Engineering is much more than formulas and theory. For high school students exploring engineering programs in New York, the field involves design thinking, creativity, innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving across areas like robotics, coding, aerospace, environmental systems, and biomedical technology. These programs can offer hands-on experiences and insights far beyond what standard school curricula provide.

Whether you are already focused on a specific branch of engineering or still exploring your interests, the right program can give you valuable experience and direction. Imagine spending your time building robots, designing prototypes, creating software, or working on real-world projects alongside mentors and like-minded students.

What kinds of engineering programs are available in New York for high school students?

New York is home to world-renowned institutions like Cornell, Columbia, and NYU Tandon, giving you access to cutting-edge research facilities and faculty who are leaders in their fields. Spending time in one of the world’s most dynamic cities can expose you to real-world engineering challenges at scale, whether in infrastructure, urban planning, or emerging technologies. Engineering programs here range from short camp-like experiences to full-fledged research experiences, designed to help you discover your strengths, explore different specializations, and build practical skills that will benefit you in the future. 

Choosing the right engineering program can feel overwhelming because each opportunity offers something different. Some focus on research and advanced coursework, and others emphasize hands-on projects and introductory learning. Certain programs allow you to specialize in areas like robotics, artificial intelligence, coding, or environmental engineering, while others provide broader exposure to engineering concepts. The best program for you depends on your interests, goals, and experience level.

To help make your search easier, we’ve put together a list of 15 engineering programs in New York for high school students. These programs stand out for their strong academics, practical learning opportunities, and excellent reputations in STEM education.

For related options, consider the online engineering program and summer programs in New York.

15 Engineering Programs in New York for High School Students

1. New York University’s Pre-College Program

Location: Remote or NYU, New York, NY
Cost: $50 application fee + tuition: $700 – $16,016, depending on the number of credits
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer: July 1st – August 12th | Fall: September 2nd – December 14th | Spring: January 20th – May 5th
Application deadline: Summer: June 15th for U.S. students or March 13th for international students | Fall: August 14th | Spring: January 5th
Eligibility: Rising 11th or 12th grade high school students for the summer sessions | Current 11th or 12th grade students in the fall or spring semesters; applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. International students can apply

NYU Precollege allows you to take for-credit undergraduate classes on campus. You can choose courses across disciplines, including engineering, and attend classes led by NYU faculty alongside college students. Assignments, exams, and project work are part of the experience to help you become familiar with standard university expectations and get a realistic preview of NYU’s academic rigor.

Beyond coursework, you will attend College 101 sessions that cover topics like admissions strategy, financial aid, and academic planning. Whether you commute or live on campus, you will gain access to the university’s libraries, tutoring services, and student life resources.

Why it stands out: You get to enroll in engineering courses and earn credit while experiencing the pace, rigor, and independence of university academics.

2. Immerse Education’s New York Engineering Summer School

Location: Barnard College, Columbia University, New York
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through the bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class
Dates: Two weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Multiple summer cohorts; rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students, ages 15-18, from around the world

If you want to explore engineering in one of the world’s fastest-paced cities, Immerse Education’s Engineering Summer Programme gives you a strong introduction to the field through practical learning and industry exposure. You will work on engineering challenges tied to mechanical, structural, and electrical systems while learning directly from tutors with professional experience. The curriculum includes prototype-building activities, collaborative projects, and workshops focused on real-world problem-solving.

Beyond the classroom, you will visit companies and explore how engineering shapes New York’s infrastructure and technology landscape. Small class sizes let you receive more individualized feedback and mentorship throughout the program. By the end of the program, you will complete a personal project, receive written feedback, and receive a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here!

Why it stands out: You get hands-on engineering experience in the heart of New York alongside an international cohort, and you complete a project you can showcase in future applications. 

3. NYU ARISE (Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering) 

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 1st – August 14th
Application deadline: February 27th
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are full-time New York City residents attending NYC schools; international students are not eligible

If you want an authentic research experience before college, NYU ARISE offers one of the strongest options among the many engineering programs in New York for high school students. In the first part of the program, you will build research skills through workshops on ethics, lab safety, coding, and scientific writing. Over the next six weeks, you will work in an NYU research lab alongside faculty mentors and graduate researchers on projects connected to engineering, AI, robotics, or biomedical science.

