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What are some STEM based Internships and/or abroad programs I can participant in as a senior in high school?

I'm currently a senior in high school, and have intentions to major in mechanical engineering (BS). What are some internship or study abroad programs that I can take summer of 2026 before I start college that would help boost my skills, experience hands-on research and/or projects, and learn in a college setting to prep for my freshmen year? It doesn't have to be about engineering, I'm open to any STEM based programs.

#Fall2025

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Fahad Elahi’s Answer

As a high school senior eyeing mechanical engineering, exploring STEM internships or programs over summer 2026 is a fantastic way to get a head start and boost your confidence before college. Look into pre college options like Harvard's Pre College Program, running sessions in June and July 2026, where you can take college level courses in a STEM field for about two weeks. Fordham University's Summer Pre College offers five week classes alongside undergrads, great for hands on experience. For internships, CIEE has abroad opportunities in places like Europe or Asia, focusing on STEM areas with real world projects. IES Abroad summer programs span disciplines like environmental science or engineering in locations worldwide, lasting a few weeks to months. The U.S. Department of State offers scholarships for high schoolers to study abroad, including STEM focused exchanges. Franklin University Switzerland has rigorous summer programs for teens, blending academics with international exposure. Apply early deadlines often hit in early 2026 and check for scholarships to make it affordable. These will give you skills and a taste of college life keep an open mind, even non engineering STEM like biology could spark ideas.
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Sahida’s Answer

Here are some great STEM internships and pre-college programs you might want to consider for summer 2026. Start applying now to get a head start!

1. Research Science Institute (RSI) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
2. Wolfram High School Summer Research Program
3. Simons Summer Research Program and other similar programs in the USA
4. Aalto Science Institute International Summer Research Programme in Finland
5. Online or Remote Research-Mentorship Programs, such as those by the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation

These programs offer amazing opportunities to learn and grow, so don't miss out!
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

Start by checking with your school career center to see if there are any workshops you can join. Reach out to local engineering firms, machine shops, or university labs to explore opportunities for shadowing or participating in projects. Idaho National Laboratory offers projects in mechanical and automotive engineering, and companies like General Electric, Boeing, and SpaceX provide opportunities in manufacturing, design, and vehicle engineering. Nonprofits like the Harlem Children’s Society help students get into research labs, and websites like DoInternships.com and Ladder Internships list projects with startups, robotics, and CAD design. Programs like SPARK Summer Internship also allow high school students to work on real engineering projects.

Creating a strong resume or portfolio that showcases your CAD work, robotics, or school projects, and being open to internships or volunteer work, can significantly boost your chances of gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! I've been struggling where to start, so this helps alot. Ava
Thank you comment icon You’re welcome! Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
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