10 Robotics Programs for Middle School Students
For middle school students interested in robotics, there are numerous programs that offer a valuable introduction to the field — both on-campus and virtual. These robotics programs for middle school students provide hands-on experience, helping students develop practical skills in coding, design, and problem-solving, while also offering insights into the technology and industries shaping the future.
Whether you're just starting out or already have a passion for robotics, these programs allow students to gain useful knowledge, connect with others who share similar interests, and get a glimpse into potential career paths.
In this blog, we've put together a list of 10 robotics programs for middle school students, designed to give you an idea of where to begin your journey into the world of robotics!
1. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE.
The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. There is need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure!
Location: Remote! You can participate from anywhere in the world!
Cost: $2,400 (Financial aid is available)
Program dates:
Summer 1: Starts June 2
Summer 2: Starts July 14
Application deadline:
Summer 1: March 9
Summer 2: June 23
Eligibility: Open to middle school students in grades 6-8
2. Veritas AI Middle School Programs
The AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is an online initiative that teaches middle school students the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over the course of 25 hours, participants will learn the basics of Python along with topics such as data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. Students engage in lectures and group sessions, benefiting from a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. Previous student projects have included building a machine learning model to classify music genres and creating a machine learning algorithm to compile a customized list of educational resources based on selected criteria.
For those who have either completed the boot camp or already possess some Python knowledge, the AI Junior Fellowship allows students to work 1-1 with an AI expert to build a personalized AI model or research paper. The program begins with a two-week exploration phase, during which students learn the key concepts of AI, identify their area of interest, and choose the appropriate machine learning model. During weeks 4-7, students dive into data analysis, assess the feasibility of their project with their mentor, and explore available resources. In the final phase (weeks 8-12), students focus on creating their end project, with ongoing support from their mentor to troubleshoot issues and refine their work.
Location: Remote
Cost:
AI Trailblazers: $1,990
AI Junior Fellowship: $3,900
Need-based financial aid is available.
Program dates: The AI Trailblazers runs for 25 hours over 10 weekends, and the AI Junior Fellowship runs for 12 weeks. Check the website for the latest information.
Application deadline:
Summer 1: March 23
Summer II: June 22
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 6-8. The AI Trailblazers program is open to all, however, completion of AI Trailblazers or prior coding experience with Python is required for the AI Junior Fellowship.
3. DynaMIT Program
DynaMIT is an exciting robotics program for middle school students hosted at MIT that allows you to dive into the world of engineering and robotics. If you’re a student passionate about exploring STEM, this is a unique opportunity for you to engage with hands-on activities and experiments that bring these fields to life. The program is specifically designed for rising 6th to 9th graders, and it’s especially welcoming to those from low-income families who may not have easy access to such opportunities.
Over the course of the program, you’ll work alongside MIT undergraduate and graduate students, who serve as mentors to guide you through a variety of projects and concepts. Whether it’s building simple machines or exploring engineering principles, you’ll get to experience first-hand how robotics shape the world. Plus, you’ll be part of a student-run initiative where MIT undergrads design the experiments and curriculum.
Location: MIT campus, MA
Cost: Free
Program dates:
Rising 6th-7th graders: August 11 – 15
Rising 8th-9th graders: August 18 – 22
Application deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Middle school students entering 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th grade
4. Fundamentals in Cognitive Robotics
While not a traditional program, the Fundamentals of Cognitive Robotics course allows you to explore creating robots that can interact with their surroundings and understand human needs. You’ll dive into how robots can be made with smart materials, like artificial muscles, sensors, and actuators, that allow them to move and respond just like humans.
The course will teach you the difference between weak and strong artificial intelligence (AI) and help you understand the concept of 'embodiment' — how a robot's physical form is connected to its intelligence. You’ll also learn how the human brain processes information and how neurons, the building blocks of our cognitive system, form complex networks that help us think and respond.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Program dates: Self-paced
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to all
5. Education Unlimited Robotics Summer Camp
The Education Unlimited Robotics Summer Camp is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience building and programming your own robot using the VEX5 robotics platform, one of the most advanced tools for classroom robotics. You’ll start by constructing the chassis, the robot's frame, which acts like its skeleton. Then, you'll add motors, wheels, and gears to create a drive system that lets your robot move.
Throughout this summer robotics program for middle school students, you’ll explore key concepts in robotics, such as electrical circuits, power systems, and communication methods, as you work to control your robot using remote sensors and controllers. You’ll also learn about the importance of sensors, robotic arms, and programming to enhance your robot's performance. By the end of the week, you'll not only have a fully functional robot but also the skills to design and compete in a robotic sports challenge.
