If you're passionate about robotics and want to spend the summer in New York, consider exploring one of the following summer programs that allows you to engage with an intensive curriculum covering fundamental concepts in robotics, artificial intelligence, and automation. Many of these are hosted by prestigious institutions and will provide hands-on experiences and interactive coursework designed to enhance your practical skills in coding, robotics manipulation, and system analysis using industry-standard tools.

It can be tough to know where to start and how to find the right fit for you. To make things easier, we have compiled a list of 8 great robotics summer programs in New York for high school students! 

1.  NYU Summer Program for Automation, Robotics, and Coding 

Location: New York University 

Cost: $2975

Application Deadline: April

Program Dates: June 17 - June 28 for session 1, July 8 - July 19 for session 2, and July 29 - August 9 for session 3

Eligibility: Must be at least 14 years old the day the program begins

The Summer Program for Automation Robotics and Coding (SPARC) will introduce you to the basics of robotics, mechatronics and programming. This is a 2 week, full-day summer program for rising 9th through 12th grade high school students. You do not need experience in robotics to participate in SPARC, but should be academically strong students with an interest in robotics and the ability to take initiative.

During the program, you will learn about applications for microcontrollers, interface sensors and actuators through hand-on manipulation of the components provided in their robotics kit. SPARC is robotics at a high level and combines concepts and practices from computer science, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. You get a chance to learn about basic electrical components, circuits, and circuit configurations; microcontroller anatomy, features, and programming; coding key constructs like variables, conditionals, loops, data representations; all while building interactive, robotic devices. 

The program introduces advanced technical skills like how to interface various electrical and electronic components with the microcontroller and how to perform serial and parallel communication. Other challenging content includes learning to add sensors and actuators, how to acquire measurements from sensors, and how to command the actuators under program control. This program is a great opportunity for students with a keen interest in robotics and wants more hands-on experience.

2. Lumiere Research Scholars Program - Robotics Track

Location: Virtual 

Program dates: Upcoming - December 18 

Cost: Varies

Application deadline: Rolling, cohort-based. Applications for the winter cohort are now open. You can apply here! 

Eligibility: High school students 

The Lumiere research program, founded by Harvard and Oxford PhDs, is a great opportunity for you if you have a keen interest in robotics and other diverse disciplines. With a unique one-on-one structure, this program enables you to work closely with a PhD mentor to conduct an independent robotics research project. If you are passionate about robotics, this personalized approach ensures a deep understanding of cutting-edge advancements, allowing you to explore the intersection of robotics with various disciplines such as math, computer science, and even psychology. 

The program's flexibility allows you to choose research projects that tailor to your specific interests within the realm of robotics, whether it's artificial intelligence, automation, or human-robot interaction. The opportunity to create an individual research paper is invaluable, enabling you to not only deepen your expertise in robotics but also develop critical research and analytical skills. The Lumiere foundation's commitment to providing up to 100% need-based financial aid ensures that this transformative research experience is accessible to a diverse range of students, regardless of their economic background. 

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3. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs

Location: NASA centers across the country

Cost: Free and students will be awarded a stipend 

Application Deadline: May 26 (Fall), August 30 (Spring), October 20 (Summer)

Program Dates: Spring session (Mid January - Early May), Summer session (Late May - August), Fall session (Late August - Mid December)

Eligibility:

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)

• Be a full-time student

• Be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of application 

The NASA OSTEM (Office of STEM Engagement) High School Internship Programs provide a unique platform for high school students to immerse themselves in cutting-edge projects and apply their interest in robotics to real-world challenges within the aerospace industry. 

Participating in NASA OSTEM offers you a chance to cultivate practical skills crucial for a future in computer engineering. You get to work on a diverse range of tasks like designing software systems, optimizing algorithms, and contributing to robotics projects. The experience gained through a NASA OSTEM internship will not only help you develop your technical skills but it will also enhance your college applications. Admissions officers value practical experiences and the unique perspectives gained from working with engineers at NASA. The internship will allow you to show off your commitment to robotics, setting you apart in a competitive pool of applicants.

4. NYU Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

Location: New York University

Cost: Free

Program dates: June 17 - August 9

Application Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: Students living in NYC completing 10th or 11th grade in June 2024

NYU's (ARISE) is an immersive seven-week full-day summer experience for students interested in robotics. ARISE is designed to cultivate students' skills in various STEM disciplines through hands-on work in research labs. The interdisciplinary curriculum spans bio and molecular engineering, chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, AI, and machine learning. 

