If you're contemplating a future in engineering, exploring the field during high school is an excellent opportunity to assess your interest and identify your preferred engineering specialization. However, some of these programs can be costly and inaccessible. We’ve curated a list of 10 prestigious and free engineering programs for high school students across the U.S.

Participating in free engineering programs can set you apart in college applications by showing your ability and interest in the field. Early exposure to STEM subjects, particularly engineering, showcases a proactive approach to learning. By engaging in hands-on experiences and mentorship from experts, you will not only deepen your understanding but also demonstrate attributes like curiosity sought by colleges.

Many of the programs mentioned below provide stipends as well. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.

1. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation

The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation stands as a non-profit research program tailored for gifted students from low-income backgrounds. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, renowned for its extensive one-on-one research opportunities for high school students, the foundation provides the same access to independent research experiences at zero cost.

The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can apply here! This program is a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper. 

Cost: The program is fully funded!

Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).

Program Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall. Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4.

2. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs

The internship programs offered by NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) present an opportunity for high school students to explore cutting-edge projects. Engaging in NASA OSTEM allows you to hone practical skills essential for a career in computer engineering. Interns undertake a variety of tasks, such as software system design, algorithm optimization, and active involvement in robotics initiatives. Admission officers highly value hands-on experiences and the perspectives gained from collaborating with NASA engineers. A stipend is also provided in this program. 

Location: NASA centers across the country. 

Program Dates: Spring session (Mid January - Early May), Summer session (Late May - August), Fall session (Late August - Mid December) 

Application Deadline:  May 26 (Fall), August 30 (Spring), October 20 (Summer)

Eligibility: Be a U.S. citizen, have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), be a full-time student, be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of application 

3. Kode with Klossy Summer Camps

Kode With Klossy provides a fortnight-long summer camp to introduce young women and non-binary individuals in high school to coding and technology. The program offers four main tracks to choose from: web development, mobile app development, machine learning, and data science. The first two options are particularly well-suited for students interested in software engineering, covering aspects such as front-end development, UI/UX enhancement, and programming languages like JavaScript and HTML. Additionally, you will gain experience with tools such as Xcode and Apple’s SwiftUI framework.

Location: Virtual and in-person tracks available, with in-person camps taking place in several locations like Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, LA, NYC, Seattle, and more

Program Dates: Session 1 from June 3 – June 14, Session 2 from June 17 – June 28, Session 3 from July 8 – July 19, Session 4 from July 22 – August 2, Session 5 from August 5 – August 16

Application Deadline: April 10

Eligibility: Girls, gender non-conforming and trans students who are between the ages of 13 - 18

4. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at TexasTech University

With an acceptance rate below 3%, this competitive program admits only 12 high school students annually. Once selected, you can conduct research across various fields, including engineering, under the guidance of scholars. Alongside 1-on-1 mentorship, you will attend discussions, seminars, and field visits. Research disciplines for the upcoming program will be updated on the website; past options included biology, physics, electrical and computer engineering, and chemistry. Students will receive a stipend of $750 upon completion of the program.

Location: TexasTech University campus, Lubbock, TX. This is a residential program!

Program Dates: June 16 - August 1 (7 weeks) 

Application Deadline: February 15

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.

5. Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT

RSI is for students with an interest in technology and research. Each year, RSI admits 100 high-achieving high school students who engage in coursework and research. Through hands-on projects and discussions with experts, you will contribute to pushing the boundaries of technology. You will work on your own research project under the guidance of experienced researchers. The final week culminates in presentations of your findings, both written and oral.

Location: MIT campus, Cambridge

Program Dates: July - August (6 weeks)

Application Deadline: Applications are closed. Please keep checking the program page for new dates.

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors are eligible to apply. It is recommended that PSAT Math Scores be at least 740 or higher and the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score be 700 or higher. ACT math scores should be at least 33 and verbal scores at least 34. 

6. MIT Beaverworks Summer Institute (BWSI)

BWSI is an ideal option for students who want to explore robotics, autonomous systems, and mechanical engineering. You'll develop practical skills like designing, constructing, and programming robotic systems while understanding computer engineering principles. The curriculum covers cutting-edge technologies, engineering methodologies, and computer science techniques. A standout feature of the program is the collaborative project, where you'll team up with fellow students to create autonomous drones, rovers, or other innovative robotic systems. This project culminates in a final presentation. Admission to the Beaver Works Summer Institute is highly competitive.

Location: In-person at MIT and Virtual. 

Program Dates: July - August

Application Deadline:  March 31 

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who attend school in the US

7. MITES Summer

The MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science) Summer Program at MIT presents an exceptional opportunity for students interested in mechanical engineering and STEM. Throughout the program, you will engage in a rigorous curriculum spanning a broad spectrum of STEM disciplines with an emphasis on computer engineering. The culmination of the program involves a capstone project that challenges you to apply acquired skills to real-world problems. MITES is intensely competitive and academically demanding.

Location: MIT 

Program Dates: 6 weeks - Late June to Early August

Application Deadline:  Feb 1

Eligibility: High school juniors; underrepresented, underserved, and first generation students are especially encouraged to apply.

8. Carnegie Mellon University Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)

SAMS provides an enriching STEM experience for future computer engineers. The curriculum emphasizes coding, robotics, and design principles through hands-on projects and problem-solving tasks. You will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for the field. The program's group projects culminate in building working prototypes. SAMS is competitive, with a challenging admissions process and a fast-paced curriculum.

Location: Carnegie Mellon University

Program Dates: Six weeks from June to August

Application Deadline: 1st March

Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16; Underrepresented and underserved students are especially encouraged to apply.

9. NASA and UT Austin’s SEES High School Summer Intern Program

A highly prestigious program for high school students, SEES is hosted by UT Austin in collaboration with NASA. This is a national-level internship program in aerospace engineering, where you can work beside NASA experts. The program is focused on Earth and space research and relies on interns to assist with analyzing and visualizing data. All project teams present their research during the Virtual SEES Science Symposium. There is a virtual learning component to the program and then an onsite experience at the University of Texas, Austin.

Cost: Fully-funded

Eligibility: High school juniors who hold U.S. citizenship can apply

Location: Hybrid (On-site experience at the University of Austin, Texas campus)

Application Deadline: February 20

Program Dates: May 1 - July 26

10. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) at NYU

NYU's ARISE is a comprehensive summer program catering to students interested in various engineering disciplines. Its interdisciplinary curriculum covers subjects like chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, and more. Through research in labs, workshops on ethics and data collection, and mentorship from NYU's faculty, you will develop skills and engage in meaningful projects. The program culminates in a colloquium where you will present your findings. They accept around 76-80 students, and students receive a stipend of at least $750.

Location: NYU campus, New York City, NY

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. 

Application Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: Students residing in New York City who will complete 10th or 11th grade in June.

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD 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.

Image Source: NASA logo