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10 summer engineering programs for high school students.

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Afreen Hossain

10 Summer Engineering Programs for High School Students

Taking part in prestigious engineering programs in high school is a great way to show your passion in college applications! This blog contains top 10 programs!

SHAPE – Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers: Columbia University

Description: SHAPE offers high school students an intensive exploration of core engineering concepts such as mechanics, thermodynamics, and circuits. Through lectures, labs, and group projects, participants develop a solid foundation in engineering principles, preparing them for future academic pursuits in the field.

Eligibility:

  • Open to high school students in grades 10-12.
  • Participants should demonstrate a strong interest in engineering.
  • Students from diverse academic backgrounds are welcome to apply.

Cost of Program: Varies depending on program; financial aid may be available.

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

Description: MITES is a selective program aimed at promoting diversity in STEM. High school juniors from underrepresented backgrounds participate in a six-week residential program, exploring engineering and science through project-based learning and mentorship, all at no cost.

  • High school juniors from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM.
  • Students with a strong interest in engineering and science.
  • Participants must demonstrate academic potential and leadership skills.

Cost of Program: Free (includes room and board).

Women in Engineering Summer Camp: University of Maryland

Description: This week-long residential program is tailored for rising 11th and 12th grade high school students interested in engineering, irrespective of gender identity. Participants delve into campus life and explore engineering departments and majors through engaging lectures, hands-on activities, and team challenges, fostering connections with faculty, staff, and students in the Clark School of Engineering.

  • Rising 11th and 12th graders interested in engineering.
  • Open to students of all gender identities.
  • Participants should demonstrate curiosity and enthusiasm for STEM fields.

Cost of Program: $1,400.

FREE STEM Guide with a list of 50+ opportunities, competitions, internships and more! List of competitions for high school students. Top Science Fair Competitions in 2024 . Mathematics competitions for students worldwide. Top 10 Computer Science Internships for High School Students.

MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute

Description: The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute is an immersive program for high school juniors and seniors interested in aerospace, cybersecurity, and robotics. Through hands-on projects and collaboration with MIT faculty, students tackle real-world challenges, developing critical skills in engineering and technology. From designing drones to exploring cyber defense strategies, participants gain valuable experience and insight into these cutting-edge fields. With a focus on innovation and teamwork, this program equips students with the tools they need to excel in STEM disciplines and beyond.

  • High school juniors and seniors.
  • Demonstrated interest in STEM fields.
  • Strong academic record.

Cost of Program: Free (scholarships available).

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

Description: Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies offers a range of engineering courses, encompassing computer science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. High school students delve into these fields through immersive coursework, hands-on projects, and interactions with Stanford faculty. Participants gain valuable insights into engineering disciplines, enhancing their academic skills and exploring potential career paths.

  • High school students.
  • Open to students worldwide.
  • Varied academic backgrounds welcome.

Cost of Program: Varies (financial aid available).

Virginia Tech College of Engineering Summer Academy

Description: High school students delve into engineering through hands-on projects, lab experiments, and seminars led by faculty and industry experts. This immersive program equips rising juniors and seniors with valuable insights into various engineering disciplines, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

  • Rising high school juniors and seniors.
  • Students passionate about exploring engineering fields.
  • Open to applicants from diverse academic backgrounds.

Cost of Program: Program fee covers tuition, housing, and meals.

Penn Engineering Summer Academy

Description: Delve into diverse engineering fields including robotics, nanotechnology, and computer graphics through interactive projects and lectures. Led by Penn faculty, students gain hands-on experience and insight into engineering disciplines.

  • High school students eager to explore engineering.
  • Participants with a passion for innovation and problem-solving.

Georgia Tech Pre-College Program

Description: Immerse yourself in engineering disciplines like civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering. Experience hands-on projects, labs, and lectures led by Georgia Tech faculty, gaining insight into the engineering field.

  • Students passionate about engineering.
  • Open to domestic and international applicants.

Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation

Description: Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation offers high school students a comprehensive introduction to engineering concepts through coursework and hands-on labs. Participants engage with experienced instructors, collaborate on projects, and explore various engineering disciplines.

  • High school students from diverse academic backgrounds.
  • Students with a keen interest in STEM fields.
  • Open to both domestic and international applicants.

Boston University’s Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Program

Description: High school students engage in hands-on research projects in engineering, computer science, and STEM fields under the mentorship of BU faculty. Participants gain valuable research experience and insight into academic and professional paths in science and engineering.

  • High school students interested in STEM fields.
  • Motivated individuals with a desire to conduct research.
  • Open to students globally.

Cost of Program: Free.

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Rishab Jain, who won ISEF, has achieved success in numerous research competitions and undertaken several research projects during his high school years. For those eager to start working towards research/STEM competitions/programs, Rishab offers  science fair coaching   and  a YouTube playlist on how to do research . It will provide you an opportunity to delve deeper into the world of research and win at Science Fairs. Rishab shares his  winning strategies .

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Want to be an engineering major in college ? A great way to set yourself up for success before you even begin your freshman year is to do an engineering internship or camp as a high school student. However, summer engineering internships for high school students can be tough to find. That's where we come in! We've compiled a list of the 14 best engineering opportunities for high schoolers, including some that pay you to participate!

How Can High School Students Learn About Engineering Careers?

If you're interested in a career in engineering, there are multiple ways you can get more knowledge and experience in the field before even graduating high school. Below are the three best ways high school students can get engineering experience.

Job Shadowing

Job shadowing is where you spend a day or a few days observing a professional on the job. Job shadowing is popular with high school students because it introduces them to different careers and helps them decide which jobs would be the best fit for them. It can also be a great fallback option if you can't find an internship willing to take on a high schooler.

In general, job shadowing involves following one worker, often called a mentor, as they go about their work day. A job shadow mostly involves listening and observing, but they often give you the chance to perform some simple job duties. For an engineering-related job shadow, you might look at designs for projects, sit in on meetings, and visit a lab/project site.

Internships

Internships are the best way to get an idea of what working in a particular industry will be like. An internship is a short-term job that allows the worker, or intern, to gain introductory experience in a certain profession. As an engineering intern, you'll likely work in a lab or at a field site and gain hands-on and practical experience you can use for a future career in engineering.

However, it can be difficult to get one of these internships, especially if you're still in high school. This is particularly true for high schoolers interested in engineering internships since there are so many undergrad engineering students looking for the same thing. Fortunately, we've listed several options for summer engineering internships (both paid and unpaid) for high school students in the next section.

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14 Engineering Opportunities for High School Students

Below are 14 engineering programs and internships for high schoolers. For each, we give info on location, length of time, which grades are eligible, and cost/salary, as well as an overview of what you can expect from the experience and what skills you can get from it.

Summer Engineering Internships for High School Students

Engineering summer internships for high school students are a great way to get work experience, and many pay you as well! Check out seven of the best below.

Stanford Summer Research Internships

  • Virtual (for 2022), then expected to be in-person in Palo Alto, CA
  • Length: 8 weeks
  • Grades Eligible: Rising juniors and seniors

Stanford University has one of the country's top-rated engineering programs, and, fortunately for high school students, they offer summer internships to current juniors and seniors. The process is competitive, but if you're accepted, you'll be placed into a group with other interns and receive "early exposure to cutting-edge research in an academic environment." Internships are available in many STEM fields, and you can choose one tailored to your own interests. All interns will be mentored by students, faculty, and staff of the Stanford Compression Forum.

NASA Internship Program at Langley Research Center

  • Hampton, VA
  • Length: 8-10 weeks
  • Grades Eligible: Must be at least 16 years old and a sophomore when internship begins

If you're particularly interested in aerospace engineering, NASA offers high school students internships at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Internships are available year-round and last ten weeks over the summer and eight weeks in the fall or spring. Interns will conduct actual research in STEM fields , as well as learn about other areas that support NASA's mission, such as business, communications, and marketing. Recent internship focus areas have included:

  • High Temperature Materials and Structures
  • Space Hardware Design Testing
  • Public Affairs Multimedia
  • Mars Surface Habitat
  • Statistical Engineering
  • Aerial Robotics Dynamics and Control

Princeton University's Laboratory Learning Program

  • Princeton, NJ
  • Length: 5-6 weeks
  • Grades Eligible: Must be at least 16 years old
  • Paid: No; participants must provide housing and meals

Princeton University offers summer research experiences for high school students aged 16 and older. Students apply to a specific research opportunity (they offer internships in both natural sciences and engineering). If accepted, they'll work in a Princeton lab and be mentored by university faculty and researchers. At the end of their internship, students will write a two-page research summary report (which would be a great addition to college applications). Princeton's program is an excellent opportunity to get actual engineering lab experience at one of the best colleges in the county; however, a downside is that the internship isn't paid, and students need to come up with their own housing and meals.

Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program

  • Various location
  • Length: Varies

AFRL Scholars Program is a great way for high school upperclassmen to get hands-on experience in labs working with some of the most cutting-edge technology available. There are multiple labs around the country, and you'll apply to a specific internship that most closely matches your interests. Once accepted, you'll work with AFRL scientists and engineers in the lab and gain technical training and mentorship from seasoned engineers.

Boston University's Research in Science & Engineering Program

  • Length: 6 weeks
  • Grades Eligible: Rising seniors
  • Paid: No, costs $5,370 + $3,156 for room and board

BU's RISE program has two tracks: an internship and a practicum path. Only the internship path focuses on engineering. Internship participants are paired with a mentor and work 40 hours a week on research projects in a BU laboratory. Students will end the program with a poster presentation, and some students go on to submit their research projects to prestigious STEM competitions such as the Regeneron  ISEF . Throughout the six weeks, interns will also attend weekly workshops that cover topics such as how to write a research paper and networking in the STEM community.

