12 Robotics Programs for High School Students in New York City (NYC)
Robotics is shaping the future of many industries, making robotics programs for high school students a smart choice for those looking to build practical skills and gain industry insights. Many of these programs are offered by leading organizations in New York City and provide hands-on experiences in coding, engineering, and automation.
We’ve compiled a list of 12 robotics programs for high school students in New York City (NYC), ensuring a mix of solid curriculum, mentorship, and exposure to cutting-edge technology. If you’re interested in robotics or related fields, joining one of these programs is a great place to start your career in STEM!
1. NYU Summer Program for Automation, Robotics, and Coding (SPARC)
Cost: $3,300 (not including housing and meal plans)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, NY
Application Deadline: May 2
Program Dates:
Session 1: June 16 – 27
Session 2: June 23 – July 4
Session 3: June 30 – July 11
Session 4: July 7 – 18
Session 5: July 14 – 25
Session 6: July 21 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising 9th- 12th graders (must be at least 14 by the start of the program) who have completed AP Math, Algebra 2, and Trigonometry. Preference will be given to students who have completed PreCalc or are enrolled in AP Stats/Calculus
SPARC is a two-week program for high school students eager to explore the world of robotics, mechatronics, and programming. You don’t need any prior robotics experience — just a strong academic background and a passion for problem-solving! Through hands-on projects, you will build and program interactive robotic devices, gaining experience with microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators.
Throughout the program, you will develop foundational programming skills, working with coding constructs like variables, loops, and conditionals to bring your robots to life. You’ll also gain insight into circuitry, automation systems, and electronic components. The experience culminates in robot competitions and challenges, where you’ll put your creations to the test in real-world robotics scenarios.
2. NASA OSTEM Internships
Cost: Free; some interns can receive a stipend
Location: Various NASA centers in the country. There are also options for remote participation, depending on the project.
Application Deadline: Fall: May 16 | Spring: September 12 | Summer: February 27
Program Dates:
Fall: Late August – Mid-December
Spring: Mid-January – Early May
Summer: Late May – August
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years of age at the time of application, with a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers internships for high school students that provide hands-on experience in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. You’ll work alongside NASA professionals, including engineers, researchers, and business experts, contributing to real agency projects.
Each year, OSTEM supports over 2,000 students, helping them develop technical and professional skills in a collaborative environment. You’ll gain exposure to a range of fields, including robotics, where you can work on projects involving autonomous systems, robotic exploration, and spacecraft technologies.
3. NYU Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Cost: Free; you’ll get a $1000 stipend upon successfully completing the program
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, NY
Application Deadline: February 21
Program Dates: June 2 – August 18
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are full-time NYC students attending NYC schools
The ARISE program is a free, 10-week summer research opportunity for high school students. The program begins with four weeks of foundational training, including safety workshops, college writing sessions, and research skills development. For the remaining six weeks, you will work in one of over 80 NYU research labs, collaborating with faculty and mentors on real-world projects across various STEM disciplines.
By the end of the program, you will have gained approximately 120 hours of lab experience, developed public speaking and communication skills, and presented your research at the NYU Colloquium and the American Museum of Natural History Poster Symposium. The program also provides college application support, mentorship opportunities, and access to an alumni network.
4. NYU Machine Learning (ML) Summer Program
Cost: $3,050 (not including housing and meal plans)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, NY
Application Deadline: May 2
Program Dates:
Session 1: June 16 – 27
Session 2: July 7 – 18
Session 3: July 28 – August 8
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 15 years old, have completed precalculus, and have some programming experience
NYU Tandon's summer program for Machine Learning introduces students to the core principles of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data analysis. You will explore the mathematical techniques and logic that drive AI-powered technologies, such as image and video recognition, interactive voice controls, autonomous vehicles, and real-time monitoring systems. For students interested in robotics, this program provides valuable insights into how machine learning is integrated with robotic systems, allowing you to explore applications such as autonomous navigation, robotic vision, and sensor-driven decision-making.
5. Columbia Engineering's Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)
Cost: $5,875 (Commuter fee), $10,790 (Residential fee). Financial aid is available
Location: Columbia University, NY
Application Deadline: March 3
Program Dates: July 7 – 25 | July 28 – August 15
Eligibility: Rising 9th - 12th graders
SHAPE is a pre-college program designed for high school students interested in STEM, where you can participate in 3-week sessions where you’ll take college-level, project-based engineering courses taught by Columbia faculty. Course options include robotics, computer science, electrical engineering, and innovation and design.
You will also be provided with professional development, leadership, and college preparation workshops led by Columbia’s undergraduate admissions office, and gain hands-on experience at Columbia’s Makerspace. This facility provides access to 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC tools for digital fabrication, allowing you to build prototypes under faculty supervision.
