The Engineering Innovation Research Program is a college-level summer experience for high school students who are curious about the process of discovery and innovation. In this six-week pilot program, you’ll work alongside Johns Hopkins PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, contributing to real, ongoing engineering research while building the skills needed to succeed in college-level STEM environments.
You’ll earn three college credits from Johns Hopkins University, ranked No. 9 in undergraduate research by U.S. News & World Report, while gaining hands-on experience that goes beyond a traditional classroom or lab course.
Designed for motivated students who want to tackle research before college, the program is offered in hybrid commuter, hybrid residential, and fully online formats, making it accessible to students from around the world.
📌 Applications for Summer 2026 are now open.
We encourage early submission, as space may be limited and programs may fill before the final deadline of May 13.
Course Content and Projects
Research is about asking meaningful questions, learning how to navigate uncertainty, and building knowledge step-by-step. In the Engineering Innovation Research Program, you won’t just learn about research. You’ll do it.
With guidance from graduate-level mentors, you’ll join an active research group and gain hands-on experience with the tools and practices researchers use every day. You’ll engage with scientific literature, design and carry out experiments or computational studies, and collect, analyze, and interpret data. Along the way, you’ll develop professional research habits by documenting your work and learning how to communicate results through presentations, posters, and written papers.
Working alongside peers and mentors, you’ll experience what research in college actually looks like, from collaboration and iteration to problem-solving as part of a team. As your project takes shape, you’ll build confidence, embrace curiosity, and the mindset of a researcher, helping you prepare for future academic study and research-driven pathways.
Exploring Your Research Interests
As part of the application process, you’ll be asked to select your top three areas of research interest. These preferences help us match you with a research group aligned with your academic goals.
Available areas of interest include: Applied Mathematics, Biomedical Engineering, Biomolecular Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Education, Environmental Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Sustainable Energy, and Other (please specify).
While we do our best to match students with one of their selected areas, placement is based on project availability and fit. Your application materials, including your essays, may be shared with faculty and research mentors to support the selection and placement process.
Find the Program That Fits You
Each format offers the same rigorous, hands-on research opportunity, but the experience you have outside the classroom sets each option apart.
Hybrid: The Best of Both Worlds
Want the flexibility of learning from home and the chance to live like a college student? With the Hybrid program, you’ll start online, building connections with the research team, learning about your project, and completing trainings that will allow you to start strong when you arrive on campus. Then you’ll bring your new skills to life on campus and experience labs, teamwork, and the independence of living and learning at Johns Hopkins University. After your on-campus experience, you’ll transition back online to complete the program.
Online: A Balanced Combination of Asynchronous and Synchronous
Our synchronous online format brings world-class engineering research directly to you. By connecting with passionate students and researchers you will contribute to real ongoing research projects. Through daily live sessions and collaboration, you’ll gain authentic research experience while building a network of peers and mentors.
📌 Note: Costs vary by program format and location. Please visit our Cost & Aid page for full details.
| Program Type | Dates + Location | Class Times |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Commuter | Week 1 (June 22–26) – Online
Weeks 2–5 (June 29–July 24) – In person at JHU Homewood campus Week 6 (July 27–31) – Online |
Week 1 – Online: Orientation & Preparation
Weeks 2–5 – In-person: Lab Work
Week 6 – Online: Work on Final Paper
|
| Hybrid Residential | Week 1 (June 22–26) – Online
Weeks 2–5 (June 29–July 24) – In person at JHU Homewood campus Week 6 (July 27–31) – Online |
Week 1 – Online: Orientation & Preparation
Weeks 2–5 – In-person: Lab Work
Week 6 – Online: Work on Final Project
|
| Online Only | Week 1–6 (June 22–July 31) – Online (No class July 3) |
Week 1 – Online: Orientation & Preparation
Weeks 2–5 – Online: Lab Work & Meetings Students select one meeting block at the time of application:
Week 6 – Online: Work on Final Paper
|
Eligibility
Because Engineering Innovation Research Program is a rigorous, college-level program, there are a few requirements you’ll need to check before applying.
Academic Prerequisites
- A’s and B’s in your high school math and science classes
- Completed Algebra II
- Completed a course where the trigonometric functions are taught. You must be able to use sine, cosine, tangent, and the Pythagorean Theorem to determine angles and side lengths for right angle triangles.
- Completed a full year of high school chemistry and/or physics, including a lab. Many students feel that knowledge of physics is particularly helpful for the course. (A score of 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry or AP Physics 1 exam may be used instead of the high school chemistry or physics requirement.)
- Priority will be given to past Explore Engineering Innovation, Biomedical Engineering Innovation, and Sustainable Energy Engineering students.
Grade Level Eligibility
You must be a current high school sophomore or junior.
