25 Best Summer Engineering Internships for High School Students : 2025 Edition
Explore the top 25 summer engineering internships for high school students in 2025. Paid, free, and virtual opportunities at NASA, MIT, Stanford & more!
Summer Engineering Internships for High School Students
Summer Engineering Internships for High School Students
Are you a high school student passionate about engineering and innovation?
Discover the 25 best summer engineering internships for high school students in 2025 carefully curated to help you gain real-world experience, mentorship from top engineers, and a head start in your STEM career. These summer programs cover everything from aerospace and robotics to AI and mechanical engineering. Whether you are looking for free engineering internships, paid summer research opportunities, or virtual STEM programs, this guide breaks it all down including cost details, stipends, deadlines, and eligibility.
Do not miss out on these top-rated summer engineering internships designed specifically for high school students. Explore your interests, strengthen your college application, and work with professionals across prestigious institutions like MIT, NASA, Stanford, and more!
Table of Contents for Summer Engineering Internships for High School Students :
Summer Engineering Internships for High School Students
Why Summer Engineering Internships Matter
Best Summer Engineering Internships for High School Students
How to Choose the Best Summer Engineering Internship for High School Students
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Summer Engineering Internships Matter
Summer engineering internships for high school students are more than just summer activities, they are a gateway to real-world STEM experiences that can shape your academic and career path. Here is why they are so valuable:
Gain Hands-On Engineering Experience: Work with real tools, technology, and lab equipment to understand engineering concepts beyond the classroom.
Boost Your College Applications and Resume: Stand out to college admissions officers and future employers with practical internship experience in engineering.
Learn from Top STEM Professionals: Receive mentorship from leading scientists, engineers, and university researchers in your field of interest.
Explore Different Engineering Fields: Whether it is mechanical, biomedical, aerospace, or AI, internships help you discover which engineering branch truly excites you.
Best Summer Engineering Internships for High School Students :
1. Ladder Internships - Engineering Track
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students aged 14+, gap-year, or college students
Dates: Summer cohorts typically run June–August
Cost: Starts at $1,990 (financial aid available)
Stipend: Unpaid
Description: Work remotely with startups on real-world engineering projects with guidance from Harvard mentors.
2. NASA OSTEM High School Internships
Location: NASA centers nationwide & virtual
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, 16+, 3.0+ GPA
Dates: 10 weeks in summer
Cost: Free
Stipend: Paid (amount varies)
Description: Engage with NASA engineers and scientists in aerospace, robotics, and more.
3. AFRL Scholars Program
Location: Air Force Research Labs (multiple U.S. sites)
Eligibility: 16+, U.S. citizens
Dates: 9-week summer program
Cost: Free
Stipend: ~$492/week
Description: Contribute to defense engineering research and explore military technology.
4. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University
Eligibility: High school juniors/seniors, 17+ by June
Dates: June 22 - August 7, 2025
Cost: Free
Stipend: $750
Description: Research with professors in a 7-week intensive program.
5. Stanford SHTEM Internship
Location: Remote
Eligibility: Rising seniors (class of 2025)
Dates: June 17 - August 9, 2025
Cost: Free
Stipend: Unpaid
Description: Mentored research in engineering and related areas through Stanford's Compression Forum.
6. AEOP High School Apprenticeships
Location: U.S. Army labs and universities
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, high school students
Dates: Varies; summer session 6–10 weeks
Cost: Free
Stipend: Paid (amount varies)
Description: Apprentice under STEM professionals at top research facilities.
7. MITES Summer (formerly MITES) at MIT
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents, rising high school seniors
Dates: June–August (6 weeks)
Cost: Free (includes housing, meals, and travel)
Stipend: Unpaid
Description: Rigorous engineering coursework with research projects at MIT.
8. UC Davis Young Scholars Program
Location: UC Davis, CA
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
Dates: June 23 - August 3, 2025
Cost: ~$4,500 (financial aid available)
Stipend: Unpaid
Description: Conduct university-level research with UC Davis faculty.
9. Boston University RISE Internship
Location: Boston, MA
Eligibility: Rising seniors
Dates: July 1 - August 9, 2025
Cost: ~$5,870 (limited scholarships)
Stipend: Unpaid
Description: Join cutting-edge labs for research in engineering or computational fields.
10. Simons Summer Research Program (Stony Brook)
Location: Stony Brook University, NY
Eligibility: Rising seniors
Dates: June 24 - August 9, 2025
Cost: Free
Stipend: $1,000–$2,000
Description: Engage in full-time lab research with faculty mentors.
11. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program
Location: Princeton University, NJ
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, 16+
Dates: 5–6 weeks in summer
Cost: Free
Stipend: Unpaid
Description: Research experience in physics, chemistry, and engineering fields.
12. SEAP (Science & Engineering Apprenticeship Program)
Location: U.S. Navy labs
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, high school students aged 16+
Dates: 8 weeks in summer
Cost: Free
Stipend: ~$4,000 total
Description: Work under Navy scientists and engineers on real research problems.
