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Glenn Research Center Entry at night with lighted hangar in the background featuring the NASA meatball. Signs at the front drive say for the benefit of all.
An early shuttle launch

NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute

The NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute is a week-long experience that gives students the opportunity to explore what it’s like to solve real engineering problems at NASA. Working alongside aerospace subject matter experts, students use the engineering design process to develop, build, and test solutions inspired by NASA missions and active research. The Institute connects classroom learning with real-world applications while introducing students to the people, technologies and career possibilities of NASA Glenn Research Center.

Contact Us about NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute

event Dates

July 12-16, July 19-23, or July 26-30, 2027

event location

Cleveland, OH

Eligibility

Open to U.S. Citizen and Legal Permanent Resident Students

grade levels

11-12

Students participating in the Glenn High School Engineering Institute

About the Program

A week-long, hands-on engineering experience at NASA Glenn Research Center for rising high school juniors and seniors.

  • Where: Cleveland, Ohio
  • When: Three 1-week sessions offered: July 12 – 16, July 19 – 23, or July 26 – 30, 2027
  • Cost: No fee. Participants must provide their own housing and transportation

During the program, students will:

  • Work on three projects created by NASA engineers highlighting NASA Glenn’s core competencies of:
    • Aircraft Propulsion
    • In-Space Propulsion & Cryogenics
    • Power, Energy Storage & Conversion
    • Communication Technology
    • Materials & Structures for Extreme Environments
  • Tour world-class laboratories and testing facilities
  • Hear talks from NASA Glenn engineers on what it’s like to work at NASA
  • Present your projects to NASA experts

Eligibility

  • Entering 11 or 12 grade Fall 2027
  • At least 16 years old by July 1, 2027
  • U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
  • At least a 3.2 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • This program requires a full-time commitment; simultaneous participation in other programs is not permitted.

2026-2027 Timeline

All dates are subject to change.

  • Nov. 30, 2026: Application Opens
  • Jan. 31, 2027 at 11:59pm PT: Application Closes
  • Mar. 15, 2027: Selections Announced
  • July 12 – 16, 2027: NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute Session 1
  • July 19 – 23, 2027: NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute Session 2
  • July 26 – 30, 2027: NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute Session 3

How to Apply

To be considered for the 2026 NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute, applicants must submit a complete application package no later than Jan. 31, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Application Package Required Documents:
– Electronic Application Form via NASA STEM Gateway
– Recommendation Letter: Applicants must request a recommendation letter from a teacher or school counselor familiar with your interest and skills in STEM. The letter shall include a verification of your grade point average of at least 3.2 cumulative on a 4.0 scale.

Application packages will not be reviewed without a complete online application and a recommendation letter. Application packages received after 11:59 p.m. PT Jan. 31, 2027, will not be reviewed. 

We are not currently accepting applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility for this program is strictly limited to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.

Students must be at least 16 years old before the program begins. Because of strict security requirements for on-site access, we cannot accept students who turn 16 during the session.

NASA STEM Gateway is NASA’s official online portal for students and educators. It is the central hub where you can find and apply for educational programs, internships, and STEM challenges designed for high schoolers, college students, and recent graduates.

You don’t need any specific coding or electronics experience to be successful! We are looking for enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. However, if you do have prior experience with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) or building electronic kits, that is a great bonus.

While we do not provide on-site housing for this program, there are many hotels and short-term rental options located conveniently near the NASA Glenn Research Center.

We do not anticipate any major differences in the core activities between the sessions. However, please note that the exact schedule, including specific guest speakers and facility tours, may vary slightly based on availability.

If you have an extenuating circumstance, please reach out to us! We are happy to try and work with you to switch to another week, depending on availability. Please note that all session assignments must be finalized and locked in by May 31, 2027.

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Learn More about Join Artemis!
A group of 4 Micro-g NExT participants work on their space tool prototype at a table

Contact Us

Catherine Graves, Ph.D.
Office of STEM Engagement
NASA Glenn Research Center
Email: grc-glenn-hs-eng-institute@mail.nasa.gov