10 Robotics Internships for High School Students
The fields of mechanics, electronics, artificial intelligence, and technology are continuously advancing. If you’re interested in technology, science, and machinery, then robotics might be a career path worth exploring. As society becomes more reliant on technology, the need for innovative devices that solve problems and improve the quality of life is rising. Whether your interest lies in automating repetitive tasks, advancing medical technology, exploring space, or creating new inventions, robotics plays a crucial role.
Participating in a robotics internship offers the chance to develop practical skills in coding, mechanical design, and data analysis while also improving your communication and professional abilities – assisting you in your pursuit of a career in robotics. Moreover, taking part in these internships can enhance your resume and strengthen your college applications. An internship experience not only makes a positive impression on future employers but also demonstrates your commitment and practical experience in the field.
We've compiled a list of the 10 best robotics internships for high school students to consider!
Location: Virtual.
Application deadline: Upcoming summer cohort deadline - June 26, 2024.
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year including summer, fall, winter, and spring.
Eligibility: High school students who can dedicate 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. These internships are open to undergraduates and gap-year students as well.
Cost: Starting at $1,990. Financial aid is available.
Ladder Internships is a fairly selective program founded and run by Harvard alumni that pairs high school students with startups and nonprofits across the world for remote internships. The program offers options in a wide range of industries, including technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, engineering, computer science, sustainability, business, medicine, and more. As a Ladder intern, you will work on real-world projects and present your work at the end of the program, under the mentorship of your startup manager and a Ladder coach.. This program incorporates one-on-one communication and time management training, among other activities, and group discussions with fellow interns.
Check out our in-depth review of Ladder Internships here!
2. Yale Social Robotics Lab High School Internship
Location: New Haven, CT.
Application deadline: The applications for the 2024 internship have now closed.
Dates: 6 weeks between June - August.
Eligibility: High school students entering their junior and senior years who are at least 16 years of age at the start of the internship.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; unpaid.
If you are curious about robotics and human social behavior, the Yale Social Robotics Lab internship might be a great opportunity for you. This competitive six-week summer program selects high school students based on their interests, skills, and the current workload in the lab.
The internship focuses on education and skill development, emphasizing learning and applying new concepts through hands-on experience. As an intern, you will work alongside a lead scientist, students, and staff at Yale Social Robotics Lab, gaining real-world skills and in-depth knowledge. This opportunity will allow you to participate in special projects, develop your understanding of social robotics, and enhance your technical and research skills in a dynamic, real-world lab environment.
3. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Programs
Location: The programs are offered across NASA facilities. Depending on the project, interns will work either remotely or on-site at any of NASA’s centers across the country.
Application deadline: July (Fall session) | November (Spring session) | April (Summer session).
Dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions.
Spring (16 weeks, from mid-January to early May)
Summer (10 weeks, from late May/early June to August)
Fall (16 weeks, from late August/early September to mid-December)
Eligibility: Applicants must:
Be a U.S. citizen.
Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
Be a full-time student (high school through graduate level) or a part-time college-level student enrolled in a minimum of 6 semester hours.
Be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of application (no exceptions).
Cost/Stipend: No cost, majority of interns receive a stipend based on academic level and session duration.
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships to high school and college-level students, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to NASA's mission to advance science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. These internships are available at various NASA facilities across the country, with some virtual options as well.
The program allows students to gain practical work experience while working side-by-side with mentors who are research scientists, engineers, and professionals from diverse fields. Internships can be either full-time or part-time and typically cover a wide range of areas, including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, robotics, and ecology. As a NASA OSTEM intern, you will have the chance to design experiments, analyze data, and develop cutting-edge technologies. This hands-on experience not only enhances your technical skills but also provides invaluable insights into real-world applications of STEM disciplines, preparing you for a future career in these fields.
Here is everything you need to know about NASA Internships!
4. MIT Lincoln Laboratory High School Internship Program
Location: Lexington, MA.