Idaho National Laboratory Student Internships

  • Idaho Falls, ID
  • Grades Eligible: Students must be at least 16 years old

If you're specifically interested in nuclear energy, renewable energy, and/or national security, the INL, which is one of the country's major nuclear energy labs, is a great place to intern. Interns "help solve real-world problems under the guidance of INL experts and learn to apply science, mathematics, engineering and technology (STEM) concepts on specific projects." Housing is not provided, but students earn $3,500 for working six weeks. (And if they choose to intern at INL again, they make $4,000 their second time around.)

Office of Naval Research's Science and Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP)

  • Various locations
  • Grades Eligible: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors

SEAP, run by the Office of Naval Research, places roughly 300 high school students at internships in about 30 Navy labs around the country each summer. Interns will learn about Naval research while working under top scientists and engineers. Housing is not provided, but students earn $4,000 for the internship (or $4,500 if they're returning for a second internship.)

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Engineering Summer Programs for High School Students

If you're looking for an engineering camp for high school students, this is the section for you! We have seven opportunities of varying lengths, locations, and prices.

MIT Online Science, Technology, and Engineering Community (MOSTEC) Program

  • Hybrid (partially in Cambridge, MA and partially virtual)
  • Length: 6 months
  • Cost: Free, including room and board

MIT's MOSTEC program is an excellent way to get hands-on and in-depth mentorship in the STEM field. The program is for rising high school seniors and begins the summer before senior year. Participants complete two online courses and projects and are paired with undergraduate mentors. In early August, participants travel to MIT's campus for a five-day conference to present their projects and attend workshops. Then, from August until December, participants interact with MIT faculty and researchers via webinars and Q&A sessions and write online blogs. Courses and projects can focus on any STEM area, including computer science. Another bonus to the program is that it's completely free: you'd only need to pay for your transportation to and from MIT.

Columbia University's Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)

  • New York City, NY
  • Length: 3 weeks
  • Cost: $4,270 (room and board are not offered)

Columbia University has a highly-ranked undergraduate engineering program , and they offer high school students the opportunity to take college-level engineering courses taught by Columbia Engineering faculty. Students choose one engineering course (recent course topics included robotics, electrical engineering, and environmental engineering) and one elective course to take over the three-week program. Students will also have access to Columbia's Makerspace and MechTech labs where they can build prototypes and learn how to use different equipment. Additionally, the Columbia undergraduate admissions office will host college preparation workshops several times throughout the program to help participants prepare for college life.

Engineering Summer Academy at Penn State

  • University Park, PA
  • Grades Eligible: All high school students
  • Cost: $7785

ESAP at Penn State is designed to give high-achieving high school students an introduction to college-level math and science courses as well as hands-on practical experience. Students live on campus and can enroll in one of six courses: biotechnology, complex networks, computer graphics, computer science, nanotechnology, or robotics. Courses are taught by Penn State faculty and grad students, and students earn college credit for completing the summer program.

Research Science Institute at MIT

  • Cambridge, MA

RSI is probably the most prestigious science research program in the country for high school students. The program combines courses that focus on scientific theory with hands-on STEM research. Participants will experience the entire research cycle from start to finish. Some activities RSI students will do include:

  • Reading current literature in their field of research
  • Drafting and executing a detailed research plan
  • Delivering written and oral reports of their findings

The research projects completed by participants are easily college-level in depth and difficulty. In addition to being highly prestigious, RSI is also highly competitive, but if you get in, it's an exceptional extracurricular to have on your resume and will undoubtedly give your college applications a boost. We have an entire guide dedicated to RSI and tips for getting in (coming soon); check it out if you're interested in applying.

BlueStamp Engineering

  • Palo Alto, CA or Remote
  • Length: 6 weeks (in Palo Alto) or 3 weeks (remote)
  • Cost: $4600 (in-person; does not include room and board) $2000 (remote)

If you have a specific engineering project you want to work on, BlueStamp Engineering might be the summer program for you. In this program, high school students get the opportunity to work on a project they're passionate about with help and mentorship from current engineers and tech leaders. In contrast to many other programs, BlueStamp Engineering's program doesn't include any homework or classes. Instead, it's highly independent and self-driven. You get to decide how you want your project to go, and whenever you need help, experts will be there to assist you. You can check out past student projects here .

MIT THINK Scholars Program

  • Virtual + visit to Cambridge, MA
  • Length: 4 months
  • Cost: Free; participants awarded $1,000 stipend

You've probably noticed that MIT offers a lot of engineering summer programs for high school students. The THINK Scholars Program is for high school students who have a STEM project in mind and have already done a significant amount of research on it. Students apply in the fall/early winter, then learn if they're accepted in early February. They are then part of the program until June. During the program, students receive $1,000 for project costs and are paired with at least one MIT researcher as a mentor for their project. Over the summer, participants also make an all-expenses paid, four-day visit to MIT's campus to meet MIT professors, and other THINK participants and tour MIT labs.

My Introduction to Engineering (MITE) Program at UT Austin

  • Length: 5 days
  • Grades Eligible: Rising juniors

If you're considering a career in engineering but don't know much about the field yet, the MITE program could be just what you're looking for. MITE is a five-day camp for high school juniors to "discover engineering through participation in an engineering team project, hands-on activities and interactions with engineering students, faculty, staff and alumni." Students will live in dorms on campus and attend lectures, tour engineering labs on campus, and participate in their own engineering project. 

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How to Impress Colleges With Your Engineering Experience

Once you've completed an engineering internship or program, how can you make sure it gives your college application the biggest boost possible? A high school engineering program has the potential to look very impressive to colleges, so use the three tips below to make yours stand out.

#1: Explain Your Accomplishments

#2: link your portfolio.

Many times after you complete an engineering internship or course, you'll have created a few projects, either on your own or as part of a group. Set up a website (another great way to show off your skills!) and include links and/or images of your project, along with a description of your thought process and the work you did. Having an online portfolio so early in your career will put you ahead of the game, not only when you apply to colleges, but also when you apply to other engineering internships and jobs down the line. It gives reviewers concrete examples of your talents and expertise.

There's often a spot on college applications where you can include additional information you think might be useful. Link your portfolio here! Include a sentence or two explaining what it is, as well. Then college admissions teams will be free to review all your engineering work without you trying to figure out how to fit it into the application itself.

#3: Get a Letter of Recommendation

Summary: engineering summer programs for high school students.

If you've looked into summer engineering internships for high school students, then you know it can be tough to get a meaningful experience that'll give you a strong foundation for gaining more engineering skills. However, completing an engineering camp for high school students can be a great way to get real-world skills and knowledge as well as a great boost to college applications. When mentioning your engineering experience in your college applications, be sure to:

  • Clearly explain your accomplishments
  • Link to your portfolio
  • Get a letter of recommendation from your instructor/supervisor

What's Next?

What are the best schools for engineers? Check out our guide on the top 25 engineering schools to find out!

Where can you get the most money to study engineering? Find out with our compilation of the best engineering scholarships .

Your high school math and science classes will be key to helping you get accepted into an engineering program.  Learn the best math and science classes to take in high school.

Thinking ahead to college applications?   If you’re a freshman, sophomore, or junior worried about college admissions, our world-class admissions counselors can help. We know exactly what kinds of students colleges want to admit and can make sure your profile shines.   PrepScholar Admissions combines world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. Start your mentoring package today to join the thousands of students we've helped get into their top choice schools:

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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70 Best High School Science Fair Projects in Every Subject

Fire up the Bunsen burners!

Collage of high school science fair projects, including 3D printed cars and a DIY vacuum chamber

The cool thing about high school science fair projects is that kids are old enough to tackle some pretty amazing concepts. Some science experiments for high school are just advanced versions of simpler projects they did when they were younger, with detailed calculations or fewer instructions. Other projects involve fire, chemicals, or other materials they couldn’t use before.

Note: Some of these projects were written as classroom labs but can be adapted to become science fair projects too. Just consider variables that you can change up, like materials or other parameters. That changes a classroom activity into a true scientific method experiment!

To make it easier to find the right high school science fair project idea for you, we’ve rated all the projects by difficulty and the materials needed:

Difficulty:

  • Easy: Low or no-prep experiments you can do pretty much anytime
  • Medium: These take a little more setup or a longer time to complete
  • Advanced: Experiments like these take a fairly big commitment of time or effort
  • Basic: Simple items you probably already have around the house
  • Medium: Items that you might not already have but are easy to get your hands on
  • Advanced: These require specialized or more expensive supplies to complete
  • Biology and Life Sciences High School Science Fair Projects

Chemistry High School Science Fair Projects

Physics high school science fair projects, engineering high school stem fair projects, biology and life science high school science fair projects.

Explore the living world with these biology science project ideas, learning more about plants, animals, the environment, and much more.

Extract DNA from an onion

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

You don’t need a lot of supplies to perform this experiment, but it’s impressive nonetheless. Turn this into a science fair project by trying it with other fruits and vegetables too.

Re-create Mendel’s pea plant experiment

Gregor Mendel’s pea plant experiments were some of the first to explore inherited traits and genetics. Try your own cross-pollination experiments with fast-growing plants like peas or beans.

Make plants move with light

By this age, kids know that many plants move toward sunlight, a process known as phototropism. So high school science fair projects on this topic need to introduce variables into the process, like covering seedling parts with different materials to see the effects.

Test the 5-second rule

We’d all like to know the answer to this one: Is it really safe to eat food you’ve dropped on the floor? Design and conduct an experiment to find out (although we think we might already know the answer).

Find out if color affects taste

Just how interlinked are all our senses? Does the sight of food affect how it tastes? Find out with a fun food science fair project like this one!

See the effects of antibiotics on bacteria

Test tubes containing various bacteria

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Advanced

Bacteria can be divided into two groups: gram-positive and gram-negative. In this experiment, students first determine the two groups, then try the effects of various antibiotics on them. You can get a gram stain kit , bacillus cereus and rhodospirillum rubrum cultures, and antibiotic discs from Home Science Tools.

