14 Robotics Summer Programs for High School Students in Texas
If you are a high school student with a passion for robotics, spending your summer in a specialised program can be exciting. Beyond being a fun way to dive deeper into technology, these programs also allow you to meet experts and peers interested in the field. Whether your interests lie in coding, app development, artificial intelligence, or computer science, structured summer programs give you the chance to explore and grow.
Various top universities, research centres, and tech organisations across Texas host these summer programs. If you are a Texas resident, you may save on long-distance travel with some of these local programs, making them accessible. Through projects, exposure to new technologies, and collaboration with like-minded peers, you will develop practical skills, sharpen your problem-solving abilities, and gain insights into the world of robotics and engineering.
In this post, we have compiled 14 robotics summer programs for high school students in Texas.
1. UT Dallas’s NanoExplorers
Location: The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 40 students selected from 200+ applicants.
Dates: June 3-August 1
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12
George A. Jeffrey NanoExplorers Program at the University of Texas at Dallas is a seven-week summer research experience designed for high school students fascinated by the world of nanotechnology. The program begins with comprehensive lab safety and research training, then places each student in a faculty-led laboratory, where they become active members of ongoing, funded research projects. Throughout the summer, participants gain experience with advanced tools and techniques in areas such as carbon nanotubes, biomedical applications, sensors, and emerging nanomaterials. In addition to contributing to existing research, students develop critical skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and scientific communication. With guidance from experienced mentors, you will also have the opportunity to pursue your own research questions, gaining authentic insight into the full research process.
2. Veritas AI- Robotic Track
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Varies based on program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Program Dates: Varies depending on the cohort
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, established and managed by Harvard graduate students, offers specialised programs for high school students who are interested in artificial intelligence and its applications. The AI Scholars program is a great fit if you're just starting with AI, robotics, machine learning, or data science. This 10-session boot camp introduces you to key AI and data science concepts while allowing you to work on practical projects that can involve robotics applications. For students seeking a more in-depth and advanced experience, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase is a strong option. In this program, you'll work one-on-one with expert mentors from leading universities on personalised research projects. If robotics is your area of interest, you'll have the flexibility to pursue high-level research in this field, developing solutions that integrate AI and robotics. The program also supports your work through access to a publication team that helps you get your research published in high school journals. The fellowship encourages interdisciplinary exploration, so whether you're interested in robotics, finance, medicine, or other fields, you can merge AI with your chosen area of study.
3. Texas Advanced Computing Centre (TACC) Code@TACC Cybersecurity
Location: UT of Texas, Austin Campus
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive, accepts fewer than 60 students
Dates: Session 1: July 14-July 20
Application Deadline: May 24
Eligibility: Open to rising high school students
The one-week program Code@TACC Cybersecurity gives high school students an introduction to online safety and digital security. You will explore cryptography, network security, cloud computing, cybercrime, and ethical hacking through interactive projects and practical exercises. Guided by TACC researchers and mentors, you will solve challenges, write code, and work in teams to build your technical and problem-solving skills. The program also highlights digital responsibility and ethics. You will meet students with similar interests, make connections, and gain experiences that prepare you for the world of technology.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Robotics Track
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the Fall cohort from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, Spring from March to June
Application Deadline: There are four cohorts throughout the year. Applications are due in February, May, September, and December, respectively.
Eligibility: Open to high school students
Lumiere was founded by researchers from Harvard and Oxford. In this program, you will be paired with a top PhD and work with your mentor 1-on-1 to produce a university-level research paper. The programs are entirely virtual and vary in duration based on your end goal with respect to how much of a deep dive you would like to do. Past research projects include comparisons in sports training between humans and robots and exploring how robots increase the efficacy of monitoring disasters such as wildfires. This program is a good fit for you if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and creating an individual research paper from scratch.
