35 Engineering Research Opportunities for High School Students
If you're a high school student who wants to explore engineering, consider doing independent research in the field! Research experience in engineering can build valuable academic skills and help you learn the applications of theoretical concepts.
Doing research in high school can also boost your college applications by demonstrating your abilities and intellectual curiosity. Admissions officers look for students who pursue their interests outside the classroom and have advanced analytical skills.
In this blog, we have highlighted 35 great research opportunities in engineering for high school students!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
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.
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.
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Cost: $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest.You can find examples of previous projects here.
3. MITES Summer
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in February.
Program Dates: Late June - early August (6 weeks)
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: High school juniors with strong academics and U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
Cost/Stipend: Free (including room and meals).
The MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) program is a selective program with an acceptance rate of around 3%. The program involves intensive courses in math, life sciences, physics, and humanities, along with a project-based elective. The project-based course has many options, with past projects including engineering design (a great option for mechanical engineering students), machine learning, architecture, and electronics. You will have access to lab tours, social events, college application support, field trips, recitations, workshops, and presentations. Each student receives a written evaluation from their instructors at the end of the internship.
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in March.
Program Dates: June 3 – August 9 (10 weeks)
Location: New York University (NYU), New York, NY
Eligibility: NYC students completing 10th or 11th grade in June
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a full scholarship is provided. A stipend of $750 is also provided.
ARISE includes 4 weeks of remote after-school workshops and 6 weeks (Monday-Friday) of in-person work. The program provides coursework and laboratory research in various STEM fields, including mechanical engineering, with 2024 opportunities including the Composite Materials and Mechanics Laboratory, Mechatronics Lab, Applied Dynamics & Optimization Lab, Dynamical Systems Lab, and Machines in Motion Lab. Other areas include machine learning and AI, bio- and molecular engineering, chemical engineering, and computer science. You will learn about scientific ethics, data collection and analysis, research practices, lab safety, and contemporary issues in science. You will present your research findings at a concluding colloquium.
Application Deadline: Applications open on August 1.
Program Dates: June-August (8 weeks)
Location: Varies according to lab locations
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend: $4,000 (new participants) | $4,500 (returning participants). You can use this stipend to pay for housing, meals, and transport.
The Department of Navy annually hosts around 300 interns at one of its 38+ laboratories in the country. You will learn about Naval research and technology (such as intelligence and surveillance technology and sensors) under the mentorship of researchers and scientists. Through the experience of working on real-world projects, you will obtain numerous practical skills and knowledge in the field. If you are interested in mechanical engineering, make sure to confirm which labs offer relevant or related project work. Some project areas offered include mechanics, robotics, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, programming, materials science, and physical science.
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in March.
Program Dates: June-August (5-6 weeks)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Eligibility: U.S. high school students who are at least 16 by June 15
Cost/Stipend: Free of cost, but you might need to arrange and pay for your own housing, meals, and transport.
Princeton University’s Laboratory Learning Program is a prestigious research opportunity for students interested in engineering and the natural sciences. Selected students will be matched with Princeton faculty and staff’s ongoing research projects. Schedules are flexible and usually decided in tandem with the people involved in the research project. Project areas in engineering include multiple mechanical engineering options, such as the development of a Piezoelectric Soft Robot or a Bio-Inspired Soft Robot, kirigami sheets, materials characterization of cathodes for lithium-ion batteries, safe robotics for coral reef conservations, and many more. Following laboratory work, you must submit a 2-page research summary report.
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in March.
Program Dates: June 16 – August 3
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: $4,000 (cost of instruction, room, and board). No stipend is offered, although need-based financial aid is available.
This is a highly selective program for students interested in conducting STEM research. Selected students will work on a research project under the mentorship of a university researcher. You can indicate your preference for a research area (which includes mechanical engineering projects). Additional program activities include record-keeping, writing research proposals and final reports, tours, field trips, social events, workshops, library work, career guidance, and conference-style research presentations. You can also prepare your project for a local or national science fair.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program Dates: June 29 – July 26 (housing is available till the morning of July 27)
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (women and underrepresented students) from the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost if family-adjusted gross income is $120,000 or less. For higher income slabs, fees range between $2,000-$6,000. Housing, food, and program materials will be provided throughout the program. Financial aid is available in case of need.