Learn more: Antibiotics Project at Home Science Tools

Witness the carbon cycle in action

Test tubes filled with plants and green and blue liquid

Experiment with the effects of light on the carbon cycle. Make this science fair project even more interesting by adding some small aquatic animals like snails or fish into the mix.

Learn more: Carbon Cycle at Science Lessons That Rock

Look for cell mitosis in an onion

Cell mitosis (division) is actually easy to see in action when you look at onion root tips under a microscope. Students will be amazed to see science theory become science reality right before their eyes. Adapt this lab into a high school science fair project by applying the process to other organisms too.

Test the effects of disinfectants

Petri dish divided in half with bacteria and paper disks on the surface

Grow bacteria in a petri dish along with paper disks soaked in various antiseptics and disinfectants. You’ll be able to see which ones effectively inhibit bacteria growth.

Learn more: Effectiveness of Antiseptics and Disinfectants at Amy Brown Science

Pit hydroponics against soil

Growing vegetables without soil (hydroponics) is a popular trend, allowing people to garden just about anywhere.

More Life Sciences and Biology Science Fair Projects for High School

Use these questions and ideas to design your own experiment:

  • Explore ways to prevent soil erosion.
  • What are the most accurate methods of predicting various weather patterns?
  • Try out various fertilization methods to find the best and safest way to increase crop yield.
  • What’s the best way to prevent mold growth on food for long-term storage?
  • Does exposure to smoke or other air pollutants affect plant growth?
  • Compare the chemical and/or bacterial content of various water sources (bottled, tap, spring, well water, etc.).
  • Explore ways to clean up after an oil spill on land or water.
  • Conduct a wildlife field survey in a given area and compare it to results from previous surveys.
  • Find a new use for plastic bottles or bags to keep them out of landfills.
  • Devise a way to desalinate seawater and make it safe to drink.

Bunsen burners, beakers and test tubes, and the possibility of (controlled) explosions? No wonder chemistry is such a popular topic for high school science fair projects!

Break apart covalent bonds

Tub of water with battery leads in it

Break the covalent bond of H 2 O into H and O with this simple experiment. You only need simple supplies for this one. Turn it into a science fair project by changing up the variables—does the temperature of the water matter? What happens if you try this with other liquids?

Learn more: Covalent Bonds at Teaching Without Chairs

Measure the calories in various foods

Are the calorie counts on your favorite snacks accurate? Build your own calorimeter and find out! This kit from Home Science Tools has all the supplies you’ll need.

Detect latent fingerprints

Fingerprint divided into two, one half yellow and one half black

Forensic science is engrossing and can lead to important career opportunities too. Explore the chemistry needed to detect latent (invisible) fingerprints, just like they do for crime scenes!

Learn more: Fingerprints Project at Hub Pages

Use Alka-Seltzer to explore reaction rate

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Easy

Tweak this basic concept to create a variety of high school chemistry science fair projects. Change the temperature, surface area, pressure, and more to see how reaction rates change.

Determine whether sports drinks provide more electrolytes than OJ

Are those pricey sports drinks really worth it? Try this experiment to find out. You’ll need some special equipment for this one; buy a complete kit at Home Science Tools .

Turn flames into a rainbow

You’ll need to get your hands on a few different chemicals for this experiment, but the wow factor will make it worth the effort! Make it a science project by seeing if different materials, air temperature, or other factors change the results.

Discover the size of a mole

Supplies needed for mole experiment, included scale, salt, and chalk

The mole is a key concept in chemistry, so it’s important to ensure students really understand it. This experiment uses simple materials like salt and chalk to make an abstract concept more concrete. Make it a project by applying the same procedure to a variety of substances, or determining whether outside variables have an effect on the results.

Learn more: How Big Is a Mole? at Amy Brown Science

Cook up candy to learn mole and molecule calculations

Aluminum foil bowl filled with bubbling liquid over a bunsen burner

This edible experiment lets students make their own peppermint hard candy while they calculate mass, moles, molecules, and formula weights. Tweak the formulas to create different types of candy and make this into a sweet science fair project!

Learn more: Candy Chemistry at Dunigan Science on TpT

Make soap to understand saponification

Colorful soaps from saponification science experiments for high school

Take a closer look at an everyday item: soap! Use oils and other ingredients to make your own soap, learning about esters and saponification. Tinker with the formula to find one that fits a particular set of parameters.

Learn more: Saponification at Chemistry Solutions on TpT

Uncover the secrets of evaporation

Explore the factors that affect evaporation, then come up with ways to slow them down or speed them up for a simple science fair project.

Learn more: Evaporation at Science Projects

More Chemistry Science Fair Projects for High School

These questions and ideas can spark ideas for a unique experiment:

  • Compare the properties of sugar and artificial sweeteners.
  • Explore the impact of temperature, concentration, and seeding on crystal growth.
  • Test various antacids on the market to find the most effective product.
  • What is the optimum temperature for yeast production when baking bread from scratch?
  • Compare the vitamin C content of various fruits and vegetables.
  • How does temperature affect enzyme-catalyzed reactions?
  • Investigate the effects of pH on an acid-base chemical reaction.
  • Devise a new natural way to test pH levels (such as cabbage leaves).
  • What’s the best way to slow down metal oxidation (the form of rust)?
  • How do changes in ingredients and method affect the results of a baking recipe?

When you think of physics science projects for high school, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the classic build-a-bridge. But there are plenty of other ways for teens to get hands-on with physics concepts. Here are some to try.

Remove the air in a DIY vacuum chamber

DIY vacuum chamber made from a jar and large hypodermic needle

You can use a vacuum chamber to do lots of cool high school science fair projects, but a ready-made one can be expensive. Try this project to make your own with basic supplies.

Learn more: Vacuum Chamber at Instructables

Put together a mini Tesla coil

Looking for a simple but showy high school science fair project? Build your own mini Tesla coil and wow the crowd!

Boil water in a paper cup

Logic tells us we shouldn’t set a paper cup over a heat source, right? Yet it’s actually possible to boil water in a paper cup without burning the cup up! Learn about heat transfer and thermal conductivity with this experiment. Go deeper by trying other liquids like honey to see what happens.

Build a better light bulb

Emulate Edison and build your own simple light bulb. You can turn this into a science fair project by experimenting with different types of materials for filaments.

Measure the speed of light—with your microwave

Grab an egg and head to your microwave for this surprisingly simple experiment. By measuring the distance between cooked portions of egg whites, you’ll be able to calculate the wavelength of the microwaves in your oven and, in turn, the speed of light.

Generate a Lichtenberg figure

Lichtenberg figure generated on a sheet of Plexiglass

See electricity in action when you generate and capture a Lichtenberg figure with polyethylene sheets, wood, or even acrylic and toner. Change the electrical intensity and materials to see what types of patterns you can create.

Learn more: Lichtenberg Figure at Science Notes

Explore the power of friction with sticky note pads

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic

Ever try to pull a piece of paper out of the middle of a big stack? It’s harder than you think it would be! That’s due to the power of friction. In this experiment, students interleave the sheets of two sticky note pads, then measure how much weight it takes to pull them apart. The results are astonishing!

Build a cloud chamber to prove background radiation

Ready to dip your toe into particle physics? Learn about background radiation and build a cloud chamber to prove the existence of muons.

Measure the effect of temperature on resistance

A beaker with a tungsten rod, connected to a multimeter

This is a popular and classic science fair experiment in physics. You’ll need a few specialized supplies, but they’re pretty easy to find.

Learn more: Temperature and Resistance at Science Project

Launch the best bottle rocket

A basic bottle rocket is pretty easy to build, but it opens the door to lots of different science fair projects. Design a powerful launcher, alter the rocket so it flies higher or farther, or use only recycled materials for your flyer.

More Physics Science Fair Projects for High School

Design your own experiment in response to these questions and prompts.

  • Determine the most efficient solar panel design and placement.
  • What’s the best way to eliminate friction between two objects?
  • Explore the best methods of insulating an object against heat loss.
  • What effect does temperature have on batteries when stored for long periods of time?
  • Test the effects of magnets or electromagnetic fields on plants or other living organisms.
  • Determine the best angle and speed of a bat swing in baseball.
  • What’s the best way to soundproof an area or reduce noise produced by an item?
  • Explore methods for reducing air resistance in automotive design.
  • Use the concepts of torque and rotation to perfect a golf swing.
  • Compare the strength and durability of various building materials.

Many schools are changing up their science fairs to STEM fairs, to encourage students with an interest in engineering to participate. Many great engineering science fair projects start with a STEM challenge, like those shown here. Use these ideas to spark a full-blown project to build something new and amazing!

Solve a current environmental issue

A science fair project can also be an entry into the Slingshot Challenge . Students produce a 1-minute video with a solution to a current environmental problem (think: uniting creative waste reducers on social media or rehabilitating forests affected by fire) for the chance to receive up to $10,000 in funding.

Construct a model maglev train

Maglev model train built from magnets and wood craft sticks on green felt

Maglev trains may just be the future of mass transportation. Build a model at home, and explore ways to implement the technology on a wider basis.

Learn more: Maglev Model Train at Supermagnete

Design a more efficient wind turbine

Wind energy is renewable, making it a good solution for the fossil fuel problem. For a smart science fair project, experiment to find the most efficient wind turbine design for a given situation.

Re-create Da Vinci’s flying machine

Da Vinci flying machine built from a paper cup and other basic supplies

Da Vinci sketched several models of “flying machines” and hoped to soar through the sky. Do some research into his models and try to reconstruct one of your own.

