Best Engineering Summer Programs 鈥� 2026

February 24, 2026

From Imhotep, the architect behind the Pyramid of Djoser (who鈥揻un fact鈥揳lso inspired The Mummy franchise鈥檚 lead antagonist), to Subra Suresh, a celebrated pioneer in biomedical engineering and materials science, engineers have impacted our world for thousands of years. Moreover, the field鈥檚 civil and mechanical engineering origins have expanded to include diverse and ever-developing specialties such as computer, chemical, and aerospace engineering, demonstrating that the profession is limitless and will continue evolving in response to modern-day needs and issues. However, no matter which discipline you choose, engineering is often considered to be one of the hardest college majors. Along with pouring energy into a rigorous math and science curriculum, students should also engage in related extracurricular opportunities. As such, well-structured and comprehensive engineering summer programs can provide practical expertise, essential confidence-building, and valuable career insight. Curious to learn more? Check out our list below.

Want to access our full searchable database of the best 2026 summer programs? Click below to sort summer programs by discipline and location, and view important data points such as tuition costs, deadlines, course listings, and more!

2026 Best Summer Programs

1)

Location: n/a
Instructional Method:聽Online
Program Length: 2 or 4 weeks
Cost: $1,895
Eligibility: Ages 13 and up
Application Deadline: Rolling

Northwestern University now offers a variety of pre-college online courses spanning a number of engaging subjects like law, medicine, and business. Even more exciting, they now offer a course in engineering for high school students interested in learning how to use the design process to solve big problems. In this course, called Engineering: Solving Problems Through Design, studetns will explore a number of disciplines within the world of engineering, and the ways they collaborate to solve complex problems. You will review realistic case studies and apply the design process to solve common engineering problems.

2)

Location: Multiple
Instructional Method: In-person (residential or commuter), hybrid, online
Program Length: 4 or 5 weeks
Cost: $4,230 (commuter/online) / $10,190 (residential)
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 15-17 (priority is given to older students)
Application Deadline: Rolling

At Johns Hopkins, there are three college credit-bearing engineering summer programs available.

During , students explore civil, chemical, electrical/computer, and mechanical engineering as well as materials science. To do so, they tackle myriad projects in small teams. For example, they might test the material properties of food or construct a stable bridge. All students are responsible for a short final presentation. The workload is intense with full class days and approximately two hours of homework each night. Additionally, academic prerequisites include Algebra II, trigonometry, chemistry or physics, and an A/B average in math/science courses. students follow exactly the same curriculum, but the program is longer and includes a mix of synchronous and asynchronous study.

The covers sustainable energy technologies. As such, students complete projects that focus on the intersection of energy reduction, energy production & distribution, and policy. Similar to EI, students spend six hours per day in class and complete several hours of homework at night. Moreover, the prerequisites are identical (minus a trigonometry course).

Finally, is an online-only, asynchronous course where students work to solve biological, physiological, and medical design problems through hands-on projects and experiments. For example, they complete a biosensor design project as well as an independent research project & online poster presentation. Prerequisites include Algebra II, trigonometry, physics, and an A/B average in math/science courses. Students spend up to 20 hours a week in a mix of synchronous and asynchronous sessions.

3) World Scholars Academy | Elite Summer Courses

Location: n/a
Instructional Method: Online
Program Length: 2 weeks
Cost: $2,995
Eligibility: Students ages 12-18
Application Deadline: Rolling

World Scholars Academy offers summer courses and research internships taught live online by instructors from top research universities. Students receive individual feedback and personalized academic guidance in their exclusive small-group classes (max 6 students) as well as high-level instruction in the theory and practice of their chosen discipline.

The Engineering program has two options: World Engineers Academy (ages 15-18) and Discover Engineering Academy (ages 12-14). The World Engineers Academy covers topics including Materials Science, Structural Analysis, Electricity & Magnetism, and Aerodynamics. The Discover Engineering Academy introduces younger students to concepts such as Robotics, the Science of Space Travel, and Video Games & Computer Science. Finally, the 4-week virtual Engineering Internship enables students to conduct original research on a topic of choice, guided by an expert engineer.

All programs are taught by instructors from top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard who are hand-selected for their intellectual leadership and ability to transmit high-level insights to their students. Upon successful completion, all students receive a letter of recommendation from their instructor that they can use for internship and college applications.