MIT’s Women’s Technology Program in Mechanical Engineering is an introductory program to mechanical engineering. The program curriculum focuses on teaching engineering design and provides a chance to explore college-level education without the pressure of grades. Topics covered include heat transfer, materials, fluid mechanics, statistics, and thermodynamics. Projects, coding for numerical modeling and computer-aided design, and analytical calculations are some of the skills you will develop. Note that this program only selects 20 students, with daily and final projects being done in groups of 2-4. You can also expect field trips, tours, evening homework, and social activities.
9. MIT's Beaver Works Institute
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: July 8 - August 4
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: High school students with aptitude for STEM
Cost: None
The Beaver Works Institute at MIT, a rigorous STEM program, offers a variety of courses in the summer. One such mechanical engineering-focused course is “Build a CubeSat.” Dedicated to building, testing, and flying a CubeSat, the four-week course guides you through design trades, assembly, and testing of the space system. After going through online sessions, the in-person session heads into the lab to assemble the working satellite. This course gives you developmental experience and exposes you to real-world trades when designing systems for space.
Application Deadline: April 25
Program Dates: July 7 – August 1
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Eligibility: Juniors at the time of application
Cost: $350
Students at ESTEEM/SER-Quest will participate in an intensive 4-week research-focused program. At the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering, you will develop a research proposal on a topic of your choice, complete a literature review, and complete a research project in engineering. You'll have the chance to meet undergraduate and graduate students in engineering programs and learn about the college application process.
11. MSOE's Women in Engineering
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: July 9-14
Location: Milwaukee School of Engineering's campus
Eligibility: Female-identifying students from grades 10-12
Cost: $950
The Milwaukee School of Engineering’s (MSOE) Women in Engineering summer program offers female students entering 10th through 12th grades the chance to explore multiple engineering disciplines, including mechanical engineering. Led by MSOE faculty and women engineering students, this program offers various engineering projects. The program aims to teach you how to apply your skills and knowledge to the real world while supporting girls in a male-dominated field.
12. MIT's Research Science Institute (RSI)
Application Deadline: December 2
Program Dates: June – August
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: High school juniors only
Stipend: $500
Every summer, the prestigious RSI at MIT holds a free six-week science and engineering research program. You will experience the entire research cycle, from drafting a detailed research plan to delivering oral and written reports on your findings. The first week is spent attending college-level courses taught by some of the country’s most accomplished professors. The next five weeks are devoted to the research internship, where you work on your project under the mentorship of professionals. RSI is very prestigious, and most attendees are accepted into colleges like MIT.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary based on the chosen site.
Program Dates: The program typically offers summer internships, with limited positions during the fall and spring semesters. Dates vary each year. ARFL internships typically run 10–12 weeks, with a minimum requirement of 8 weeks.
Location: Several locations across the United States. Find one that works for you!
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old can apply.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will be paid $492.40 per week.
Upper-level high schoolers may have a chance to study aerospace engineering at the Air Force Research Laboratory over the summer. If selected, you will have the opportunity to receive guidance from full-time AFRL scientists and engineers while touring AFRL laboratories and working on cutting-edge research and technology. You can expect to work on areas such as aerospace / mechanical design for morphing aircraft technology, complex electromagnetic structures, and metalen design and modeling (to name a few). These opportunities are also open to undergraduate and graduate-level students so be sure to filter for specific opportunities open to high school students. Competitive rates for stipends are available as well.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May for all courses.
Dates: 4-day sessions are held every week between July 8 and August 2; available courses differ from week to week; students can choose only one course per week.
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA; some programs are offered virtually.
Eligibility: Open to all middle and high school students.
Cost: Courses range from $175 to $450; Financial aid is available.
