15 Summer Robotics Internships for High School Students
For high school students interested in robotics, an internship can be a great way to work on practical projects in the field. Internships help you develop technical and professional skills, clarify career interests, and gain exposure to how different industries operate. Completing an internship in high school can enhance your college applications by showing practical experience, curiosity, and a commitment to learning beyond the classroom. This experience allows you to test out a career path before committing to a college major, providing the clarity you need to make informed academic decisions. You’ll also build a network of mentors who can answer your questions about robotics and give you solid letters of recommendation for future opportunities.
Why should I do a robotics internship in high school?
For students who want to learn more about robotics, engineering, and emerging technologies, internships offer an opportunity to work with hardware, software, and problem-solving tools. Beyond developing technical skills in C++, Python, or CAD, you will gain experience in the iterative design process, learning to troubleshoot system failures under the guidance of professional mentors. These programs also serve as a signal for elite universities, as they demonstrate your ability to contribute to graduate-level research or industrial projects.
With this in mind, we’ve curated a list of the 15 best summer robotics internships available to high school students.
1. Yale Social Robotics Lab High School Internship
Location: New Haven, CT
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive; typically 2 to 5 high school students per summer
Dates: 6 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: Typically, March
Eligibility: High school students entering junior or senior year who will be at least 16 years old at the start of the internship
This summer internship is designed for students interested in the intersection of robotics and human behavior. Over six weeks, you contribute to ongoing projects at Yale’s Social Robotics Lab, working closely with researchers, graduate students, and lab staff. You are guided by a lead scientist and gain exposure to how robots are designed to interact socially with people. The program emphasizes learning through participation, allowing you to deepen your understanding of robotics concepts by applying them in real research settings. Overall, the experience blends structured training with hands-on experimentation in an academic lab environment.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Financial aid available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder Internship program allows you to dive into the world of high-growth startups for eight weeks, including those related to deep tech and autonomous robotics. You will collaborate on real-world projects at companies backed by Y Combinator and led by veterans from tech giants like Google and Meta. Whether you are optimizing a robot’s navigation system or refining machine learning models, you’ll work closely with professional managers and a dedicated coach to drive impact. The experience culminates in a formal presentation of your technical contributions to the company's founders. It is a unique chance to sharpen your engineering skills while gaining professional exposure to the startup ecosystem. Apply now!
3. Lockheed Martin HS Internship
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Stipend: Paid, amount not publicly disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; typically, 5–15 students
Dates: 9 to 10 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: December 19
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students who live within a commutable distance of the Lockheed facility and are 16+ at the internship’s start
In the Lockheed Martin High School Internship, you’ll step into one of the world’s most advanced engineering environments where you will explore high-level topics such as autonomous flight controls, sensor integration, and machine learning for defect classification. You will work on tasks such as writing code for mission systems in Python or C++, assisting with the assembly of electrical cable harnesses, and using 3D modeling software like Creo or AutoCAD to design hardware parts. By the time you finish, you will have developed professional-grade skills in systems engineering and technical troubleshooting, all while gaining a clear view of how large-scale robotics supports national security.
4. NYU Tandon Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering — Brooklyn, NY, USA
Stipend: $1,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~60 students
Dates: June 1 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: NYC residents in 10th or 11th grade attending NYC schools
Through NYU’s 10-week ARISE program, you’ll transition from foundational STEM workshops into high-level research within specialized faculty labs, including those focused on advanced robotics and computer science. After learning essential research methodologies and lab safety, you will collaborate with graduate mentors on authentic, ongoing projects. You will program autonomous systems or design robotic components alongside experts. The experience integrates professional development through career panels and peer collaboration, culminating in a formal symposium where you present your findings. By the end, you’ll have gained sophisticated technical skills and a professional network within the robotics field.