6. Rockefeller University’s Summer Science Research Program
Cost: Free
Location: The Rockefeller University, NY
Application Deadline: January 3
Program Dates: June 23 – August 7
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years old at the time of application
The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) is a mentored, team-based research experience for high school juniors and seniors interested in hands-on research experience in a structured laboratory environment. Each summer, 32 students are selected and divided into four research teams, each led by multiple scientists who guide students through the research process.
Over the course of seven weeks, you will explore a specific research topic, like robotics and automation, develop your own research questions, conduct experiments, and analyze data. The program also includes elective courses, guest lectures, and networking opportunities. The experience culminates in a symposium where you will present your findings.
7. NYU Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)
Cost: $350
Location: NYU's Washington Square Campus, NY
Application Deadline: April 25
Program Dates: October 19 – May 3
Eligibility: High school students who are New York residents, have an 80 average in Math, Science, and English, and are underrepresented or underserved in STEM
NYU’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) is an immersive initiative designed to prepare New York high school students for academic and career success in STEM. Through hands-on courses, workshops, and mentorship from NYU faculty and students, you will gain foundational knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and math, with opportunities for research and career development.
If you’re interested in robotics, STEP covers automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics applications across industries. You’ll engage in project-based learning, coding exercises, and system analysis using industry-standard tools. The program also provides select 11th and 12th graders the opportunity to conduct scientific or technological research at NYU facilities, with a chance to present their findings at the annual STEP State Conference in Albany, NY.
8. Stony Brook University Pre-College Summer Program: Robotics Engineering
Cost: $2,250
Location: Stony Brook University, NY
Application Deadline: May 30
Program Dates: Session One: July 6 – 11; Session Two: July 13 – 18
Eligibility: High school students
Robotics Engineering at Stony Brook University is a hands-on, project-based program that introduces students to the fundamentals of robotics, including electronics, mechanical design, and microcontroller programming. Over the course of a week, participants will design and prototype robotic motions, working with electronic circuits, sensors, motors, and Arduino programming to develop autonomous systems.
The curriculum, adapted from Stony Brook’s Freshman Design Innovation class, covers key robotics concepts such as locomotion, sensing, actuation, and remote control. Students will build and program robots with ultrasonic and PIR sensors, control servos and DC motors, and integrate Bluetooth functionality for remote operation.
9. NYC FIRST Robotics Competition
Cost: Varies by team; often includes fundraising
Location: Various high schools
Application Deadline: November 12
Program Dates: Build season is typically from January to April
Eligibility: High school students
The FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC) is a team-based robotics contest that combines rigorous engineering challenges with a competitive, sports-like atmosphere. While this isn’t a traditional summer program or internship, it offers an incredibly immersive experience in robotics, programming, and mechanical design during the school year.
You will form teams to design, build, and program industrial-sized robots that compete in a complex field game under strict rules and limited time. Throughout the season, you and your team will work on fundraising, branding, and refining your technical and teamwork skills while receiving guidance from volunteer professional mentors.
10. Science and Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP)
Cost: Free; stipend for first-year interns is $4,000 and $4,500 for returning interns
Location: Navy laboratories across the country
Application Deadline: November 1
Program Dates: Varies based on opportunity
Eligibility: Academically talented sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are U.S. citizens
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) offers high school students a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on research within Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories over an eight-week summer period. Participants work closely with experienced scientists and engineers, gaining invaluable insights into various STEM fields, including robotics, engineering, cybersecurity, and astronomy. Depending on the specific projects and laboratory assignments, participants may engage in activities such as building robots designed for deployment in various environments, including aquatic settings.
11. Outschool Online Robotics Classes
Cost: Varies by course
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Based on course
Program Dates: Multiple sessions available
Eligibility: High school students
Outschool offers a wide range of online classes designed for K-12 learners, with flexible, interactive learning experiences led by experienced educators. With a focus on both skill development and practical application, Outschool classes can serve as an accessible alternative to traditional summer camps.
In terms of robotics, Outschool features courses that blend theory with hands-on practice. These include Wildlife AI Explorers: Building Robots for Conservation!, where students learn how robotics and AI can support conservation efforts; Intro to Robotics – Build a Robot Arm (Coding/Programming & STEM), which teaches fundamental robotics and coding skills; and a Private Group Class covering topics such as Electrical Circuits, Scratch Coding, Robotics, Minecraft, and more.
12. Oxford Royale - Engineering: Software, Robotics & AI Summer School
Cost: £5,495 ($7,109)
Location: Barnard College, Columbia University
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: June 29 – July 12; July 13 – 26
Eligibility: High school students who are 16-18 years old
Oxford Royale’s Software Development, Robotics & AI course offers high school students an immersive introduction to programming, robotics, and artificial intelligence. You’ll explore key computer science concepts, including algorithms, data structures, and software development, while also gaining hands-on experience building and programming your own robotic models.
The program covers core robotics principles, such as hardware design, environmental interaction, and programming in Python and C++. You will also examine the role of AI in robotics, including machine learning applications and autonomous decision-making, as well as ethical considerations in AI and cybersecurity and industry insights through field visits in New York.
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