Residential Program Age Requirements
For 2026, students participating in a residential program must have been born between July 25, 2008, and June 28, 2011; they must be at least 15 years of age on move-in day and no older than 17 years of age on the last day of the program. We cannot accept students who turn 18 before the final day of the course. You must be under 18 years of age to live in the residence hall.
Explore Your Format
Hybrid Commuter
Locations
Enjoy the in-person part of your session as a commuter student at the JHU Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland.
Cost & Aid
Find full tuition and fees details on our Cost & Aid page. There is no financial aid available to students enrolled in the Engineering Innovation Research Program.
Time Commitment
The Engineering Innovation Research Program is an intensive, college-level course. Students should plan to spend approximately 38 hours per week. We strongly discourage students from enrolling in other courses or taking on major time commitments (jobs, internships, sports, etc.) while enrolled in the Engineering Innovation Research Program.
The Engineering Innovation Research Program is designed to mirror college-level work. As a result, you may find the course expectations to be an adjustment if you’re used to high school coursework. You’re encouraged to use the support resources available to you and to reach out to your mentors whenever you need help.
Homework
Expect up to two hours of homework each evening after class.
Computer Requirements for the Online Portion
As a student enrolled in the Engineering Innovation Research Program, you will need a computer to access the course materials, which are found both in MS Teams and on the canvas learning management system.
Canvas works best with Firefox or Chrome web browsers. You should install the most recent version of either browser and may want to enable third-party cookies for the best experience. MS Teams is a cloud-based application that you will access using the JHU login credentials provided
when you accept your offer of admission.
Additionally, your computer should have:
- Ability to record and of course projects and upload the footage to Canvas or MS Teams.
- Reliable internet access
Health Requirements
All in-person students must have health insurance. See our Policies & Services page.
Visa Requirement
Please review the Visa Requirements by Program Format for additional details.
Hybrid Residential
Experience life for four weeks on our JHU Homewood campus.
Cost & Aid
Find full tuition and fee details on our Cost & Aid page. There is no financial aid available to students enrolled in the Engineering Innovation Research Program.
Time Commitment
The Engineering Innovation Research Program is an intensive, college-level course. Students should plan to spend approximately 38 hours per week. We strongly discourage students from enrolling in other courses or taking on major time commitments (jobs, internships, sports, etc.) while enrolled in the Engineering Innovation Research Program.
The Engineering Innovation Research Program is designed to mirror college-level work. As a result, you may find the course expectations to be an adjustment if you’re used to high school coursework. You’re encouraged to use the support resources available to you and to reach out to your mentors whenever you need help.
Homework
Expect up to two hours of homework each evening after class.
Computer Requirements for the Online Portion
As a student enrolled in the Engineering Innovation Research Program, you will need a computer to access the course materials, which are found both in MS Teams and on the canvas learning management system.
Canvas works best with Firefox or Chrome web browsers. You should install the most recent version of either browser and may want to enable third-party cookies for the best experience. MS Teams is a cloud-based application that you will access using the JHU login credentials provided when you accept your offer of admission.
Additionally, your computer should have:
- Ability to record and of course projects and upload the footage to Canvas or MS Teams.
- Reliable internet access
Health Requirements
All in-person students must have health insurance. Fore more details, see our Policies & Services.
Visa Requirement
Please review the Visa Requirements by Program Format for additional details.
Online Synchronous
Student enrolled in the Engineering Innovation Research Program Online will meet synchronously with their lab mentors every weekday (Monday to Friday). When you enroll, you’ll choose on of these time slots:
- 9:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m. ET, M-F
- 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET, M-F
Cost & Aid
Visit our Cost & Aid page for complete tuition and fees details. Students enrolled in the Engineering Innovation Research program are not eligible for financial aid.
Time Commitment
The Engineering Innovation Research Program is an intensive, college-level course. Students should plan to spend approximately 38 hours per week. We strongly discourage students from enrolling in other courses or taking on major time commitments (jobs, internships, sports, etc.) while enrolled in the Engineering Innovation Research Program.
The Engineering Innovation Research Program is designed to mirror college-level work. As a result, you may find the course expectations to be an adjustment if you’re used to high school coursework. You’re encouraged to use the support resources available to you and to reach out to your mentors whenever you need help.
Homework
Expect up to two hours of homework each evening after class.
Computer Requirements
As a student enrolled in the Engineering Innovation Research Program, you will need a computer to access the course materials, which are found both in MS Teams and on the canvas learning management system.
Canvas works best with Firefox or Chrome web browsers. You should install the most recent version of either browser and may want to enable third-party cookies for the best experience. MS Teams is a cloud-based application that you will access using the JHU login credentials provided
when you accept your offer of admission.
Additionally, your computer should have:
- Ability to record and of course projects and upload the footage to Canvas or MS Teams.
- Reliable internet access
JOIN US!
Learn about each program or start your application today.