High School Aerospace Internships: Launching Your Future in the Sky

For high school students with a passion for aerospace engineering, internships offer an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands-on experience, explore potential career paths, and enhance their college applications. These programs provide a bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications, allowing students to collaborate with industry professionals and contribute to cutting-edge projects.

The Value of Aerospace Internships for High School Students

Aerospace engineering internships provide a unique opportunity to gain both academic and practical experience, which can bolster your college applications and demonstrate your commitment to learning. These internships are perfect to enhance your physics, computer science, and engineering skills, while gaining hands-on experience. Aerospace engineering covers a wide range of disciplines, such as aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, materials science, avionics, and control systems - so getting early practical experience would be super valuable!From designing cutting-edge aircraft to studying space exploration technologies, these internships enable students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects, collaborate with industry professionals, and work in research and development.

Hands-on Experience

Aerospace engineering internships offer a plethora of advantages for any high school student aspiring to become a part of the aerospace industry. Firstly, these internships provide a hands-on experience that transcends theoretical knowledge, allowing a high schooler to apply classroom learning to real-world projects. Whether it's designing aircraft components, testing propulsion systems, or exploring the principles of aerodynamics, the practical exposure gained during these internships is essential for prospective students’ comprehensive understanding of aerospace engineering.

Exploring the Field

Secondly, an aerospace engineering internship or two allows students to explore the vast and multidisciplinary nature of the field. From aeronautics to astronautics, and from propulsion systems to avionics, students get a taste of the diverse specializations within aerospace engineering. This exposure aids them in honing their interests and shaping their future academic and career paths within this exhilarating field.

Featured Aerospace Internship Programs

Here's a curated list of aerospace internships designed for high school students:

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1. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program

The AFRL Scholars Program is a paid internship opportunity for academically motivated high school students who are interested in aerospace engineering. Post-selection, you will receive guidance from full-time AFRL scientists and engineers, tour AFRL laboratories and work on cutting-edge research and technology. Each mentor in the program is highly knowledgeable and you can find a list of mentors here.

Location: AFRL Scholar internship opportunities are offered at several locations across the United States depending on the program.
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be a US Citizen.
- Be enrolled or accepted at an educational institution taking at least a half-time academic course load leading to a degree or certificate for the semester immediately preceding the internship session.
- Have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Be at least 16 years of age (by session application deadline) and have a valid Government ID.
- Be available full-time (40 hours a week) and work in their physical offices over the summer.
Application Deadline: The applications typically close in January.
Dates: The dates vary for different programs.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; weekly stipends are provided based on the education level of the students and the GS pay scale.

The AFRL Scholars Program offers summer internships, with a very limited number of positions also available during the fall and spring semesters. The internship dates and number of weeks are based on scholar availability and funding available from year to year. You can apply to up to 3 topics per AFRL site. These topics may be within any technical area provided on the topic list.

2. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Programs

NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships to high school and college-level students based in its various sites across the country. These internships provide training, mentorship, and career development to over 2000+ students annually alongside exposure to leading experts in science, engineering, finance, IT, and business. The internships are offered in a range of subjects and disciplines, including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, and even outreach and communications. You will get to design experiments, analyze mission data, and develop innovative technologies. You can explore the varied internship opportunities here by using the ‘Filter’ option to view the options open to high school students.

Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities.
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
- Be a full-time student (high school through graduate level) or a part-time college-level student enrolled in a minimum of 6 semester hours.
- Be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of application (no exceptions).
Application Deadline: July (Fall session) | November (Spring session) | April (Summer session)
Dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions. Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) | Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August).
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session duration.

3. MIT Lincoln Laboratory Summer High School Internship Program

The Summer High School Internship Program at MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a great opportunity for rising seniors who live and attend high school in the New England area to experience and explore STEM careers before committing to an area of study in college. During the summer, you will be paired with laboratory staff mentors to complete projects, solve problems, and learn and apply technical and interpersonal skills in a hands-on, professional environment. If you’re interested in aerospace engineering, you can choose to work on projects related to developing radar, electronic warfare, and technologies for future integrated air and missile defense systems. You can also work on projects that improve air transportation by developing sensors, weather tracking, and forecasting systems, and decision support automation, or you could opt to work on developing technology for advanced satellite systems that are used to monitor the activity of objects in space and to perform remote sensing of Earth.

Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be U.S. citizenship.
- Be local high school rising seniors.
- Be sixteen (16) years of age before the start date.
Application Deadline: March 22
Dates: July 10 - August 15
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend is provided.

4. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) places high school students in Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories where they take part in real Naval research for eight weeks during the summer. SEAP is prestigious and competitive, with around 300 placements in more than 38 laboratories around the country. Interns will be selected based on academic achievement, personal statements, recommendations, and career and research interests. Your lab choice is based on your subject of interest. You can select a maximum of three labs.

Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens (Students are recommended to check whether their preferred lab choice has any other particular requirements or exceptions).
Application Deadline: Summer internship applications open on August 1st and close on November 1st every year.
Dates: The internship lasts eight weeks during the summer (with the possibility of extending up to two additional weeks).
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend is provided (New participant: $4,000 | Returning participant: $4,500).

If you’re interested in aerospace engineering, you can choose to work at a lab where the research opportunities align with your interest. For instance, the Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) at Patuxent River, MD offers a chance to work on research, development, test, evaluation, and sustainment for all Navy and Marine Corps aircraft and systems. You’ll also get to operate test ranges, test facilities, laboratories, and aircraft in support of military operations worldwide.

5. Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship Program

The Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship program is designed to allow students to work with aerospace scientists and engineers. Interns will get to work on actual Lockheed Martin Space projects while receiving an hourly wage. These projects will allow you to work on solving and deploying processes, procedures, and systems that support Lockheed Martin’s mission statement in seven different states across the nation. Additionally, you’ll get to work in different technical and non-technical career fields at Lockheed Martin Space to fortify or develop an interest in the aerospace industry. You’ll also participate in summer programming activities such as networking, career development, and executive engagements.

Location: Multiple in-person locations available. Virtual options are available as well.
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be 16 years of age.
- Live within a commutable distance of a participating Lockheed Martin Facility.
- Be currently enrolled in high school. High school seniors graduating in May 2025 are not eligible for the high school internship program.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Dates: 9-10 weeks from June to August.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; An hourly wage is paid to the interns (the exact amount is not specified).

6. The SEES High School Summer Intern Program

During the STEM Enhancement in Earth Sciences (SEES) High School Summer Intern Program, each selected intern will receive links to virtual SEES distance learning activities on or around May 1. The required activities must be completed by July 1 or students will not be eligible to participate in the internship. Both on-site and virtual interns will work with NASA subject matter experts in July.

Location: Austin, Texas (Virtual options are available).
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be current high school sophomores or juniors ONLY (will be rising juniors and seniors) who have not worked as a SEES intern previously.
- Must be 16 years old by July 1
- Must be US citizens.
Application Deadline: February 24
Dates: July 27 - August 4 (10th graders) | July 7 - July 20 (11th graders)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Unpaid (Upon completion of the internship, both virtual and on-site interns will receive a NASA certificate of completion).

The 11th-grade residential internship is 2 weeks long at the University of Texas Center for Space Research and the 10th-grade residential internship is 1 week long. The 11th-grade interns can choose from different project themes like Astronaut Photography, aerospace engineering, Mars Rover resource utilization, and more. Over a week, the 10th-grade interns will collaborate with ZERO-G flight mentors to engineer and develop a compact, one-of-a-kind research payload to be tested in microgravity on board the ZERO-G parabolic aircraft. Each virtual project has a different timeline and theme. All 11th-grade interns will participate in a virtual SEES Science Symposium July 22-24, where teams will present their research to NASA, scientists, family members, and guests.

7. Textron Aviation High School Internships

Textron Aviation is an aviation company catering to the aviation needs of government, military, and commercial clientele. While the company's core expertise lies in engineering and manufacturing, it offers a diverse set of internships for high school students. Apart from engineering and manufacturing internships, other openings include internships in fields like finance, sales, marketing, IT, flight operations, communications, military, and human resources. The aim behind these internships is to offer young individuals a chance to explore potential careers within the aviation sector, exposing them to substantial, business-oriented tasks that bridge their foundational knowledge with their future career aspirations.

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Location: Varies depending on the internship opportunity.
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Application Deadline: Internships are available year-round with applications accessible at various points throughout the year. Applications open in January (Summer) | July (Fall) | October (Spring).
Dates: Internships are available during the Fall Semester, Spring Semester, and a six-week duration in the Summer.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Paid (amount not specified).