5. University of Texas, San Antonio’s Explore STEM
Location: UT of Texas San Antonio, North Paseo building
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive, accepts fewer than 60 students
Dates: June 12 - June 16 (tentative)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to rising high school students; students from underrepresented backgrounds are preferred
The Explore!STEM Camp at UTSA is designed to give differently-abled students exposure to STEM concepts and careers in a supportive and inclusive environment. Over four days, participants dive into the fundamentals of computer programming, computer vision, and data science, while also taking part in exciting projects like building autonomous driving AI programs. The camp blends structured instruction with practical learning, showing how coding skills can be applied to real-world challenges. Guest lectures from STEM professionals offer valuable insights into career pathways and the role of technology in today’s world. For students who want to explore computer science in greater depth, UT Austin offers a tuition-based Computer Science Academy with four specialised tracks: iOS game development, robotics, web-based game development, and graphic programming. This program allows students to focus on a specific area of computer science, gaining advanced, practical skills and practical experience in their chosen field.
6. UT Computer Science Summer Academy for All
Location: On-campus at UT Austin
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10:1 student-to-mentor ratio
Dates: Standard Edition: July 6–12 and Machine Learning Edition: July 27 – August 2
Application Deadline: Not listed; enrollment opens in spring—early registration advised
Eligibility: U.S. students entering grades 11–12
This one-week residential summer academy gives high school students a free opportunity to explore computer science in a supportive and hands-on environment. Depending on the session, you can dive into robotics with Arduino and C++ or explore the machine learning edition with Python, learning how computers interact with the real world and how data can be used to solve problems. Through coding workshops, team projects, and interactive lessons, you will build practical skills while collaborating with peers who share your interest in technology. Beyond the classroom, the program includes tech talks, campus tours of the Gates Dell Complex, and mentoring from UT faculty and computer science students. With a small student-to-mentor ratio, you will also receive close guidance and personalised feedback.
7. UTSA’s Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design Summer Camps
Location: UTSA’s main campus in San Antonio, TX
Cost: Varies by camp; scholarship available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 9-June 13
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Open to high school students, typically those entering or currently in grades 9–12
The Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design at UTSA offers summer programs that introduce students to various branches of engineering in a hands-on way. Participants develop practical technical skills, take part in interactive workshops with professors, and tour research labs to see engineering in action. The programs cover exciting fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, aerospace, and biomedical engineering. Some camps feature a make-a-thon, where students work in teams to tackle real-world challenges, while others focus on projects like designing autonomous robots or building and launching rockets.
8. University of Dallas-Robotic Art – STEM Camp
Location: University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: August 4–8 & August 11–15
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The Robotic Art – STEM Camp at the University of Texas at Dallas is a one-week summer program designed for high school students who want to explore robotics through creativity and design. During the program, you will learn how to build and program robotic sculptures by working with sensors, motors, and microcontrollers, combining both technical and artistic skills. You will work in teams on projects that involve designing, constructing, and programming robots to perform interactive tasks, giving you a chance to practice problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. Along the way, you will be guided by UT Dallas faculty and mentors who introduce you to robotics concepts, coding, and engineering design. By the end, you not only create your own robotic art projects but also gain a deeper understanding of how robotics can intersect with multiple disciplines and future careers.
9. UTSA –Rocketry & Aerospace Camp
Location: UTSA’s Main Campus in San Antonio, Texas
Cost: Day: $550; Overnight: $750; with aid: $250/$450
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: July 14-July 18
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 9–12
The week-long residential and day camp at the University of Texas gives high school students an introduction to aerospace and rocketry. You will work directly with UTSA engineering faculty and student mentors while designing, building, and testing rockets. The program includes interactive workshops, lab sessions, and field experiments that cover aerodynamics, propulsion, and aerospace systems. Beyond technical skills, you will also collaborate in teams to solve engineering challenges, simulate real aerospace projects, and gain insight into careers in mechanical, aerospace, and systems engineering.
