12 Robotics Summer Programs for High School Students
Robotics stands at the forefront of innovation in the STEM field, blending creativity with advanced engineering, coding, and problem-solving. As one of the most dynamic areas in technology today, robotics offers high school students a chance to dive into hands-on projects that go beyond theoretical concepts, transforming ideas into tangible creations. Whether you're building radars, designing robots, or programming autonomous vehicles, these camps are crafted to spark your creativity while honing your problem-solving skills.
Each program encourages you to collaborate with peers who share your passion, helping you turn ideas into reality. Many programs provide access to industry professionals, university resources, and state-of-the-art labs, immersing you in an environment where you can grow and experiment. From competitions to design challenges, these experiences push you to think outside the box and take on ambitious projects.
Here are our top 12 robotics summer programs for high school students designed to empower participants with the skills, experience, and confidence to pursue careers in this thrilling field.
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program — Robotics track
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Starting $2,990. Financial aid is offered.
Program Dates: 12-week to 1-year-long programs are offered throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Eligibility:
You must be currently enrolled in high school
Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies! Check the FAQs page for more info.
Program Dates:
Summer seminar - June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024
Fall seminar - October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025
Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Application Date: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort and September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort
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, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track and the type of research you wish to carry out, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar from a reputed university who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
3. Veritas AI - Robotics Track
Location: Virtual
Cost:
$2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program
$5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
$6,900 for both
Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Program dates: Varies depending on the cohort
Application deadline: Winter cohort deadline - December 1, 2024
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. 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 specialized 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 personalized 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.
4. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: Remote and on-site at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, NY
Cost: Free
Program dates: June 3 – August 9, preceded by an online course (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application deadline: Applications are typically open from December to March.
Eligibility: Students who are completing 10th or 11th grade in June and living in New York City
NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) program offers high school students a unique, 10-week summer experience in advanced STEM fields through hands-on research. The program allows you to explore diverse areas like robotics, bioengineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. It begins with four weeks of virtual workshops covering lab safety and research ethics, followed by six weeks of in-person lab work at NYU.
During the first two weeks of lab work, you’ll participate in workshops designed to sharpen essential skills in lab safety, research ethics, and scientific inquiry. You’ll also receive guidance on college applications, preparing you for the five-week research phase where you’ll work in an NYU lab alongside graduate mentors. In these labs, you’ll actively contribute to real research projects across fields like life sciences, engineering, and data science, gaining invaluable practical experience.
Throughout your time in the lab, you’ll apply your knowledge by helping your team tackle ongoing research challenges, including collecting data, analyzing results, or exploring creative solutions. As the program wraps up, you’ll get the chance to present your research findings to NYU faculty, your peers, and other academic experts, giving you a platform to build confidence in your public speaking and scientific communication.
5. MIT’s Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)
Location: Remote and on-site at MIT Campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free, but residential participants from families earning over $90,000 may need to cover housing costs.
Program dates: Online courses typically run from February to June, while the in-person summer program takes place from July to August.
Application deadline: Rolling admissions. Typically closing in March.
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens
MIT’s Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) is a challenging four-week summer program designed to explore the cutting edge of robotics and artificial intelligence. If you're passionate about robotics, this program provides a hands-on educational experience with courses like "Autonomous Cognitive Assistance" (CogWorks), where you’ll delve into AI technologies for building intelligent systems.
The program begins with online prerequisites, helping students build foundational skills in coding, Python, and the Robot Operating System (ROS). Once you’re on campus, the focus shifts to practical applications as you work on real-world challenges involving autonomous systems, synthetic aperture radar, and even air vehicle racing. These projects culminate in a competition, allowing you to showcase your problem-solving and technical skills.
BWSI emphasizes collaboration and innovation, as you'll work closely with peers in teams to tackle robotics-related problems and develop creative solutions. The program is structured to help you strengthen critical thinking while experimenting with advanced technologies in a supportive, educational environment. The program is free for qualifying families, while for families with an income of $150,000 or above, the fee is $1,750 (as per the 2024 session).