8. Spirit AeroSystems High School Internship

Spirit AeroSystems offers high school students the opportunity to learn about modern aerospace manufacturing. High School internships offer students the chance to learn about Spirit’s wide-ranging capabilities and innovative engineering, finance, manufacturing, and supply chain processes.

Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Dates: 5-6 weeks in June-July
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $14 per hour

This is a paid program where you’ll receive practical and applicable insight into sheet metal and composites manufacturing, machining, tools and processes, or engineering, finance, and supply chain careers. Upon completion of the program, qualified high-performing students may be invited to participate in the program again or start a full-time position with Spirit upon graduating high school. If selected for the Fabrication Learning track, students are required to be 18 before the start date.

9. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) High School Summer Internship

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) offers internship opportunities to high school seniors to undertake during the summer after graduation. This prestigious internship allows select students to work on projects in plasma physics and fusion energy with experienced researchers and engineers in the lab. If you’re interested in aerospace engineering, then this internship will help you understand the application of plasma physics and fusion energy in aircraft and spacecraft manufacturing.

Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in early March every year.
Dates: 8-10 weeks (Monday-Friday, 40 hours/week) in the summer, with the exact dates and duration depending on the student’s school schedule
Stipend: Paid (the exact amount is not specified)

Applicants should have prior experience in a computational or experimental project in plasma physics, academic coursework in engineering, physics, advanced math, and chemistry, and some experience in computer and coding languages and computer-aided design (CAD). Note: The High School Summer Internship is a commuter program but remote projects are available.

10. Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)

Texas High School Aerospace Scholars is a solid STEM learning experience for Texas high school juniors to engage with NASA’s missions. HAS is a year-long commitment for Texas high school juniors which starts in the fall with a four-month online learning experience related to space exploration, Earth science, technology, and aeronautics. Highest achieving students receive an invitation to a five-day gamified virtual summer experience (Moonshot) mentored by NASA scientists and engineers.

Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens residing in Texas.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in October.
Dates: This is a year-long program. November-February (Online course) | Late July: 4-Day Onsite Residential Experience. For other important dates, check here.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Unpaid. (Upon successful completion of the online portion of the course, students will be awarded a 0.5 Science elective credit).

Online activities during the school year include interactive lessons on NASA activities related to space exploration, Earth science, technology, mathematics, and aeronautics. You’ll get to participate in design challenges including 3D drawings, science and math quizzes, discussion posts, and technology writings. You’ll also get to chat virtually with NASA engineers and scientists. If selected for the five-day gamified summer experience, you’ll get to participate in team projects and briefings directed by NASA engineers and scientists, hands-on design challenges, and engineering activities to plan a mission to the Moon and Mars.

11. Ladder Internships - Engineering Tra… The Aerospace Company

Aerospace offices across the country offer internships and co-op programs to help students find their place in space and an idea of what it’s like to work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Target Audience: Rising Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate Students; Limited Number of Opportunities for High School Students
Placement: The Aerospace Corporation Locations: El Segundo, CA; Colorado Springs, CO; Chantilly, VA; Albuquerque, NM

12. NASA Aeronautics Internship Program

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) offers a specialized internship program for high school seniors interested in aeronautics. Participants get the chance to work on projects ranging from aircraft design to airspace management, collaborating with NASA scientists and engineers.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. These paid internships are accessible across various NASA facilities during fall, spring, and summer sessions. The application process is centralized, with one application being considered agency-wide. Stipends for OSTEM interns are determined based on academic level and the duration of the session, and prior experience is not a prerequisite.

Additional Internship Opportunities

Here are some other companies and organizations that offer internship programs in aerospace:

Axiom Space: Internships in Houston, TX, for undergraduate or graduate students with at least one semester remaining after the internship. As an Engineer Intern, you will participate in learning opportunities designed to expose students to multiple disciplines.
Ball Aerospace: Summer internships in Boulder, CO, for university juniors, seniors, and graduate students. A summer internship at Ball Aerospace provides the tools you need to launch your career. Through challenging projects, mentorship, and hands-on experience, our interns have an opportunity to gain valuable firsthand experience in the aerospace and defense industry. As an intern, you’ll be involved in networking events with our executives, Ball site tours, career development opportunities and more.
Blue Origin: Internships in Kent, WA; Huntsville, AL; Merritt Island, FL; Van Horn, TX, for undergraduate or graduate students with at least one semester remaining after internships. Our internship program gives students the opportunity to work on real engineering projects related to the development, construction, and testing of human spaceflight systems. Interns work directly with our engineers to contribute to project goals.
The Boeing Company: Internships at various Boeing locations globally, for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, business, or information technology & data analytics. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with opportunities for professional growth.
Lockheed Martin: Internships and co-ops at various Lockheed Martin locations for undergraduate and graduate students. Student programs that start your career in a meaningful way. Gain real-world experience, support innovative breakthroughs, and learn from Lockheed Martin experts.
NASA: Internships at NASA Field Centers for high school (age 16+), undergraduate, and graduate students. Interns use their creativity and innovation to work on projects impacting NASA’s mission, such as returning to the Moon . As a NASA intern, you will be part of an amazing team dedicated to space exploration.
Northrop Grumman: Internships & Co-ops at various Northrop Grumman locations for undergraduate and graduate students. When you become an intern at Northrop Grumman, you’ll contribute from your first day on a wide range of projects - some with high visibility, others with a low profile. While getting hands-on experience, you might discover an interest you didn’t know you had.
Redwire Space: Internships for students seeking hands-on work experience in the space technology industry. One of the most important aspects of interning for Redwire is the hands-on work experience it provides and how this experience impacts future endeavors. is a leading innovative space technology company headquartered in Lexington, KY. The company is comprised of a dynamic team that provides end-to-end services including the design and building of products that use microgravityThe condition of perceived weightlessness created when an object is in free fall, for example when an object is in orbital motion. Microgravity alters many observable phenomena within the physical and life sciences, allowing scientists to study things in ways not possible on Earth. The International Space Station provides access to a persistent microgravity environment.

Overcoming Challenges in Aerospace Internships

While aerospace engineering internships for high school students offer incredible opportunities, certain challenges may arise. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts to ensure that the internships are accessible, educational, and safe for participants.

1. Advanced Technical Knowledge

Challenge: High school students may lack the advanced technical knowledge required for certain aerospace engineering projects.
Solution: Preparatory workshops or online courses can be organized to equip students with foundational knowledge before the start of the internship. These programs can cover basic principles of aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and other essential concepts.

2. Safety Concerns in Aerospace Environments

Challenge: Aerospace engineering involves working with complex machinery and potentially hazardous materials.
Solution: Strict safety protocols, mentorship from experienced professionals, and proper supervision can ensure a safe learning environment. Internship programs can also provide safety training sessions to familiarize students with industry standards.

3. Limited Access to Aerospace Facilities

Challenge: Access to state-of-the-art aerospace facilities may be limited due to security measures.
Solution: Virtual tours, simulations, and remote projects can be integrated into internship programs to provide students with insights into aerospace facilities and technologies without physical access.

Skills Gained Through Aerospace Internships

Participating in aerospace engineering internships during high school provides students with a diverse set of skills essential for success in this dynamic and innovative field.

1. Technical Proficiency

Internships in aerospace engineering enhance students' technical proficiency, granting them the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects. Skills in aircraft design, propulsion systems, and avionics technologies are honed through hands-on experience.

2. Problem-solving and Critical Thinking

Aerospace engineering projects often involve complex problem-solving. High school students develop critical thinking skills as they tackle challenges related to aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and the optimization of aerospace systems throughout their summer internships.

3. Collaboration and Teamwork

Working on aerospace projects requires collaboration with peers and professionals. Students learn to work effectively in teams, an essential skill in the collaborative nature of aerospace engineering projects.

4. Innovation and Creativity

Aerospace engineering is a field that thrives on innovation. Internships encourage students to think creatively, proposing and implementing novel solutions to engineering challenges.

5. Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial in aerospace engineering projects. High school students develop communication skills as they articulate their ideas, present findings, and collaborate with team members and industry professionals.

Additional Resources and Opportunities

Polygence Work Lab: This program gives students another avenue to explore engineering by tackling real-world challenges that require creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
FIRST: This organization designs accessible and innovative robotics programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in STEM, while building knowledge and life skills.
Million Girls Moonshot: This initiative seeks to inspire and prepare the next generation of innovators by engaging one million more girls in STEM learning opportunities through after-school and summer programs.
Project Lead The Way: This program empowers undergraduate students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges in engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity.

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