Learn more: Da Vinci Flying Machine at Student Savvy

Design a heart-rate monitor

Smartwatches are ubiquitous these days, so pretty much anyone can wear a heart-rate monitor on their wrist. But do they work any better than one you can build yourself? Get the specialized items you need like the Arduino LilyPad Board on Amazon.

Race 3D printed cars

Simple 3-D printed race cars with vegetables strapped to them (Science Experiments for High School)

3D printers are a marvel of the modern era, and budding engineers should definitely learn to use them. Use Tinkercad or a similar program to design and print race cars that can support a defined weight, then see which can roll the fastest! (No 3D printer in your STEM lab? Check the local library. Many of them have 3D printers available for patrons to use.)

Learn more: 3D Printed Cars at Instructables

Grow veggies in a hydroponic garden

Vertical hydroponic garden made from PVC pipes and aluminum downspouts

Hydroponics is the gardening wave of the future, making it easy to grow plants anywhere with minimal soil required. For a science fair STEM engineering challenge, design and construct your own hydroponic garden capable of growing vegetables to feed a family. This model is just one possible option.

Learn more: Hydroponics at Instructables

Grab items with a mechanical claw

KiwiCo hydraulic claw kit (Science Experiments for High School)

Delve into robotics with this engineering project. This kit includes all the materials you need, with complete video instructions. Once you’ve built the basic structure, tinker around with the design to improve its strength, accuracy, or other traits.

Learn more: Hydraulic Claw at KiwiCo

Construct a crystal radio

Homemade crystal radio set (Science Experiments for High School)

Return to the good old days and build a radio from scratch. This makes a cool science fair project if you experiment with different types of materials for the antenna. It takes some specialized equipment, but fortunately, Home Science Tools has an all-in-one kit for this project.

Learn more: Crystal Radio at Scitoys.com

Build a burglar alarm

Simple electronic burglar alarm with a cell phone

The challenge? Set up a system to alert you when someone has broken into your house or classroom. This can take any form students can dream up, and you can customize this STEM high school science experiment for multiple skill levels. Keep it simple with an alarm that makes a sound that can be heard from a specified distance. Or kick it up a notch and require the alarm system to send a notification to a cell phone, like the project at the link.

Learn more: Intruder Alarm at Instructables

Walk across a plastic bottle bridge

Students sitting on a large bridge made of plastic bottles

Balsa wood bridges are OK, but this plastic bottle bridge is really impressive! In fact, students can build all sorts of structures using the concept detailed at the link. It’s the ultimate upcycled STEM challenge!

Learn more: TrussFab Structures at Instructables

Looking for more science content? Check out the Best Science Websites for Middle and High School .

Plus, get all the latest teaching tips and tricks when you sign up for our newsletters .

Explore high school science fair projects in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering and more, from easy projects to advanced ideas.

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high school engineering research projects

25 High School Summer Engineering Programs in 2024

What’s covered:.

  • 25 High School Summer Engineering Programs

How Much Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances? 

High school summer engineering programs are a great opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in the field. They allow students to live and learn in a college-like atmosphere, meet like-minded peers, interact with those working in the field, and gain valuable insight into life as an engineer. Participating in a high school engineering program will also look great on a college application—it shows admissions officers that you’re driven to learn more about the things that interest you.  

Below are some fantastic high school engineering programs that will help put you on the path to a career as an engineer.  

25 High School Summer Engineering Programs 

1. minority introduction to engineering and science (mites) .

Dates: Late June – early August 

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 

Application Deadline: February 1 

MITES is a six-week residential program at MIT for academically talented high school juniors. The program immerses participants in life at MIT and challenges them with rigorous courses in fields such as math, science, and humanities. 

Participants build the skills necessary for success in both college and their careers while growing a network of like-minded peers. All educational, food, and boarding costs are covered by the program—the only cost to attendees is transportation to and from MIT. Students from underrepresented and underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply.  

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Women’s Technology Program (WTP)

Dates: June 29 – July 26 

Application Deadline: January 15 

Cost: Free 

This free four-week summer program introduces female high school rising seniors with little to no experience in engineering to the field. Throughout the program, students take part in hands-on activities such as classes, labs, and team-based projects. 

The program aims to empower women from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds in engineering—students from schools without STEM classes and activities, students who will be the first in their families to attend college, and African American, Hispanic, and Native American students are encouraged to apply. This program is not residential and requires participants to commute—making it ideally suited to local students. 

This program is extremely selective. In 2023, it received 188 applications and accepted only 20 students.  

3. Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers (LLRISE) Program

Dates: July 14 – 27

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Application Deadline: January 8

This free two-week workshop for rising high school seniors teaches them how to build a small radar system. Students work under the supervision of scientists and engineers at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, Massachusetts, while building creative problem-solving skills and experiencing a slice of college life by living on MIT’s campus.

4. Summer Engineering Exploration Camp (SEE Camp)

Dates: July 7 – 13 

Location: University of Michigan

Application Deadline: March 1

Cost: $650  

Hosted by the Society of Women Engineers at the University of Michigan, SEE Camp is a one-week, co-ed, residential program for high school students entering grades 10 through 11 with an interest in engineering, particularly those with limited access to engineering resources. The program is competitive, in 2023 it received more than 600 applications and accepted just 40 students. 

Participants at SEE Camp will take part in design challenges along with gaining hands-on experience via a variety of engineering-focused activities. Over the course of the week, students will also participate in social and team-building activities, and learn more about the University of Michigan—meeting with staff and students, and taking a campus tour. 

5. Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)

  • Residential: June 30 – August 9 
  • Commuter: July 1 – August 9 

Location: Boston University 

Application Deadline: February 14

  • Residential: $8,940 – $9,246
  • Commuter: $5,820 

The RISE program at Boston University gives rising seniors a chance to conduct laboratory research under the guidance of BU faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students while working side by side with some of the nation’s best STEM students. A variety of research opportunities are available, including:  

  • Engineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Computer Engineering 
  • Mechanical Engineering 

By the end of the program, students will have advanced their STEM skills, built a network of like-minded peers, and gained firsthand experience with college-level research. RISE is open to both commuter and residential students.  

6. Carnegie Mellon University Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)

Dates: June 22 – August 24

Location: Carnegie Mellon University 

Cost: Free  

SAMS is a no-cost opportunity for students from underrepresented communities to explore and improve their STEM knowledge at one of the nation’s top technical colleges. SAMS students will further their understanding of the STEM fields through classroom instruction and hands-on projects under the guidance of Carnegie Mellon’s acclaimed faculty and staff. Participants in SAMS will also have the chance to explore majors at Carnegie Mellon, interact with current students, and ultimately come away with a clearer picture of college life. 

7. California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science  (COSMOS)

Dates: July 7 – August 2

  • UC Irvine  
  • UC San Diego 
  • UC Santa Cruz 

Application Deadline: February 9 

Cost: $5,005

COSMOS is a four-week program that aims to motivate the next generation’s most creative and talented future scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. The program builds a community of academically gifted students and allows them to work side by side with university faculty on topics that extend beyond the common high school curriculum. COSMOS is held at four University of California campuses:  

  • UC Santa Cruz  

The program aims to create a community of students who participate in and contribute to an intensive academic experience delivered by distinguished educators and scholars. 

8. ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program

Dates: July 12 – August 6 

Location: University of Maryland

Application Deadline: May 13

The ESTEEM (Engineering Science and Technology to Energize and Expand Young Minds) and the Summer Engineering Research (SER)-Quest is an intensive four-week for high school seniors at the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering and is sponsored by the Center for Minorities in Science and Engineering. 

The program is, in part, focused on helping academically strong high schoolers become competitive college applicants and attract them to attend the A. James Clark School of Engineering. At the ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program, students will undertake an engineering-focused research project, develop a deeper understanding of engineering, and meet undergraduate and graduate students while gaining exposure to college-level research.  

9. National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) on Engineering Summer Program

Dates: Varies 

  • Duke University  
  • Johns Hopkins University  
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of Michigan
  • Yale University 

Application Deadline: Varies 

Cost: $3,795 – $4,095 

The NSLC summer high school engineering program allows students to explore engineering fields such as mechanical, civil, electrical, and biomedical engineering. The program is held on five of the nation’s most renowned campuses.  

In addition to building engineering skills and familiarizing themselves with working in a college-like atmosphere, participants of the NSLC on Engineering Summer Program build leadership skills that will serve them in college and beyond.  

10. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Dates: June 16 – August 1 

Location: Texas Tech University 

Application Deadline: February 15 

Although the Clark Scholar Program is not engineering-specific, it’s one of the most prestigious summer programs in the nation. It delivers an unrivaled experience to the 12 students selected to participate every summer. The lucky few selected as Clark Scholars gather at Texas Tech University for an intensive seven-week research experience in their field while working hand in hand with faculty. The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is free—in fact, participants receive a tax-free $750 stipend—and many of those chosen to participate have used the program as a launchpad to make their college and career goals a reality.

11. CURIE Academy

Dates: July 14 – 20 

Location: Cornell University 

Cost: $1,850 

CURIE Academy is a one-week residential program at Cornell University for rising juniors and seniors—of all identities—who excel in math and science to explore opportunities in engineering.  Students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply. Students attend daily engineering classes, execute a research project, and participate in field sessions while learning about majoring in engineering and pathways in the field.

12. CATALYST Academy

CATALYST Academy is a one-week residential program at Cornell University for rising juniors and seniors. The program is focused on bringing together a diverse group of participants, including those from backgrounds historically excluded from and underrepresented in STEM fields. Rising seniors from historically underrepresented groups are automatically considered for tuition waivers. 

Participants attend daily classes, execute a research project, and take part in field sessions—building a better understanding of the numerous educational and career pathways available to engineering students.

13. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

Dates: June 3 – August 9 

Location: New York University (NYU)

ARISE at NYU is an excellent chance for rising 10th and 11th graders in New York City with an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to gain research experience. During this free seven-week-long program, ARISE participants will have an authentic research experience, learning about expository writing, scientific methods, professional development, and ethics. Labs with research opportunities are in STEM fields such as: 

  • Bioengineering 
  • Molecular Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Machine Learning   

14. Santa Clara University Summer Engineering Seminar (SES)

  • Session 1: July 14 – 18 
  • Session 2: July 21 – 25
  • Session 3: July 28 – August 1 

Location: Santa Clara University 

Application Deadline: March 12 

This special summer program for high school students is aimed at rising juniors and seniors who are interested in exploring the field of engineering. SES is a five-day program and three sessions are held over the summer—the third session is open only to returning program participants. During the sessions, students are exposed to multiple engineering disciplines, participate in workshops, work on projects, and learn about the academic expectations and nature of college. 

Female students, students from underrepresented groups in engineering, students from low-income families, and students who will be first-generation college students are strongly encouraged to apply.

15. My Introduction to Engineering (MITE)

  • Session 1: June 23 – June 27 
  • Session 2: July 7 

Location: University of Texas, Austin 

Application Deadline: N/A

Cost: $100 

The MITE summer program, hosted by the University of Texas – Austin, is a five-day camp where current high school juniors can discover more about the field of engineering. During camp, participants take part in hands-on activities and team projects, while also meeting and interacting with UT engineering students, faculty, staff, and alumni. 

Outstanding African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Native Hawaiian students, as well as those who have overcome social or economic hardship, are strongly encouraged to apply.  

16. Women in Engineering

Dates: June 23 – 28 

Location: Milwaukee School of Engineering 

The Milwaukee School of Engineering’s (MSOE) Women in Engineering summer program offers female students in grades 10 through 12 the chance to explore a variety of engineering disciplines, including: 

  • Architectural engineering
  • Biomedical engineering
  • Biomolecular engineering
  • Civil engineering
  • Computer engineering
  • Electrical engineering
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Software engineering

During the day, students participate in hands-on engineering projects led by MSOE faculty and female engineering students and decompress with fun activities like interactive comedy shows and bowling in the evening.  

17. High School Summer STEMM Worldwide Research Program

Dates: June 20 – August 2 

Location: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 

Application Deadline: March 24

The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign hosts a unique summer program for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in which participants are paired with another student and teacher from their school to form a team. The team participates in the research activities of established researchers in fields such as:

  • Cancer immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Quantum mechanics
  • Bioengineering
  • Electrical engineering  

Through the program, students gain confidence in their abilities as scientists and engineers, develop college skills, and interact with people at every stage of the STEM path—such as faculty, post-doctoral researchers, graduate students, undergraduate students, and high school teachers.  

The program is open to students from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin.  

18. Office of Naval Research Science and Engineering Apprentice Program

Dates: Varies by location (eight weeks) 

Location: Varies (one of 25 Navy labs) 

Application Deadline: November 1 

The Science and Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP) places talented high school STEM students as apprentices in one of the more than 25 participating Department of Defense (DoD) labs for eight weeks over the summer. Apprentices work closely with researchers and gain firsthand scientific and engineering experience while earning a stipend—first-year interns earn $4,000 and second-year interns earn $4,500. The program aims to encourage students to pursue STEM careers and create interest in future employment with the DoD.  

19. Purdue University Multiethnic Introduction to Engineering (MITE)

Dates: July 8 – August 2 

Location: Purdue University 

Application Deadline: April 22

  • Indiana residents: $2,164.70
  • Non-Indiana residents: $3,365.60 

The four-week Multiethnic Introduction to Engineering (MITE) program focuses on college readiness with an emphasis on math and engineering research projects. Over the course of the program, students participate in hands-on engineering projects, meet current engineering students, and learn about a wide variety of engineering majors and careers all while living like a college student in Purdue’s residence halls. MITE participants earn two college credits upon completion of the program. 

20. Simons Summer Research Program

Dates: July 1 – August 9 

Location: Stony Brook University 

Application Deadline: February 7 

High school juniors with an interest in science, math, and engineering will want to look into this hands-on research opportunity at Stony Brook University. Participants are paired with mentors and become members of a research team—providing them with firsthand experience of what life is like at a major research university. Students also take part in workshops, special events, and tours. At the conclusion of the program, students will produce a written research abstract and a research poster.

21. University of Wisconsin–Madison Engineering Summer Program (ESP)

Dates: July 13 – August 2 

Location: University of Wisconsin, Madison 

Application Deadline: March 11

The ESP from the University of Wisconsin–Madison seeks to introduce high-achieving high schoolers to the field of engineering. The three-week residential program for rising juniors and seniors offers an experience similar to that of first-year engineering students at UW–Madison and features activities such as hands-on workshops, engineering-related field trips, and mentorship. Admission to the program is competitive, so put your best foot forward.

22. Michigan State University High School Honors Science, Math and Engineering Program (HSHSP)

Dates: June 16 – August 3

Location: Michigan State University

Cost: $4,000

One of the oldest continuously running summer research programs for high school students in the country, the HSHSP has been providing hands-on STEM education since 1958. Open to rising high school seniors, the program provides firsthand experience with the research process, enriches their knowledge about work in science and mathematics, and introduces them to like-minded peers.

During the seven weeks of the program, students will learn and live at Michigan State University—one of the top 50 research institutions in the U.S.—and gain insight into college life.

23. Northeastern Young Scholars’ Program

Dates: June 24 – August 1

Location: Northeastern University

Application Deadline: March 15

This free program for Massachusetts rising seniors offers the opportunity to gain research experience working with Northeastern University’s Colleges of Engineering, Science, and Health Sciences. Participants take part in a seminar series exploring a variety of engineering fields, receive college and career counseling, take field trips to see engineers in action, and experience college life—living and learning at Northeastern University.

24. Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program

Dates: Varies

Location: Princeton University

This free summer program provides high schoolers the chance to participate as an intern in ongoing research projects under the supervision of Princeton University faculty and staff. Internships typically last between five and six weeks and opportunities are available in a variety of engineering fields.

Participants are required to submit a two-page research summary at the conclusion of the program.

25. Bucknell Engineering Camp

Dates: June 23 – 28

Location: Bucknell University

  • Residential: $1,250
  • Commuter: $900

This summer program at Bucknell University is open to students in grades 7 through 12 and allows them to experience a slice of college life while getting a hands-on introduction to engineering. Participants are introduced to numerous fields of engineering, test themselves in solving engineering problems, and conduct research in labs.

Extracurricular activities play a considerable role in admissions at selective colleges, and taking part in a super selective summer program like the Anson L. Clark Scholars Program can give your odds of acceptance a huge boost. CollegeVine’s free chancing engine can add clarity to the college admissions process—including how schools view your activities outside of the classroom—using factors like GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars to estimate your odds of getting into hundreds of schools and to provide tips to improve your profile.

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high school engineering research projects

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Summer 2024 research projects for high school and undergraduate students.

Summer 2024 research projects for high school and undergraduate students

NU invites interested high school and undergraduate students to become a part of research projects led by NU faculty and students!

“Modelling and Statistical Analyses for IoT sensing system in Geotechnical Engineering” (online or in-person).

Project Supervisor: Alfrendo Satyanaga , Assistant Professor at School of Engineering and Digital Sciences

*NU is committed to creating a diverse learning environment. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, gender, disability, age, or social status.

“Multimedia corpus of modern spoken Kazakh language” (online or in-person).

Project Supervisor: Andrey Filchenko — Professor at School of Sciences and Humanities , Vice -  Dean for Academic affairs.

“Bata Blessings” (online or in-person).

Project Supervisor: Eva- Marie Dubuisson , Associate Professor at  School of Sciences and Humanities.

“Nano-& micro-scale thermal transport and elastic properties of functional materials for advanced energy applications” (in-person).

Project Supervisor: Zhandos Utegulov — Associate Professor at  School of Sciences and Humanities.

“Nano-biotechnology in food and medicine” (online or in-person).

Project Supervisor: Yingqiu Xie   — Associate Professor at  School of Sciences and Humanities.

“Synthesis of conducting polymers”(in-person).

Project Supervisor: Salimgerey Adilov -  Asssistant Professor at  School of Sciences and Humanities.

“Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation summer school” (in-person).

Project Supervisor: Yeltai Rakhmanov — Instructor at School of Medicine. 

Please use this contacts for any admission-related questions:

Phone number: +7 (7172) 642584, +7 (747) 0940230

E-mail: [email protected]

2024, April 18

Similar announcements

Exciting announcement: introducing the master of science in geosciences program at nazarbayev university.

The extension of the deadline for submitting online applications for some Master's and PhD programs for citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan

2024, April 17

The extension of the deadline for submitting online applications for some Master's and PhD programs for citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Information session for Uzbekistani citizens

2024, April 11

From Hitler to Stalin: The secret story how German scientists helped built the Soviet A-bomb

In the late 1940s, Soviet scientists worked hard on their own atomic project, and the help of captured (or invited) German colleagues was of great help.

In the late 1940s, Soviet scientists worked hard on their own atomic project, and the help of captured (or invited) German colleagues was of great help.

Soviet soldiers might have been quite surprised when in 1945 they approached Baron Manfred von Ardenne’s home near Berlin. As   described   by an eyewitness, the “half-mansion, half-castle” was decorated with a sign in Russian saying, “ Dobro pojalovat ! ” (‘Welcome’). “Ardenne well understood how the wind was now blowing,” the officers joked.

Indeed, Ardenne, a scientist who developed the first broadband amplifier, contributed to establishing a stable radio system in Hitler’s Germany, and he also worked on the Nazi’s nuclear project. Caught in the Soviet zone of occupation, he knew that he now had to work for Moscow. And so did many of his colleagues.

