15 Robotics Programs for High School Students in Massachusetts
If you are a high school student interested in robotics, summer programs can be a great opportunity to explore that interest and learn more about it. These programs help you develop practical skills in engineering, coding, and design , and are conducted by experts in the field. You can build a strong foundation of skills and develop a network with like-minded individuals.
Various respected institutions in Massachusetts, such as universities, research labs, and other organizations, offer robotics programs for high school students. You are exposed to lab environments with cutting-edge equipment and technology, experienced mentors, and potential industry connections.
We’ve narrowed our list to 15 robotics programs for high school students in Massachusetts.
1. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Currently closed; more info here
Dates: 6 weeks from June to August
Eligibility: High school rising seniors; U.S. citizens and international students
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a six-week residential program at MIT offered at no cost. It begins with a week of academic sessions in subjects like math, computer science, physics, and related STEM areas, taught by MIT faculty. Over the next five weeks, you’ll carry out an individual research project under the guidance of university faculty or researchers in fields such as robotics, AI, or engineering.
As part of the research process, you’ll engage with scientific publications, design and run experiments or simulations, and work with data in a lab or academic setting. Your project will result in a written research paper and a presentation at the program’s final symposium. The program also includes evening talks from scientists across disciplines and provides networking opportunities to connect with other students and mentors in the STEM community.
2. Veritas AI — Robotics Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: AI Scholars — $2,490 (financial aid is available) | AI Fellowship — $5,900 | AI Accelerator — $9,400 | Combination (AI Scholars + AI Fellowship) — $7,900; Need-based financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort; Winter application deadline is October 19
Dates: Varies, depending on the cohort (multiple cohorts in a year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter)
Eligibility: High school students
Veritas AI, run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence and related areas. If you’re new to topics like AI, robotics, machine learning, or data science, the AI Scholars program provides a structured introduction.
For those looking to delve further, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase allows for deeper research in a chosen area, including robotics. This program gives you the opportunity to explore how AI is applied to solve real-world problems, particularly in robotics. You’ll also have guidance on developing your research and options to submit your work to high school-level journals with support from a publication team.
3. George Mason University: Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Remote for students in Massachusetts; hybrid, or on-campus at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: $25 application fee, which can be waived for financial need
Application Deadline: Early February
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: Must be at least 15 years old (computer lab projects) or 16 (wet-lab internships) by the program start
As an intern in this program, you’ll contribute to robotics research projects in areas such as human-robot interaction, coordination among multiple robots, and autonomous systems inspired by biology. Your work may involve designing and programming robotic systems, implementing machine learning models, and addressing practical engineering challenges.
Faculty and graduate student mentors will guide you, offering opportunities to work either remotely through virtual collaboration or in person at George Mason University’s engineering labs. The program also focuses on helping you develop research documentation skills and practice communicating your work clearly in a scientific context. Through this experience, you’ll engage with real-world robotics applications in a structured research setting.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) — Robotics Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Need-based financial aid available
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Eligibility: High school students (9th-12th grade) with a minimum GPA of 3.67; Most participants are 10th or 11th graders
Horizon’s Academic Research Program lets you choose between working in a small group setting with 4–6 other students or in a one-on-one format with a mentor who is a PhD scholar or professor. During the program, you’ll carry out an independent research project in areas such as AI, machine learning, or robotics.
Your work will lead to a research paper, typically around 20 pages in length, that meets university-level standards. When the program ends, you’ll receive a certificate, a written evaluation of your work, and letters of recommendation tailored to your research. This structure is designed to support high school students who want to engage in advanced STEM topics through guided, hands-on research.
5. Young Scholars Program (YSP) — Center for STEM Education
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Students will receive a stipend
Application Deadline: March 2
Dates: June 22 – July 30
Eligibility: Students entering 12th grade in the fall following the program (current juniors) and permanent residents of Massachusetts living within commuting distance of Northeastern University
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) at Northeastern University is a no-cost summer research experience for rising high school seniors from Massachusetts. As a participant, you’ll be placed in a university lab within the Colleges of Engineering, Science, or Health Sciences, where you’ll assist with ongoing research projects. Topics may include robotics, machine learning, biotechnology, or environmental engineering, depending on your placement.
You’ll develop skills in data analysis, lab procedures, and computational modeling through direct involvement in research tasks. In addition to lab work, the program offers seminars on various engineering fields, career planning sessions, and visits to local research and industry sites to help you explore different STEM pathways.
