If you’re looking for research and internship programs to break into the field of Aerospace Engineering, it’s best to do your own research and find local programs in your area. However, that task can be daunting without the proper guidance, and there are many prestigious programs to join, which is exactly why we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Here are the top programs for you to consider when you’re applying:

1. NASA High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)

Field: Aerospace, Engineering

Cost: Free

Website: NASA HAS

A competitive program where students partake in online lessons, interactive projects, and different research activities related directly to space exploration, NASA HAS is the perfect program for anybody pursuing the field of Aerospace Engineering. The program initially starts with an online curriculum covering NASA missions, space tech, and aerodynamics as testing grounds before inviting high-performing students to a summer experience at NASA itself to collaborate on advanced aerospace research projects with a variety of different engineers and scientists. This program is perfect for academically high people achieving who are able to apply themselves in real-world applications of Aerospace Engineering. It’s also great for networking and insight into various STEM careers!

2. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)

Field: STEM, AI, Robotics

Cost: Free for Families making below $150,000/yr

Website: MIT BWSI

Although not directly tied to Aerospace Engineering, BWSI aids with fields correlating to aerospace engineering, allowing students to participate in hands-on training projects involving AI, robotics, and engineering, along with various other STEM fields. Much like HAS, BWSI starts with an online pre-requisite course which is followed by a summer curriculum. The summer curriculum allows students to work in teams to design autonomous vehicles, drones, or other AI-powered systems. While it isn’t technically a research program, BWSI provides students with the analytical skills to pursue aerospace engineering in the future. It’s also important to not the BWSI does NOT provide housing, and students must have a guardian present to attend the in-person summer session. MIT’s program is very common amongst portfolios on extracurriculars.com that have been accepted to top universities!

3. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program

Field: Aerospace, Engineering

Cost: Free (paid internship)

Website: AFRL Scholars

A prestigious program with opportunities to work directly under the United States Air Force, this program provides tons of hands-on research alongside different AFRL scientists and engineers. The possibilities within this program are endless, and participants who wanted to pursue Aerospace Engineering in the past have been able to do research in complex areas such as electromagnetic structures and real-world blast simulations. There are many locations scattered over the entire U.S. to join this program and it’s highly selective- only taking applicants with extremely high academic standing as well as a genuine passion for engineering.

4. Lumiere Research Scholars Program – Aerospace Track

Field: Aerospace, Engineering, AI

Cost: Paid ($2,400+)

Website: Lumiere Research

Pairing students directly with PhD mentors to be able to conduct independent research in Aerospace Engineering amongst many other tracks, Lumiere’s Research Scholars Program provides a great opportunity for those willing to pay a steep price for a great amount of freedom when it comes to their research. Over several months, students are able to explore topics such as aerodynamics, propulsions, UAVs and more in order to create a research paper or technical report. The program is great for building an excellent foundation for students who are seeking to publish their work or pursue higher-level aerospace research.

5. Carnegie Mellon University Summer Academy for Math and Science

(SAMS)

Field: STEM, Engineering

Cost: Free

Website: CMU SAMS

Providing students with comprehensive academic and hands-on experience in STEM fields, SAMS is a great option for those looking to learn more about aerospace engineering topics. The program consists of many hands-on projects and mentorship from CMU faculty and gives opportunities to delve into flight mechanics, aerodynamics, and engineering design. The program is designed to help underrepresented students in STEM and is a great opportunity for learning for those who are passionate.

6. NASA and UT Austin’s SEES High School Summer Intern Program

Field: STEM, Aerospace, Engineering

Cost: Free

Website: NASA SEES

Providing students with opportunities to engage in Earth science research mixed with Aerospace engineering projects under NASA mentorship, the SEES program gives students interested in learning more about Aerospace Engineering a great platform to work from. Interns must complete required virtual coursework before being able to participate in the hands-on research portion at UT Austin’s campus. 10th graders are more focused on microgravity research, whilst 11th graders have more freedom, and are able to explore a variety of options including applications of Aerospace Engineering.

7. Cornell Engineering High School Outreach Program’s CURIE Academy

Field: Aerospace, Engineering

Cost: Paid ($1,850+)

Website: CURIE Academy

With an immersive hands-on experience in aerospace engineering, students attending Cornell's CURIE program in the summer are able to engage in research and technical activities such as rocket designing, aerodynamics experimentation, and personalized mentorship from Cornell faculty. The program is great for people who are looking to expand their problem-solving and collaboration skills- giving a great opportunity for exposure to aerospace innovation. Just like RSI and other commonly prestigious summer programs found on extracurriculars.com, CURIE is also ranked among the most prestigious programs to attend across all STEM fields!

8. Boston University’s Research in Science and Engineering (RISE) Internship Track

Field: Stem, Engineering,

Cost: Paid( 8,940–$9,246 + $50 application fee)

Website: BU RISE

Enabling students with hands-on research experience under Boston University’s mentors, RISE provides interns with full-time (40hrs/wk) research opportunities on advanced STEM projects, offers professional development workshops, and the ability to present their research findings at the RISE symposium. This opportunity is great for those looking to submit projects relating to Aerospace Engineering to national science competitions, as many alumni have used RISE as a platform to work on competitive projects.

9. NSLC - High School Summer Aerospace Program

Field: Aerospace, Leadership

Cost: paid ($3,895)

Website: John Hopkins NSLC

With hands-on experiences in aeronautical engineering, flight simulation testing, and the ability to discuss with aerospace professionals, NSLA provides participants with team projects to build collaboration skills as well as gain leadership skills in aviation and space technology fields. With a vast multitude of project opportunities, this research program is perfect for those looking to work in teams rather than individually on meaningful projects, and is great for networking with peers in the Aerospace Engineering field.

10. UIUC Illinois Aerospace Institute (IAI) Summer Camp

Field: Aerospace, Engineering

Cost: Paid ($1,000+)

Website: UIUC IAI

A summer camp which offers an in-depth aerospace engineering curriculum that covers flight mechanics, rocket propulsion, aerodynamics, and astronautic design, IAI gives students options to participate in hands-on activities such as building model gliders and egg-drop landers whilst receiving great mentorship from UIUC faculty. This camp is more so catered to those who are breaking into Aerospace Engineering and is great for those who see themselves with a spark for the field and want to learn more about it.

Want more information about summer programs in STEM fields? Check out this helpful video:

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