Named after the renowned astronaut and physicist, the Sally Ride Science Academy and an initiative by UC San Diego, the Sally Ride Science Academy provides opportunities for students in grades 3-12 to experience STEM roles, such as space explorer and computer engineer. Workshops can be in-person or online and take place over four weeks. Popular workshops include iOS Programming, Messy Discoveries, and Tiny Houses, but for aerospace specifically, there is Space Out.
Named after the renowned astronaut and physicist, the Sally Ride Science Academy is an initiative by UC San Diego. The Sally Ride Science Academy provides opportunities for students in grades 3-12 to explore various STEM roles, including space explorer and computer engineer. This program offers both in-person and online workshops over four weeks. Popular workshops encompass iOS Programming, Messy Discoveries, and Tiny Houses, with a specific focus on aerospace engineering through the Space Out workshop. Faculty at the University of California San Diego will lead the program, ensuring a fulfilling academic experience for all participants, particularly for high school students interested in pursuing careers in STEM fields.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Dates: June 10–July 26
Location: USC campus, Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors with a GPA of 3.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale are eligible.
Cost: $6,330 + $50 application fee (Full and partial scholarships are available).
USC Viterbi's SHINE students have the chance to join a research team for seven weeks. In a team, you can discover how engineering addresses our real-world problems in various fields, including aerospace. Students will work in experimental lab work or computational research while pursuing lab projects of cutting-edge technology. In addition, the community of SHINE is incredibly strong, as social and intellectual networking, college prep tips, and extensive experience in science communication will be provided.
Application Deadline: TBA, check here!
Program Dates: Multiple one-week camps between June 9 – July 25
Location: University of Arizona campus
Eligibility: Open to all 10th-12th graders
Cost: Not defined for the Summer program yet, financial aid is available.
Rising 10th through 12th graders can get hands-on experience in engineering at the University of Arizona. The program includes working with professors, undergraduate students, and graduate students by designing projects; learning about engineering as a career; exploring the UA campus and facilities; and networking with peers.
This year, SEA is introducing four-day day camps along with two returning residential programs. Participants will receive lunch each day. Housing will only be available for those in the residential programs, but families are encouraged to plan a trip to Tucson and explore local attractions while their high school student(s) attend SEA. The cost for the residential camps is $750, whereas the day camps are priced at $350. All attendees are invited to apply for needs-based scholarships, which can be accessed through the registration portal. The deadline for submitting scholarship applications is April 15.
Application Deadline: May 26 (Fall), August 30 (Spring), October 20 (Summer)
Program dates: Spring session (Mid January - Early May), Summer session (Late May - August), Fall session (Late August - Mid December)
Location: NASA centers across the country
Eligibility: Be a U.S. citizen, have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), be a full-time student, and be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of application
Stipend: Awarded based on academic level and session duration
NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships at locations all around America. High school students located near NASA facilities can explore available positions and gain hands-on experience in areas related to aerospace engineering. These internships offer a unique opportunity for students to delve into the field of aerospace engineering while developing valuable skills for their future careers.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all slots are filled.
Dates: On-campus sessions: June 9–June 15 | July 14–July 20; Virtual session: July 21–July 27
Location: Urbana, IL (virtual option is available).
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9-12 can apply.
Cost: $1,000 (on-campus fee) | $150 (virtual camp fee). Scholarships are available for each camp.
The Engineering Summer Camps at the University of Illinois have multiple sessions for their Aerospace Engineering program for high schoolers of all grade levels, although juniors and seniors are preferred for on-campus activities. Though many campers have some sort of experience with the aerospace field, you don’t need experience to apply. Students will learn about aerospace engineering topics, including flight mechanics, aerodynamics, rocket propulsion, and more.
Application deadline: Typically the third week of February
Program dates: Online modules are available beginning May 1 and all internships end by August 4 or 5
Location: Hybrid/Austin, TX
Eligibility: Strong academic record, must be in grades 10-11, demonstrated interest in STEM
Cost/Stipend: None. The program covers housing, meals, and local transportation
This is a nationally competitive STEM program for high school students where students work beside NASA subject matter experts. The program is focused on Earth and space research and relies on interns to assist with analyzing and visualizing data - key aspects of moving a project faster and foundational knowledge for aerospace engineering. All project teams will present their research during the Virtual SEES Science Symposium. There is a virtual, learning component to the program and then an onsite experience on campus at University of Texas, Austin.