6. Northeastern University’s Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA (commuter program)
Cost: Free
Program dates: June 23 – July 31, 2025
Application deadline: March 1, 2025 (applications open in December 2024)
Eligibility: Students entering 12th grade in the fall who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and live and study at a Massachusetts high school
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) at Northeastern University provides an opportunity for high school students to engage in real-world research while still in school. As a rising senior from Massachusetts, you can work directly in Northeastern’s research labs, gaining experience in robotics and engineering. Previous students have contributed to exciting projects such as developing algorithms for FPGA optimization, studying energy solutions for remote areas, and evaluating cancer therapies. This practical approach allows you to collaborate with faculty and graduate students, making meaningful contributions to cutting-edge research.
In addition to lab work, YSP includes career exploration, seminars on engineering topics, and field trips to tech companies and labs like Biogen and MIT. Participants gain exposure to STEM careers while contributing to ongoing research projects alongside faculty mentors. With access to Northeastern's resources and the chance to interact with college students, the program helps you prepare academically and professionally for the next steps in your STEM journey.
7. MIT Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers (LLRISE)
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA, and Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA
Cost: Free; students must cover transportation to and from MIT.
Program dates: July 14 – July 27 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application deadline: Applications will open in January 2025.
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have a strong interest in STEM
MIT's Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers (LLRISE) is a highly specialized two-week program designed for rising high school seniors who are eager to dive into hands-on engineering and radar technology. As a participant, you’ll get the unique opportunity to build small radar systems, including Doppler and range radars. This experience isn't just theoretical — you’ll actively engage in problem-solving and collaboration with MIT engineers and scientists, giving you practical exposure to complex concepts in engineering and radar technology. The program is project-based, meaning you’ll spend most of your time working on real tasks that simulate the kind of work done in cutting-edge labs.
The LLRISE workshop is held at both MIT’s campus and Lincoln Laboratory, so you’ll get a feel for the college environment while staying in MIT dormitories. During the two weeks, you will not only hone your technical skills but also collaborate with peers and mentors, providing a well-rounded introduction to radar systems and their applications.
8. University of Wisconsin Madison Engineering Summer Program (ESP)
Location: Virtual or on campus at UW-Madison, Madison, WI
Cost: Free
Program dates:
Virtual ESP: June 24 – 27 (tentative, based on the 2024 program) followed by an option to join the program on campus.
ESP: July 13 – August 2 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application deadline: Applications typically close in May.
Eligibility:
For Virtual ESP, students must be current 8th graders or high school freshmen and U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
For ESP, students must be current sophomores or juniors in high school, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have completed at least one year of algebra, geometry, and chemistry, and maintain a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Engineering Summer Program (ESP) offers exceptional high school students the opportunity to dive deep into engineering. Over three weeks, you’ll engage in a combination of math, physics, chemistry, and introductory engineering courses that mirror a first-year college engineering experience. Robotics is one of the critical areas you'll explore, with opportunities to design, build, and test projects that require creative problem-solving and teamwork. You'll also visit industry sites, which provide a real-world perspective on how engineering principles, including robotics, are applied in various sectors.
Alongside technical skills, you'll receive mentorship from faculty and current engineering students, helping you to navigate possible career paths in fields like robotics, mechanical, and electrical engineering. The program also includes field trips and interactive sessions that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Participants stay in UW-Madison dorms, experiencing college life while engaging in interactive projects and labs.
9. MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES)
Location: MIT Campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free; students are only responsible for transportation to and from MIT.
Program dates: Six weeks in the summer, typically late June to August
Application deadline: Student applications close on February 1, 2025. The recommender deadline is February 15, 2025.
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The MITES Summer program is a six-week residential experience designed for high-achieving high school juniors, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. The program provides a challenging, immersive experience with five intensive courses in areas such as advanced mathematics, physics, computer science, and real-world STEM applications like machine learning, architecture, and genomics. Throughout the program, you will engage in projects that explore practical applications of STEM concepts, including emerging topics like robotics and machine learning.