6. U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP): High School Internships
Location: Various sites across the U.S., including university labs and U.S. Army Research Laboratories. Includes the DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory Northeast in Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Some internships include stipends, which vary by location and project duration
Application Deadline: March (tentative)
Dates: Exact dates vary by location
Eligibility: Current U.S. high school students (grades 9–12), U.S. citizens or permanent residents
In the AEOP High School Internship Program, you’ll be matched with a research lab — either at a university or within an Army Research Laboratory — where you’ll work closely with scientists or engineers. Your project may focus on areas like robotics, autonomous systems, perception, or AI applications. During the internship, you’ll gain experience with research practices and technical processes commonly used in professional STEM settings.
Internships typically last from a few weeks to over a month and often conclude with a presentation or written summary of your work. The program emphasizes building research skills, communicating scientific ideas, and working effectively in a team. It also offers insight into how large research institutions approach complex technical problems.
7. MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) Summer
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: February 1 (tentative, based on previous year’s schedule)
Dates: Exact program dates vary but begin in mid-June
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are high school juniors
At MITES Summer, you’ll attend a six-week residential program where each weekday includes about seven hours of classes and activities ranging from STEM and humanities courses to workshops, guest lectures, and campus tours. You’ll take four core classes — typically in subjects like math, life sciences, physics, and a humanities elective — plus one project-based elective. Past offerings have included Machine Learning and Engineering Design. One of your electives will center around a hands-on project, which in recent years has intersected with robotics through the Engineering Design option. At the end of the session, you’ll present your work , often a project or prototype , at a final symposium attended by the broader MIT community.
8. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program
Location: Virtual for students in Massachusetts or with in-person opportunities in Greater Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free; most projects offer stipends.
Application Deadline: Currently closed; more info here
Dates: ~8 to 12 weeks, usually from May to August, depending on the opportunity
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and live in the United States. Additionally, only WA state students will be eligible unless the project is located out of state
The software engineering internship and mentorship program in Bellevue, WA, provides high school students from the Greater Seattle area with practical experience in software development. This paid, eight-week program pairs you with industry professionals and mentors as you work on projects involving web development, infrastructure, content management, and mobile applications for both Android and iOS platforms.
You’ll develop skills in coding, problem-solving, and research by working independently and in teams. Some projects may include analyzing customer data or comparing similar products. To participate, you should have a basic understanding of at least one programming language such as JavaScript, Java, or C++. The internship requires a commitment of 40 hours per week, with some flexibility in scheduling.
9. NASA OSTEM Internships
Location: Virtual / NASA centers across the country
Cost/Stipend: Paid, depending on the program
Application Deadline: Spring: September 12 | Summer: February 27 | Fall: May 22
Dates: Spring Session: Mid-January to Early May | Summer Session: Late May to August | Fall Session: Late August to Mid-December
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, with a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), enrolled full-time as a student, and at least 16 years old at the time of application.
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships focused on robotics for high school students. During the program, you’ll work at NASA centers alongside scientists and engineers on projects such as creating robotic systems for space missions and developing simulations for autonomous robots.
You’ll learn techniques like 3D modeling, MATLAB simulations, and analyzing robot motion, as well as autonomous navigation planning. The internship offers practical experience with robotics applications related to planetary exploration and satellite maintenance, helping you develop technical skills and gain insight into STEM careers.
10. Summer High School Internship Program | MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Unspecified, but this is a paid internship experience
Application Deadline: Unspecified; more info here
Dates: Unspecified; more info here
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are high school rising seniors in the New England area and at least 16 years of age before the start date
The MIT Lincoln Laboratory High School Summer Internship Program is a paid opportunity for rising seniors from the New England region to explore applied research in STEM. As a participant, you’ll contribute to ongoing projects under the guidance of lab staff, working in areas such as robotics, autonomous systems, and prototype development.
The program emphasizes hands-on learning, giving you access to advanced tools and facilities used in real-world engineering environments. Throughout the internship, you’ll build technical skills, learn how research is conducted in a professional setting, and gain exposure to careers in science and engineering. This program is limited to students who live in the New England area.
11. Advanced Robotics After-School Program | Evodyne Robotics
Location: Remote (via Zoom and FlexLabs) or in-person (Mountain View, CA)
Cost: $329/month (month-to-month) or $299/month (8-month auto-pay, total $2,392)
Application Deadline: Not specified; classes begin week of September 15 (tentative, based on previous year’s schedule)
Program Dates: September 2025 – May 2026 (weekly sessions, 8 months total)
Eligibility: Three tracks: Elite Junior (10+), Elite (12+), Genesis (14+); advanced, long-term robotics education focus
The Evodyne Advanced Robotics After-School Program offers comprehensive, project-based robotics and STEM education over eight months. Students work with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, sensors, electronics, 3D design, coding (Python, C++), AI, computer vision, ROS, and Linux. Classes are available in-person, via Zoom, or using FlexLabs. Each registered student receives custom robotics kits, with new kits provided approximately every 5–6 weeks. Flexible attendance options enable students to participate during different weekday or weekend time slots. Makeup sessions are available with video support or live instructor assistance.