Application Deadline: March 28
Program Dates: Multiple one-week camps between June 15 and July 18
Location: North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
Eligibility: Must be in 11th or 12th grade in the fall
Costs: $1,500, limited financial aid available
Every summer, the College of Engineering at NC State University accepts passionate 11th and 12th graders to attend programs on engineering and reside in its Raleigh campus. In particular, the Look Up! Way Up! program provides classes on airfoil and aircraft performance to structures and propulsion. Students will be able to participate in wind tunnel and building labs while applying basic principles of mechanical and aerospace engineering. Ultimately, with the aid of the faculty and undergraduate students, students will build and fly a model airplane. Field trips to local airports and access to flight simulator programs are available as well. Applications will open on January 13th and close on March 28th, with notifications sent out on April 28th.
Application deadline: April 1
Program dates: June 18 -June 23
Location: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Arizona
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18 are eligible to apply.
Cost: $1700. This includes supervised housing, on-campus meals, classroom instruction, books, and materials.
Among the summer camps offered by Embry-Riddle, there are many options for those interested in aerospace engineering and aviation. High schoolers that are 18 years old or younger will take a look into the world of aerospace by exploring topics of space flight, aviation maintenance, the science of flight, and more. The programs that are available are Aerospace Camp, Aerospace Career Exploration Camp, Aerospace Engineering, Air Traffic Control, Aircraft Accident Investigation, and Aviation Voyage Camp.
Program Dates: June 21 – July 19
Application Deadline: March 1
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Eligibility: Applicants must be rising high school seniors and at least 16 years old by June 21
Cost: Fully funded (includes tuition, housing, meal plans, program-related field trips, and special events)
The AI Scholars Program is a four-week residential experience that introduces rising high school seniors to artificial intelligence (AI). Part of the CS Pathways initiative, this program brings together students from across the country to engage with AI through college-level coursework, research projects, and mentorship from experts. Throughout the program, you will participate in weekly college prep seminars focusing on college admissions, financial aid, and emotional well-being. Through the program, you will build meaningful connections with peers and mentors while experiencing life at Carnegie.
Application Deadline: January 27 (opens January 13)
Dates: May 27 – July (specific dates TBD, 8 weeks)
Location: Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ
Eligibility: High school students in the Phoenix area with an interest in cybersecurity and programming
Stipend: $1,800
The Arizona State University (ASU) Cybersecurity Research Internship offers high school students in the Phoenix area an opportunity to gain experience in cybersecurity research. This 8-week internship allows you to work on projects and participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) hacking competitions. You will collaborate with graduate students and professors, enhancing your technical skills and participating in real-world research. At the end of the program, you will present your findings. Ideal candidates should have experience in programming (Python or similar), strong communication skills, and a strong work ethic. This internship offers a $1,800 stipend upon successful completion.
Application Deadline: April 22
Program Dates: 8-week internship (exact start and end dates discussed during the interview process)
Location: Bellevue, WA (in-person)
Eligibility: High school students in the USA with a GPA of at least 3.8/4.0. Applicants must have experience in at least one mainstream programming language (e.g., JavaScript/PHP, Java, .NET, C/C++)
Stipend: Some internships offer a stipend
This internship offers high school students the chance to work on software engineering projects, gaining experience in software development. You will participate in projects across front-end web development, infrastructure, content management, and mobile development for both Android and iOS. Research opportunities are also available, focusing on customer usage analysis, competitor product comparison, and market outreach analysis. Throughout the program, you will be mentored by engineers, gaining insight into the software engineering field. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Application deadline: February 15
Program dates: June 16 – August 1
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and are at least 17 years of age
Stipend: $750
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is an intensive research program for high school juniors and seniors. During the program, you will learn how to conduct research under the guidance of mentors. You can choose from several research areas, including mechanical engineering and electrical engineering. Previous scholars have worked on “Secure Sensing with Passive Radar for Spectrally Congested Spaces” and “Binary Classification of COVID-19 Disease in CT Scans via Deep Convolutional Neural Networks.” With an acceptance rate of less than 3% per year, this is a very competitive program, and securing admission will help your college applications. To learn more, check out our full program guide here.
