12 Competitive Robotics Programs for High School Students
Robotics programs provide high school students with an opportunity to develop technical skills, industry exposure, and valuable mentorship without requiring a major financial investment. These programs allow you to design, program, and build robotic systems, applying concepts from physics, computer science, and engineering to real-world challenges.
If you are in robotics, AI, and related fields, these summer programs offer hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and preparation for STEM careers. Some programs are research-intensive, while others emphasize team-based competitions or industry-driven applications.
To help you navigate the many options available, we have compiled a list of 12 competitive robotics programs for high school students in 2025.
1. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) Program
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; participants receive a $750 stipend
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors residing in New York City
Application Deadline: February 21
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8
Acceptance Rate: Moderate
The Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) Program at New York University (NYU) is a prestigious 10-week research experience designed for high school students entering 11th or 12th grade in New York City. You will work closely with NYU faculty and researchers on advanced projects in computer science, robotics, machine learning, and environmental engineering, gaining hands-on exposure to cutting-edge research methodologies.
The program begins with four weeks of remote workshops, where you will develop foundational STEM knowledge and essential research skills. This is followed by six weeks of in-person lab work. The program culminates in a final research presentation, where you will present your findings to peers, mentors, and faculty.
2. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program – Texas Tech University
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: Approximately $6,000, with need-based financial aid available (100% from external sources)
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: June 22 – August 7
Acceptance Rate: 12 students per year
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is an intensive seven-week summer research experience for high-achieving high school students. Only 12 students are selected each year, making this program one of the most prestigious and competitive research opportunities for high schoolers.
You will work with Texas Tech faculty on hands-on research projects, with options in a wide range of disciplines, including robotics, engineering, computer science, cell and molecular biology, and artificial intelligence. If you are interested in robotics and autonomous systems, you can work on projects focused on robotic design, AI integration, and automation technologies. In addition to conducting independent research, you will attend seminars, receive faculty mentorship, and gain valuable insights into the research process.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Starts at $2,990
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in school who have demonstrated high academic achievement (unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4 or higher).No prior experience required in your field of interest
Application Deadlines: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Acceptance Rate: Accepts a small cohort for one-on-one mentorship
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive, research-driven experience for high school students interested in conducting independent research projects under the guidance of Ph.D. mentors. You can explore a diverse range of subject areas, including robotics, computer science, engineering, AI, physics, data science, and economics.
You will work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor from a top university to develop an independent research paper over 12 weeks. The program offers a structured approach to research, providing you with personalized mentorship, data analysis training, and guidance on publishing your work in high school research journals. With multiple cohorts available year-round, you can participate at a time that best fits your schedule.
4. Veritas AI – AI & Robotics Research Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost:
AI Scholars Program: $2,290 (10-week boot camp)
AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase: $5,400 (15-week program)
Both programs combined: $6,900
Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students worldwide. AI Fellowship applicants should have completed the AI Scholars program or have experience with AI concepts or Python.
Application Deadlines: Multiple deadlines depending on cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Acceptance Rate: Competitive; accepts a small cohort for one-on-one mentorship
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduate students, offers high school students a cutting-edge research experience in artificial intelligence and robotics. The program is designed to introduce you to AI fundamentals while providing hands-on learning opportunities through real-world projects. If you are looking to begin AI and robotics study, you can enroll in the AI Scholars Program, a 10-week boot camp that covers machine learning, data science, and AI applications in robotics.
If you have prior experience in AI, the AI Fellowship provides a one-on-one research opportunity with mentors from top universities. It allows you to develop and publish an independent AI-driven project. The program offers structured mentorship and an emphasis on publication, making it an excellent choice for students interested in AI-driven robotics, autonomous systems, and computer vision applications.
5. Yale Social Robotics Lab High School Internship
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students entering their junior or senior year who must be at least 16 years old at the start of the internship
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: 6 weeks; typically between June – August
Acceptance Rate: Competitive based on open positions
The Yale Social Robotics Lab High School Internship is a highly competitive, six-week research program designed for high school students interested in robotics, artificial intelligence, and human-robot interaction. Hosted at Yale University’s Social Robotics Lab, this program allows you to work alongside faculty members, graduate researchers, and undergraduates on innovative robotics projects.
You will gain hands-on experience in AI-driven robotics, behavioral psychology, and engineering, contributing to ongoing research exploring how robots interact with humans. You will also develop technical expertise in robotics programming, machine learning, and sensor-based systems, applying your knowledge to real-world research challenges.
6. Research Science Institute (RSI) – MIT
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school juniors who meet academic requirements
Program Dates: June 22 – August 2
Application Deadline: December 11
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive; selects only 100 students
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a prestigious six-week summer research program hosted at MIT, offering high school juniors an opportunity to engage in advanced STEM research. This highly selective program provides you access to MIT’s state-of-the-art computing resources and laboratory facilities while learning essential research skills such as analyzing scientific literature, modeling complex systems, and preparing academic papers.