The program offers over 150 hours of laboratory experience, along with access to workshops and seminars. You will also deliver final research presentations at NYU and the American Museum of Natural History. ARISE also offers group and one-on-one college application support.

Why it stands out: You get direct access to advanced NYU research labs while gaining hands-on experience usually reserved for college students.

4. Columbia Engineering: Engineering the Next Generation (ENG)

Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend of $17/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6th – August 13th
Application deadline: FoR track: January 16th | CS3 track: March 1st
Eligibility: Current 11th graders (rising seniors) attending NYC schools who are legally allowed to work in NYC with prior work or volunteer experience; international students are not eligible

ENG places you directly within Columbia University’s research labs for hands-on research work for six weeks. You can choose from two tracks: Foundations of Research (FoR) and Center for Smart Streetscapes (CS3). In the FoR track, you will work alongside Columbia Engineering faculty and researchers on projects in environmental engineering, biomedical engineering, and computer science. In the CS3 track, your work will focus on AI, coding, computer vision, and urban tech with a focus on how technology affects community life.

Both tracks include research skills workshops, college prep sessions, science communication training, and mentorship from college students and faculty. Depending on your track, you may also have the opportunity to present your work to city officials or contribute to a published research paper.

Why it stands out: You gain paid, hands-on research experience inside Columbia Engineering labs while working on projects with real-world impact.

5. Simons Summer Research Program @ Stony Brook University 

Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free (housing costs apply for residential participation); stipend awarded upon successful completion of the program
Acceptance rate: <5%
Dates: June 29th – August 7th
Application deadline: February 5th
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program and are U.S. citizens/permanent residents; international students are not eligible

If you are looking for a rigorous engineering and research experience, the Simons Summer Research Program gives you the chance to work directly in university labs alongside faculty mentors and research teams. You will spend the summer working on projects and exploring scientific investigations across engineering, mathematics, computer science, and the natural sciences.

Instead of attending standard lectures, you will learn through experimentation, data analysis, and collaborative research. The program also includes faculty talks, workshops, and a final research symposium where you present your work. 

Why it stands out: You gain direct exposure to high-level scientific research in one of the country’s most selective high school research programs.

6. AFRL Scholars Program 

Location: Air Force Research Laboratory sites across the U.S., including the Rome lab, NY
Stipend: Paid; amount varies by site (check details here)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Summer, fall, and spring internships available; minimum duration is eight weeks (exact date varies by project and site) 
Application deadline: January 10th; applications open on October 10th
Eligibility: U.S. high school students who are 16 or older, preferably with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (check details here); international students are not eligible

AFRL Scholars Program places you in labs to work alongside Air Force scientists and engineers on real technical projects. Depending on the placement, you may contribute to research and explore engineering areas like aerospace systems, cybersecurity, robotics, materials science, or artificial intelligence.

You will spend your summer connecting with scientists and learning through direct experimentation and analysis. The program also helps you build professional skills through mentorship and technical presentations. 

Why it stands out: You will work on real-world research projects inside Air Force laboratories while getting paid for your contributions.

7. HK Maker Lab

Location: Hypothekids at Columbia University, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly specified
Dates: July 6th – August 7th
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Rising 11th- and 12th-grade students attending New York City public or charter schools; international students are not eligible

HK Maker Lab offers students a creative introduction to engineering and design through opportunities to build projects and work with technology. You will first enroll in a course led by Columbia University’s engineering faculty and then spend the rest of the summer working on hands-on projects that involve the use of electronics, coding, fabrication tools, and prototyping to address a health disparity.

The program encourages you to test ideas, solve problems, and improve designs through trial and experimentation while learning from mentors and STEM educators. You may also explore tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and microcontrollers.

Why it stands out: You get free access to advanced technology and hands-on engineering projects inside a highly collaborative environment.

