12 Online Robotics Summer Programs for High School Students
Robotics programs can be a useful option if you’re a high school student interested in exploring engineering, coding, and emerging technologies. They help you build technical skills, understand how different components of robotic systems work, and apply concepts from math, science, and computer science in structured settings. You can also explore different areas within robotics while developing problem-solving abilities and gaining exposure to how these systems are designed and used.
What are the benefits of a robotics program?
Online robotics programs give you the flexibility to explore engineering and technology from anywhere while following a structured learning experience. Depending on the program, you might study topics such as microelectronics, artificial intelligence, or cybersecurity while building skills in coding, system design, and problem-solving through guided projects and coursework. These programs can be a good option whether you prefer learning from home or want access to opportunities that may not be available locally.
We’ve narrowed down our list to 12 online robotics summer programs for high school students.
If you’re looking for robotics programs, check out our blog here.
1. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High School Students
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
2. Microelectronics and Hardware Development
Location: Virtual summer offering by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Online prerequisite courses are free. Summer program fee is $2,350 for families with income ≥ $150,000; free for qualifying families. No housing provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Online courses open in February; Summer Program runs July 7 - August 3
Application Deadline: Summer application due on March 31; Teacher recommendation due on April 3
Eligibility: Students residing in and physically attending high school in the United States must be in 9th - 11th grade
The Microelectronics and Hardware Development program at Beaver Works Summer Institute introduces you to the fundamentals of hardware system design and microelectronics engineering. You’ll begin with an online prerequisite course covering circuit fundamentals, digital logic, transistor basics, and Arduino programming. During the four-week summer program, you’ll receive an Arduino kit and build microcontroller-based systems while learning how engineers approach practical hardware challenges. The curriculum explores semiconductor fundamentals, PCB design, breadboarding, and system prototyping, with supplementary lectures on chip fabrication and electronic system design. In the final weeks, you’ll collaborate in teams to design and build a unique hardware project of your own conception.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort and course
Eligibility: High school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
4. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA (In-person, hybrid, and remote options depending on mentor placement)
Cost: $25 application fee (waivable based on financial need); $1,299 tuition for 3 undergraduate credits upon acceptance (may be waived based on financial need)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No Information available
Dates: June 18 - August 12;
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students. Minimum age 15 for remote, computer-lab in-person, or hybrid internships; minimum age 16 for wet-lab placements
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University is an intensive, full-time research internship that provides you with hands-on experience in cutting-edge scientific inquiry. You are paired one-on-one with faculty mentors and engage in original research across a wide range of STEM disciplines, including biology, chemistry, engineering, computer science, environmental science, physics, neuroscience, data science, and robotics. Over the course of eight weeks, you’ll develop technical research skills, strengthen scientific writing and communication abilities, and explore potential STEM career pathways. The program culminates in a formal poster session where you’ll present your findings, and many of you contribute to publications or conference presentations. You’ll also earn three college credits from George Mason University.
5. How to Get Into Robotics
Location: Online (via Coursera)
Cost: Included with Coursera subscription; free trial available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Self-paced; approximately 7 hours total completion time
Application Deadline: Open enrolment
Eligibility: Open to all; no prior experience required
Offered by the University of Leeds and taught by Dr. Rafael Papallas, this introductory course explores the fundamentals of robotics and career pathways in the field. Across two modules, you’ll examine what defines an intelligent robot, including components such as sensors, control systems, and artificial intelligence. The course highlights applications in industrial robotics, autonomous vehicles, healthcare, and manufacturing, while also addressing technical challenges and ethical considerations. You’ll gain insight into robotics-related careers spanning engineering, software development, research, and project management. Industry perspectives from companies such as Ocado Technology and Shadow Robot provide practical context. Designed for beginners, the course offers a structured overview of robotics fundamentals and professional opportunities in this rapidly evolving discipline.
6. Cyber Operations - (BWSI)
Location: Virtually hosted by Beaver Works Summer Institute
Cost: Free Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not Publicly Available
Dates: July 7 - August 3
Application Deadline: Application for the summer program is due March 31 (Prerequisite online registration opens February 1; Teacher recommendations are due April 3)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (rising seniors) residing in the United States; students must complete the online prerequisite course to be eligible for the summer session
The Cyber Operations program at Beaver Works Summer Institute offers an intensive introduction to modern cybersecurity and computing systems. You’ll begin with core topics in computer architecture before advancing to cryptography, networking, reverse engineering, human factors in security, and side-channel analysis. Through hands-on labs and guided experimentation, you’ll apply theoretical knowledge to real-world security challenges across diverse environments, including industrial control systems, satellite systems, and cloud infrastructure. The curriculum emphasizes analytical thinking, system exploration, and practical problem-solving. During the final week, you’ll complete a capstone project that integrates multiple technical skills to address a complex cybersecurity scenario. This program is best suited for those with prior programming experience and familiarity with Linux who are interested in pursuing advanced studies or careers in cybersecurity, computer science, or engineering.