Brains as trophies

The first Soviet atomic bomb test.

The first Soviet atomic bomb test.

In spring 1945 it was clear that World War II was coming to a close, and both the West and the USSR were already preparing for the coming Cold War, with each side planning to develop incredible new weapons. Both sides wanted to use scientists from Nazi Germany to further their own new technologies.

The U.S. forced Wernher von Braun and Werner Heisenberg, two key scientists in the German nuclear project, to collaborate. But Moscow also captured some prominent specialists. As Vladimir Gubarev, a journalist who wrote a book on the Soviet nuclear program,   emphasized, “One shouldn’t underestimate the German contribution to the development of the Soviet nuclear industry; it was significant.”

The Baron and the Communists

Baron Manfred von Ardenne in his younger years.

Baron Manfred von Ardenne in his younger years.

One of those German scientists, Manfred von Ardenne, had an outstanding life. Born into a noble family but then a high school dropout, the Baron went on to become an extremely successful inventor with around a total of 600 patents, including the first high-resolution scanning electron microscope. Ardenne, however, was doomed to work with three totalitarian leaders: Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin and Erich Honecker.

After the Soviets arrived in Berlin, Stalin’s official in charge of the Soviet atomic program, Lavrenty Beria, made Ardenne an offer that he couldn’t refuse: drop the electronics and work on the Soviet A-bomb.

From Berlin to Sukhumi

Ardenne   asked   to be allowed to concentrate on the development of the isotope separation process for obtaining nuclear explosives, such as uranium-235 (and not on the bomb itself). Beria agreed. Later the scientist called his role in the Soviet nuclear program, “the most important deed that fortune and post-war events led me to.”

Ardenne, working in his laboratory.

Ardenne, working in his laboratory.

Not that Ardenne wasn’t familiar with uranium. As Vadim Gorelik   put   it in an article for   Neue Zeiten , “During World War II, prisoners built for Ardenne a cyclotron and a uranium centrifuge that would have created material for the Fuhrer’s nuclear bomb.” But Germany lost the war, and now Ardenne, with his laboratory evacuated,   worked in Sukhumi (now Abkhazia) on splitting isotopes and was in charge of more than 100 people.

Ardenne’s work was successful, and he was decorated with the Stalin Prize in 1947, and then again in 1953 with a Stalin Prize first class. In 1955, he returned to East Germany. Talented and unsinkable, Ardenne lived for 42 more years, doing important research in physics and medicine.

Hero of Socialist Labor

Physicist Nikolas Riehl - perhaps not as sharp-dressed as Baron von Ardenne yet even more important for the Soviet nuclear program.

Physicist Nikolas Riehl - perhaps not as sharp-dressed as Baron von Ardenne yet even more important for the Soviet nuclear program.

Ardenne wasn’t the only prominent German scientist ‘invited’ to work on the Soviet nuclear program. There was also physicist Gustav Hertz who won the Nobel Prize; physical chemist Max Volmer, who later headed East Germany’s Academy of Science; Max Steenbeck, who pioneered the development of supercritical centrifuges; and many others (about 300 in total).

Nikolaus Riehl possibly had the most interesting fate of them all. This physicist was born in tsarist St. Petersburg in 1901, moved to Germany in the 1920s, and 20 years later was forced to return. His Soviet colleagues called him “Nikolai Vasilyevich,” because of his Russian roots.

Vladimir Gubarev   recalls: “Both the American and the Soviet secret services pursued Riehl after the war… we were lucky enough – and he worked in the USSR.” In the Elektrostal factory (Moscow Region) Riehl, along with other scientists, managed to create metal uranium necessary for making a bomb. For that he was awarded the title of “Hero of Socialist Labor” – the only German scientist to achieve such an honor.

“Nikolas Riehl loved to wear his medal and demonstrated it anytime he could,” Gubarev wrote. “All the money he received he gave to the German POWs working in Elektrostal, and they remembered that even decades later, as their memoirs attest.”

In 1949 the USSR had its own nuclear bomb, and in the 1950s, after the work of the German scientists was completed, most left for East Germany. Some, such as Riehl, even managed to defect to West Germany, leaving behind the socialist chapter in their lives.  

With the Cold War unfolding, rivaling nuclear projects were not the only case of the USSR and the U.S. challenging each other: read our text on how the global superpowers faced each other in the Korean peninsula. 

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

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10 facts about today’s college graduates

A San Jose State University graduate prepares for commencement ceremonies with his family in December 2021.

Having a bachelor’s degree remains an important advantage in many sectors of the U.S. labor market. College graduates generally out-earn those who have not attended college, and they are more likely to be employed in the first place. At the same time, many Americans say they cannot afford to get a four-year degree – or that they just don’t want to.

Here are key facts about American college graduates.

This Pew Research Center analysis about U.S. college graduates relies on data from sources including the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the National Center for Education Statistics, the National Student Clearinghouse and the Federal Reserve Bank, as well as surveys conducted by the Center.

Everyone who took the Pew Research Center surveys cited is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about  the ATP’s methodology .

Nearly four-in-ten Americans ages 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, a share that has grown over the last decade. As of 2021, 37.9% of adults in this age group held a bachelor’s degree, including 14.3% who also obtained a graduate or professional degree, according to data from the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey. That share is up 7.5 percentage points from 30.4% in 2011.

An additional 10.5% had an associate degree in 2021. About four-in-ten Americans ages 25 and older had a high school diploma with no further education (25.3%) or completed some college but didn’t have a degree (14.9%).

In a reversal, women are now more likely than men to graduate from college, according to the Current Population Survey . In 2021, 39% of women ages 25 and older had a bachelor’s degree or more education, compared with 37% of men in the same age range. The gap in college completion is even wider among adults ages 25 to 34: 46% of women in this age group have at least a bachelor’s degree, compared with 36% of men.

A line graph showing that women in the U.S. are outpacing men in college graduation

In an October 2021 Pew Research Center survey of Americans without a degree, 34% of men said a major reason why they have not received a four-year college degree is that they just didn’t want to. Only one-in-four women said the same. Men were also more likely to say a major reason they didn’t have a four-year degree is that they didn’t need more education for the job or career they wanted (26% of men said this vs. 20% of women).

A chart showing that about a third of men who haven't completed four years of college say they 'just didn't want to' get a degree

Women (44%) were more likely than men (39%) to say not being able to afford college was a major reason they don’t have a bachelor’s degree. Men and women were about equally likely to say a major impediment was needing to work to help support their family.

A line graph showing that since 2000, the share of Americans with a bachelor's degree has increased across all races and ethnicities

There are racial and ethnic differences in college graduation patterns, as well as in the reasons for not completing a degree. Among adults ages 25 and older, 61% of Asian Americans have a bachelor’s degree or more education, along with 42% of White adults, 28% of Black adults and 21% of Hispanic adults, according to 2021 Current Population Survey data. The share of bachelor’s degree holders in each group has increased since 2010. That year, 52% of Asian Americans had a four-year degree or more, compared with a third of White adults, 20% of Black adults and 14% of Hispanic adults.

The October 2021 Center survey found that among adults without a bachelor’s degree, Hispanic adults (52%) were more likely than those who are White (39%) or Black (41%) to say a major reason they didn’t graduate from a four-year college is that they couldn’t afford it. Hispanic and Black adults were more likely than their White counterparts to say needing to work to support their family was a major reason.

While a third of White adults said not wanting to go to school was a major reason they didn’t complete a four-year degree, smaller shares of Black (22%) and Hispanic (23%) adults said the same. White adults were also more likely to cite not needing more education for the job or career they wanted. (There weren’t enough Asian adults without a bachelor’s degree in the sample to analyze separately.)

A bar chart showing that only about 62% of college students finish their program within six years

Only 62% of students who start a degree or certificate program finish their program within six years, according to the most recent data from the  National Student Clearinghouse , a nonprofit verification and research organization that tracked first-time college students who enrolled in fall 2015 with the intent of pursuing a degree or certificate. The degree completion rate for this group was highest among students who started at four-year, private, nonprofit schools (78.3%), and lowest among those who started at two-year public institutions (42.2%).

Business is the most commonly held bachelor’s degree, followed by health professions.  According to the  National Center for Education Statistics , about a fifth (19%) of the roughly 2 million bachelor’s degrees conferred in 2019-20 were in business. Health professions and related programs were the second most-popular field, making up 12.6% of degrees conferred that year. Business has been the single most common major since 1980-81; before that, education led the way.

The  least  common bachelor’s degrees in 2019-20 were in military technologies and applied sciences (1,156 degrees conferred in 2019-20), library science (118), and precision production (39).

There is a growing earnings gap between young college graduates and their counterparts without degrees. In 2021, full-time workers ages 22 to 27 who held a bachelor’s degree, but no further education, made a median annual wage of $52,000, compared with $30,000 for full-time workers of the same age with a high school diploma and no degree, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This gap has widened over time. Young bachelor’s degree holders earned a median annual wage of $48,481 in 1990, compared with $35,257 for full-time workers ages 22 to 27 with a high school diploma.

The unemployment rate is lower for college graduates than for workers without a bachelor’s degree, and that gap widened as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In February 2020, just before the COVID-19 outbreak began in the U.S., only 1.9% of college graduates ages 25 and older were unemployed, compared with 3.1% of workers who completed some college but not a four-year degree, and 3.7% of workers with only a high school diploma. By June 2020, after the pandemic hit, 6.8% of college grads, 10.8% of workers with some college, and 12.2% of high school grads were unemployed.

By March 2022, the unemployment rate had nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels for college graduates (2%) while dropping to 3% among those with some college education but no four-year degree, and 4% among those with only a high school diploma.