13. BlueStamp Engineering Summer Program
Location: NYC, SF, Virtual
Eligibility: High school students
Dates: Multiple summer sessions
Cost: $3,900–$5,400 (financial aid available)
Stipend: Unpaid
Description: Build personalized engineering projects and document your journey.
14. Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation Program
Location: Online and select campuses
Eligibility: High school juniors/seniors
Dates: 4–5 weeks in summer
Cost: $2,575–$4,975 (scholarships available)
Stipend: Unpaid
Description: Earn college credit while completing team engineering challenges.
15. iD Tech Camps – Engineering & Robotics
Location: Universities across U.S.
Eligibility: Ages 13–18
Dates: One-week summer camps
Cost: $1,000–$1,600 per session
Stipend: Unpaid
Description: Introductory hands-on experiences in robotics, AI, coding, and engineering.
Summer Engineering Internships for High School Students
16. Purdue Pre-College Engineering Program (STEP & SEW)
Location: Purdue University, IN
Eligibility: High school students
Dates: Various summer sessions
Cost: ~$2,000 (financial aid available)
Stipend: Unpaid
Description: Explore mechanical and electrical engineering with Purdue professors.
17. Smith Summer Science and Engineering Program (SSEP)
Location: Smith College, MA
Eligibility: Girls entering grades 11–12
Dates: July 7 - August 3, 2025
Cost: ~$6,300 (aid available)
Stipend: Unpaid
Description: Female-led research and engineering program in a collegiate environment.
18. NYU ARISE (Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Eligibility: NYC high school students, 10th/11th graders
Dates: 7 weeks in summer
Cost: Free
Stipend: $750
Description: Work in NYU labs on engineering research projects.
19. Columbia Engineering High School Programs
Location: Columbia University, NYC or online
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
Dates: Two-week summer sessions
Cost: $2,700–$6,000 (financial aid available)
Stipend: Unpaid
Description: Take college-level engineering courses from Columbia faculty.
20. Harvard Secondary School Program (Engineering Focus)
Location: Online and Harvard campus
Eligibility: Grades 10–12
Dates: 7-week program
Cost: ~$5,000–$13,000 (aid available)
Stipend: Unpaid
Description: Earn college credit through engineering and computer science courses.
21. Inspirit AI Scholars Program
Location: Virtual or in-person (varies)
Eligibility: Grades 8–12
Dates: Spring, Summer, or Winter sessions
Cost: $900–$1,800 (need-based aid available)
Stipend: Unpaid
Description: Learn engineering concepts and AI from Stanford and MIT alumni.
22. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: Rising seniors (competitive selection)
Dates: June 23 - August 3, 2025
Cost: Free
Stipend: Unpaid
Description: Prestigious research internship hosted by MIT and CEE.
23. Bucknell Engineering Summer Academy
Location: Bucknell University, PA
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
Dates: July 14–19, 2025
Cost: ~$1,500 (aid available)
Stipend: Unpaid
Description: Hands-on project-based engineering experience with Bucknell faculty.
24. UConn Pre-College Engineering Program
Location: UConn, CT
Eligibility: Grades 10–12
Dates: One-week sessions (July-August)
Cost: ~$2,000 per session
Stipend: Unpaid
Description: Live on campus and take engineering classes taught by UConn professors.
25. Berkeley Summer Engineering Academy (SEA)
Location: UC Berkeley, CA
Eligibility: Rising seniors
Dates: 2–3 week program in July
Cost: ~$5,000 (aid available)
Stipend: Unpaid
Description: College-level courses in engineering and design thinking on campus.
How to Choose the Best Summer Engineering Internship for High School Students
Feeling overwhelmed by all the options? Here is how to narrow down the perfect internship for you:
Identify Your Interests: From AI and aerospace to mechanical or biomedical, choose an internship that aligns with your STEM passions.
Decide on Format: Remote programs offer flexibility, while on-campus internships provide hands-on university experience.
Check Costs and Financial Aid: Some internships are free or offer stipends; others have tuition. Many offer financial aid, make sure to always check!
Look at the Commitment: Programs range from 1 to 8 weeks. Choose what fits your summer schedule.
Eligibility and Deadlines: Many top engineering internships for teens require a GPA or specific grade level and apply early.
Define Your Goals: Want to earn college credit, build a portfolio, or explore new fields? Pick a program that matches your outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are summer internships worth it for high school students?
A: Yes! They offer experience, mentorship, and make college applications stronger.
Q: Can I get paid as a high school intern?
A: Yes, several programs like NASA OSTEM and SEAP offer generous stipends.
Q: What if I can't afford the program?
A: Many programs are free or offer financial aid and scholarships.
Q: Do I need to be an expert already?
A: No prior experience is needed for many internships. A strong interest in STEM is what matters most.
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10-session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
