7 Best Automotive Internships for High School Students
Automotive engineering is a dynamic, multidisciplinary field that blends principles from mechanical, electrical, electronic, software, and safety engineering to create innovative and efficient transportation solutions. For students interested in pursuing a career in automotive engineering, gaining hands-on experience early, particularly during high school, can help you understand the complexities of this field.
Participating in internships offers valuable real-world experience, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges. These opportunities enable you to work with cutting-edge technologies, learn industry standards, and develop crucial problem-solving skills. Additionally, internships provide insights into different career paths and areas of interest while enhancing your college applications. An internship can show admissions officers your commitment to your areas of interest and your eagerness to learn.
Here is a list of the 7 best internships for high school students interested in automotive engineering!
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year. December 16, 2024 onwards for the upcoming winter cohort
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. November 24, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who can work for 5-15 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. These internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students!
Ladder Internships, a fairly selective program founded by Harvard alumni, pairs high school students with startups and nonprofits around the world for virtual internships. This is an excellent opportunity if you're passionate about automotive engineering and looking to gain hands-on experience in the field. As a Ladder Intern, you’ll explore various facets of mechanical and automotive engineering, from foundational design concepts to advanced manufacturing techniques. These internships offer a structured pathway to immerse yourself in real-world research and innovation, blending academic growth with practical skill-building.
Partnered with startups across the United States, Asia, Europe, and the UK, this program allows remote immersion in areas that pique your interests. As an intern, you will work on projects that contribute to the startup or nonprofit’s larger mission and present your work at the end of the program. This internship program includes one-on-one training in communication and time management, among other skills, and group training sessions with fellow interns. You will be paired with a manager at the startup and with a Ladder coach, who serves as a second mentor. You can explore all the available options here on their application form.
Location: Various BMW facilities across the United States
Stipend: Does not specify details about a stipend
Dates: Year-long internship, 2025 dates TBA
Application Deadline: TBAEligibility: Applicants must:
Be full-time high school seniors at a participating Career and Technical Education (CATE) Center
Have a minimum 2.8 GPA
Participate in internal BMW Manufacturing training
The BMW Rising Scholars Program offers high school seniors an early start in advanced manufacturing through a one-year apprenticeship. Participants work part-time at BMW Manufacturing while studying in high school and participating at a Career and Technical Education (CATE) Center. You will spend 15 hours per week, primarily at the BMW Training and Development Center, gaining hands-on experience in the field.
This program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, and upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate and become a candidate for the prestigious BMW Scholars Program. During the internship, you’ll be trained in the use of hand tools, power tools, and fabrication equipment, while the automotive-focused track builds familiarity with BMW vehicle systems. Under the supervision of skilled professionals, you’ll develop expertise in Mechatronics and other advanced automotive technologies, making this program a valuable stepping stone toward a career in the industry.
Location: Various agencies in New York City
Stipend: Stipend provided, amount unspecified
Dates: 6 weeks starting in July
Application Deadline: TBAEligibility: High school students from the participating list of schools
The NYC DCAS High School Automotive Internship Program offers high school students a paid summer internship maintaining high-profile City vehicles. In partnership with the New York City Department of Education's Career Technical Education Automotive High Schools, this program provides a unique opportunity to learn from top City fleet experts who manage the largest municipal fleet in the U.S.
Over 150 hours, you will work with agencies such as the NYPD, FDNY, Department of Transportation, Department of Sanitation, and DCAS. You will gain valuable skills in diagnosing equipment, performing basic maintenance, managing fleet operations, and handling automotive shop equipment. This practical experience not only enhances career readiness in the automotive industry but also provides you with paid work that can boost your resume for future opportunities.
Location: NASA centers across the country; virtual options are available
Cost: Free for all accepted participants; housing, transportation, and meals are not covered; stipend provided
Dates: Spring session (Mid-January to Early May) | Summer session (Late May to August) | Fall session (Late August to Mid-December)
Application Deadline:
Summer 2025:
Early Decision: October 25, 2024
Final Deadline: February 28, 2025
Fall 2025: May 16, 2025
Eligibility: Applicants must:
Be a U.S. citizen
Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
Be a full-time student
Be at least 16 years of age at the time of application
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers internship programs that provide hands-on experience in engineering and technology, with many applications to automotive engineering. As an intern, you will work with cutting-edge aerospace technologies, gaining exposure to advanced materials, propulsion systems, and aerodynamics. Under the guidance of experienced research scientists and engineers, you will participate in projects, developing practical skills and technical expertise in your chosen field. These internships cover a range of disciplines, including aeronautics, engineering, technology, and biosciences, preparing you with a well-rounded skill set for a career in mechanical and automotive engineering.
Participating in NASA’s prestigious internships will strengthen your college applications, showcasing your ambition, initiative, and technical competence. The experience and knowledge gained during the internship will also enhance your resume, positioning you as a strong candidate for competitive university programs and scholarships. Networking with professionals and receiving mentorship from NASA experts can lead to future internships and career opportunities in aerospace, engineering, and related fields. Internships can be full or part-time, offered in-person at NASA centers or remotely. You can explore a full list of available positions here.
Location: Varies based on the program; you can check the different locations here
Cost: Free for all accepted participants; a weekly stipend of $492.40 is provided (might differ from state to state)
Dates: Varies but should fall under 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)
Application Deadline: January 10, 2025 Eligibility: Applicants must:
Be an Upper High School Student (over 16 years old)
Be a U.S. Citizen
Have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program is another great internship for those interested in automotive and aerospace engineering. This paid opportunity allows high school students to gain experience working on research-driven projects alongside AFRL’s full-time scientists and engineers. You'll receive mentorship from highly knowledgeable AFRL professionals and engage in cutting-edge research in a dynamic learning environment.
As an intern, you'll be involved in all stages of the research process and may even have the chance to present your findings. Research topics cover areas like aerospace and mechanical design, complex electromagnetic structures, and artificial intelligence. Some recent projects include exploring cold atom sources for navigation technology and developing personalized chatbots for improved user interfaces and in-car communication systems. You can find a full list of mentors and additional details on the AFRL website, and you can apply through this portal!
You can also check out our blog post for a deep dive into this program here!
Location: Servco centers in Hawaii
Cost: No information available
Dates: Typically 8 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: TBAEligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Servco’s Automotive Summer Internship Program offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the automotive industry while exploring various career pathways. This 8-week internship provides practical exposure to what a career in automotive engineering and related fields involves. As an intern, you'll focus on the technician track and rotate through different departments within Servco’s Automotive Retail and Distribution teams, giving you a well-rounded view of the industry.
During the program, you'll explore a range of roles within an automotive dealership, such as automotive technician, service consultant, parts counter and warehouse specialist, and warranty administrator. You will build a solid foundation in vehicle maintenance, repair, parts management, and customer service—key skills for a successful career in automotive engineering and technology. For more details, you can visit their website and apply when the 2025 cohort opens.
Location: Various Porsche facilities all over the U.S.
Stipend: No information available
Dates: Depends on the chosen internship, typically 3-6 months
Application Deadline: Typically 6 months before the starting date. However, depending on availability, you can apply at shorter notice Eligibility: High school students
The Porsche Career Orientation Internship offers high school students an opportunity to explore the world of automotive engineering by gaining hands-on experience in various departments. This program allows you to work alongside Porsche employees, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the profession and a chance to develop your skills and talents before making future career decisions.
Interns will rotate through different areas of the company, learning about design, engineering, and the manufacturing processes that drive innovation at Porsche. This internship not only provides real-world experience but also enhances college applications and resumes. Given the program’s selective nature, it’s important to apply early to secure a position.
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.