Summer programs for high school students are a great way to dive into the world of robotics. These programs not only provide you with an understanding of the basic principles of robotics and engineering, but also offer hands-on experience in designing, programming, and testing robots.
Here are 12 robotics summer programs that will give high school students a head start in this exciting field!
12 Robotics Summer Programs for High School Students in 2024-2025
1. Horizon
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Cost: Not Available
Deadline: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort
Program Dates:
- Summer seminar - June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024
- Fall seminar - October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program gives you the chance to dive into advanced, personalized research in fields like robotics, guided by expert Ph.D. mentors. This program emphasizes depth, allowing you to explore specialized topics such as machine learning algorithms, sensor integration, and robotic automation. Tailored to your interests and experience level, it helps you develop critical thinking, data analysis, and research methodology skills. Completing a project that can earn UCSD Extended Studies credit gives you an edge for college applications and sets a strong foundation for a future in robotics.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program [Individual Research Program ($2,990), Premium Research & Publication Program ($5,900), the Research Fellowship ($8,900), Professor Premium Publication Program ($8,900)].
Deadline: Varies by cohort
Program Dates: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school; demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (3.3 GPA or higher)
3. Veritas AI
Veritas AI offers high school students a chance to learn about artificial intelligence, with a focus on real-world applications like robotics. You will work with mentors from Ivy League and MIT students and engage in hands-on projects covering machine learning, neural networks, and predictive modeling. The program also teaches you how to apply AI to robotic control systems and automation, giving you foundational knowledge for college-level robotics studies.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program:
- $2,290 for the AI Scholars program (10-week bootcamp)
- $5,400 for the AI Fellowship (12–15 weeks research program)
- $6,900 for both the AI Scholars and Fellowship program
Deadline: Rolling basis
Program Dates: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with ambition!
The Ladder Internship is a competitive program for high school students to gain hands-on experience with innovative startups in fields like technology, machine learning, finance, sustainability, healthcare, media, and more. As a Ladder Intern, you’ll work on a real-world project and present your work at the program’s close, providing you with tangible achievements for your portfolio.
You will be paired with both a manager from your startup and a dedicated Ladder Coach. This dual-mentorship model guides you on both technical skills and career insights, helping you navigate the startup environment more effectively.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490 (Financial Aid Available)
Deadline: Rolling basis
Program Dates: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
The MITES Summer Program at MIT offers a residential experience for rising high school seniors focused on advancing STEM knowledge. You will take courses in subjects like calculus, physics, and engineering, along with hands-on lab and project work that develop problem-solving and analytical skills. The program prepares you for advanced STEM study, with a foundation in fields relevant to engineering and robotics. Admission is competitive and emphasizes a commitment to STEM and academic excellence.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost: Free
Deadline: February 1, 2025
Program Dates: Program begins in mid-June and runs for six weeks
Eligibility: US citizens in their junior year of high school.
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) at Northeastern University offers high school students a hands-on research experience in STEM, with a focus on robotics. You’ll work directly with faculty on lab projects, developing skills in engineering principles, data analysis, and advanced problem-solving—key skills for robotics. The program provides a practical understanding of robotics applications and prepares you for future studies and careers in technology and engineering.
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
Cost: Free
Deadline: March 1, 2025
Program Dates: June 23, 2025 – July 31, 2025
Eligibility: Permanent Massachusetts residents who live within a driving distance of Northeastern University; rising 12th graders only.
The UT Austin Robotics and Autonomous Systems Academy offers high school students a hands-on, project-based learning experience in robotics. You’ll explore core topics such as programming, sensor integration, and autonomous systems design. Through lectures, labs, and collaborative projects, you’ll gain practical insights into robotics, covering everything from basic movement mechanics to advanced autonomous navigation. This academy is ideal for students seeking to build foundational skills in robotics, engineering, and computer science.
Location: UT Austin, Austin, Texas
Cost: $2,100
Deadline: N/A
Program Dates: June 16-21 & June 23-28 (based on 2024 dates)
Eligibility: Students entering 9th-12th grades
Saint Louis University’s Robotics Summer Academy provides high school students with a structured introduction to robotics, focusing on robot design, sensor integration, and programming. You’ll engage in lab-based learning, where you will build, program, and test robots. This hands-on experience allows you to tackle real-world engineering challenges and gain knowledge of foundational robotic systems. The program emphasizes both technical skills and problem-solving, preparing you for advanced studies in robotics or related engineering fields.
Location: St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
Cost: $650
Deadline: End of April (based on previous years)
Program Dates: Mid-June (based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students in 9th-12th grades
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Engineering Summer Program (ESP) is designed for high school students interested in exploring engineering fields. It offers a one-week virtual option and a three-week residential option, providing flexible learning opportunities. You’ll participate in rigorous coursework, hands-on labs, and collaborative projects across various engineering disciplines. The program includes mentorship and support from faculty and current engineering students, emphasizing technical skill development and academic preparation. ESP is especially beneficial for students from backgrounds underrepresented in engineering.
Location: University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin or Virtual
Cost: Free
Deadline: N/A
Program Dates: June 24 – 27 (for virtual option); July 13 – August 2 (for in person option) (based on 2024 dates)
Eligibility: 9th and 10th graders (for virtual option); 11th and 12th graders (for in person option)
The Tufts Engineering Design Lab is a great fit for high school students interested in robotics. It focuses on the engineering design process, prototyping, and problem-solving, which are essential skills for robotics innovation. Through hands-on projects that address real-world challenges, you’ll work with key design and engineering principles under faculty guidance. The program helps you develop technical skills in both hardware and systems thinking, providing a strong foundation for future studies or careers in robotics.
Location: Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
Cost: $4,000 (commuter); $5,500 (residential); $200 (materials)
Deadline: May 1, 2025
Program Dates: Dates have not been released for 2025
Eligibility: Students must be between 10th and 12th grade or 2025 high school graduates.
Embry-Riddle’s Robotics and Autonomous Systems Camp offers high school students hands-on experience in robotics engineering. You’ll work on robot design, programming, and autonomous systems through project-based learning. The camp covers key topics such as sensor integration, control systems, and machine learning applications, all essential for robotics and automation. With guidance from Embry-Riddle faculty, the camp provides a practical foundation in robotics principles, preparing you for future academic and career opportunities in engineering.
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
Cost: $1,000
Deadline: Registration begins on January 11; No deadline is listed on the website.
Program Dates: July 21-26 (based on 2024 deadlines)
Eligibility: Students aged between 15-18.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Frontiers Program provides high school students with hands-on exploration in STEM fields. You’ll engage in academic coursework and real-world applications, with specialized tracks in robotics, engineering, and computer science. Through lab projects, problem-solving exercises, and collaborative workshops, you’ll work under the guidance of WPI faculty and researchers. This program is ideal for students who want to deepen their knowledge and experience college-level research and innovation.
Location: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts
Cost: $4,495
Deadline: April 30, 2025
Program Dates: July 6 - 18, 2025 or July 20 - August 1, 2025
Eligibility: Students between 10th and 12th grade
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.