5. Sandia National Laboratories Internships
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico (and other U.S. Sandia sites)
Stipend: $17.75 – $19/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Summer internships: 10–12 weeks between May and late August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are enrolled as a full-time high school student and at least 16 years old, having a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 (for high school students applying for Research and Development, Technical, or Business positions, more details here)
At Sandia National Laboratories, you’ll spend your summer as part of a high-impact research team, applying your engineering and coding skills to critical national security projects. By collaborating with professional mentors at sites like New Mexico, you will learn about the mechanics of robotics, focusing on autonomous navigation, sensor calibration, and system reliability. You will actively troubleshoot hardware and analyze complex datasets to solve real-world technical hurdles. Beyond the lab bench, specialized workshops help you bridge the gap between classroom theory and professional practice. The program's unique features focus on interdisciplinary teamwork and technical communication, ensuring you leave with the practical experience and professional network needed to excel in a future robotics or research career.
6. Evodyne Robotics Internship Program
Location: Evodyne Robotics Academy, Mountain View, CA, and virtual
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~8–10 students per year
Dates: June – August (Summer)
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who have completed the Genesis Track and are at least 16 years old
The Evodyne Robotics Internship focuses on hands-on engineering and collaborative problem-solving. You will work in Evodyne’s research lab, contributing to the development and improvement of robotic systems used in education and advanced research. You gain experience designing, building, and testing robots while learning core technical skills. In addition to lab work, you support younger students as teaching assistants, drawing on their familiarity with the robotics platform. The program offers in-depth exposure to areas such as 3D modeling, additive manufacturing, AI, computer vision, and mechatronics. This internship is ideal for students who enjoy building and iterating on complex systems.
7. STEM@GTRI High School Summer Internship
Location: GTRI labs in Atlanta (Main Campus), Smyrna (Cobb County), or Warner Robins, GA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 60–75 students annually
Dates: June 8 – July 17
Application Deadline: January 18
Eligibility: Georgia high school residents age 16+ by January 18; U.S. citizenship/U.S. Person status required
In this internship, you’ll join a high-stakes research environment where robotics is applied to solve complex problems in defense, agriculture, and public health. You’ll engage in activities like using SolidWorks for 3D modeling, writing control logic for Raspberry Pi systems, and testing custom-built robotic end effectors. The curriculum covers a broad range of technical topics, including autonomous intelligent systems, drone flight dynamics, and rapid prototyping using advanced fabrication tools. What makes this program unique is its "mission-driven" focus, allowing you to contribute to real-world GTRI projects like poultry-processing robots or assistive medical devices for special needs education. By working alongside professional research engineers, you’ll sharpen your technical skills in Python and CAD.
8. Maryland Robotics Center Pathways Program
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; varies by lab capacity
Dates: Summer: Session I & I-A: June 1 – 18; Session I & I-B: June 22 – July 10; Session II & II-C: July 13 – 31; Session I–D: August 3 – 21
Application deadline: Two weeks before the semester start date
Eligibility: All high school students
The MRC Pathways Program offers paid research internships that introduce students to academic and applied robotics. You work under the guidance of faculty mentors and gain experience in both technical and collaborative skills. Program activities include coding, prototyping, and learning how sensors, algorithms, and perception systems are used in robotics. You also develop communication and teamwork skills through group work and research tasks. A distinctive feature of the program is exposure beyond the lab, including visits to industry sites and research facilities. These experiences help you understand current trends and career pathways within the robotics field.
9. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) – ASPIRE Program
Location: Laurel, MD (on-site; no virtual or residential option for summer)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~200 students placed per summer
Dates: June 23 – August 21
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 15 years old at the program start date, have a minimum 2.8 GPA, and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
In the ASPIRE Robotics and Control placement, you’ll join a professional research environment where you tackle high-level challenges like autonomous navigation, sensor fusion, and human-robot interaction. You will be paired with an expert mentor to work on topics ranging from the dynamics of uncrewed vehicles to the development of intelligent control systems for defense or space exploration. Throughout the program, you will actively engage in tasks such as writing code in Python or C++, building hardware prototypes, and running simulations to test how robots react to real-world signals. By the end of the summer, you will have sharpened your technical skills in ROS and machine learning.
