For high school students with a passion for engineering, the summer months offer a fantastic opportunity to explore the world of technology, innovation, and problem-solving. If you're looking for hands-on experiences and exposure to the field of engineering, there are numerous summer engineering programs available. In this article, we've compiled a list of 13 summer programs for high school students interested in engineering.

1. Stanford University Summer Institutes: Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

  • Location: Palo Alto, CA

  • Cost: $3,050

  • Deadline: March 29, 2024

The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies offers a range of engineering programs where high school students can immerse themselves in disciplines like artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and computer science. Participants engage in hands-on

2. Women in Engineering Summer Camp: University of Maryland

  • Location: College Park, MD

  • Cost: $1300

  • Deadline: TBD

This program is designed to empower young women interested in engineering. Participants experience various engineering fields, including robotics, aerospace, and environmental engineering, through hands-on projects and interactions with female engineering professionals.

3. MIT’s MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science)

  • Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

  • Cost: Free

  • Deadline: February 1, 2024

MITES is a program tailored for high school students from underrepresented communities in STEM fields. While it covers various scientific and engineering disciplines, students passionate about engineering can explore their interests and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds.


4. Explore Engineering Innovation: Johns Hopkins University

  • Location: Baltimore, MD or Online

  • Cost: $3,575

  • Deadline: December 15, 2023

Engineering Innovation is an intensive four-week program that exposes high school students to various engineering disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering. Participants learn through lectures, labs, and hands-on projects.


5. Fundamentals of Engineering at UC Berkeley

  • Location: Berkeley, CA

  • Cost: $5,898

  • Deadline: Rolling

The Fundamentals of Engineering at UC Berkeley provides a hands-on experience for high school students interested in engineering. Participants explore topics like robotics, circuits, and computer programming.


6. Engineering Design Summer Institute: UCLA Summer Sessions

  • Location: Los Angeles, CA

  • Cost: $461

  • Deadline: June 1, 2024

UCLA's Summer Sessions offer a program for high school students interested in engineering and computer science. Participants engage in coursework and hands-on projects, exploring subjects like programming, circuits, and app development.

Session 2: Engineering with Amin

PhD Candidate at Princeton University

Sample questions you could ask:

  • What kinds of decisions did Amin make to get into college?

  • What is his favorite thing about his research?

  • Are you able to establish a work/life balance in your field?

  • What steps did you take to earn your current position?


7. Summer Engineering Exploration Camp: University of Michigan

  • Location: Ann Arbor, MI

  • Cost: $650

  • Deadline: March 1st, 2024

The Summer Engineering Exploration Camp at the University of Michigan provides high school students with a taste of engineering education. Participants explore various engineering disciplines, take part in team projects, and experience campus life.

8. Aggie STEM Summer Camps: Texas A&M University

  • Location: College Station, TX

  • Cost: Tuition-Based

  • Deadline: Rolling

Texas A&M's Aggie STEM Summer Camps offers an engaging program for high school students. Participants explore engineering disciplines like aerospace, mechanical, and civil engineering through hands-on projects.


9. Summer Engineering Institute: Georgia Tech

  • Location: Atlanta, GA

  • Cost: $1800

  • Deadline: Rolling

Georgia Tech's Summer Engineering Institute provides an immersive experience for high school students. Participants engage in engineering projects, learn from faculty, and explore the world of engineering design and innovation.

10. SHAPE - Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers: Columbia University

  • Location: New York City, NY

  • Cost: $5,500

  • Deadline: December 15, 2023 (Priority Deadline); March 26, 2024 (Regular Deadline)

Columbia University offers a summer program where high school students dive into the world of engineering. Participants gain exposure to engineering fields, visit engineering labs, and work on engineering projects.


11. Discover Engineering Camp: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  • Location: Urbana-Champaign, IL

  • Cost: $1,000 (Residential); $400 (Commuter)

  • Deadline: March 2024

The Discover Engineering Camp offers high school students a chance to explore engineering through hands-on activities and projects. Participants engage in design challenges, experiments, and engineering workshops.

12. High School Engineering Institute: Drexel University

  • Location: Philadelphia, PA

  • Cost: $400-$850

  • Deadline: March 31, 2024 - June 1, 2024 depending on program

Drexel University's High School Engineering Institute provides high school students with a hands-on introduction to a variety of engineering disciplines. Participants work on engineering projects, conduct experiments, and visit engineering labs.


13. Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP) Summer Academy: University of Toronto

  • Location: Toronto, Canada

  • Cost: Domestic students: $600 per week; International students: $950 per week

  • Deadline: TBD

The Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP) Summer Academy at the University of Toronto is ideal for high school students interested in exploring engineering concepts and the engineering design process.

Making the Most of Your Summer Engineering Program

Once you’ve participated in any of these valuable programs, you’ll want to think about what you gained from the experience and the skills you developed. Learn more about the importance of showcasing your expertise on college applications.

Middle and high school students can also create their own engineering summer program. Polygence has many engineering research mentors who are available to provide students with guidance and support along the way. Exploring these opportunities can be a significant step toward pursuing a rewarding career in engineering.

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Your Own Engineering Project - Ready, Set, Go!

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