Application deadline: The application window generally opens in spring and closes in April
Program dates: July 1 – August 16
Location: Tufts University, Boston, MA
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old
Cost: Free
TUBERS is a prestigious summer program that offers a high-level research experience in biomedical engineering. You will study a specific field in great depth while learning about the research process—conducting experimental protocols, making predictions, and testing hypotheses. Previous students have worked on projects like examining breast cancer metastasis to the liver or the manufacture of a silk-scaffolded brain model. At the end of the program, you will present your findings during a poster session. Only 15-20 students are generally accepted from hundreds of applications. Check out our full guide to this program here.
Application deadline: February 7
Program dates: June 30 – August 8
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and at least 16 years of age
Cost: Free; students receive a stipend at the end of the program
The Simons Summer Research Program is a prestigious summer program that allows high schoolers to work on a research project under guidance from a mentor. The research areas include biomedical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and more. You can go through the full list of mentors and their projects here. By the end of the program, you will develop a written research abstract and a research poster. Additionally, you will attend faculty research talks, workshops, tours, and other events. Read our complete guide to this program here.
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: July 13 – 19
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who have a minimum 3.0 GPA and meet these eligibility criteria
Cost: $1,900. Scholarships are available
Cornell University’s CURIE Academy allows you to study engineering and learn about the various school and career pathways you can take. During the program, you will explore nine different fields of study within engineering through classes and hands-on experiences. You will also work on a group research project culminating in a final presentation. The 2024 cohort’s project was ‘Programmable Plants and the Internet of Living Things.’ As this is a residential program, you will also learn what living and studying at an Ivy League university is like. Check out our review of this program here.
Application Deadline: February 5
Dates: July 8 – August 5
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12 from the Philadelphia area with a minimum GPA of 3.0; applications are encouraged from underrepresented groups
Cost: Tuition-free for all accepted participants
The Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES) Program at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on research and mentorship. It provides high school students with opportunities to explore environmental science and health through a guided research experience. You’ll work closely with mentors on projects you select and design. The program begins with two weeks of training in basic laboratory techniques, followed by independent research. You will participate in seminars, field trips, social activities, and career and college admissions workshops. You’ll also conduct library research, learn scientific methods, and engage in fieldwork.
Students interested in environmental engineering can explore topics like water quality management, such as evaluating the effectiveness of filtration methods for local water sources. You will submit a research report and present your projects at the program's conclusion. Year-round mentoring is available, and many students participate in science fairs.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April
Dates: July 8 – 12
Location: John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, MA
Eligibility: High school students in the Boston area who are at least 16 years old
Cost: The program is free for all accepted participants, but Harvard University does not cover housing and transportation to and from the SEC
Harvard University’s BioSTAR summer program provides high school students with hands-on learning in bioengineering. During the program, you will design and conduct research experiments in advanced laboratories and work with Harvard researchers to understand bioengineering's role in improving human health.
The program covers 3D culturing of mammalian cancer cells, drug delivery techniques, nanoparticle synthesis, fluorescence microscopy for cell visualization, cell viability assays, and data analysis. With guidance from SEAS graduate students and research fellows, you’ll also perform immunofluorescence imaging, fabricate microfluidic devices, conduct CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, and learn scanning electron microscopy techniques. Admission to the program is highly competitive; for the 2024 session, only 15 students were accepted. Early application is recommended.