Application deadline: Applications close in March.
Dates: July 10, 2024 - August 15, 2024.
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Have U.S. citizenship.
- Be a local high school rising senior.
- Be sixteen (16) years of age before the start date.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend is provided.
The Summer High School Internship Program at MIT Lincoln Laboratory offers a unique opportunity for rising seniors in the New England area to explore STEM careers before deciding on a college major. This program pairs high school interns with Laboratory staff mentors for the duration of the summer, providing a hands-on, professional environment where they can work on real-world projects.
Interns will have access to the Laboratory’s extensive technical and professional resources, allowing them to solve problems, learn crucial technical skills, and develop interpersonal skills essential for professional growth. At the end of the internship, students are encouraged to present their work to the Laboratory, showcasing their contributions and learnings. This program is designed to provide a comprehensive STEM experience, preparing students for future academic and career pursuits in science and engineering.
5. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Internships
Location: Multiple locations, varies from lab to lab.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Dates: June 17, 2024 - August 9, 2024.
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be a high school junior or senior during the application period.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Cost/Stipend: No cost (but students must cover accommodation and transportation costs); unpaid.
The Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers high school students the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects across various fields of physical and engineering sciences. This program is an excellent way for students to gain hands-on experience in a professional research environment. The program is divided into six organizational laboratories, each focusing on different scientific and technological areas:
Communications Technology Laboratory
Engineering Laboratory
Information Technology Laboratory
Material Measurement Laboratory
NIST Center for Neutron Research
Physical Measurement Laboratory
If you’re particularly interested in robotics, the Engineering Laboratory and the Information Technology Laboratory are ideal choices. These labs focus on areas such as networking and communications, computer security, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and human interaction with computers. As an intern, you will participate in a variety of research activities, including computer network modeling, biometrics for computer access and security, cryptography, bioinformatics, data mining, and machine learning
6. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
Location: There are several lab locations to choose from across the country.
Application deadline: Applications typically open in August and close in November.
Dates: The internship is typically eight weeks long (with a possible extension of up to two additional weeks).
Eligibility: Applicants must:
Be a U.S. citizen.
Have completed at least Grade 9
Be currently enrolled in high school (but maybe taking college-level classes for college credit)
Graduating seniors are eligible to apply
Be 16 years of age or older by the internship start date
(Students are recommended to check whether their preferred lab choice has any other prerequisites or exceptions.)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend is provided – $4,000 (new participant) | $4,500 (returning participant).
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is a prestigious opportunity for academically talented high school students with a strong interest in science and engineering. This eight-week summer program places interns in Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories, allowing them to engage in Naval research and technology. SEAP offers mentorship from some of the nation's top scientists and engineers, providing expert technical guidance in various fields such as physics, robotics, mathematics, electronics, aerodynamics, material science engineering, and more. You will receive hands-on experience and valuable insights into cutting-edge research and technology. The program is highly competitive, with only around 300 placements available across 38 laboratories nationwide. This selective nature ensures that participants are among the best and brightest, creating a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.
For those particularly interested in robotics, it's advisable to select a laboratory that focuses on this area. Each participating lab has a range of research specialties, so you can align your internship with your specific interests and career aspirations.
7. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships
Location: There are AEOP locations in almost every state. Students may select their preferred location. The program is intended for commuters and transportation, meals, and housing are not provided.
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Summer 2024 applications are open.
Dates: The program runs in summer, exact dates vary from location to location.
Eligibility: Applicants must be a current high school student and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Check other specific criteria here.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend amount varies by internship location and program duration.