The program kicks off with an intensive week of coursework covering advanced STEM topics. In the second week, you will begin hands-on laboratory research under the guidance of MIT faculty and graduate mentors. You can work on cutting-edge projects in areas such as robotics, AI-driven automation, and biomedical engineering. Past students have researched stereotactic robotics, neural networks, and autonomous systems.
7. UT Austin Academy for Robotics
Location: University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost: $2,100 (limited scholarships available)
Program Dates:
Session 1: June 15 - 20
Session 2: June 22 - 27
Application Deadline: Applications open January 31. Rolling until seats are filled.
Eligibility: Students entering 9th–12th grade
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
The UT Austin Academy for Robotics is an immersive, hands-on robotics program hosted by the University of Texas. It is designed for high school students of all skill levels and introduces you to robotics programming, Arduino microcontrollers, sensors, and robot control.
You will assemble, code, and refine autonomous robots, using cutting-edge tools and techniques employed in robotics research and development. The program culminates in a competitive robot race, where you will showcase your engineering and problem-solving skills.
8. MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: 6 weeks; late June through early August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are current high school juniors
Acceptance Rate: Low
The MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) program is a highly selective six-week summer experience designed for high-achieving high school juniors. This fully funded program provides an intensive introduction to engineering, robotics, and STEM research, offering you a chance to study at one of the world’s leading institutions.
You will participate in seven hours of daily activities, including STEM classes, lab work, technical workshops, and industry tours. You can select an elective in subjects such as robotics, engineering design, or machine learning, where you work on a hands-on research project aligned with your chosen field. The program culminates in a final symposium, where you will present your projects to MIT faculty, researchers, and peers.
9. MIT Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers (LLRISE)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA & Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA
Cost: Free (students must cover transportation to and from MIT)
Program Dates: July 13 – July 26
Application Deadline: March 12
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Acceptance Rate: Low
The MIT Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers (LLRISE) program is an exclusive two-week hands-on experience designed for rising high school seniors interested in engineering, radar technology, and robotics. You will work alongside MIT engineers and scientists, learning about radar systems while designing, building, and testing your own small radar devices, such as Doppler and range radars.
Understanding radar technology is highly relevant for students interested in robotics, autonomous systems, and real-time sensor applications. You will stay in MIT dormitories, collaborate with peers and mentors, and engage in real-world problem-solving.
10. Northeastern Young Scholars Program (YSP)
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 Massachusetts residents and U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Acceptance Rate: Low
The Northeastern Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a prestigious six-week summer research experience designed for academically motivated high school juniors interested in STEM careers. This highly selective, tuition-free program provides you with the opportunity to conduct hands-on research in state-of-the-art laboratories at Northeastern University.
You will work with Northeastern faculty and graduate students on projects in fields such as bioengineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, and health sciences. Although specific research topics vary each year, you will gain exposure to advanced concepts and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of STEM.
11. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) – Department of Navy (DoN)
Location: Various Department of Navy laboratories across the U.S.
Cost: Free; stipend provided $4,000 (new participant) and $4,500 (returning participant)
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer (possible extension of up to 2 weeks)
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school, U.S. citizens who have completed at least Grade 9, who are 16 years of age or older by the internship start date
Acceptance Rate: ~3–8%
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is a prestigious, fully funded summer internship that offers high school students hands-on experience in Department of Navy (DoN) research laboratories. You will work with Navy scientists and engineers on projects in fields such as robotics, aerospace engineering, and advanced materials.
You will gain real-world research experience in areas such as robotics design, autonomous systems, and marine technology, contributing to national defense and innovation. SEAP also provides valuable mentorship, professional skill development, and exposure to advanced STEM research.
12. Tufts Engineering Design Lab
Location: Tufts University, Medford and Somerville, MA
Cost:
Commuter: $4,225
Residential: $5,750
Materials Fee: $200
Limited scholarships available.
Program Dates: Session 1: July 6 - 18 | Session 2: July 20 - August 1
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 10-12 or graduating from high school in the spring. Residential students must be at least 15 years old at the program's start and no older than 19 before the program ends. If English is not your primary language, you must provide evidence of English language proficiency
Acceptance Rate: Low
The Tufts Engineering Design Lab is an intensive, hands-on program that introduces students to robotics, engineering, and computational design. You will work on real-world engineering challenges using tools in the Nolop Makerspace, a high-tech facility equipped with laser cutters, 3D printers, and robotics development stations.
You will also work in fabrication, coding, and prototyping, learning how to design and build robotic systems from concept to execution. This project-based learning experience develops both technical and creative problem-solving skills, making it ideal for students interested in robotics, mechatronics, and technology-driven engineering solutions.
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