9 Robotics Camps for High School Students
Robotics camps for high school students provide a structured environment where you can develop valuable skills, work on real-world projects, and collaborate with like-minded peers, all while exploring your interests in robotics and technology. Participating in these camps not only fosters creativity and problem-solving skills but also strengthens a student's college application. Admissions committees often look for candidates who show initiative, demonstrate a passion for learning, and have experience with extracurricular programs. Taking part in robotics camps for high school students can set you apart, showcasing your dedication to mastering a complex and in-demand field.
Beyond academics, robotics camps for high school students prepare you for future opportunities by teaching teamwork, critical thinking, and practical applications of STEM concepts. Here is a list of robotics camps for high school students that you can explore!
1. Veritas AI
Cost: Starts from $2,290 (financial aid available)
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: The spring cohort deadline is January 5, 2025
Dates: Varies according to the cohort. The spring cohort starts in March; see here for dates.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students from anywhere in the world
Veritas AI is a program run by Harvard graduates for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. As a participant, you can choose from several programs, including the AI Scholars program and the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. However, to participate in the AI Fellowship program, you should have completed the AI Scholars program or have experience with AI concepts or Python.
The AI Scholars program is a good pick If you want to get started with AI, ML, and data science. It is a 10-session boot camp that introduces you to the fundamentals of AI & data science and gives you the chance to work on real-world projects. The AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program is for more experienced students. It will give you the chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. You will also benefit from the in-house publication team, which will help you secure publications in high school research journals. You can look at some examples of past projects here.
2. BattleBots® Camp: Robotics Engineering with VEX
Cost: Starting at $1,299
Location: iD Tech Camps (on-campus locations vary)
Application Deadline: Rolling (early registration recommended)
Dates: Week-long (8-hour days); specific dates depend on location
Eligibility: Ages 13 – 17; skill level: beginner to advanced
The BattleBots® Camp is a weeklong program that blends engineering craftsmanship with the excitement of competitive robotics in the form of robot battles. With instruction in VEX C++ programming, you will code your bots for optimal performance. Each day presents new challenges as you refine both hardware and software to outperform your peers’ robots.
This hands-on experience offers practical insights into robotics engineering and an adrenaline-pumping chance to compete. It’s ideal for all skill levels and combines creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork in an engaging and interactive environment.
3. Camp Tech Revolution® – UCLA
Cost: $949
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA. The camp is also held across various locations in the U.S. and happens virtually as well.
Application Deadline: Rolling (early registration recommended)
Dates: June 9 – August 22, 2025
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 6 – 16
Camp Tech Revolution® at UCLA, the world’s #1 tech camp offers a STEM summer camp experience for kids and teens. Developed by graduates of Harvard, Columbia, and UCLA, the camp’s mission is to provide world-class STEM education in a fun, engaging environment that prepares students for future success.
This robotics camp for high school students offers hands-on, experiential learning in fields, such as coding, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, game design, and more. With a student-focused curriculum tailored to different experience levels, from novice to advanced, you will gain valuable tech skills. You will also get a taste of college life by dining at UCLA’s student union and enjoying outdoor activities on the campus's green spaces. With a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:4 to 1:8, the camp ensures personalized attention and a premier experience.
4. Playto Labs Robotics Summer Camp for Kids
Cost: $800 – $1,000 (includes robotics kit and live 1:1 classes)
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: Throughout the summer (7 – 8 months)
Eligibility: Students aged 8 – 16
The Playto Labs Robotics Summer Camp offers a comprehensive online program focused on robotics, coding, and STEM education. The camp includes live 1:1 classes spread over 7 – 8 months, providing personalized mentorship and instruction. As a participant, you will receive a robotics kit, enabling you to engage in hands-on projects that involve building, programming, and testing robots.
The program fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills while boosting confidence in creating real-world projects. As a multi-disciplinary program combining science, technology, engineering, and design, it will help you develop a scientific temper and increase your interest in STEM-related school subjects.
Cost: Free (includes snacks and lunch)
Location: San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Application Deadline: Opens March 2025
Dates: 1 week during summer (dates to be announced)
Eligibility: Students in grades 8 – 12 (requires a teacher recommendation form)
Hosted by the SDSU Systems and Intelligence (SMILE) Lab and SDSU Talent Search, the Robotics Camp is a week-long summer program for middle and high school students in San Diego. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the SDSU College of Engineering, the U.S. Department of Education, and Drone Legends, this program is free for all participants.