In this program, you will spend your summer immersed in a university research lab or one of the U.S. Army Research Laboratories and Centers. As an intern, you will work one-on-one with a university researcher or Department of Defense (DoD) scientist mentor on cutting-edge research projects using high-tech equipment in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
This internship not only provides access to advanced research tools but also connects you with professional scientists and engineers. You will learn directly from other STEM practitioners, gaining insights and practical knowledge from experienced professionals. The Army-sponsored research you engage in will tackle some of the USA's most significant challenges, allowing you to hone critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
If you're particularly interested in robotics, SEAP offers research options that apply principles of coding and advanced technology. For example, the University of Pennsylvania offers research opportunities in robotics that involve coding and programming. These experiences will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the rapidly evolving field of robotics.
8. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA (Virtual options are available).
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Dates: July 8, 2024 - August 4, 2024.
Eligibility: High school juniors (11th grade) attending school in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: None.
The Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) is a dynamic 4-week STEM program offering project-based courses in various cutting-edge subjects. Designed in a workshop-style format, BWSI provides high school students with hands-on experience and deep dives into complex technical topics. Among the courses in the field of robotics, some highlights include Remote Sensing for Disaster Response, Serious Games Development with Artificial Intelligence (SGAI), and Unmanned Air System–Synthetic Aperture Radar.
Remote Sensing for Disaster Response covers essential concepts such as GIS, remote sensing, image processing, network science, and deep learning for emergency management. Using Python, students process geospatial data, satellite, and aerial imagery, and analyze networks to prepare for, monitor, and respond to disaster situations.
Serious Games Development with Artificial Intelligence (SGAI) teaches the basics of game design, teamwork, and coding. Students work in groups to develop a game modification (mod) that investigates a research question of their choice. The course explores how artificial intelligence handles moral dilemmas within complex game environments, comparing computer and human responses.
Unmanned Air System–Synthetic Aperture Radar focuses on complex systems engineering and programming. Students build a fully functional radar imaging system, encompassing drones, RF hardware, and data processing. This course provides practical experience in creating and deploying advanced technological solutions.
You can check the current course listing and get more details about the program here.
Here is everything you need to know about MIT BWSI!
9. Evodyne Robotics Internship Program
Location: The program runs at Evodyne Robotics Academy, Mountain View, CA. Some components may be conducted virtually.
Application deadline: Applications are currently open for summer 2024.
Dates: Dates are yet to be announced.
Eligibility: Students must be:
Ideally currently in junior year.
Have completed the Genesis Track previously.
At least 16 years old.
Responsible and punctual.
Be able to come on Saturday afternoons.
Be available for several weeks during the summer.
Cost/Stipend: This information is not available.
The Evodyne Robotics Academy offers an engaging and practical internship program focused on hands-on learning and the development of technical skills through collaborative projects. As a participant, you will immerse yourself in the innovative environment of Evodyne's Research Lab, working to enhance their existing robots and design new ones. These robots are used both in educational settings and for advanced research purposes.
Throughout the summer, you will also take on the role of teaching assistants, leveraging your in-depth knowledge of the robots to help younger students navigate and solve common challenges. This dual role not only deepens your understanding of robotics but also hones your mentorship and teaching skills.
The program is ideal for students passionate about building and innovating unique robotic systems. You will receive comprehensive lessons in areas such as 3D printing, 3D design, artificial intelligence, computer vision, and mechatronics. These skills are essential for modern robotics and provide a strong foundation for future academic and career pursuits in the field.
10. Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Summer Internship Program
Location: Danville, VA.
Application deadline: Applications are closed for summer 2024. Information on dates for next year are yet to be announced.
Dates: June 3 or June 10 - July 25, 2024.
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school graduates with plans to attend college in the fall of 2024.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend is provided.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) offers an enriching summer internship program designed to provide students with substantial on-the-job training and real-world leadership development experiences. This annual program spans various career fields, including research and data analysis, public relations, human resources, AgTech research, coding and robotics, information technology, and more.
Each internship demands a total of 224 hours over an eight-week term, requiring a weekly commitment of 28 hours. This structured format ensures that students gain meaningful and immersive work experience, allowing them to develop both their technical skills and professional competencies.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!
Image Source - Ladder Internships Logo