12 Best Robotics Programs for High School Students
Robotics programs can be a strong option if you’re a high school student interested in exploring engineering, coding, and technology. They help you build technical skills while learning how different components of robotic systems work together in structured learning environments. You can also gain exposure to areas like artificial intelligence, data analysis, and system design while developing problem-solving and collaboration skills.
What are the benefits of a robotics program?
Robotics programs are often offered by universities, research institutions, and organizations, providing you with a range of learning opportunities. Depending on the program, you might study topics such as programming, engineering design, or computational analysis while working through projects and guided activities. They are worth considering if you are looking for structured learning or aiming to explore robotics in greater depth.
In this guide, we have curated the 12 best robotics programs for high school students.
If you’re looking for online STEM programs, check out our blog here.
1. Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
Cost: Free
Dates: June 22 – July 30
Deadline: March 2 (Results by April 10)
Eligibility: Rising seniors who are permanent Massachusetts residents | U.S. citizens or permanent residents | live within commuting distance
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) at Northeastern University is a competitive, fully funded six-week research initiative offering rising high school seniors practical laboratory experience in engineering, science, and health sciences. Students work alongside faculty mentors in active research labs exploring topics such as robotics, battery chemistry, cancer therapeutics, modeling and simulation, and advanced computing. They also participate in a dedicated engineering seminar series, college and career counseling, and field trips to leading corporate and government research sites. As a commuter day program, YSP immerses students in college life by providing access to campus facilities and close interaction with undergraduate and graduate mentors, offering a rigorous introduction to STEM research and industry pathways without a program fee.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Online
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
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.
3. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories across the U.S. (in‑person research)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; ~ $4,000 for new participants and ~ $4,500 for returning interns
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300 participants worldwide
Dates: Eight‑week summer research experience (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: Current high school students (completed at least Grade 9), aged 16+ by the start date, and primarily U.S. citizens
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) places academically talented high school students in Department of Navy laboratories for an eight‑week summer internship in which they participate in real scientific research. Students work on hands‑on projects alongside experienced scientists and engineers, gaining practical skills and insight into research environments while building meaningful STEM experience. SEAP participants collaborate with lab mentors, contribute to ongoing research tasks, and often present or document their work as part of the program. The internship offers a structured opportunity to explore science and engineering fields in depth and to connect academic interests with professional research practice.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Online
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Deadline: Multiple deadlines per cohort (Winter, Spring, Summer)
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. You can apply here.
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.
5. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY (in‑person summer research)
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend with a $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive, limited spots for qualified applicants
Dates: 10‑week summer session (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Current NYC high school students entering 11th or 12th grade
Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) is a 10‑week summer research immersion where motivated high school students engage directly with foundational STEM research at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering. The program starts with structured workshops on research methods, lab safety, and professional skills before students transition into hands‑on work within NYU faculty labs, collaborating with graduate mentors on genuine research projects. Throughout the experience, participants gain technical and communication skills, build professional confidence, and explore STEM fields through authentic lab work and presentations. The program culminates in opportunities to share work with peers and the broader academic community, offering a rigorous research experience for ambitious NYC students.
6. NASA - GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS)
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Dates: June 1 – August 28
Deadline: February 15 - March 15 (or until 1,000 applications are received)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are rising juniors, rising seniors, or entering college freshmen; minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA; at least one biology course completed
GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) is a free, 12-week asynchronous summer program that introduces students to NASA space biology research and omics-based data analysis through structured online training. Offered by NASA GeneLab, the program teaches students how biological systems respond to spaceflight conditions while developing skills in bioinformatics, computational biology, and large-scale analysis of genetic and protein data. Students gain exposure to real NASA research applications, learn to interpret complex biological datasets, and may choose to present their findings through a formal scientific presentation, making the program a strong foundation for students interested in biology, data science, or space-related research.
7. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: NASA centers and facilities across the United States (in‑person and some virtual options)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; stipend levels vary by session and academic level
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Summer session is 10 weeks | Fall and Spring are 15 weeks
Application Deadline: Summer: February 27 | Fall: May 22 | Spring: September 12
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years old, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, and U.S. citizenship
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships give students the chance to work on real NASA projects, gaining practical experience in science, engineering, technology, and other areas while contributing to agency goals. Participants work alongside NASA professionals, including research scientists and engineers, developing technical and professional skills through hands‑on tasks and project work. Interns may engage in activities ranging from data analysis and engineering design to communication and outreach, depending on the project they select and the host center. The OSTEM internship experience connects motivated students with authentic NASA work and mentorship, helping them explore STEM careers within a world‑leading research and aerospace organization.
8. Changemakers in Computing (CiC)
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6–July 30
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Washington State residents currently enrolled in 10th or 11th grade
Changemakers in Computing (CiC) brings together high school students from Washington State for a four‑week summer experience focused on technology, society, and justice. Participants work in small mentee groups led by undergraduate mentors, where they build coding skills through culturally relevant, project‑based learning that connects computing to real‑world impacts. Students explore different areas of computing while discussing how technology intersects with society and how they can be changemakers in their communities. The program also fosters community among participants and offers mentorship and support as students consider future learning opportunities in computing and STEM.
9. Engineering Academy
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA (in‑person summer program)
Cost: Free to attend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 20 – July 24
Application Deadline: April 19
Eligibility: High school sophomores (10th grade) or juniors (11th grade) attending high school in the greater Seattle area
Engineering Academy is a one‑week summer experience designed to introduce high school students to the field of engineering and spark curiosity about engineering pathways. Students engage in hands‑on design challenges, work collaboratively with peers, and build foundational skills that mirror college‑level engineering thinking. Throughout the week, participants connect with University of Washington engineering students and faculty, explore the campus, and see how different engineering disciplines impact real‑world problems. The program offers an accessible and engaging introduction for motivated students who want to explore engineering before committing to more advanced coursework or research.
10. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~80 students
Dates: Six‑week summer session (typically June–July)
Application Deadline: December 10
Eligibility: High school students who are completing 11th grade (rising seniors) with strong academic records in STEM
Research Science Institute (RSI) brings together a highly selective cohort of high school students from around the world for an intensive six‑week summer research experience that blends advanced STEM coursework with original scientific investigation. Participants begin with seminars and instruction on contemporary research topics before transitioning to independent research projects under the mentorship of researchers at MIT and partner institutions. Throughout the program, students develop technical skills, conduct experiments or analyses, and communicate their findings through written papers and presentations. RSI offers a rare opportunity to engage deeply with scientific research in an academically rigorous environment while connecting with peers and mentors who share advanced interests in science and engineering.
11. Engineering Summer Program (ESP)
Location: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI
Cost: Free
Dates: July 11 – 31
Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; minimum 3.0 GPA
The Engineering Summer Program (ESP) at UW-Madison is a highly selective, three-week residential program designed to broaden participation in engineering and introduce motivated high school students to college-level STEM study. Students reside on campus while participating in a challenging core curriculum that covers math, physics, chemistry, and engineering design. This is enhanced with hands-on workshops, industry visits, field trips, and mentorship from faculty. Through teamwork on projects and academic activities, students become familiar with engineering education standards, strengthen their technical skills, and form enduring bonds with peers passionate about math, science, and engineering.
12. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)’s ASPIRE Program
Location: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), Laurel, MA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 23 – August 21
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (or rising), at least 15 years old by June 1, U.S. citizens, and residents of select Maryland, Virginia, or D.C. areas with reliable transportation
ASPIRE places high school juniors and seniors in a structured summer internship at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, where they engage with professional researchers on hands‑on STEM projects. Students develop technical and interpersonal skills as they work independently and collaboratively on real problems, gaining insight into research environments and career pathways in science and engineering. Interns are paired with APL staff mentors to explore topics from aerospace and computing to physics and data analysis, contributing to meaningful work while receiving guidance and support. The program emphasizes curiosity, creative problem‑solving, and professional growth, preparing participants for future STEM study and potential college‑level research experiences.
Image source - NASA Logo