7. Introduction to AI & Machine Learning
Location: Available both In-Person (University of Washington Seattle campus) and Online (via Zoom and Canvas)
Cost: $895 tuition + nonrefundable $50 registration fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not Publicly Available
Dates: Spring Session (Online): March 31 - May 28; Summer Session 1A (Seattle): June 29 - July 10; Summer Session 1B (Seattle): June 29 - July 10
Application Deadline: Spring Session: March 9; Summer Session: Two weeks before the start of the session
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 - 12 with foundational Python knowledge and familiarity with code libraries
Introduction to AI & Machine Learning provides you with a structured exploration of core artificial intelligence concepts through live, instructor-led instruction. The course covers machine learning algorithms, neural networks, computer vision, reinforcement learning, and generative AI, including large language models. Emphasizing hands-on learning, you’ll apply Python and relevant AI frameworks to build your own AI-driven tools and projects. Alongside technical development, the curriculum addresses ethical considerations and responsible AI design, encouraging thoughtful innovation. Offered both online and on campus, the program combines theoretical foundations with practical coding experience in a collaborative learning environment. Upon completion, you’ll receive a digital badge that can be shared on college applications and professional profiles.
8. Girls who code pathways
Location: Virtual; Optional in-person Industry Immersion Days are available for students in select cities
Cost: Free Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: June 29 - August 14 (7-week flexible program)
Application Deadline: Early Application: February 25; General Application: April 10
Eligibility: High school girls and non-binary students
Pathways is a free, flexible computer science program designed to help you explore technology fields while connecting your interests to real-world careers. Rather than following a fixed schedule, you’ll progress through project-based tracks at your own pace, choosing from topics such as game design, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and web development. The program emphasizes hands-on creation, enabling you to build practical projects while strengthening coding and problem-solving skills. You'll engage with a supportive online community, collaborating and sharing progress with peers. Optional workshops, career panels, and Industry Immersion Days provide exposure to professionals working across the tech sector. By completing a Pathways track, you gain tangible project experience and a clearer understanding of how computer science can shape your academic and professional futures.
9. Kode With Klossy Summer Camps
Location: Virtual (global); select in-person locations to be announced
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: 2-week sessions during the summer; specific dates are announced in the spring
Application Deadline: Not yet announced; Interest list currently open
Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive teens aged 13 - 18; no prior coding experience required
Kode With Klossy Summer Camps are intensive, two-week coding programs designed to introduce you to technology in an inclusive and beginner-friendly environment. You’ll select a focused track, such as web development, machine learning, mobile app development, or data science, and build hands-on projects using industry-relevant tools and languages, including HTML/CSS/JavaScript, Python, Swift, SQL, and Xcode. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, guiding you from foundational concepts to fully developed technical projects within a short timeframe. No prior experience is required, allowing you to engage meaningfully and grow quickly at all skill levels. In addition to technical instruction, the program fosters collaboration, creativity, and leadership within a supportive cohort. Upon completion, students leave with a portfolio-ready project and access to Kode With Klossy’s global alumni community.
10. HarvardX: CS50's Introduction to Computer Science
Location: Virtual (Hosted via edX)
Cost: Free to audit; an optional paid fee for a verified certificate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: February 1 - June 30 (Self-paced)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all learners, including high school students; no prior programming experience or specific grade level required
CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science is a foundational course that immerses learners in computational thinking and problem-solving from the outset. Rather than focusing solely on theory, the course emphasizes hands-on practice as you’ll learn to break down complex problems and design efficient solutions. You’ll explore multiple programming languages, beginning with low-level concepts in C and progressing to Python, SQL, and web development. Weekly problem sets reinforce core concepts through practical applications, building both technical fluency and confidence. You’ll also engage with a global community that supports collaboration and shared learning. The course culminates in a final project for those who choose, providing a portfolio-ready demonstration of skills and a strong foundation for further study in computer science.
11. Coding in Python I
Location: Online (Zoom) or in-person at the UW Seattle campus
Cost: Online - $896; In-person - $995 (plus a nonrefundable $50 registration fee)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: Online: June 29 - July 10; July 27 - August 7; In-person (UW Seattle): July 13 - 24
Application Deadline: No information available
Eligibility: Incoming 9th - 12th grade students; no prior programming experience required
Coding in Python I is an introductory computer science course designed for those seeking a foundational understanding of programming. Offered through the University of Washington’s Youth & Teen Programs, the course introduces Python, a widely used language in fields such as artificial intelligence, web development, and data science. You’ll learn essential programming concepts, including variables, conditionals, loops, functions, lists, dictionaries, debugging techniques, and file handling. Instruction combines guided, hands-on coding exercises with structured independent practice, allowing you to build confidence and progress at an appropriate pace. Emphasis is placed on logical thinking and problem-solving through applied programming tasks. The course concludes with a final project in which you’ll design and develop your own text-based game, demonstrating your mastery of core Python fundamentals.
12. Playto Labs
Location: Online (Live 1:1 virtual sessions); Offices in Delaware, USA, and Bangalore, India
Cost: Not publicly available; Free 1:1 Trial available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Flexible scheduling
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students ages 8 - 16
Playto Labs offers live, online robotics programs designed to introduce you to engineering, coding, and STEM concepts through hands-on learning. The curriculum is divided into three tracks, Robotics Starter (8 - 10), Robotics Explorer (11 - 13), and Robotics Champion (14 - 16), allowing you to progressively build technical and problem-solving skills. Through project-based learning, you’ll work on practical challenges that integrate science, math, coding, and design principles. The program emphasizes experimentation, creativity, and confidence-building rather than rote memorization, encouraging you to learn from failure and iterate on your ideas. With 1:1 live instruction and experiential projects, Playto aims to cultivate curiosity and prepare you for future careers in technology and innovation.
Image source - Veritas AI Logo