Top 12 Robotics Programs for High School Students
Robotics plays a vital role in industries ranging from healthcare to space exploration, and there’s never been a better time for high school students to explore this rapidly evolving field. Robotics programs for high school students provide an opportunity to develop essential technical skills, from coding and engineering to artificial intelligence and automation.
If you’re interested in robotics, AI, or engineering, joining a structured program can be a valuable stepping stone. To help you find the best fit, we’ve curated a list of the top 12 robotics programs for high school students, each offering unique opportunities to explore cutting-edge technology and real-world problem-solving.
1. Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) @ MIT
Cost: Free ($2,350 for families with an income above $150,000)
Location: Virtual and In-person at MIT, Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: July 7 – August 3
Eligibility:
High school students above the 9th grade and no higher than the 11th grade.
Only students who complete the online course and the summer application will be considered for the summer program.
The BWSI is an immersive STEM program for high-school students, hosted by MIT Lincoln Laboratory and MIT’s School of Engineering. These courses are hands-on and project-based, allowing you to challenge real-world problems. You’ll be required to complete an online & pre-requisite course open to all students. Based on performance in this course, a select group of students will be able to participate in the four-week summer program, where you will typically test your creations in the final week.
If you’re interested in robotics, BWSI offers several courses to choose from: Autonomous Air Vehicle Racing, Autonomous RACECAR Grand Prix, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Challenge, Embedded Security and Hardware Hacking, Microelectronics and Hardware Development, and Unmanned Air System-Synthetic Aperture Radar. You can self-register for courses, and once you’re approved, you’ll get an email with information on course access.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks), and $5,900 (16-20 weeks). Financial aid is available
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Various deadlines depending on cohort; April 13 for the upcoming Summer cohort
Program Dates:
Summer: June – August
Fall: September – December
Winter: December – February
Spring: March – June
Eligibility:
High school students
High level of academic achievement (accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Program is a rigorous online program designed for high school students interested in exploring advanced, undergraduate-level research. Founded by researchers from Oxford and Harvard, the program offers one-on-one mentorship from PhD scholars from top universities as you work on an independent research paper in your chosen subject area. Apart from mentorship, you’ll also receive writing guidance so you can strengthen your research writing skills.
You can choose research topics from subjects like psychology, economics, physics, data science, robotics, engineering, and more. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed your research paper! You’ll also get the chance to present your work at a symposium and explore opportunities for publication.
3. UT Austin Academy for Robotics
Cost: $2,100. Scholarships are available (deadline: May 1)
Location: University of Texas, Austin, TX
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates:
Session 1: June 15 – 20
Session 2: June 22 – 27
Eligibility: High school students entering 10th-12th grade
The UT Austin Academy for Robotics is a one-week summer program that explores robotics through hands-on learning, immersive simulations, and real-world projects. Although there are no prerequisites, some experience with C++ can be beneficial. Co-hosted by UT Austin’s Computer Science and Robotics departments, the program introduces students to core robotics concepts, including C++ programming, Arduino, and Linux usage.
You’ll also learn about understanding robot sensors, using motors on a robot, skid steering, sensor thresholding, turn & Push behavior, and PID control. You’ll work with other students to use these skills to assemble and program the Bot’n Roll One A robot, culminating in a competitive robot race so you can put your skills to the test.
4. Veritas AI
Cost:
$2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program (need-based financial aid is available), $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase, and $6,900 for both
The 30-session AI Accelerator program is $9,400.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March 23 for the summer early application deadline.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility:
High school students.
AI Fellowship applicants should have either completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduates and offers programs for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and more. These programs are designed to the fundamentals of AI and robotics while providing hands-on training with real-world projects. If you’re interested in getting into AI and robotics, try out the AI Scholars program, a 10-week boot camp where you can explore AI, ML, and data science, and their applications in robotics.
If you already have some experience, the AI Fellowship might be better. You’ll get to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities on an original, independent AI-driven project. Alongside structured mentorship, you’ll also have access to the in-house publication team, creating an opportunity for students looking to enter the field of robotics or autonomous systems.
Additionally, if you’re a high school student with AI/ML experience, Veritas AI offers an 8-week internship where you’ll work with VC-backed startups on real-world projects. You’ll gain real-world exposure, the opportunity to network with industry professionals, and receive a letter of completion at the end of the internship. You can click here to learn more about the program.
5. NYU Summer Program for Automation Robotics and Coding (SPARC)
Cost: $2,800 tuition plus additional fees
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Application Deadline: May 2
Program Dates:
Session 1: June 17 – 28
Session 2: July 8 – 19
Session 3: July 29 – August 9
Eligibility:
Rising 9th-12th graders
Students must be at least 14 to attend these programs and 15 to qualify for on-campus housing
Must have successfully completed Algebra 2 (or equivalent) and have some computer programming experience
Minimum 3.0 GPA
New York University Tandon’s SPARC program is a 2-week summer program for high schoolers where you’ll be introduced to the basics of robotics, mechatronics, and programming. You’ll learn about electrical components, coding, and other essential aspects of computer science while getting hands-on experience in robotics and engineering. You’ll also receive your very own robotics kit, which you’ll use to learn about microcontroller applications, interface sensors, and actuators.
Once you’ve built and programmed two fully functional, interactive robots, you can put them to the test in a “mobile manipulator challenge.” Apart from classes, you’ll also take part in activities to help you apply design thinking and engage with creative engineering solutions.
Beyond technical training, you’ll be able to attend guest lectures from professors and industry experts, tour UT Austin facilities, and participate in social activities.
