MLH Fellowship - Production Engineering Track vs Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams

Comparing two highly competitive STEM opportunities. MLH Fellowship - Production Engineering Track is a internship while Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams is a competition.

MLH Fellowship - Production Engineering Track Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams
Prestige Tier Tier 2 — Highly Competitive Tier 2 — Highly Competitive
Type Internship Competition
Organization MLH (Major League Hacking) Lemelson-MIT Program at MIT
Acceptance Rate NOT PUBLICLY DISCLOSED. FAQ states 'we receive an overwhelming demand from students' suggesting highly competitive (likely 5-15% based on typical tech fellowship rates, but unconfirmed) Approximately 8-10% (based on 8 teams selected annually; suggests 80-100+ applications per year, though exact applicant count not publicly available)
Applicants Not officially published, but described as receiving 'overwhelming demand' Estimated 80-100+ schools apply annually (extrapolated from 8 selections)
Deadline Rolling Rolling
Award $7,000
Cost to Apply Free Free
US Only No / International Yes
Grades The program does NOT explicitly limit to college students. The FAQ states 'the MLH Fellowship is open to all developers, regardless of where you live, the stage of your career, or what type of institution you attend(ed).' This suggests high school students are technically eligible if they meet technical requirements. High school students (9-12)
College Impact STRONG POSITIVE IMPACT on college admissions for selective universities. What admissions officers see: (1) Selective fellowship showing you survived rigorous vetting process; (2) Real-world engineerin... Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams is viewed very favorably in college admissions, particularly for STEM programs. Selection as an InvenTeam demonstrates: (1) exceptional innovation and problem-solving ability; ...