application Deadline: June 1, 2024
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-11 in spring 2024, who are at least 15 years old by the program start date can apply.
Engineering Design, a part of UCLA’s pre-college summer sessions, introduces students to engineering design concepts. You will work on hands-on projects, such as designing and launching rockets in the aerospace engineering track, building your ideal GoKart in the mechanical engineering track, building microcontroller-controlled rovers in the electrical engineering track, and more. You will also learn how to prepare a report and put together a result presentation. This program also allows you to earn college credit early as you explore your subjects of choice.
The program provides access to engineering design software and materials for students to work with. You will have the option to choose from 4 tracks – aerospace engineering (rockets), aerospace engineering (planes), mechanical engineering (GoKarts), and electrical engineering (rovers). You will receive a letter grade upon completion.
UCLA also provides three computer science summer institutes — an introductory track, an intermediate track, and a generative AI track. You can apply by filling out the application form available on their website! You must submit an unofficial academic transcript and a value statement that explains your pursuit of participation in this program.
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD.
Cost: $1,400 program fee; covering housing, meals, and activities.
Program Dates: July 7 - July 12, 2024
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Eligibility: The program is designed for rising 11th and 12th high school women but is open to all gender identities.
The A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland (UMD), offers The Women in Engineering Program to rising 11th and 12th-grade women but is open to all gender identities. This week-long residential program is designed for those considering a major in engineering and potentially pursuing it as a career. You will be introduced to campus life and the diverse engineering departments at UMD through a combination of engaging lessons, hands-on activities, team challenges, and insightful conversations with faculty, staff, and current engineering students. UMD Engineering students will also serve as interns, ensuring a supportive and enriching summer experience while managing the residential component of the program.
Throughout the week, you will delve into various engineering disciplines such as Aerospace, Bioengineering, Chemical, Fire Protection, and Mechanical Engineering. The program aims to introduce high school students to the vast array of engineering disciplines, showcase the interconnectedness of engineering, and provide experience with hands-on design projects. Additionally, it fosters a sense of community among like-minded peers. It builds mentor relationships between high school participants and current UMD engineering students, paving the way for a future in engineering.
You can apply for the program through their website! While applying, you will be asked to share your interest in engineering and why diversity and inclusion are essential to the engineering community. You must submit your academic transcript and a STEM teacher recommendation form.
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free for all accepted students.
Program Dates: 5-6 weeks in the summer, depending on the research project and the researchers' schedule. Each research project has its own schedule. Interns work full-time, Monday to Friday, with no weekend activities.
Application Deadline: March 15, 2024
Eligibility: Students who
are enrolled in a U.S. high school and are at least 16 years old. High school graduates who will not turn 18 by June 15, 2024, can apply (for the 2024 cohort)
are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. International students enrolled in a U.S. high school can also apply. Princeton does not sponsor visas for the program.
Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) offers students a chance to work with faculty and researchers in Princeton laboratories, assisting them with ongoing research, usually in engineering and the natural sciences. LLP is a highly selective program, with only 40 students selected across Princeton’s 25 labs. During this program, you’ll spend most of your time in the lab — conducting research and learning techniques.
Princeton faculty lead research teams, including postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students and other staff researchers. At the end of the program, you must produce a two-page research summary report. This program will enhance your research skills and give you access to state-of-the-art laboratories and technology while allowing you to network with professional researchers in the industry.
Research opportunities change every year, depending on the laboratory and the researcher’s focus. Some of the research projects interns participated in last year included:
Machine learning methods for power magnetics modeling
Heat pumps to save the world
Investigating heteroresistance to antibiotics
Machine learning for green power generation
Decoding human genetic variation in human health and disease
Biofuel oxidation at supercritical pressure
You can see the entire list of 2023 research opportunities here!
You can visit the program’s website and start the application process to apply.
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
One other option — Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research in STEM, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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