A line graph showing that underemployed recent college grads are becoming less likely to work in 'good non-college jobs'

Recent college graduates are more likely than graduates overall to be underemployed – that is, working in jobs that typically do not require a college degree, according to an analysis of Census Bureau and BLS data by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York . As of December 2021, 41% of college graduates ages 22 to 27 were underemployed, compared with 34% among all college graduates. The underemployment rates for recent college grads rose in 2020 as the COVID-19 outbreak strained the job market, but have since returned to pre-pandemic levels.

As of the end of 2021, only 34% of underemployed graduates ages 22 to 27 worked what the Fed defines as “good non-college jobs” – those paying at least $45,000 a year – down from around half in the 1990s. The share of underemployed graduates ages 22 to 27 in low-wage jobs – those earning less than $25,000 annually – rose from about 9% in 1990 to 11% last year.

A chart showing that among household heads with at least a bachelor's degree, those with a college-educated parent are typically wealthier and have greater incomes

When it comes to income and wealth accumulation, first-generation college graduates lag substantially behind those with college-educated parents, according to a May 2021 Pew Research Center analysis . Households headed by a first-generation college graduate – that is, someone who has completed at least a bachelor’s degree but does not have a parent with a college degree – had a median annual income of $99,600 in 2019, compared with $135,800 for households headed by those with at least one parent who graduated from college. The median wealth of households headed by first-generation college graduates ($152,000) also trailed that of households headed by someone with a parent who graduated from college ($244,500). The higher household income of the latter facilitates saving and wealth accumulation.

The gap also reflects differences in how individuals finance their education. Second-generation college graduates tend to come from  more affluent families , while first-generation college graduates are more likely to incur education debt than those with a college-educated parent.

Most Americans with college degrees see value in their experience. In the Center’s October 2021 survey , majorities of graduates said their college education was extremely or very useful when it came to helping them grow personally and intellectually (79%), opening doors to job opportunities (70%) and developing specific skills and knowledge that could be used in the workplace (65%).

Younger college graduates were less likely than older ones to see value in their college education. For example, only a third of college graduates younger than 50 said their college experience was extremely useful in helping them develop skills and knowledge that could be used in the workplace. Among college graduates ages 50 and older, 45% said this.

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About half of americans say public k-12 education is going in the wrong direction, what public k-12 teachers want americans to know about teaching, what’s it like to be a teacher in america today, race and lgbtq issues in k-12 schools, most popular.

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If you are a high school student in New York City who plans on pursuing the pre-med track in college, these medical internships should definitely be on your radar!  You will gain early exposure to the healthcare environment and develop a realistic glimpse into the daily operations and challenges of medical professionals. This will not only bolster your college applications but also help you make a more informed decision about committing to a career in medicine.

Engaging in these internships demonstrates your commitment and passion for medicine, traits that are highly valued by college admissions committees and will set you apart from your peers. By participating in medical internships, you also gain hands-on experience that can significantly enhance your understanding of medical terminology, patient care, and healthcare technology. NYC, with its large number of renowned hospitals and research facilities, is also a great place to find opportunities that are not readily available elsewhere. 

1. Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)

Cost : No cost; stipend provided

Location : Columbia University Labs

Application Deadline : While the deadline for 2025 is not stated, applications open in Fall 2024.

Program Dates : 5 weeks during the summer.

Eligibility :

Must be sophomores or juniors in high school.

Applicants must reside in New York City, but preference is given to students in Upper Manhattan and the South Bronx.

The Zuckerman Institute's Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC) is a great opportunity for you if you are interested in the premed track to dive into neuroscience.  This program matches you with a Columbia neuroscientist who serves as a mentor, guiding you through a specific research project. Over a seven-week period, which includes weekend training sessions in the winter and spring followed by a full-time summer internship, you will gain firsthand experience in laboratory research. This exposes you to the processes by which laboratory work can lead to significant scientific discoveries.

The application process commences each fall, distributed through these partner institutions. You benefit from a stipend during your internship and have opportunities to engage further through a paid Merit Fellowship for continued work in their mentor’s lab, positions as paid interns in future BRAINYAC cohorts, and access to an alumni network including special events and trips.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Cost : $1490 (Financial Aid Available)

Location:   Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.

Application deadline:  Deadlines vary depending on the cohort 

Program dates:  Multiple cohorts throughout the year

Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates and gap year students!

Ladder Internships   is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries from medicine,  health tech, consulting, and more.   You can explore all the options here on their application form . Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form . 

Interns are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management and other such valuable skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.

3.  Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center HOPP Summer Student Program

C ost : Free (Paid stipend of $1,200)

Application deadline : February 9, 2024

Program dates : June 27 - August 22

Eligibility : Students must meet the following criteria:

Completion of at least the 9th grade by June 2024 

Must be 14 or older by June 27, 2024 

A genuine interest in science and laboratory research 

3.5 GPA in science subjects

At the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP), you will explore biomedical and computational research through an 8-week summer internship . This program not only focuses on laboratory or computational-based research projects but  also includes postdoctoral-led journal clubs, student-led journal clubs, PI luncheons, laboratory tours, teambuilding, and social networking sessions. 

Each participant is matched with a mentor, such as a postdoctoral fellow, graduate student, or research technician, who provides supervision and guidance throughout the program. This program ends with a presentation of your research project at a poster session . Beyond the scientific training, HOPP SSP allows you to participate in tours of MSKCC's state-of-the-art facilities, training sessions, and luncheons with principal investigators. 

4. NYU High School Medical Ethics Internship

C ost : Free (Paid)

Application deadline : 

Program dates : July 8-19, 2024

Eligibility : Rising high school juniors and seniors

As a high school junior or senior with interests in areas such as healthcare, social justice, or public policy, the High School Bioethics Project's two-week paid internship is an amazing opportunity for you.  This program will introduce you to a broad variety of bioethics topics, allowing you to engage remotely for four days a week, 1 to 2 hours daily from July 8–19, 2024. It's structured to foster an understanding of the ethical considerations inherent in the healthcare sector, ideal for those with no previous experience in bioethics.

During this internship, you'll have the opportunity to engage with professionals from diverse fields including public health, healthcare, biotech, patient advocacy, and law, which could lead to potential mentor relationships extending beyond the program.  Your responsibilities will include committing 10-15 hours per week to read and discuss relevant articles, actively participate in talks, contribute to discussions, and write reflection papers.  Additionally, you will provide feedback on the program and conclude your internship by submitting a short paper on a topic covered during your experience. 

5. Mount Sinai Center for Excellence in Youth Education Medical and Scientific Exploration Program

Application deadline : March 3, 2024

Program dates : July 1- August 9, 2024

Eligibility : 

Demonstrated interest in biomedical sciences

Must attend NYC public school or charter school

Must be an under-represented minority and/or economically disadvantaged

If you're a high school student interested in the pre-med track in college, the Mount Sinai Center for Excellence in Youth Education Medical and Scientific Exploration Program is designed to expose you to a cross-section of health and medical careers while enhancing your basic science knowledge, specifically in cellular and molecular biology . Through weekly rotations, you will engage with various laboratories and clinical departments within the Mount Sinai Health System.  Each department showcases the real-world applications of scientific concepts, with activities conducted in a virtual setting, including virtual lab tours, case studies, and discussions.

This program employs an interactive online format using platforms like Zoom and Google Classroom, facilitating direct interactions with a diverse range of professionals including ISMMS faculty, healthcare staff, and medical students. You will participate in live video sessions that include a series of introductions to health disparities, leadership development activities, and college readiness training.  Additionally, you will play educational and engaging virtual games like Kahoot and Jeopardy as well as gain access to the Levy Library network.

6. CEYE Hospital Placement Internship

Must be a rising high school senior (current 11th grader at time of application)

Minimum GPA of 85 (strongly preferred)

Must be an under-represented minority and/or economically disadvantaged (see Application Instructions for details)

The CEYE Hospital Placement Internship is a great way for you to explore careers in healthcare while advancing your basic science knowledge, research abilities,  and communication skills. You will be immersed in the daily operations of Mount Sinai Hospital. Your placement involves all-day internships where you will interact directly with healthcare professionals, learning about their roles and assisting with various tasks. 

Throughout the internship, you'll engage in library research and attend weekly seminars that include discussions on health disparities . You will learn how to effectively use a medical library, a crucial skill for any budding medical professional. The program requires full in-person attendance, regular updates through oral and written progress reports, and culminates in the presentation of a final written and oral research report.

7. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program  

C ost : Free

Application deadline : January 5, 2024

Program dates : June 24 - August 8, 2024

Eligibility : Current high school juniors or seniors

At the Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP), you will engage in medical scientific research. Each team is composed of approximately eight SSRP scholars and is led by an experienced trainee who serves as the team leader . You will be assigned your own workspace in the RockEDU lab, where you'll focus on a research project that not only aligns with your team leader’s expertise but also caters to your scientific interests in medicine. 

During the first week of the program, you will become acquainted with your team’s research topic, learning essential research techniques and familiarizing yourself with laboratory norms. As the program progresses into the second week, you will have the opportunity to select a specific research question related to your team’s topic to investigate further.  Over the subsequent weeks, under the close guidance of your team leader and other scientist-mentors, you will use the research techniques you have learned to collect and analyze data. 

8. Columbia S-PREP

Application deadline : May 15

Program dates : July 1 - July 31, 2024

Eligibility : 7-12th graders who maintain at least an 80% grade average particularly in math and science

The State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) is an initiative offered by the Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Columbia University. This program is tailored for 7th through 12th graders who aspire to careers in medicine or related STEM fields.  S-PREP aims to increase the representation and enhance the educational pathways of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students into the realms of mathematics, science, technology, health-related fields, and licensed professions. 

During the summer session, classes run from Monday to Friday throughout July, focusing on a broad spectrum of subjects from anatomy to statistics, including preparatory courses for the PSAT . The program includes college preparation and career development workshops, personalized college and academic counseling services, as well as enrichment opportunities such as field trips and college tours. 

