Students in our program are encouraged to take advantage of the many enrichment opportunities available during the school year and summer. To get all of the latest announcements and learn more about opportunities, students should join the Engineering Academy Canvas Page: Click Here.
The programs and competitions below offer students the chance to learn new things, often material above and beyond the scope of our courses. Many of these programs provide students with unparalleled access to a community of professors, industry professionals, and people on the cutting-edge of research, technology, and innovation. Often in life it is who you know, not what you know, that gives you a competitive edge in your career. Making connections with professional adults as well as like-minded peers in these programs can help build a strong professional network for the future.
The list below represents programs that have been highly recommended with many of our academy students previously enrolled. The information will be updated only periodically, so please use the links provided to learn more detailed and specific information about each program such as costs and dates. For more opportunities throughout the year, students should check the Canvas Opportunities Page as well.
Application: Competition entries due January 14th, 2027
Description: Students choose to make a concept either as solving a customer problem (business innovation track), or a social problem (social innovation track), and write about it in a narrative. Students are also required to make a pitch of their solution, either recorded or in-person. If chosen, students will go to the Limitless World Summit in Delaware, where they will pitch and answer questions from judges. $12,000, $8,000, and $4,500 prizes will go to the top three teams respectively. Topical prizes are also provided. Cost ~ $0 for entering
Time: April 29-30 for World Summit
Application: Activation Stage due October 29th, 2026
Description: Students will design an innovation centering around water, health/nutrition, energy/environment, cybertechnology/security, and aerospace/aviation. The competition is divided into three stages running from August to April: Activation Stage, Innovation Stage, and Activation Summit. In the Activation Stage, you'll set up your team and share your model. In the Innovation Stage, you'll submit a brief, video, and website showcasing your solution. All innovations will be judged and finalists will be invited to the Innovation Summit at Space Center Houston. Prizes include free trips to STEM institutions, patent support, academic scholarships, and distinction. Cost ~ $499 to submit your innovation to be judged
Time: August 27th, 2026 - April 24th 2027
Application: January - February
Description: 4-week summer learning program in various math/science topics offered at the following UC campuses - UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Santa Cruz, UC San Diego. Cost ~$3,000
Time: June - August
Application: December - March
Description: 6-week summer research program at UC Santa Barbara. Cost $4,500.
Time: June - August
Application: December - March
Description: 4-week summer research program at UC Santa Barbara focused on project-based STEM research. Cost $2,100 (tuition only).
Time: June - August
Application: September - February
Description: 8-12 week summer internships working with LLNL scientists on their current research, opportunities to continue year-round . Costs $0, these are typically paid positions.
Time: Year-round (check website as dates are added often)
Application: October - March
Description: 8-10 week summer internships held at various NASA centers
Time: June - August
Application: October - April
Description: 8-12 week summer internships working with Sandia scientists on their current research, opportunities to continue year-round . Costs $0, these are typically paid positions.
Time: Year-round (check website as dates are added often)