Research Ignited



20 Aerospace Engineering Summer Programs / Camps for High School Students

Aerospace engineering is one of the most exciting STEM fields for high school students. It brings together physics, engineering, computer science, robotics, aviation, drones, satellites, space exploration, and mission design.

For students interested in airplanes, rockets, drones, satellites, NASA, SpaceX, robotics, or engineering, a summer aerospace program can be a great way to explore the field before college. Some programs focus on aviation and flight training, while others emphasize aerospace engineering, space systems, robotics, drones, or research.

Below are 20 aerospace engineering summer programs and related opportunities for high school students to consider.

Program details, dates, prices, and eligibility can change each year, so families should always verify the latest information directly with each provider.

1. Research Ignited — Aerospace Engineering & Mission Design Lab

Program link: Aerospace Engineering & Mission Design Lab

Format: Live online
Best for: Grades 7–12
Focus: Aerospace engineering, aviation, drones, satellites, mission design, simulations, capstone project
Estimated cost: $799 launch pricing / $999 standard pricing

Research Ignited’s Aerospace Engineering & Mission Design Lab is designed for students who want a rigorous but accessible introduction to aviation, drones, satellites, and space mission design.

Unlike a basic aviation camp, this program helps students think like aerospace engineers. Students explore flight science, aircraft systems, aviation weather, drones, autonomous systems, satellites, orbital mechanics, and mission planning through visual simulations and guided design challenges.

The program uses a “Concept → Visual Simulation → Engineering Decision” approach. Students do not simply memorize aerospace vocabulary. They test ideas, analyze trade-offs, and complete a final Capstone Mission Design Defense.

Students may design a CubeSat mission, drone search-and-rescue plan, aircraft safety improvement concept, satellite imaging mission, Mars habitat system, or AI-assisted aviation safety idea.

Best for students who want: A live online aerospace program with mentor guidance, simulations, and a portfolio-style capstone project.

2. Research Ignited — Aerospace Research Fellowship

Program link: Aerospace Research Fellowship

Format: 1:1 or very small-group research mentorship
Best for: Grades 9–12, especially grades 10–12
Focus: Aerospace research, aviation safety, drones, satellite data, AI, space systems, research paper or presentation
Estimated cost: Starting around $2,499+

The Aerospace Research Fellowship is the advanced next step for students who want to go deeper than a summer cohort course.

Students work with a mentor to develop a focused aerospace-related research project. Possible topics include autonomous drone routing, AI for aviation safety, satellite imagery for climate monitoring, CubeSat mission design, space medicine, sustainable aviation, aviation accident analysis, space debris policy, and aerospace cybersecurity.

The final deliverable may be a research paper, technical poster, presentation, mission proposal, or portfolio-ready project.

Best for students who want: A serious mentor-guided aerospace research project aligned with college and STEM portfolio goals.

3. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Summer Camps

Program link: Embry-Riddle Summer Camps

Format: On-campus summer camps
Best for: Middle and high school students depending on program
Focus: Aviation, aerospace engineering, flight, space, astronomy, drones, and STEM
Estimated cost: Varies by camp

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is one of the best-known institutions for aviation and aerospace education. Its summer programs introduce students to aviation, aerospace engineering, uncrewed aircraft systems, astronomy, space-related careers, and other STEM topics.

These programs are especially attractive to students who want to experience a university environment focused heavily on aviation and aerospace.

Best for students who want: A campus-based aerospace or aviation experience at a specialized aeronautical university.

4. NSLC Aerospace

Program link: NSLC Aerospace

Format: Residential summer program
Best for: High school students
Focus: Aerospace engineering, aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Mars mission design, leadership
Estimated cost: Often around $4,000+ depending on location/session

The National Student Leadership Conference offers an aerospace program where students explore aviation and space engineering through hands-on projects. Students may work on unmanned aerial vehicle design, Mission to Mars concepts, aerodynamics, propulsion, and flight control systems.

Because NSLC programs include a residential component, the cost is significantly higher than many online or day programs.

Best for students who want: A residential aerospace experience with leadership programming and hands-on team projects.