Through the program, you acquire practical experience and undergo training in expository writing, ensuring you can effectively communicate your research findings. The program culminates  in a professional poster presentation and colloquium where you showcase your work.  One of the distinguishing features of ARISE is the mentorship provided by NYU's research faculty. This mentorship fosters an environment of collaboration, guidance, and innovation, allowing you to work on meaningful research projects that contribute to advancements in your chosen STEM fields.

5. Veritas AI Scholars and Fellowship Program

Location: Virtual
Cost: AI Scholars (10-session bootcamp) - $1,490; AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase (1-1 mentorship) - $4500 (financial aid is available)
Program Dates: Multiple dates throughout the year. Upcoming cohort for the spring starts on March 10, 0224
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Upcoming deadline for the spring cohort is February 25, 2024.
Eligibility: High school students (grade 8-12). For the AI Scholars program, no prior experience is required - just a keen interest in AI. For the AI Fellowship program, applicants need to have prior experience with python or need to complete the AI Scholars program.

Veritas AI is  founded and run by Harvard graduate students. In the AI Scholars bootcamp, students learn the fundamentals of AI, ML, and Python while working on collaborative, real-world projects under the guidance of AI practitioners and researchers. This helps you build the foundations for work in the field of robotics. In the AI Fellowship, students work 1-1 with PhDs from top universities to create a personalized AI model over 12-15 weeks. You can find more information about the programs here and some past projects here.

Veritas AI offers students the opportunity to work on both AI and interdisciplinary projects, including robotics. Students have previously worked on robotics projects that include concepts like reinforcement learning, sensory feedback, and information processing. . This program is a great fit for both beginners and those looking to do a deep dive in AI. 

6. Columbia University's Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) 

Location: Columbia University, NYC
Cost: $4,900 – financial aid available. 

Program Dates: there are two 3-week sessions. Dates are TBA for 2024. But based on previous years - Session 1 – July 5th to July 25th, Session 2 – July 26th to August 15th
Application Deadline: TBA for 2024, usually the priority deadline is January 15th. Applications after the priority deadline can be submitted until April 15th but will have an application fee ($50).
Eligibility: High School Students

SHAPE is a selective pre-college summer program for high school students interested in engineering and robotics. The program has a comprehensive curriculum covering various engineering disciplines where students engage in a range of subjects, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and civil engineering. 

The robotics track tutors students in building a robot – from design and construction to programming. While you don’t need prior coding experience, having some base knowledge of Python and Javascript will be helpful. Through the program,  you have the opportunity to participate in college-level, project based courses, under the guidance of faculty at Columbia. So if you’re interested in engaging with  this level of coursework and possibly attending Colombia, this might be worthwhile for you to try! 

7. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program

Location: Rockefeller University

Cost: Free

Program dates: June 24 - August 4

Application Deadline: January 5

Eligibility: Applicants must be current high school juniors or seniors

The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program is a great program for you if you have an interest in robotics. This  program allows participants to delve into cutting-edge scientific research at one of the world's leading biomedical research institutions.

The program offers a multidisciplinary approach, combining principles from engineering, computer science, and biology. You will have the chance to engage in hands-on research projects that intersect with the realm of robotics, exploring innovative applications in fields such as biomechanics, automation, and artificial intelligence.

The program's collaboration with  faculty members at Rockefeller University ensures that you receive mentorship from experts in both traditional and emerging areas of robotics. Through active participation in laboratory work, students gain practical skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication - essential components for success in robotics and related fields. 

8. NYU Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)

Location: New York University 

Cost: $3500

Program dates: July 5 - August 4

Application Deadline: March 24

Eligibility: 7-12 grade New York residents who are underrepresented or underserved in STEM

The NYU Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) is a great opportunity for you if you have a keen interest in robotics and come from an underrepresented background. This initiative fosters a nurturing and inclusive learning environment, providing you with a platform to delve into STEM fields, specifically robotics.

Throughout the program, you will learn fundamental robotics concepts, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, automation, and the application of robotics in various industries. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on hands-on experiences, allowing you to gain practical skills in coding, robotics manipulation, and system analysis using industry-standard tools. Engaging projects and interactive coursework are designed to simulate real-world scenarios, offering you the chance to apply robotics principles to solve complex problems and innovate in the field.

The program is particularly advantageous for students from underrepresented groups in STEM, since it provides the support and resources needed to excel in robotics and prepares them for future academic and professional opportunities in this field.

If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!

Image Source - SHAPE Logo