Top 10 STEM Summer Camps for High School Students

1. UCI Autonomous Driving Summer Camp (University of California, Irvine)

The UCI 自动驾驶夏令营（UCI Autonomous Driving Summer Camp） earns the #1 spot for its uniquely immersive engineering experience. Unlike introductory robotics or coding camps, this program places students into a full engineering pipeline where they design, build, wire, and program an autonomous vehicle from scratch.

What Makes It Exceptional

Students work through every stage of modern engineering:

• Mechanical Engineering: 3D modeling, structural design, CAD workflows

• Electrical Engineering: circuit wiring, motors, power management, sensor integration

• Computer Engineering: Arduino/C++ programming, real-time debugging, embedded systems

• AI-related Engineering Principles: sensor-based navigation, line tracking, obstacle logic

• Systems Engineering: iterative testing, tuning, and optimization

This structure mirrors real engineering teamwork and problem-solving. Students leave with a portfolio-ready autonomous vehicle project and strong foundational experience in robotics and AI—rare at the high school level.

This camp is ideal for teens interested in:
engineering, robotics, mechanical systems, mechatronics, AI, computer science, or autonomous systems development.

2. MIT Women’s Technology Program (WTP)

Although originally designed to encourage women in engineering, WTP is widely recognized as one of the most academically challenging STEM summer programs available. It features intensive coursework in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering & Computer Science.

Students gain exposure to college-level physics, computation, analytical reasoning, and engineering design, all taught by MIT faculty and researchers. The technical depth makes WTP an elite choice for ambitious students seeking rigorous preparation.

3. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes — Engineering Track

Stanford’s engineering track offers broad exposure to engineering fundamentals through hands-on labs, design challenges, and lectures on robotics, computation, aerodynamics, circuits, and innovation.

Students have access to Stanford’s academic environment while working on team-based projects guided by instructors and advanced graduate students. This camp helps students develop engineering thinking and problem-solving ability at a university level.

4. Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math & Science (SAMS)

SAMS is one of the most comprehensive STEM research preparation programs in the U.S. Offering advanced math, engineering, and computational reasoning, it immerses students in CMU’s world-renowned STEM environment.

Students participate in structured workshops, coding labs, and advanced lectures. The program emphasizes analytical reasoning and research skills, providing a strong foundation for students pursuing engineering, data science, or computer science pathways.

5. Georgia Tech Summer Engineering Institute

Georgia Tech’s engineering programs offer exposure to mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, and technology design. Students learn engineering concepts through hands-on labs, team activities, and interactive lectures.

The program’s strengths include access to Georgia Tech labs, engineering tools, and project-focused instruction. It’s ideal for students considering careers in aerospace, mechanical systems, or engineering design.

6. Caltech Young Investigators Program

Caltech’s Young Investigators Program is research-intensive, designed for motivated students ready for academic deep dives. Students explore topics across physics, engineering, computation, chemistry, and biological sciences.

This program is most suitable for academically advanced students who thrive in theoretical and research-based environments where analytical thinking is essential.

7. Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation (EI)

EI is known for simulating a real first-year engineering course at Johns Hopkins. Students complete labs in civil engineering, mechanical structures, materials science, and circuit analysis.

The program culminates in team-based engineering challenges where students design, test, and refine solutions. EI is a strong fit for students who want broad exposure to core engineering disciplines.

8. University of Michigan Engineering Summer Academy

Michigan’s engineering programs offer specialized tracks in robotics, electrical engineering, aerospace systems, and software engineering. Students participate in research-informed projects guided by Michigan faculty.

With state-of-the-art labs and structured coursework, this program supports students who want a realistic preview of collegiate engineering and access to university resources.

9. UC Berkeley Pre-College Engineering Programs

UC Berkeley’s engineering camps introduce students to robotics, computer science, systems design, and environmental engineering. Students work on real engineering challenges with guidance from Berkeley instructors.

Berkeley’s environment encourages inquiry, critical thinking, and hands-on experimentation—ideal for students wanting early access to a top engineering institution.

10. Purdue Engineering Summer Program (RESP)

Purdue’s program provides accessible and practical introductions to engineering disciplines. Students explore mechanical, aerospace, civil, and electrical engineering through structured exercises and lab-based learning.

RESP is an excellent choice for students looking for an affordable, high-quality engineering summer camp that provides foundational exposure to real engineering fields.