5. Summer Springboard Aerospace Engineering

Program link: Summer Springboard Aerospace Engineering

Format: Residential and campus-based summer program
Best for: High school students
Focus: Flight mechanics, aerospace engineering, aeronautical vs. astronautical engineering, propulsion, orbital mechanics
Estimated cost: Often several thousand dollars depending on campus and duration

Summer Springboard offers aerospace engineering programs on university campuses. Students may study flight mechanics, propulsion systems, aircraft design, systems engineering, aircraft performance, and basic orbital mechanics. Some programs also include guest speakers, excursions, and hands-on glider or rocket design activities.

Best for students who want: A premium campus-based aerospace engineering experience.

6. Syracuse University Pre-College Aerospace Engineering

Program link: Syracuse Pre-College Aerospace Engineering

Format: On-campus pre-college program
Best for: High school students
Focus: Airplanes, rockets, drones, flight principles, model testing, aerospace engineering
Estimated cost: Typically several thousand dollars depending on residential or commuter option

Syracuse University offers a pre-college aerospace engineering course that introduces students to the principles of flight and aerospace systems. Students may explore airplanes, rockets, drones, teamwork projects, and model testing.

This can be a good option for students who want a university-based summer experience with an aerospace engineering focus.

Best for students who want: A structured pre-college aerospace course with hands-on activities.

7. Rice Precollege — Space Exploration: The Road to Mars

Program link: Rice Precollege Space Exploration

Format: Online precollege course
Best for: High school students
Focus: Space exploration, Mars missions, aerospace and space science concepts
Estimated cost: Varies by year

Rice Precollege offers online courses that allow high school students to explore specialized topics. Its space exploration course can be a good fit for students interested in Mars missions, human spaceflight, space systems, and the future of exploration.

Best for students who want: A flexible online pre-college space exploration course.

8. Space Camp — U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Program link: Space Camp

Format: Residential camp
Best for: Middle and high school students depending on track
Focus: Space missions, astronaut training simulations, STEM, teamwork
Estimated cost: Starts around the low thousands depending on program

Space Camp is one of the most recognizable names in youth space education. Students participate in mission simulations, space-themed STEM activities, teamwork challenges, and hands-on learning connected to astronaut training and space exploration.

Best for students who want: A classic immersive space-themed camp experience.

9. Space Center U — Space Center Houston

Program link: Space Center U

Format: In-person STEM program
Best for: Middle and high school students depending on program
Focus: Space exploration, mission design, payloads, atmospheric science, citizen science
Estimated cost: Varies by session

Space Center Houston offers STEM experiences that introduce students to space exploration, mission operations, and scientific investigation. Some programs include high-altitude balloon payload design, data collection, and atmospheric science.

Best for students who want: A space-focused, hands-on STEM experience connected to mission-style learning.

10. Texas A&M Camp SOAR

Program link: Texas A&M Camp SOAR

Format: On-campus summer camp
Best for: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Focus: Aerospace engineering, research facilities, technical lectures, design projects
Estimated cost: Varies by year

Texas A&M’s Camp SOAR gives high school students exposure to aerospace engineering through technical instruction, hands-on projects, and access to university research facilities. It is especially relevant for students seriously considering aerospace engineering as a college major.

Best for students who want: A university aerospace engineering camp with exposure to faculty and research facilities.

11. Air Camp

Program link: Air Camp

Format: Residential and day aviation STEM programs
Best for: Students in upper elementary, middle school, and high school depending on track
Focus: Aviation, flight, drones, engineering, navigation, weather, STEM careers
Estimated cost: Varies by program

Air Camp introduces students to aviation and STEM through hands-on flight-related activities. Students may explore navigation, weather, flight simulation, mission planning, drones, engineering design, and aviation careers.

Best for students who want: A practical aviation-focused STEM camp with flight-related experiences.

12. Aerospace Center for Excellence Summer Camps

Program link: Aerospace Center for Excellence Summer Camps

Format: In-person aviation and aerospace camps
Best for: Students interested in aviation and aerospace
Focus: Aviation, STEM, aerospace learning, flight concepts
Estimated cost: Varies by camp

The Aerospace Center for Excellence offers aviation and aerospace summer programs designed to inspire students through hands-on STEM learning. Some camps focus on aviation fundamentals, flight, and aerospace career exploration.

Best for students who want: A hands-on aviation and aerospace camp environment.