8. Manhattan University’s Summer Engineering Awareness Program

Location: Manhattan University, Bronx, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 10-day program: July 6-17 | 6-day program option 1: June 25th – July 1st; 6-day program option 2: July 20-27
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; the program is geared toward minority and female students in the NYC metro area

The Summer Engineering Awareness Program is a free program at Manhattan University designed to introduce high school students to engineering, math, and science careers. Over the course of a week or two, you will engage in experiments, gain exposure to electrical, environmental, chemical, civil, computer, and mechanical engineering, as well as robotics, AI, green buildings, and computer-aided design.

You will hear from guest speakers and visit a structural design company. Additionally, you will learn about scholarships and financial aid, along with college admissions, during the program.

Why it stands out: You get free access to engineering labs, career mentorship, and hands-on STEM experiences across several engineering disciplines.

9. NYU’s Computer Engineering for Good (CE4G) 

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $4,620 (excluding housing and meals)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: Session 1: June 15th – July 2nd | Session 2: July 6-24
Application deadline: April 17th for Session 1 | May 1st for Session 2
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12, including international students; completion of Pre-Calculus or Algebra 2 is preferred

NYU’s CE4G introduces you to engineering with a focus on social impact. You will spend three weeks learning how embedded systems work and how engineering can help tackle social problems while building projects with tools like Arduino and Raspberry Pi.

The program focuses on challenges connected to sustainability, healthcare, and global development, giving your technical work a clear purpose beyond the classroom. Over the course of the program, you will strengthen your coding, design, and problem-solving skills while learning through collaborative activities and guided instruction from NYU mentors. 

Why it stands out: You learn how computer engineering can address global challenges while building practical devices with industry-standard tools at the NYU campus.

10. NYU’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) 

Location: New York University, New York City, NY
Cost: $350 summer fees + $200 academic year fees
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Dates: Academic year program with summer components; dates vary annually
Application deadline: Varies; Summer applications open through the NYU application portal
Eligibility: New York State students in grades 7-12 with an average of 80 or higher in math, science, and English; applicants must meet the criteria set by New York State here

STEP offers long-term support to middle and high school students across engineering, science, technology, and mathematics throughout the year. Over the summer and the academic year, you will participate in hands-on workshops, research activities, mentoring sessions, and college preparation programs designed to strengthen your STEM foundation.

The program also introduces you to subjects like biomedical engineering, coding, and nanotechnology through project-based learning. Beyond academics, you will receive guidance on standardized testing, college applications, and career exploration. 

Why it stands out: You receive sustained STEM mentorship and academic support throughout high school at one of New York’s leading universities.

11. NYU’s Design, Invent & Innovate (DII) 

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $3,230 + additional housing and meal costs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly specified
Dates: Online orientation: May 21st; program: June 15-27
Application deadline: April 17th
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12, including international students; completion of Pre-Calculus or Algebra 2 is preferred

NYU’s DII is one of the engineering programs in New York for high school students that introduces you to the field through hands-on experiences focused on building, designing, and experimenting. Over the course of two weeks, you will learn how engineers turn concepts into practical solutions using CAD modeling, rapid prototyping tools, and hands-on design methods.

Throughout the program, you will work on identifying real-world problems and creating functional prototypes inside NYU Tandon’s Makerspace. Instead of following a lecture-heavy structure, you will spend much of your time testing ideas, refining designs, and collaborating with classmates on projects. At the end, you will present your working prototype to peers and program mentors.

Why it stands out: It lets you explore engineering, creativity, and entrepreneurship while building real prototypes in NYU’s advanced Makerspace.

12. SHAPE: Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers

Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY
Cost: $6,241 for commuters | $11,492 for residential participants; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~450 students (25 students/class) in the past cohort
Dates: Session 1: July 6-24 | Session 2: July 27th – August 14th
Application deadline: March 2nd
Eligibility: Current high school students, including international students; applicants must be at least 16 years old for the residential option

SHAPE is a pre-college program that gives you the chance to explore engineering subjects through hands-on, college-level coursework at an Ivy League university. You can choose from tracks in robotics, biomedical engineering, machine learning, sustainable engineering, and computer science to explore a field of interest under the guidance of Columbia faculty.