4)

Location: Madison, WI
Instructional Method:聽In-person (residential)
Program Length: 3 weeks
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: March 2

At these highly selective engineering summer programs, students dive into a curriculum that covers math, physics, chemistry, and engineering design. Moreover, they鈥檒l develop teamwork, problem-solving, and design skills. Site visits to companies like Alliant Energy and GE Healthcare are part of the experience, as is individualized mentorship. For students interested in attending UW Madison, the program is also an excellent opportunity to discover more about what it would be like to be an engineering student.

Outside of academics, students live in a residence hall, eat meals together, and attend social programming. In order to be eligible for admission, students must have completed at least a year each of algebra, geometry, and chemistry. Additionally, they must hold at least a 3.0 (unweighted) GPA. Essays are required, as is a clear passion for math and science. However, if accepted to this program, pack your bags immediately鈥搃t鈥檚 completely free.

5)

Location: Raleigh, NC
Instructional Method:聽In-person (residential)
Program Length: 1 week (4 sessions available)
Cost: $1,550
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: Feb 27 (application opens in mid-January)

Hoping to focus on a particular area of engineering? Look no further than NC State鈥檚 residential engineering summer programs. There are sixteen workshop options, and while students can select several choices on their applications, they will be admitted to just one. (Note that some workshops are only available during certain sessions.) Workshops include those focused on biological and agricultural engineering, computer science, aerospace engineering, and biomedical engineering, among others. Each workshop has its own objectives and related projects. For example, a biological and agricultural engineering option鈥揈cological Engineering鈥揳llows students to complete hands-on activities related to storm water treatment and stream health, and includes indoor and outdoor experiences. Additionally, students will hone design and analysis skills.

Outside of their workshops (6-7 hours per day), students spend time participating in program-wide afternoon and evening activities. They also live and dine with fellow participants.

Applying to this highly competitive summer program requires students to submit two short essays as well as their transcripts. Moreover, most accepted students have maintained an A/B academic record in STEM courses.

6)

Location: East Lansing, MI
Instructional Method: In-person (residential)
Program Length: 1 week
Cost: $1,099 (HSEI) / $1,199 (MGIT)
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th-graders (HSEI) / Rising juniors and seniors (MGIT)
Application Deadline: June-July

Michigan State offers two engineering summer programs for high school students. These include the High School Engineering Institute (HSEI) and Making a Game of It (MGIT), both of which are residential.

The High School Engineering Institute is geared toward students who are serious about a potential career in engineering. As such, they will be exposed to multiple areas of engineering via lectures, activities, and teamwork. Additionally, students tour engineering research facilities and have a high level of access to engineering faculty members and graduate students. To be eligible, students must possess a 3.0+ in their high school STEM courses and submit a full transcript.

Alternatively, Making a Game of It focuses on computer software skills and preparation for a computer science undergraduate program. Consequently, students participate in experiential learning activities like designing a video game and developing prowess in Python. There is ample access to faculty and graduate students who are passionate about computer science. Finally, like HGIT, students must have strong academic records in their STEM classes (at least a 3.0).

7)

Location: Princeton, NJ
Instructional Method:聽In-person (commuter)
Program Length: 5-6 weeks
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18
Application Deadline: March 15 (application opens February 15)

Princeton鈥檚 Laboratory Learning Program is unique in that students are integrated into active research projects with Princeton faculty members. However, unlike other programs, there are no set dates鈥搕hey vary according to the schedule of each specific project. Since there is also no housing or transportation included, students must be residents of New Jersey or Pennsylvania,聽and attend an NJ or PA high school, and live within 50 miles of Princeton.

LLP offers multiple full-time research opportunities in the natural sciences and engineering. Some current project options include the Imaging Airflow, Bioengineering Lung Development, and Hydrogels for Environmental Remediation. Students can view a project summary, responsibility list, dates, and faculty sponsor information for each option. For example, Electrified ammonia synthesis students could expect to provide experimental support as well as conduct data analysis and literature reviews. At the culmination of their research experience, students submit a two-page research report.

These engineering summer programs are extremely. In past years, Princeton fielded over 3,000 applications, with most projects accepting just 1-2 students each.

Final Thoughts 鈥� Engineering Summer Programs

Given engineering鈥檚 level of difficulty, it deserves a solid amount of preparation for the best chance of undergraduate success. Wise prospective engineering students will engage in coursework and activities that not only build their skills but also introduce them to the rigors of the field. Engineering summer programs鈥損articularly those that provide experiential learning opportunities as well as insight into a student鈥檚 discipline of choice鈥揳re valuable additions to any high school experience.

Looking for engineering summer programs in your area? Consider checking out the following:

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Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).