11 Robotics Research Opportunities for High School Students
If you're a high school student passionate about robotics, research opportunities can be an incredible way to dive into the field without breaking the bank. These programs provide hands-on experience, industry exposure, and valuable mentorship that can shape your future. Many of these opportunities are hosted by prestigious institutions, allowing you to work on cutting-edge projects alongside experts in the field. Whether you're interested in artificial intelligence, automation, or advanced engineering, these research opportunities can provide insight into what a career in robotics might entail.
To help you get started, we've compiled a list of 12 robotics research opportunities for high school students. These programs will allow you to develop your skills, expand your knowledge, and take the first step toward a career in robotics.
1. Northeastern University - Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Northeastern University’s Young Scholars Program (YSP) offers high school students a research-intensive experience in STEM fields, including robotics. You will collaborate with Northeastern faculty in cutting-edge laboratories, working on projects ranging from robotics and radar systems to biotechnology. The program also provides exposure to college life, access to campus facilities, and career exploration through field trips to organizations like Biogen, Akamai, and MIT’s Chemical Engineering Labs. Additionally, career counseling sessions help you navigate your educational and professional journeys.
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA.
Cost: Free!
Program dates: June 23 – July 31.
Application deadline: February 20.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are permanent residents of Massachusetts are eligible to apply, with priority given to those who have limited access to similar opportunities and live within commuting distance of Northeastern University.
2. Veritas AI
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
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. You can apply here.
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students located anywhere in the world are eligible to apply. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
3. NYU - Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
ARISE is a 10-week summer program for high school students passionate about STEM research, including robotics. It begins with four weeks of virtual workshops on lab safety, research ethics, and scientific methodologies, followed by hands-on lab work with NYU faculty and graduate mentors.
Research spans robotics, bioengineering, and machine learning, emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach that integrates mechanical design, computer science, and AI. You’ll contribute to real-world projects, gaining experience in data collection, analysis, and problem-solving. The program culminates in a final research presentation to faculty and peers, refining your scientific communication skills. ARISE also offers guidance on college applications, making it a valuable stepping stone for students pursuing STEM and robotics.
Location: New York University, Manhattan, NY.
Cost / Stipend: Free! Students receive a stipend of at least $1000 for completing the program.
Program dates: June 2 – August 8 (Remote Evening Workshops in June/Whole Day In-Person programming in July/August).
Application deadline: February 21.
Eligibility: High school students completing 10th or 11th grade in June and living in New York City are eligible to apply.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - Robotics Track
If you’re looking for a rigorous, one-on-one robotics research opportunity, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program might just fit your bill! The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, created by Harvard and Oxford researchers, allows high school students to work one-on-one with PhD mentors on an independent research project. You’ll get guidance to develop a college-level research paper, with additional support from writing coaches. You can choose subjects like robotics, mathematics, biology, data science, economics, and more. The program ends with a symposium where you can present your research, with the potential for publication. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) | $5,900 (16-20 weeks). Need-based financial aid is available.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June).
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4 are eligible to apply.
5. MIT - Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)
BWSI is an intensive four-week program that prepares high school students for advanced robotics and STEM research. Before attending, you’ll complete online coursework in Python, the Robot Operating System (ROS), and foundational AI concepts. On campus, you’ll participate in hands-on workshops and projects in fields like autonomous systems and AI-driven technologies. Courses such as "Autonomous Cognitive Assistance" (CogWorks) allow students to develop AI-integrated robotics solutions. The program concludes with a dynamic competition, testing your technical and problem-solving skills. Led by MIT faculty and industry experts, BWSI fosters critical thinking and creativity in a cutting-edge learning environment.
Location: Virtual and in-person at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA.
Cost: Free!
Program dates: Online Courses: February 3 - June 20 | In-person Summer Program: July 7 - August 3.
Application deadline: Applications open in December and are accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply.
6. University of Wisconsin Madison - Engineering Summer Program (ESP)
ESP is a free, three-week highly selective residential research program for high school juniors and seniors eager to explore engineering and robotics. The curriculum covers mathematics, physics, chemistry, and introductory engineering design, with hands-on projects taught by UW-Madison faculty. Beyond academics, ESP offers networking with faculty, industry professionals, and peers. Field trips to companies like Rockwell Automation and GE Healthcare provide real-world insights, while professional development workshops prepare you for college and careers in engineering.