The program combines lectures with labs, collaborative design projects, workshops, and electives that mirror a real university environment. Beyond academics, you will attend speaker sessions, build research skills, and connect with students who share your interest in engineering. 

Why it stands out: You get an immersive Ivy League engineering-focused experience through project-driven courses taught by Columbia faculty.

13. NYU’s Immersive Summer Interacting with Technology and Engineering (I-SITE)

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $10,350 + optional housing and dining costs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly specified
Dates: Five-week summer program; dates TBA
Application deadline: Typically around May
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12, including international students, ages 15 and up

I-SITE is a five-week, full-day summer program at NYU Tandon School of Engineering that introduces you to key STEM fields through coursework, lab work, and workshops. You will work with tools such as Python and PyTorch, gaining hands-on experience in machine learning, physical computing, robotics, and circuits. Along with building technical skills, you will practice public speaking, presentations, and teamwork during the program.

Topics are designed to connect progressively, so your understanding of STEM will build week by week in a structured, college-like setting. The program ends with a team challenge where you will create and present prototypes and solutions to a real-world problem, such as climate change or cybersecurity.

Why it stands out: You get an accessible introduction to engineering, computing, and technology through collaborative projects focused on innovation and creativity.

14. Residential Summer Engineering Program for High School Students @ Manhattan University

Location: Manhattan University, Riverdale/New York, NY
Cost: $2,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: August 2-8
Application deadline: February 28th
Eligibility: Students in 10th or 11th grade, ages 16 and up; international student eligibility is not specified

This one-week residential program lets you live on the Manhattan University campus while exploring six engineering disciplines: chemical, civil, environmental, computer, electrical, and mechanical. Each weekday, you will attend two dedicated engineering sessions in the morning and afternoon, followed by workshops or presentations and evening explorations of New York City.

You will get hands-on time in engineering labs and have the chance to meet industry professionals who can speak to real career paths in the field. The program can help you experience campus life and even decide which engineering discipline interests you the most before applying to college.

Why it stands out: It combines engineering exposure with residential campus life and tours of New York City, giving you an authentic college experience in one week.

15. New York Institute of Technology’s High School Summer Maker Academy

Location: New York Institute of Technology’s Long Island Campus, Old Westbury, NY, and New York City Campus, New York, NY
Cost: $250
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 students/session
Dates: Program 1 (Disaster Response Vehicle) – Session 1: July 6-10 (Long Island); Session 2: July 27-31 (NYC) | Program 2 (Smart Greenhouse) – Session 1: July 13-17 (Long Island only)
Application deadline: June 1st
Eligibility: High school students, ages 14-18; international student eligibility is not specified

The Summer Maker Academy is one of the more project-focused engineering programs in New York for high school students, offering a one-week, daytime experience with two hands-on engineering tracks inspired by the UN Sustainability Goals. In Program 1, you and your team will design and build a Bluetooth-operated rescue vehicle with VR navigation, obstacle avoidance, and solar power features. In Program 2, you build your own smart greenhouse fitted with sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and soil moisture, and you take the project home at the end of the week.

Both programs can help you build skills in 3D modeling, 3D printing, laser cutting, PCB design, soldering, and Arduino programming. Instructors and coaches will guide you from concept through to a working prototype. The programs wrap up with a team presentation and competition on the final day.

Why it stands out: It lets you explore engineering and real-world problem-solving by building a functional project that tackles a genuine issue.

Turn Engineering Interest Into University Readiness

Building rescue vehicles, programming Raspberry Pi devices, designing prototypes, or presenting lab research can help you discover which areas of STEM genuinely excite you.

The engineering programs in New York for high school students mentioned here offer experiences across robotics, AI, sustainability, biomedical research, coding, and urban technology.

As you compare options, look beyond the programme name. Consider the project work, mentorship, final presentation, and how each experience supports your university goals.

Ready to turn these experiences into stronger applications? Explore our University Preparation blogs for expert guidance on personal statements, interviews, academic writing, entry requirements, and supercurriculars.