Overview

The NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute is a week-long program held at NASA Glenn Research Center for high school students who have demonstrated strong capabilities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and are highly motivated to pursue engineering careers in the aerospace industry. The program introduces students to engineering and technology concepts used by STEM professionals at NASA to accomplish their research and development work. Students utilize the engineering design process to design and test prototypes relevant to NASA Glenn areas of expertise in aircraft noise reduction, developing power systems for space craft, and designing wheels for rovers to be use on the Moon and Mars.  Students can apply the skills developed in this institute to their future academic and STEM career pursuits.

Purpose

NASA Glenn Research Center is always looking for dynamic new ways to connect students with the mission content of the Agency. In addition, the Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) has an interest in providing high school students with an authentic work-based learning experience that will help them prepare for their future in the aerospace workforce.  During the Institute, students develop fundamental STEM skills needed for careers in the aerospace workforce by completing engineering design and technology-based projects related to current NASA missions.

To achieve NASA’s ambitious goals of returning to the Moon and eventually on to Mars, we are going to need the next generation of talented, innovative engineers, scientists, technicians, and manufacturing professions. The growing U.S. space economy must continually cultivate a highly skilled and competitive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM, workforce today and in the future to achieve and maintain America’s position as a global leader in innovation and technology. To address the growing talent gap in STEM, NASA has sharpened its focus on America’s STEM workforce development needs to accelerate students towards obtaining STEM jobs.  NASA’s internships, fellowships, and other student opportunities such as the NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute provide students with hands-on experiences and demonstrate to future employers that they can do the jobs needed for tomorrow’s space industry.

Goals

The NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute introduces students to engineering and technology concepts used by STEM professionals at NASA to accomplish their research and development work. Students will utilize the Engineering Design Process to design and test prototypes relevant to NASA Glenn areas of expertise in Acoustic Damping, Power Management and Distribution, and Simulated Lunar Operations.  Students can apply the skills developed in this institute to their future academic and STEM career pursuits.

Scope

During the five-day Institute, students will complete rigorous training, develop designs, and test prototypes. NASA Glenn will provide the technical expertise, guidance, and materials to complete the Institute at no cost to participants (students are responsible for their own meals, lodging, and transportation to/from the institute). A total of 60 students (20 students per week) will participate in the Institutes in July 2026.

Eligibility/Requirements

This opportunity is open to students who will be Juniors (11^th grade) or Seniors (12^th grade) for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year. Students must have a minimum 3.2 GPA certified by their school counselor and a teacher recommendation. Students will be competitively selected, based on students’ demonstrating a high aptitude for engineering and strong interest in engineering careers at NASA.

NASA Glenn High School Engineering Scholars Timeline:

• March 20: Application Opens
• May 1 at 11:59 PM ET: Application Closes
• May 18: Selections Announced
• July 13 – 17: NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute Session 1
• July 20 – 24: NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute Session 2
• July 27 – 31: NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute Session 3

Institute Curriculum

Students will complete the following three activities during the Institute:

1. Acoustic Damping – How can we reduce noise pollution from jet engines? Students will develop acoustic liners with various shapes and patterns to test which design is the most effective at absorbing sound. Acoustic liners are typically placed in front of the turbo blades of a jet engine to absorb the noise generated by the engine.  Students will use an additive manufacturing process to replicate their designs that will be tested in a student built acoustic impedance tube that will serve as the test rig for this capstone. Acoustic materials must be designed so that air can pass through the material.
2. Power Management and Distribution – How can we develop a smart power system for future space stations? Students will design a Power System that will provide power to fans that circulate air utilizing solar and battery power.  With the use of a microprocessor, students will create a power system that will automatically re-route power at low levels as well as providing an automated shutdown when both power sources are low.  If time permits, students can add additional load features such as lights and load banks to simulate computers and experiments.
3. Simulated Lunar Operations – Can we invent tires that don’t use air?  Students will design and fabricate a wheel that does not inflate and can function in an environment with little or no atmosphere.  Student designed wheels must not exceed five (5) inches in diameter and perform on dry sand over six (6) feet on a grade of seven (7) degrees while carrying as much weight as possible.  Wheels will be evaluated by vehicle motion generated by traction forces only.  Any motion generated by propulsion forces observed by “kicking up” sand will not be considered.

How to Apply

Application Requirements: To be considered for the 2026 NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute, applicants must submit a complete application package no later than May 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.

Application Package Required Documents:

1. Electronic Application Form: submitted online, Google form (below)
2. 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. The recommendation letter shall be emailed to grc-ed-opportunities@mail.nasa.gov using the subject line “RL-Applicant LastName-FirstInitial-HSEI26”

Application packages will not be reviewed without a completed online application and a recommendation letter. Application packages received after May 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET will not be reviewed. 

Apply Here

NASA Contact

Catherine Graves, Ph.D.
Office of STEM Engagement
NASA Glenn Research Center
Email: grc-ed-opportunities@mail.nasa.gov