10. MITES Summer
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; around 60 students
Dates: Late June – Early August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
In this six-week residential program at MIT, you will tackle a university-level workload consisting of core classes in physics, math, and life sciences alongside humanities. Your experience centers on a project-based elective where you can specialize in areas like Machine Learning, Engineering Design, or Electronics, the building blocks for modern robotics. Beyond the classroom, you will explore MIT research labs, participate in professional workshops, and receive dedicated college admissions coaching. The program concludes with a formal written evaluation of your performance, which serves as a supplement for your university applications. It is an immersive opportunity to develop technical engineering skills while living on campus.
11. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA (virtual options are available)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~20 students per specific course
Dates: July 8 – August 4
Application Deadline: Typically, in March
Eligibility: High school juniors (11th grade) attending school in the U.S.
The Beaver Works Summer Institute is a four-week program built around project-based STEM courses. You can choose from specialized workshops, including several options related to robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems. Coursework emphasizes applied learning, with you using tools like Python to work with data, simulations, and real-world problem sets. For example, disaster response courses combine geospatial analysis, remote sensing, and machine learning applications. The program is fast-paced and collaborative, encouraging students to solve complex challenges in team settings. BWSI is known for its rigorous curriculum and strong peer learning environment.
12. Northeastern Young Scholars (YSP)
Location: Northeastern University’s Boston Campus, MA
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 25–30 students
Dates: June 22 – July 30
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (must have completed 11th grade); Massachusetts residents within commuting distance of Boston; U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents only
In the Northeastern Young Scholars Program, you’ll explore the world of professional engineering research, where robotics is used to tackle high-tech challenges in medical devices and autonomous navigation. You will be matched with a university mentor to explore topics such as mechatronics, control systems, and human-machine interaction within state-of-the-art labs like the Institute for Experiential Robotics. During the six-week session, you will assemble 3D-printed robotic arms, program microcontrollers, and design printed circuit boards to test your prototypes. By participating, you’ll master practical skills in technical troubleshooting and CAD while gaining a clear advantage in navigating the college application process and future STEM careers.
13. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (LLP)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; 15–20 students
Dates: 5 to 6-week research experience in the summer
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students who are enrolled in a local NJ high school, are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and are at least 16 years old by June 15
In the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program, you will join a full-time research environment where you contribute to high-level robotics and engineering projects alongside world-class faculty. Your experience revolves around topics like autonomous navigation, multi-robot swarm control, and the integration of machine learning into robotic safety protocols. Through the program, you will write control algorithms in Python, conduct experimental trials with drones or legged robots, and perform rigorous data analysis to validate your findings. By the time you complete your final research report, you will have learnt professional lab techniques and sharpened your ability to solve open-ended technical challenges in a graduate-level setting.
14. Stanford SHTEM Summer Internships for High School Students
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $50 application fee; need-based fee waivers are available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive; 60 students
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Typically, March
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who will be at least 14 years old by June 1
In the Stanford SHTEM internship, you’ll explore the intersection of technology and the human element by contributing to robotics and autonomous systems research. You will work in teams to tackle topics like human-robot interaction, nonverbal communication between people and machines, and the ethics of artificial intelligence. Throughout the eight-week program, you will engage in activities such as conducting literature reviews, writing code for data analysis, and developing final presentations or research papers that may even reach professional conferences. A unique feature of this program is its "SHTEM" philosophy, which intentionally blends the humanities with engineering to ensure technical solutions remain human-centered.
15. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $75 non-refundable application fee that can be waived / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 3–5% acceptance; approximately 100 students
Dates: June 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: December 10
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are 16 years old by the start of the program; additional requirements can be viewed here
At the Research Science Institute, you explore high-level robotics and STEM research through a rigorous six-week program at MIT. You will begin with intensive seminars before spending five weeks in advanced labs, where you might develop autonomous algorithms or design complex mechanical systems under expert mentorship. Working alongside top-tier professors, you will tackle original research projects that address real-world engineering challenges. The program concludes with you defending your technical findings through professional, conference-style presentations to a panel of scientists. This unique experience bridges the gap between classroom theory and practical robotic innovation, equipping you with the specialized skills needed for a career in modern scientific inquiry.
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