NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute

The NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute is a one-week, hands-on engineering program at NASA Glenn Research Center for high school students who will be entering 11th or 12th grade in fall 2027. It gives participants a look at what it is like to work through real engineering problems at NASA. During the week, students work on three projects designed by NASA engineers. The projects cover areas such as aircraft propulsion, in-space propulsion, power systems, communication technology and materials science. Participants also tour research facilities at the center and hear directly from NASA engineers about their work and careers. The 2027 institute runs as three separate week-long sessions: July 12-16, July 19-23 and July 26-30. It takes place in person at NASA Glenn in Cleveland, Ohio, and is a full-time commitment for the week. There is no fee to attend in 2027, but the program does not provide lodging or travel, so participants arrange their own housing and transportation.

Applicants must be entering 11th or 12th grade in fall 2027, be at least 16 years old by July 1, 2027, be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, and have at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students submit an online application through NASA STEM Gateway and request a recommendation letter from a teacher or school counselor. Applications open November 30, 2026 and are due January 31, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. PT, with selections announced March 15, 2027.