6. Yale Social Robotics Lab
Cost: Free
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: Typically 6 weeks from June – August
Eligibility: High school students entering their junior and senior years (must be at least 16 years of age at the start of the internship)
The Yale Social Robotics Lab High School Internship is a highly competitive, six-week summer robotics program for high school students interested in robotics, artificial intelligence, and human-robot interaction. As an intern, you’ll work alongside Yale faculty, graduate students, and researchers on projects that explore the intersection of robotics and human social behavior.
You will also develop technical skills in robotics programming, machine learning, and sensor-based systems while contributing to ongoing research on how robots interact with humans.
Although unpaid, this internship offers a unique opportunity to engage in advanced social robotics research! If you’re interested in learning more about the lab, you can email a current graduate student who shares your interests. You can check out the people page to learn more.
7. Horizon Academic Research Program
Cost: $5,950; financial aid available
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline:
Summer cohort: March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)
Summer II cohort: June 22
Program Dates:
Summer cohort: June 16
Summer II cohort: July 14
Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, you can find more details here.
The Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) is a selective, trimester-long research program for high school students interested in performing advanced, undergraduate-level research. You can choose between quantitative and qualitative research across several subject areas, including robotics.
Once you choose your research track, you’ll be paired with a mentor—a professor or PhD scholar from universities like Harvard, MIT, Yale, and Dartmouth to create a 20-page university-level research paper! The programs last 12 – 16 weeks and are designed to give you practical experience with research design and academic writing. At the end of the program, you will receive project feedback and a letter of recommendation.
8. Tufts Engineering Design Lab (EDL)
Cost:
Commuter: $4,225
Residential: $5,750
Materials fee: $200
Location: Tufts University, Medford and Somerville, MA
Application Deadline: June 1
Program Dates:
Session 1: July 6 – 18
Session 2: July 20 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students entering 10th-12th grade
The Tufts Engineering Design Lab (EDL) is a two-week summer program where high school students explore engineering, robotics, and computation while tackling real-world challenges. You’ll gain hands-on experience with fabrication tools like laser cutters and 3D printers in Tufts’ state-of-the-art Nolop Makerspace. You will also build and program your own robotics platform using Python and Raspberry Pi, skills you can continue developing after the program.
Throughout the program, guest speakers will include faculty, students, and industry professionals who will discuss topics related to engineering, robotics, industrial/engineering design, and more. The first week focuses on foundational skills in fabrication, robotics, and computation and on conceptualizing the project your team will work on.
In the second week, you’ll apply this knowledge to your engineering design project where you’ll explore real-world problems and design, prototype, and test technical solutions to those problems. The program culminates in a public showcase where you can present your prototypes and research.
9. WPI Frontiers STEM Summer Program
Cost: $4,495 (tuition assistance available based on financial need)
Location: Worcester Polytechnic Institute campus, Worcester, MA
Application Deadline: April 30
Program Dates:
Frontiers I: July 6 – 18
Frontiers II: July 20 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders
The Frontiers STEM Summer Program is a 2-week residential program where you can choose a STEM major paired with a humanities, arts, or business minor. Both major and minor courses are taught synchronously.
The Frontiers Majors offer a variety of courses, including Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Robotics Engineering. In Robotics Engineering, you’ll explore the science and technology behind robot design and operations, immersing yourself both in theory and practice. When not in the classroom, you’ll have workshops and social activities, including college search and prep resources.
As an alternative, check out WPI’s Launch Program. This one-week commuter program offers a Robotics Engineering course. Students will explore several projects to learn about motors, mechanisms, sensors, and programming in robotics.
10. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Robotics & Autonomous Systems (RAS) Camp
Cost: $1,030
Location: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: July 20 – 25
Eligibility: Students aged 15 – 18
This program focuses on giving students insights into the field of robotics and autonomous systems. You’ll work with the Embry-Riddle faculty as well as collegiate robotics competition teams as you design, build, program, and test your own autonomous robots! The program lasts one week, during which you’ll learn about concepts from mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.
Apart from the RAS program, Embry-Riddle also offers an ARDUINO - Computer, Electrical & Software Engineering program. This program offers a hands-on experience with software, hardware, and Arduino Microcontrollers.
11. Indiana Tech Introductory Robotics Program
Cost: $225
Location: Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne, IN
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: October 3 – December 5
Eligibility: High school students
The 8-week Introductory Robotics Program at Indiana Tech offers hands-on experience in robotics and teaches high school students about the mechanics, functions, and programming of advanced robots. You’ll be introduced to essential concepts and real-world applications of robotics, including learning about quadruped robots and their industrial applications, different electronic components and sensors, and programming using Arduino and Python.
Alternatively, Indiana Tech also offers the Robotic Warriors Club (RWC), a yearlong (16-week) after-school program in which middle and high school students engage in hands-on robotics design, development, and programming. The program prepares students to compete in the National Robotics Challenge (NRC) in Marion, Ohio, and includes both an introductory and an advanced division.
12. NYU Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)
Cost: $350; fee waivers are available for economically eligible students
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Application Deadline: April 25
Program Dates: July 1 – July 31
Eligibility:
Middle or high school students
New York resident
Have an average of 80 in Math, Science, and English
Meet the New York State criteria
The NYU Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) offers middle and high school students from underrepresented backgrounds in New York hands-on exposure to various STEM fields. As an enrichment initiative, it offers courses and workshops on a variety of STEM subjects aimed at prepping you for both academic and career success.
STEP gives eligible 11th and 12th graders the chance to conduct scientific or technological research at NYU facilities, with the support of NYU faculty and students. While the STEP program is not directly focused on robotics, this research opportunity can be used to pursue your interests. Once you finish your research, you’ll also be able to present your findings at the annual STEP State Conference in Albany, NY.
You can also take Project Classes — afternoon electives that incorporate hands-on training and interdisciplinary approaches to connect you with real-world opportunities. STEP also offers college prep for junior and senior students, as well as test prep and counseling.
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