Location: UC Berkeley, CA, and Stanford University, CA
Cost:
Day Camp: $2,180
Extended Day Camp: $2,570
Overnight Camp: $2,985
Program dates:
UC Berkeley: June 29 - July 4
Stanford University: July 27 - August 1
Stanford University: August 3 - August 8
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising 6th-8th graders
6. Science of Smart Cities (SoSC) by NYU’s School of Engineering
The Science of Smart Cities (SoSC) program at NYU’s School of Engineering offers an exciting introduction for middle school students into the world of technology, engineering, and robotics with a focus on making cities more sustainable and efficient. In this free program, you’ll work in teams to create solutions for real-world challenges by learning about electronics, microcontrollers, sensors, and coding. You’ll explore how these technologies come together to improve urban environments, from energy efficiency to safety. As you design and build projects, you’ll deepen your knowledge of subjects like engineering, computer science, and physical sciences, gaining hands-on experience with circuitry, electronics, and programming. The course encourages creativity as you develop and present a final project that addresses a specific issue in a smart city. By the end of the program, you’ll not only have a deeper understanding of how smart cities function, but also have built the skills necessary for a future in STEM and robotics.
Location: New York University campus, NY
Cost: Free
Program dates: July 7 - August 8
Application deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Applicants must be age 12 but not older than 14 by the program's start and NYC residents to be eligible.
7. RWTHx: Introduction to Robotic Programming – edX
The RWTHx: Introduction to Robotic Programming course on edX focuses on programming robots using KUKA|prc, a powerful software that allows you to customize and optimize robot code in the Rhino3d and Grasshopper environments. Through hands-on tutorials, you’ll explore parametric design, where you create models that link to robotic fabrication processes.
The course focuses on key concepts such as automated fabrication, mass customization, and how robots can be used in construction to make designs come to life. As you progress, you’ll also get familiar with moving robotic arms in digital environments, collision detection, and optimizing workflows for production. Even if you have no prior experience with Rhino or Grasshopper, this virtual robotics program for middle school students is designed to help you grow your skills in a fun and interactive way.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free (with optional certification available)
Program dates: Self-paced
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to all
8. NYU’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)
NYU’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) offers middle school students the chance to build a strong foundation in STEM fields, including robotics. The program provides enrichment classes in subjects like Algebra, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus, which are crucial for understanding the math behind robotics and other technological fields. You’ll also take part in an English Seminar to strengthen your writing and critical thinking skills. The afternoon project classes offer hands-on experiences in robotics and other fields like engineering and medicine, helping you connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Additionally, this robotics program for middle school students includes college prep services, test prep, and career exploration, all designed to set you up for a future in robotics and other STEM careers. STEP is a great way to dive deeper into robotics while preparing for college and beyond.
Location: New York University campus, NY
Cost: $200
Program dates: July 5 - August 4 (Tentative, based on previous year)
Application deadline: Summer applications open March 1
Eligibility: Middle or high school students in the 7th - 12th grades who are New York State residents, have an 80 average in Math, Science, and English, meet criteria required by New York State and the state-determined economic criteria listed on the eligibility section of the website are eligible.
9. Udemy’s Robotics For Absolute Beginners + 2 Real Projects
Udemy’s Robotics For Absolute Beginners + 2 Real Projects is a great starting point for middle school students interested in diving into the world of robotics. The course is designed to help you understand key concepts in robotics, from basic software skills to hands-on projects.
You’ll start by learning how to use Fusion 360, a CAD (computer-aided design) software, to create designs that are crucial for building robotic systems. Further, you’ll explore topics like data handling, the coordination system, and solving problems ranging from simple to complex. The course is structured with easy-to-follow videos, assignments, and notes, and you’ll even have direct access to the instructor for guidance!
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Program dates: Self-paced
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to all
10. Understanding Robotics Architecture
If you're a middle school student curious about how robots are built and how they move, this free online robotics course explains the mechanics that make a robot work, starting with kinematics, which is the study of how robot joints and links move together. You’ll explore degrees of freedom, or DOF, which refers to the different directions a robot’s joints can move.
The course also introduces you to the anatomy of robots, including the crucial components like manipulator joints, and dives into the 5 main body-and-arm configurations used in industrial robots, such as the SCARA robot, designed for specific tasks. Further, you'll also get hands-on with the Denavit-Hartenberg (DH) algorithm, which helps define how robots' joints move and interact.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Program dates: Self-paced
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to all
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