The curriculum emphasizes hands-on building and coding, culminating in a graduation certificate. Advanced graduates may qualify for a Robotics Specialist Predegree and future internship opportunities. The program is for committed students seeking advanced robotics education, rather than those new to robotics or uncertain about long-term involvement. Kits, recordings, and all required resources are provided. Computer and internet access are necessary for remote participation.
12. MIT’s Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)
Location: MIT Campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free for families earning under $150,000; $2,350 for families earning over $150,000
Application Deadline: March 31 (tentative, based on previous year’s schedule)
Dates: Prerequisite courses run February – June; On‑campus session runs July 7 – August 3 (tentative, based on previous year’s schedule)
Eligibility: U.S. high school students completing grades 9–11 in June
Before the on-campus portion of the program begins, you’ll complete online preparation modules, usually through MIT’s Edly platform. These cover key skills, such as Python programming, the Robot Operating System (ROS), and team-based project tools. Once at MIT, you’ll spend four weeks working in small groups on applied challenges like Autonomous Cognitive Assistance, Synthetic Aperture Radar, and the RACECAR Grand Prix.
MIT and Lincoln Laboratory staff serve as instructors. The schedule includes lectures, help sessions, and workshops focused on both technical content and communication skills. You’ll use what you’ve learned to design, build, and test systems that solve robotics and AI-related tasks, often under specific constraints. The program ends with team presentations, where you’ll explain your project and process to an audience that may include faculty and professionals in the field.
13. The Smith Summer Science and Engineering Program (SSEP)
Location: Northampton, Massachusetts
Cost: per session (2 weeks): $4,864 | both sessions (4 weeks): $9,728
Application Deadline: Currently closed; more info here
Dates: July 5 – 18 | July 20 – August 2 (tentative, based on previous year’s schedule)
Eligibility: High school students entering 9th-12th grade in the fall
The Smith Summer Science and Engineering Program (SSEP) is intended for high school students interested in science and engineering. During the program, you’ll select research courses lasting two weeks each, working in groups of up to 17 students alongside Smith faculty and supported by undergraduate interns. You’ll attend informal lectures and gain experience conducting experiments in a lab setting.
For those interested in robotics, relevant courses include Designing Intelligent Robots, Introduction to Python Programming, and Computer Graphics and Game Development with AI Integration. The program offers both two- and four-week sessions, with one course per session. If you choose to attend both sessions, you can complete two courses during your time in the program. Classes run Monday through Friday.
14. Tufts University Engineering Design Lab
Location: Tufts University, Medford/Somerville, MA
Cost: Commuter $4,225; Residential $5,750 (plus a $200 materials fee); Limited scholarships available
Application Deadline: May 1 (tentative, based on previous year’s schedule)
Dates: Session 1: July 8 – July 18; Session 2: July 20 – August 1 (tentative, based on previous year’s schedule)
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders (15–19 years old by program’s end); If non-native English speakers, proof of proficiency required
Over the course of one to two weeks, you’ll take part in hands-on engineering projects that focus on robotics and design. Using Tufts’ Nolop Makerspace, which includes equipment for 3D printing, laser cutting, and working with electronics, you’ll build and program robotic systems as part of a team.
Faculty members and guest speakers from industry will support your work and help connect your project to current developments in the field. At the end of the session, you’ll share your project with classmates and instructors, practicing how to explain your technical work and provide feedback to others.
15. Worcester Polytechnic Institute Frontiers
Location: WPI campus, Worcester, MA
Cost: $4,495, financial assistance available
Application Deadline: Currently closed; more info here
Dates: July 6 –18 | July 20 – August 1 (tentative, based on previous year’s schedule)
Eligibility: Rising 10, 11, and 12th-grade students
WPI’s residential summer program offers high school students a two-week opportunity to explore STEM topics in depth. As a participant, you’ll select a primary area of focus ( referred to as your “major” ) and also take a “minor” course in a non-STEM field such as psychology, visual arts, or business. If you choose Robotics Engineering as your major, you’ll study topics like mechanical stress, material selection, power systems, microcontrollers, sensors, and basic programming. You’ll apply what you learn by working on a robotics project aimed at solving a specific technical challenge. The program concludes with a team-based competition where your machine will be tested in a practical setting.