13. Aerospace Center for Excellence — Take Flight Summer Camp

Program link: Take Flight Summer Camp

Format: In-person camp
Best for: High school students seriously interested in aviation
Focus: Ground school, principles of flight, instruments, navigation, weather, weight and balance
Estimated cost: Varies by session

Take Flight Summer Camp is designed for students who are seriously considering pursuing aviation or a private pilot certificate in the future. Topics may include flight controls, instruments, weather, airport operations, performance, and navigation.

Best for students who want: A more aviation-focused program with ground-school style learning.

14. Boston Leadership Institute — Applied Physics & Engineering

Program link: Boston Leadership Institute Applied Physics & Engineering

Format: In-person day or residential STEM program
Best for: High school students
Focus: Physics, flight, gravity, aerodynamics, aerospace technologies, engineering projects
Estimated cost: Varies by session

Boston Leadership Institute’s Applied Physics & Engineering program includes topics related to flight, aerodynamics, gravity, motion, and aerospace technologies. Students may build and test engineering projects such as rockets or remote-controlled aircraft.

Best for students who want: A broader applied physics and engineering program with aerospace-related content.

15. Wings Over the Rockies — Aerospace Exploration Pathway

Program link: Wings Aerospace Exploration Pathway

Format: In-person aerospace enrichment program
Best for: Grades 6–12
Focus: Aerospace science, aerospace engineering, aviation, drones, robotics, coding, rocketry
Estimated cost: Varies by program

Wings Over the Rockies offers an Aerospace Exploration Pathway that prepares students for future careers in aerospace science, aerospace engineering, general aviation, and unmanned aircraft systems. Students may explore RC airplanes, drones, robotics, coding, rocketry, and aviation or space-related topics.

Best for students who want: A hands-on aerospace pathway connected to aviation, drones, and space exploration.

16. Rising Aviation Summer Aviation Camp

Program link: Rising Aviation Summer Aviation Camp

Format: In-person day camp
Best for: Incoming 8th–12th graders
Focus: Aviation, flight, aerospace exposure
Estimated cost: Around $495 in current listings

Rising Aviation offers a short summer aviation camp for students interested in flight and aviation. This type of program can be a good entry point for students who want to explore aviation without committing to a longer or more expensive residential program.

Best for students who want: A short, lower-cost aviation-focused summer experience.

17. FAA Aviation Career Education Academy

Program link: FAA Aviation Career Education Academy

Format: Aviation education programs offered through local ACE Academy sponsors
Best for: K–12 students depending on local program
Focus: Aviation careers, aerospace, STEM, aviation exploration
Estimated cost: Varies by location/provider

The FAA Aviation Career Education Academy introduces students to aviation and aerospace career pathways. Programs vary by location, but they often include aviation career exploration, STEM activities, airport or aviation exposure, and hands-on learning experiences.

Best for students who want: A local aviation and aerospace career exploration program.

18. NASA High School Internship Program / STEM Gateway Opportunities

Program link: NASA Internship Programs
Opportunity portal: NASA STEM Gateway

Format: Internship or STEM opportunity
Best for: High school juniors and seniors, depending on opportunity
Focus: NASA missions, aerospace research, STEM, engineering, science, technology
Estimated cost: Internship opportunities may be paid or structured differently depending on listing

NASA offers high school and student opportunities through its internship and STEM engagement programs. These are usually more competitive than standard summer camps and may require applications, eligibility review, and specific academic preparation.

Best for students who want: A selective aerospace or space-related internship or STEM opportunity connected to NASA.

19. Av-STEM Introduction to Aviation

Program link: Av-STEM Introduction to Aviation

Format: Course / aviation STEM curriculum
Best for: Students interested in aviation fundamentals
Focus: Aviation history, aerodynamics, flight simulation, airplane instruments, navigation, weather, performance
Estimated cost: Varies by course/package

Av-STEM’s Introduction to Aviation course introduces students to foundational aviation concepts. Topics include aviation history, aerodynamics, flight simulators, instruments, charts, navigation, weather, weight and balance, and airplane performance.

Best for students who want: A structured aviation fundamentals course, especially if they prefer a self-paced or curriculum-style option.