Application Deadline: Applications open on December 1
Dates: July 5 – 26
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (residential program)
Eligibility: Current 10th–11th grade students
Cost: Students enrolled in a public or charter high school within the School District of Philadelphia may be eligible to participate in the Penn Summer Academy at no cost through a Penn Summer Scholarship
The University of Pennsylvania’s Chemistry Research Academy offers high school students an introduction to advanced research with research professors and students. Topics covered in the program align with the department's research goals. The program includes hands-on laboratory experience, which makes up about 50% of class time. You will learn analytical methods like spectroscopy and gas chromatography, improve synthetic techniques through experiments, and work on open-ended lab challenges.
The program includes research lectures on nanoscale materials, chemical protein modification related to disease studies, the chemistry of rare earth metals, and the coordination of complex applications. The curriculum also covers principles of chemical bonding in organic and coordination chemistry, the functioning of analytical techniques, and the basics of materials science. You will tour facilities such as the Singh Center for Nanomaterials, the Science History Institute, and university research labs. In addition, you will develop independent research skills, learn how to work with research articles, and complete a capstone project.
Application Deadline: Applications will open on December 1
Dates: July 5 – 26
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades 9–11
Cost: Students enrolled in a public or charter high school within the School District of Philadelphia may be eligible to participate in the Penn Summer Academy at no cost through a Penn Summer Scholarship
The University of Pennsylvania’s Summer Academies offers three-week programs focused on specific subjects. The Experimental Physics Research Academy explores astrophysics, mechanics, quantum dynamics, and electromagnetism. The curriculum includes lectures, projects, hands-on activities, and discussions. This residential program takes place on UPenn’s campus, where you will have access to its resources.
The program begins with an introduction to different areas of physics, including kinematics, electricity, nuclear physics, modern physics, and quantum mechanics. It also covers the philosophy of science, experimental design, ethics in science, and educational pathways. You will learn about current research at Penn through faculty presentations on their areas of expertise. Additionally, the program provides preparation for college-level physics. For more information on the curriculum and alumni experiences, you can see here.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January
Dates/duration: Spring Session: February 21 – May 22; Summer Session: June 30 – August 15
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Eligibility: Applicants must be 16 years or older by the orientation date and either reside in NYC or attend a NYC public or charter school within 45 minutes of Genspace
Cost: No cost (Stipend: $2,000)
The Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace combines elements of engineering and biotechnology, making it ideal for students interested in bioengineering. This six-month program offers hands-on training in genetic engineering and laboratory skills, with participants conducting research on biofilm behavior, water purification, and biosensor technologies. You will work alongside professional scientists, gaining essential skills in data analysis and lab equipment use while understanding the broader implications of biotech in modern engineering solutions. The program promotes responsible and ethical application of biotech practices, with additional emphasis on science communication.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates/Duration: This is a summer internship program, with specific dates varying by location
Location: AEOP has locations in nearly every state, including in New York City. The program is designed for commuters, so transportation, meals, and housing are not included
Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents; additional eligibility requirements may vary by location, check details here
Cost: No cost. A stipend is offered, but the amount varies depending on the location
The AEOP High School Internships provide an engineering-focused experience where students can work directly with university and Department of Defense researchers on defense-related projects. Students interested in engineering can explore areas like electronic engineering and biochemical engineering, using advanced lab equipment and techniques to solve complex problems. This program also features mentorship from engineers and scientists, guiding you through technical tasks and experimental processes. You will gain practical experience in research, build technical skills, and contribute to projects aimed at tackling national challenges.
Application Deadline: March 18
Program Dates: June 17 - August 2
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA.
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 (outstanding 9th graders may be accepted on a case-by-case basis) with a minimum weighted GPA of 3.80.
Cost: $4,975 (commuter option) | $11,874 (residential option)
UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program (RMP) is a prestigious 6-week summer initiative that pairs high-achieving high school students with UCSB faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and advanced graduate students for a hands-on, interdisciplinary research experience.
Participants dive deeply into their chosen research projects, working 35-50 hours a week both virtually and on campus. Students also earn 8 university credits through two courses focusing on research techniques and presentation skills. This program is particularly advantageous for students interested in exploring the intersection of STEM with other disciplines. The program concludes with a formal academic symposium where students present their findings.
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.
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