AI + Medicine:   Veritas AI is an AI program for ambitious high school students, founded and run by Harvard graduate students. In the AI + Medicine program, students learn how AI is used in the healthcare and medical industry. Students get a chance to work on real-world projects using AI & ML models to diagnose diseases, sharpen medical scans, and explain their outcomes to aid doctors and patients. Here  is the program brochure and the application form .

If you’re interested in pursuing research in fields like medicine or related fields, you could also consider applying to one of the   Lumiere Research Scholar Programs , selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the   application form  here.

Also check out the   Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation , a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Jessica attends Harvard University where she studies Neuroscience and Computer Science as a Coca-Cola, Elks, and Albert Shankar Scholar. She is passionate about educational equity and hopes to one day combine this with her academic interests via social entrepreneurship. Outside of academics, she enjoys taking walks, listening to music, and running her jewelry business! 

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30 Best universities for Mechanical Engineering in Moscow, Russia

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in Moscow ranked based on their research performance in Mechanical Engineering. A graph of 269K citations received by 45.8K academic papers made by 30 universities in Moscow was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. Moscow State University

For Mechanical Engineering

Moscow State University logo

2. Bauman Moscow State Technical University

Bauman Moscow State Technical University logo

3. National Research University Higher School of Economics

National Research University Higher School of Economics logo

4. Moscow Aviation Institute

Moscow Aviation Institute logo

5. N.R.U. Moscow Power Engineering Institute

N.R.U. Moscow Power Engineering Institute logo

6. National Research Nuclear University MEPI

National Research Nuclear University MEPI logo

7. National University of Science and Technology "MISIS"

National University of Science and Technology "MISIS" logo

8. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology

Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology logo

9. Moscow State Technological University "Stankin"

Moscow State Technological University "Stankin" logo

10. RUDN University

RUDN University logo

11. Moscow Polytech

Moscow Polytech logo

12. Moscow State University of Railway Engineering

Moscow State University of Railway Engineering logo

13. Finance Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation

Finance Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation logo

14. Moscow Medical Academy

Moscow Medical Academy logo

15. Russian State University of Oil and Gas

16. mendeleev university of chemical technology of russia.

Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia logo

17. Russian National Research Medical University

Russian National Research Medical University logo

18. Plekhanov Russian University of Economics

Plekhanov Russian University of Economics logo

19. National Research University of Electronic Technology

National Research University of Electronic Technology logo

20. Moscow State Pedagogical University

Moscow State Pedagogical University logo

21. Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration

Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration logo

22. State University of Management

State University of Management logo

23. Moscow State Institute of International Relations

Moscow State Institute of International Relations logo

24. Russian State Geological Prospecting University

25. russian state agricultural university.

Russian State Agricultural University logo

26. New Economic School

New Economic School logo

27. Moscow State Technical University of Civil Aviation

Moscow State Technical University of Civil Aviation logo

28. Russian State University for the Humanities

Russian State University for the Humanities logo

29. Russian State Social University

Russian State Social University logo

30. Moscow State Linguistic University

Moscow State Linguistic University logo

Universities for Mechanical Engineering near Moscow

Engineering subfields in moscow.

Best Global Universities for Mechanical Engineering in Russia

These are the top universities in Russia for mechanical engineering, based on their reputation and research in the field. Read the methodology »

To unlock more data and access tools to help you get into your dream school, sign up for the  U.S. News College Compass !

Here are the best global universities for mechanical engineering in Russia

Tomsk polytechnic university.

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  • # 74 in Best Universities for Mechanical Engineering
  • # 879 in Best Global Universities  (tie)

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13 Summer Engineering Programs for High School Students

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By Surya Ramanathan

Johns Hopkins University, B.S. in Applied Mathematics and Statistics, B.S. in Economics, and M.S. in Applied Economics

4 minute read

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

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

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.

high school engineering research projects

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

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

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

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

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.

Related Content:

10 Best Engineering Competitions for High School Students

7 Best Engineering Research Opportunities for High Schoolers

10 Engineering Research and Passion Project Ideas for Middle and High School Students

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Top 20 Free Summer Programs for High School Students

Your Own Engineering Project - Ready, Set, Go!

Polygence pairs you with an expert engineering mentor in your area of passion. Together, you work to create a high quality research project that is uniquely your own. We also offer options to explore multiple topics, or to showcase your final product!

COMMENTS

  1. 30 Engineering Research Ideas for High School Students

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    #5 Simons Summer Research Program. Location: Stony Brook, New York. Cost: Free Description: The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University is an exciting opportunity for high school students to participate in research projects across various STEM fields, including engineering. The program combines hands-on undergraduate research experiences with academic mentorship, allowing ...

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    The goal is to find out which types of plants will thrive in your environment. It's your job to calculate nutrition, timing, and flow rates to get to the bottom of this. Design your system in a 3D modeling platform to prove how your creation can produce food for your area throughout the year. Idea by engineering research mentor Lexi.

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    17. Solar-Powered UAV for Atmospheric Research. Develop a solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for collecting atmospheric data at high altitudes. 18. Mars Rover Simulation. Create a virtual simulation of a Mars rover, considering the challenges of navigation and communication in extraterrestrial environments.

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    High school engineering research projects can certainly incorporate prototype building, but the extent to which it's feasible depends on the project's complexity and available resources. Prototype building is a great way to build problem-solving skills and gain hands-on experience. However, factors like time, budget, and access to materials and ...

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    With an acceptance rate below 3%, this competitive program admits only 12 high school students annually. Once selected, students join a cohort to conduct research across various fields, including engineering, under the guidance of top scholars.

  12. 12 Engineering Project Ideas for High School Students

    1. Hands-On Learning: Engineering projects provide a hands-on learning experience that goes beyond traditional classroom instruction. By actively engaging in the design, construction, and testing processes, students gain a deeper understanding of theoretical concepts and practical applications. 2.

  13. 10 Summer Engineering Programs for High School Students

    Description: High school students engage in hands-on research projects in engineering, computer science, and STEM fields under the mentorship of BU faculty. Participants gain valuable research experience and insight into academic and professional paths in science and engineering. Eligibility: High school students interested in STEM fields.

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    Palo Alto, CA or Remote. Length: 6 weeks (in Palo Alto) or 3 weeks (remote) Grades Eligible: All high school students. Cost: $4600 (in-person; does not include room and board) $2000 (remote) If you have a specific engineering project you want to work on, BlueStamp Engineering might be the summer program for you.

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    Duration: 10 weeks (June 3 - August 9) Open to New York City high school students who will complete 10th or 11th grade in June 2024, the ARISE program provides access to college-level workshops and lab research across fields like bio, molecular, and chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, and AI.

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    Engineering High School STEM Fair Projects. Many schools are changing up their science fairs to STEM fairs, to encourage students with an interest in engineering to participate. ... Do some research into his models and try to reconstruct one of your own. Learn more: Da Vinci Flying Machine at Student Savvy. Design a heart-rate monitor ...

  17. 25 High School Summer Engineering Programs in 2024

    Application Deadline: March 1. Cost: $650. Hosted by the Society of Women Engineers at the University of Michigan, SEE Camp is a one-week, co-ed, residential program for high school students entering grades 10 through 11 with an interest in engineering, particularly those with limited access to engineering resources.

  18. Student Research Projects in Engineering

    Explore Engineering research projects completed by high school students who worked with our mentors and participated in our online research program. Our next deadline is April 15, 2024 11:59pm PT. Apply today to lock in your spot!

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    Title of the research project: Modeling and Statistical Analyses for IoT sensing system in Geotechnical Engineering . Project supervisor . Alfrendo Satyanaga, Assistant Professor, School of Engineering and Digital Sciences. Project summary: Global warming contributes to the changes of climatic conditions in the world, including in Kazakhstan.

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    High School, Civil Engineering Science Projects. (4 results) Civil engineering is a field for problem solvers. From setting up water systems for drinking and irrigation to major transportation systems like highways, airports, subways, and railroads, civil engineers take on big challenges. In today's world, civil engineers also face big ...

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    Monday, 22 April 2024: The research projects by the South African young scientists aim to address the country's energy crisis and determine the extent to which artificial intelligence (AI) can be ethically monitored.These research projects will be showcased at this year's International Science Technology Engineering Competition (ISTEC) in Bali, Indonesia.

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    An additional 10.5% had an associate degree in 2021. About four-in-ten Americans ages 25 and older had a high school diploma with no further education (25.3%) or completed some college but didn't have a degree (14.9%). In a reversal, women are now more likely than men to graduate from college, according to the Current Population Survey. In ...

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  25. 8 Medical Internships for High School Students in NYC in 2024

    10 Software Engineering Programs for High School Students. ... guiding you through a specific research project. ... As a high school junior or senior with interests in areas such as healthcare, social justice, or public policy, the High School Bioethics Project's two-week paid internship is an amazing opportunity for you.

  26. Top 10 Engineering Internships for High Schoolers

    Each research project is led by a research mentor, and you're allowed to apply for up to 3 research topics for a specific internship location. For summer 2024, research topics available to high schoolers include electrical engineering, and creating power generation and distribution systems for aircraft and spacecraft.

  27. Best Global Universities for Engineering in Russia

    Germany. India. Italy. Japan. Netherlands. See the US News rankings for Engineering among the top universities in Russia. Compare the academic programs at the world's best universities.

  28. Moscow, Russia's best Mechanical Engineering universities [Rankings]

    Below is the list of 30 best universities for Mechanical Engineering in Moscow, Russia ranked based on their research performance: a graph of 269K citations received by 45.8K academic papers made by these universities was used to calculate ratings and create the top. ... National Research University Higher School of Economics. For Mechanical ...

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  30. 13 Summer Engineering Programs for High School Students

    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