20. Local Flight School Discovery Flight or Aviation Camp

Example resource: EAA Aviation Camps

Format: Local, in-person
Best for: Students interested in aviation or becoming a pilot
Focus: Introductory flight, ground briefing, cockpit basics, aviation careers
Estimated cost: Discovery flights often range from approximately $150–$300+, depending on provider and location

Many local flight schools offer discovery flights or short aviation camps for students. These are usually not full aerospace engineering programs, but they can be a powerful way for students to experience aviation firsthand.

Families should verify age requirements, parent/guardian consent, safety waivers, aircraft type, instructor credentials, insurance, weather policies, and pricing directly with the flight school.

Best for students who want: A hands-on introduction to flying through a local aviation provider.

How to Choose the Right Aerospace Summer Program

With so many options, students and parents should think carefully about what kind of experience they want.

Choose a residential aerospace program if:

  • The student wants a campus experience
  • The family is comfortable with travel and housing costs
  • The student wants immersion with peers
  • The program offers strong hands-on projects or university exposure

Choose an online aerospace program if:

  • The student wants flexibility
  • The family wants lower cost than residential programs
  • The student wants live instruction without travel
  • The student wants a portfolio-style project or capstone

Choose a local aviation program if:

  • The student is mainly interested in flying
  • The family wants a discovery flight or aviation career exposure
  • The student may eventually pursue a private pilot certificate

Choose a research fellowship if:

  • The student already has a strong interest in aerospace
  • The student wants a serious academic project
  • The student wants mentor guidance
  • The student is building a STEM portfolio for college applications, competitions, or future research

Aerospace Topics High School Students Can Explore

Aerospace is broader than airplanes and rockets. Students can explore:

  • Aerodynamics
  • Aircraft systems
  • Propulsion
  • Drones and autonomy
  • Satellite systems
  • Orbital mechanics
  • Space mission design
  • Aviation weather
  • Human factors and aviation safety
  • AI for aerospace systems
  • Space medicine
  • Sustainable aviation
  • Space debris and policy
  • Satellite imagery and climate monitoring
  • Aerospace cybersecurity

This makes aerospace a strong field for students interested in engineering, computer science, physics, medicine, environmental science, robotics, or public policy.

Research Ignited Aerospace Pathway

Research Ignited offers two aerospace pathways for students at different levels.

Aerospace Engineering & Mission Design Lab

Learn more: Aerospace Engineering & Mission Design Lab

This live online program is ideal for students who want structured exposure to aviation, drones, satellites, and space mission design.

Students explore flight science, aircraft systems, drones, autonomous systems, satellites, orbital mechanics, and mission design through visual simulations and guided activities. The program ends with a Capstone Mission Design Defense, where students present and defend their aerospace mission concept.

Best for: Grades 7–12
Format: Live online small-group cohort
Outcome: Capstone aerospace mission proposal

Aerospace Research Fellowship

Learn more: Aerospace Research Fellowship

This advanced mentorship program is designed for students who want to complete a deeper aerospace research project.

Students work with a mentor on topics such as AI for aviation safety, autonomous drones, satellite imagery, CubeSat mission design, space medicine, sustainable aviation, aviation accident analysis, space debris policy, or aerospace cybersecurity.

Best for: Grades 9–12, especially grades 10–12
Format: 1:1 or very small-group mentorship
Outcome: Research paper, technical poster, presentation, mission proposal, or portfolio-ready project

Many students begin with the Aerospace Engineering & Mission Design Lab and then continue into the Aerospace Research Fellowship.

Final Thoughts

Aerospace engineering is one of the most interdisciplinary STEM fields available to high school students. It connects physics, engineering, computer science, robotics, AI, medicine, climate science, policy, and space exploration.

The best aerospace summer program depends on the student’s goals. Some students want a campus experience. Others want a first flight. Some want to build rockets or drones. Others want to complete a serious research project.

For students who want a flexible, rigorous, project-based option, Research Ignited’s Aerospace Engineering & Mission Design Lab provides a strong starting point. For students ready to go deeper, the Aerospace Research Fellowship offers mentor-guided research in aviation, drones, satellites, space systems, and aerospace innovation.

Interested in aerospace, drones, or space research?

Explore Research Ignited’s Aerospace Engineering & Mission Design Lab or apply for the Aerospace Research Fellowship.

Research Ignited
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