The camp will introduce you to coding and robotics through hands-on activities and practice with tools like Scratch, drones, and MBot Mega. You will also enjoy STEM lab sessions, tours of the SDSU campus, and engaging guest speaker sessions. This experience not only enhances your skills in robotics and STEM but also bolsters your college applications and resumes.
6. Embry Riddle Robotics & Autonomous Systems Summer Camp
Cost: $1,000 (early discount of $25 for registration by April 3, 2025; $30 non-refundable registration fee required)
Location: Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
Application Deadline: Rolling (registration opens January 8, 2025)
Dates: July 20 – 25, 2025
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 – 18 (additional application requirements for international students)
The Robotics & Autonomous Systems Summer Camp offers high school students a hands-on opportunity to explore the dynamic field of robotics and autonomous systems. For over a week, you will collaborate with Embry‑Riddle faculty and collegiate robotics competition teams to design, build, program, and test autonomous robots. The camp introduces key concepts in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, equipping you with foundational skills and knowledge for future studies in engineering and robotics. The program also emphasizes practical learning, ensuring you actively engage in the engineering process while developing innovative solutions.
Tuition includes supervised housing, on-campus meals, classroom instruction, and all necessary books and materials. For international students, additional steps, such as submitting the International Student Affidavit of Financial Support, are required.
Cost: Varies by program (grant-funded programming available)
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Application Deadline: Rolling (early registration recommended)
Dates: Specific dates depend on the location
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 12
Drobots Summer Camps offer an incredible array of STEM and STEAM programs that provide hands-on learning in cutting-edge fields like robotics, drones, coding, game design, AI, AR/VR, entrepreneurship, and more. Whether you're a budding engineer, coder, or drone enthusiast, there's a program tailored to your interests and experience level.
For younger students, beginner-friendly tools such as Scratch and Blockly introduce the fundamentals of coding, while older and more advanced participants can master professional-grade languages and platforms like Python, Lua (Roblox), JavaScript, Unity (C#), Arduino, Unreal Engine, and Swift Playgrounds.
Drobots also features specialized programs in areas, such as LEGO Robotics, 3D Printing, Drone Racing, Aerial Mapping, and Autonomous Flight, where you can explore search-and-rescue missions, obstacle course racing, and creative drone applications. Campers gain valuable technical skills, build self-confidence, and foster creativity in a safe and supportive environment.
8. Salem Academy Robotics Camp
Cost: TBD (non-refundable $50 deposit required to secure a spot)
Location: Babcock Hall, Salem Academy, and College Campus
Application Deadline: TBA in January
Dates: Dates to be announced
Eligibility: Open to high school students (specific age/grade eligibility details forthcoming)
The Salem Academy Robotics Camp offers a dynamic, weeklong experience for students passionate about robotics and STEM. Held on the Salem Academy and College campus, this robotics camp for high school students combines hands-on robotics activities with engaging instruction to inspire innovation and learning. With a 7:1 camper-to-counselor ratio, you will benefit from personalized guidance as you explore the principles of robotics and engineering.
Cost: $850
Location: Arizona State University (ASU)
Application Deadline: June (tentatively)
Dates: July 2025 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Middle school and high school students
ASU's Robotics Camp offers an immersive and innovative experience for middle and high school students with a passion for science and engineering. Led by expert instructors in computer science and engineering, the camp introduces you to component-based robot construction and programming, emphasizing the latest engineering concepts and technologies.
As a participant, you will work in teams to design, build, and program your own robot, gaining hands-on experience and developing collaborative skills. The program culminates in an exciting robotics challenge, allowing you to test and showcase your creations.
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to 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 AI & ML with us. You can apply here!
Tyler Moulton is Head of Academics and Veritas AI Partnerships with 6 years of experience in education consulting, teaching, and astronomy research at Harvard and the University of Cambridge, where they developed a passion for machine learning and artificial intelligence. Tyler is passionate about connecting high-achieving students to advanced AI techniques and helping them build independent, real-world projects in the field of AI!
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