Engineering Fellows Program

Where Engineering Meets Real-World Impact

The STEAM Ahead Engineering Fellows Program is a selective, year-long experience designed for high school students ready to explore engineering through real-world application and impact.

Fellows begin their journey in the summer through a hands-on Engineering Research Internship in partnership with leading academic institutions, where they work alongside professors, researchers and undergraduate mentors in active lab environments. This immersive experience introduces students to the research process while building technical skills and confidence in a college setting.

Throughout the academic year, fellows continue their experience through mentorship, leadership development, industry site visits and participation in STEAM Ahead Youth Leadership Symposiums. Fellows engage with professionals across engineering and STEAM fields, gaining exposure to career pathways while strengthening their communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

The program culminates in a capstone project, where fellows apply their learning to design solutions that address real-world challenges. Fellows present their work at a final showcase, highlighting both their technical growth and their development as emerging leaders.


Summer Internship at Boston College

The Engineering Research Summer Internship at Boston College is a hands-on experience where fellows are placed in active college research labs and work alongside professors, research staff, and undergraduate mentors. Unlike traditional classroom learning, this internship provides direct exposure to how engineering is applied to solve real-world challenges.

Fellows engage in guided research projects across areas such as environmental engineering, clean water systems, wireless communication and emerging technologies. Through this experience, students develop technical skills, strengthen problem-solving abilities, and gain confidence navigating a collegiate research environment.

What makes this opportunity unique is the level of access and mentorship provided. Fellows are not observing—they are actively participating in the research process, asking questions, contributing to projects and building relationships with mentors who are pursuing careers in engineering and related fields.

This experience serves as the foundation of the STEAM Ahead Engineering Fellows Program, equipping students with the skills, exposure, and confidence to continue their journey through year-long mentorship, leadership development, and applied learning.

 
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Why Become a STEAM Ahead Engineering Fellow?

  • Real Research Experience: Work alongside researchers and mentors in college labs

  • Year-Long Experience: Continue learning beyond the summer through ongoing engagement

  • Mentorship & Career Exposure: Connect with college students, professionals, and industry partners

  • Leadership Development: Build skills through symposiums and hands-on experiences

  • Capstone Project: Apply your learning to solve real-world challenges

  • Selective Cohort: Join a small, highly motivated group of peers

Who Should Apply? Are You…

  • A rising 11th or 12th grade student interested in engineering and real-world problem solving?

  • Curious about how engineering can be used to address real-world challenges?

  • Excited by hands-on learning, research, and innovation?

  • Motivated to challenge yourself in a rigorous, year-long experience?

  • Ready to commit to both a summer internship and continued engagement throughout the school year?

  • Interested in collaborating with peers and learning from mentors in college and professional settings?

  • Exploring college pathways and future careers in engineering or STEAM fields?

  • Looking to grow as a leader and make a meaningful impact in your community?


Fellowship Commitment

Fellowship Timeline

Summer 2026

Boston College Engineering Research Internship

Monday, July 6th – Friday, August 7th; Full-time, weekday commitment

  • Pre-program orientation and cohort kickoff

  • Hands-on research experience in college labs

  • Introduction to mentors and research teams

Fall / Winter 2026

  • Industry site visit and career exposure opportunities (October 2026)

  • Capstone project ideation and early development

  • Monthly virtual check-ins to support progress and engagement

Winter / Spring 2027

  • Continued capstone development and completion

  • Participation in Youth Leadership Symposiums (February and April Break)

  • Final capstone presentation and program showcase at the April Youth Leadership Symposium


Fellowship Investment

As a STEAM Ahead Engineering Fellow, you will receive up to $2,500 in stipends as an investment in your growth, commitment, and contributions throughout the program.

  • $1,500 Summer Internship Stipend - Awarded upon successful completion of the Boston College Engineering Research Internship

  • $1,000 School-Year Fellowship Stipend - Awarded upon successful completion of the full fellowship experience, including your capstone project and final presentation

In addition to financial support, fellows benefit from mentorship, meals during in-person programming, a certificate of completion, and the opportunity to earn a letters of recommendation.

Learn More About Our Partners


Boston college - Engineering Department

The Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) program is a highly-selective program housed within the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. Grounded in the liberal arts, our program combines the foundations of engineering with project-based learning and service-focused experiences to empower a new generation of engineers with the tools and knowledge to make a difference.

Website for more information: www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/schools/morrissey/departments/engineering.html


Massachusetts clean Energy center

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits and to secure long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts.

MassCEC works to increase the adoption of clean energy while driving down costs and delivering financial, environmental, and economic development benefits to energy users and utility customers across the state.  

Website for more information: https://goclean.masscec.com