Location: Virtual or in-person at University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.
Cost: Free!
Program dates: July 12 – August 1.
Application deadline: March 3.
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors who are 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 are eligible to apply.
7. Tufts University - Engineering Design Lab
The Tufts Engineering Design Lab (EDL) is a two-week program that introduces high school students to engineering, robotics, and computational problem-solving through real-world design projects. You’ll gain hands-on experience with Python programming, Jupyter Notebooks, and the GoPiGo3 robotic platform with Raspberry Pi hardware—equipment you’ll take home for continued learning. The program also covers rapid prototyping and client-centered design, emphasizing teamwork and innovation. Guest speakers from academia and industry provide insights into robotics advancements, connecting classroom learning to real-world applications.
Location: Tufts University, Medford/Somerville Campus, MA.
Cost: Commuter: $4,225 | Residential: $5,750 | Materials fee: $200. Need-based financial aid is available.
Program dates: Session 1: July 6 - 18 | Session 2: July 20 - August 1.
Application deadline: Applications open on December 2 and close on May 1.
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10-12 or Spring high school graduates are eligible to apply.
8. UT Austin - Academy for Robotics
University of Texas Austin’s Academy for Robotics is a one-week research opportunity for high school students that offers an in-depth introduction to robotics concepts and hands-on applications. You’ll explore Linux, C++ programming, Arduino integration, and robotics control systems while assembling and programming the Bot’n Roll One A robot. With mentorship from professors and industry experts, you’ll experiment with sensors, motors, skid steering, and advanced techniques like PID control. The program culminates in competitive robot races, testing your skills against peers. Alongside technical training, you’ll experience campus life and receive college application guidance.
Location: University of Texas Austin, TX.
Cost: $2100. Need-based financial aid is available.
Program dates: Session 1: June 15 - 20 | Session 2: June 22 - 27.
Application deadline: Applications open in February and are accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12 in Fall are eligible to apply.
9. MIT - MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES)
MITES is a rigorous six-week summer research program, designed for high school students eager to explore STEM fields, including robotics. You’ll take five intensive courses spanning math, science, and humanities while diving into advanced STEM topics beyond the typical high school curriculum. Electives such as machine learning, engineering design, and robotics provide hands-on experience in solving real-world challenges. Beyond academics, MITES offers lab tours, seminars, and mentorship sessions with faculty and STEM professionals, helping you explore academic and career pathways. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a written evaluation from your instructors, highlighting your strengths and progress—an asset for future college applications.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA.
Cost: Free!
Program dates: The program typically runs for 6 weeks in the summer, from late June through early August.
Application deadline: Applications open in November and close on February 1.
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply.
10. Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Frontiers
WPI’s Frontiers program is a two-week residential research experience that immerses you in robotics while fostering interdisciplinary learning. You’ll engage in hands-on projects combining programming, mechanical design, and automation to build and test robotic systems. What makes this program unique is its integration of robotics with a humanities, arts, or business minor, offering a well-rounded perspective on how technology intersects with other fields. College preparation workshops, campus activities, and social events provide a glimpse into college life, helping you develop both technical and personal growth.
Location: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA.
Cost: $4,495. Need-based financial aid is available.
Program dates: Frontiers I: July 6 - 18 | Frontiers II: July 20 - August 1.
Application deadline: April 30.
Eligibility: Rising 10, 11, and 12th graders are eligible to apply.
11. Columbia University - Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)
SHAPE is a three-week summer research program at Columbia Engineering that offers high school students an introduction to college-level engineering courses. You can choose from project-based classes such as Robotics and Autonomous Driving or Moving Forward: Walking Robots, both of which provide hands-on experience in robotics and automation. In addition to coursework, you’ll have access to electives, workshops, and college preparation sessions, including mentorship from Columbia students. While the program does not offer college credit, it provides a challenging and immersive experience that prepares students for the academic rigor of university-level engineering programs.
Location: Virtual or in-person at Columbia University, New York, NY.
Cost: Residential fee: $10,790 | Commuter fee: $5,875 | On-campus room/meals/evening activities: $4,915.
Program dates: Session 1: July 7 - July 25 | Session 2: July 28 - August 15.
Application deadline: March 3. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: Current high school students are eligible to apply. Applicants must be over the age of 16 for the residential program.
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