10. Rice University’s Elite Tech Camp
Location: Rice University Campus
Cost: $3,795 (Residential) and $1,695 (Commuters)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 40 students selected from 200+ applicants
Dates: Residential: week-long sessions: June 22–28, July 6–12, July 13–19, and July 20–26
Commuter: same weeks minus one day: June 23–27, July 7–11, July 14–18, and July 21–25
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The Program is designed for high school students interested in STEM and technology. During the camp, students dive into projects across multiple fields of engineering and computer science, including robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D modelling and printing, bioengineering, and aerospace programming. You might work on designing and printing a 3D prototype, writing Python code, experimenting with machine learning tools, or exploring how engineering solutions can be applied to problems like smart cities and energy systems. Alongside these technical activities, the camp places a strong emphasis on leadership and communication, teaching students how to collaborate in teams and present ideas effectively.
11. Academy for Machine Learning
Location: UT of Texas, Austin Campus
Cost: $2,100. Scholarship available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Session 1: June 1–6 and Session 2: July 20–25
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 10–12
This program welcomes high school students eager to explore STEM and technology. During the camp, you will work on projects across multiple areas, including robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D design and printing, bioengineering, and aerospace programming. You might build and print a 3D prototype, write Python programs, experiment with machine learning tools, or investigate how engineering can solve challenges like smart cities or sustainable energy. Along the way, the program also focuses on leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, helping you work effectively in groups and confidently share your ideas.
12. UT Austin’s Academy of Robotics
Location: On-campus at the University of Texas at Austin
Cost: $2100
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive and limited seats available, 10:1 student-to-mentor ratio
Dates: Session 1: June 15–20 and Session 2: June 22–27
Application Deadline: Not mentioned, but the application typically opens around 31st January
Eligibility: Open to students entering 10th–12th grade
This one-week residential summer academy gives you an introduction to robotics through assembling and programming the Bot’n Roll One. A robot, interactive workshops, and practical lessons on sensors, motors, skid steering, and PID control. You will learn how robots respond to their environment, practice simulations, and apply your skills in fun challenges like robot races, all while working closely with UT faculty and mentors in a collaborative, computer science–focused setting. Beyond building robots, the program offers tech talks, tours of the Gates-Dell Complex, and chances to connect with peers who share your passion for technology. With a small student-to-mentor ratio, you will receive personalised guidance and feedback, helping you sharpen both technical and problem-solving skills.
13. Rice University-Tapia STEM Camps
Location: Rice University, Houston, Texas
Cost: $2500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Session 1: July 6–11, Session 2: July 13–18, Session 3: July 20–25, and Session 4: July 27–August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school students
During the week-long camp, you will explore different STEM subjects and work on your own independent projects, which you will present at the end of the program to professors and peers. Along with learning technical skills, you will also discuss STEM in relation to social equality and hear directly from professionals and academics about their careers and experiences. While the camp covers many areas of STEM, you can also dive into college-level robotics and even choose to design your final project in this field. Throughout the program, you will gain new technical skills, confidence in presenting and collaborating, insights into STEM fields, and a peek at what being a college student in a top-tier university might feel like.
14. Camp SOAR (Summer Opportunities in Aerospace Research)
Location: On-campus at Texas A&M University
Cost: The program cost (covering housing, meals, and activities) isn’t specified. Need-based scholarships are available, plus a $35 non-refundable application fee.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selection is based on academic qualifications and the potential benefit to the student.
Dates: TBA
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors
Camp SOAR (Summer Opportunities in Aerospace Research) is a five-day summer camp designed for rising high school juniors and seniors. The camp introduces students to the exciting world of aerospace through projects, lab tours, and interactive learning experiences. You can choose to focus on aeroplanes, helicopters, or space, and work on design projects within their chosen track, gaining valuable skills in engineering design, teamwork, and critical thinking. In addition to project work, students tour cutting-edge facilities such as the Vehicle Systems & Control Laboratory, the Land Air and Space Robotics Laboratory, and the hypersonic wind tunnels at the National Aerothermochemistry and Hypersonics Laboratory.