Students participate in daily classes, lab tours, and collaborative projects that foster both academic and personal growth. As you navigate the program, you'll find that it condenses a semester's worth of college-level material into an engaging summer experience. The program also includes college counseling, admissions workshops, and field trips, giving participants a holistic view of college life. By the end of the program, you will receive a detailed evaluation from your instructors, highlighting your strengths and growth, which can be a valuable addition to your college applications.
10. Tufts Engineering Design Lab
Location: Tufts University, Medford/Somerville Campus, MA
Cost: $4,000 for commuters; $5,500 for residential participants; a $200 materials fee applies.
Program dates: Dates for 2025 will be announced soon.
Application deadline: December 1, 2024 – May 1, 2025
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10-12 or Spring 2025 high school graduates
The Tufts Engineering Design Lab (EDL) is an intensive, two-week summer program that gives students a chance to explore the fields of robotics, engineering, and fabrication through hands-on projects. Throughout the program, you'll have access to the state-of-the-art Nolop Makerspace, where you'll engage in projects that utilize advanced technologies like laser cutting, 3D printing, and robotic hardware, including the Raspberry Pi and GoPiGo3 platform. You'll also dive into Python programming to control your robotic creations, providing a comprehensive introduction to both software and hardware aspects of engineering.
Each day features insightful guest speakers from academia and industry who will share their expertise and inspire your projects, helping you connect theory to real-world applications. In the first week, you'll focus on foundational skills in fabrication and robotics, tackling daily challenges that build your understanding of engineering design principles. As the program progresses, you'll collaborate in small groups to address real-world problems, applying concepts like machine learning, computer vision, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The culmination of your efforts will be showcased during a project presentation event, where you’ll explain your design solutions and demonstrate your prototypes.
11. UT Austin's Academy for Robotics
Location: UT Austin Campus, Austin, TX
Cost: $2,100 for a one-week residential program
Program dates: June 16 - 21 & June 23 - 28 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9-12 in the fall
The Academy for Robotics at UT Austin offers a comprehensive one-week program designed to immerse you in the essentials of robotics. Participants explore topics like Linux, C++ programming, Arduino hardware integration, and sensor control. Arduino programming is also a major focus, allowing you to control hardware and integrate sensors into your projects.
You’ll dive into practical concepts like understanding robot sensors, skid steering, and PID control, which are fundamental for developing responsive and efficient robotic systems. The program is designed to balance theoretical learning with real-world applications: students assemble and program the Bot’n Roll One A robot, practice controlling its motors and sensors, and engage in simulations.
To cap off the week, you’ll have the chance to compete in thrilling robot races against your fellow students, applying everything you've learned in a fun and competitive environment. Beyond the technical aspects, participants gain insights into the field of robotics through interactions with UT faculty and industry experts, helping them explore future career opportunities.
12. Embry-Riddle Robotics & Autonomous Systems Camp
Location: Daytona Beach, FL
Cost: $1,000; $30 registration fee is applicable.
Program dates: July 21 - 26 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application deadline: Applications typically open in January.
Eligibility: Students ages 15-18
The Embry-Riddle Robotics & Autonomous Systems Camp is an engaging week-long program designed for high school students interested in exploring the world of robotics and autonomous technologies. Over a week, you’ll collaborate with experienced faculty and collegiate robotics competition teams to design, build, program, and test your very own autonomous robots. This hands-on experience will immerse you in key concepts from mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, giving you a comprehensive overview of the skills required in the rapidly evolving field of robotics.
Throughout the camp, you’ll tackle engineering challenges, work on your coding skills, and experiment with different robot designs, preparing you for future studies in engineering and robotics. This immersive environment not only builds your technical skills but also fosters teamwork and communication, essential qualities in any engineering career. By the end of the camp, you’ll have a deeper understanding of robotics, making it a valuable experience for anyone considering a future in this dynamic field.
Looking for a robotics internship?
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!
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