If you’re eager to explore a robotics program before applying to college, high school is the perfect time to do so! Robotics is a super lucrative field, and has vast applications, from automating everyday tasks and improving healthcare systems to advancing space exploration and creating innovative solutions that impact daily life.
What are paid robotics programs? Why should I apply as a high schooler?
The paid robotics programs in this blog offer you a chance not only to learn but also to earn, giving you the dual benefit of expanding your skill set while earning a stipend. Paid programs, specifically, offer a stipend and are fully-funded, making them competitive (and prestigious) options to consider while working on building your resume.
Beyond technical growth, these experiences can make your resume stand out and strengthen your college applications, setting you apart in an increasingly competitive field.
We have curated a list of 15 paid robotics programs for high school students below –
1. NASA OSTEM Internships
Location: Virtual / NASA centers across the country
Cost/Stipend: Most opportunities are paid, although they depend on the program
Application Deadline:
- Summer: February 28
- Fall: May 16
Program Dates:
- Spring Session: Mid-January to Early May
- Summer Session: Late May to August
- Fall Session: Late August to Mid-December
Eligibility:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- Be enrolled full-time as a student
- Be at least 16 years old at the time of application
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers various paid robotics internships for high school students, providing hands-on experience in space technology and engineering. Hosted at NASA centers, this program allows you to work alongside research scientists and engineers on projects such as designing robotic servicers for space missions and developing simulation environments for autonomous mobile robots.
Through this internship, you will gain skills in 3D modeling, MATLAB-based simulations, kinematic and dynamic analysis, and autonomous path planning. Additionally, you will deepen your understanding of robotics applications in planetary exploration and satellite servicing, enhancing your technical expertise and career readiness in STEM fields.
2. The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; the student will receive a $750 stipend upon the completion of a successful research project report.
Application Deadline: February 24
Program Dates: June 22 – August 7
Eligibility:
- Be at least 17 years of age by the program start date, and should graduate this year or the next.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University offers a 7-week paid internship where you can conduct independent research under the mentorship of faculty. While there is no specific focus on robotics, you will have the opportunity to work on projects involving engineering, machine learning, and AI applications.
You can explore robotics within the context of computer science, including virtual and augmented reality, big data visualization, and data-intensive computing. Additionally, you can work in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical and Computer Engineering, applying AI and robotics principles to real-world problems.
Through this program, you will develop hands-on experience in AI model development, machine learning, and the integration of robotic systems, preparing you for a career in engineering or AI.
3. Summer High School Internship Program | MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Unspecified, but this is a paid internship experience
Application Deadline: April 16
Program Dates: July 9 – August 15
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizenship
- Local high school rising senior
- Sixteen (16) years of age before start date
- Onsite work arrangement only – Lexington, Massachusetts
The MIT Lincoln Laboratory High School Summer Internship Program offers a paid opportunity for rising seniors in the New England area to gain hands-on experience in STEM fields, with a focus on robotics and engineering. As an intern, you will work alongside laboratory staff on research and development projects, applying technical and problem-solving skills in a professional setting.
The program covers a range of topics, including robotics design, autonomous systems, and technology prototyping, while also providing access to state-of-the-art laboratory resources. By the end of the internship, you will have developed practical engineering skills, strengthened your understanding of research methodologies, and gained insight into STEM careers. Please note, this opportunity is for local students in the New England area.
4. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Various locations
Cost/Stipend: Stipends are:
- New participant: $4,000
- Returning participant: $4,500
Application Deadline: November 1st
Program Dates: 8 weeks from May – August (specific dates depend on location)
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least Grade 9, are currently enrolled in high school. Graduating seniors are eligible to apply, but they must be 16 years of age or older by the internship start date, along with being solely U.S. Citizens
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP), offered by the Department of the Navy (DoN), provides a paid, eight-week summer internship for high school students interested in robotics, engineering, and scientific research. Working in one of over 38 Navy laboratories across the country, you will gain hands-on experience conducting research alongside top scientists and engineers.
The program focuses on developing technical skills in robotics, programming, and mechanical systems while exposing you to real-world applications in naval research and technology. Through mentorship and practical projects, you will enhance your problem-solving abilities, explore STEM career pathways, and gain insight into defense-related research and development.
5. High School Internships | AEOP
Location: Various locations across 25 US states
Cost/Stipend: All research internships are paid
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; specific site deadlines may apply.
Program Dates: Summer Internships are generally 6-10 weeks in May-August, but vary across regions/locations
Eligibility: All participants must be current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. Additional eligibility requirements vary by location.
The AEOP High School Internship, offered by the U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP), provides a paid summer research opportunity in university labs or U.S. Army Research Laboratories and Centers. You will work alongside professional scientists and engineers, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge research in robotics, engineering, and applied sciences.
The program focuses on technical skill development, including working with high-tech equipment, data analysis, and problem-solving in real-world STEM applications. Through mentorship, you will gain insights into research methodologies, STEM career pathways, and the professional lab environment. Additionally, the program offers networking opportunities, career readiness workshops, and ongoing support to help you navigate your academic and professional journey in STEM.
6. Evodyne Robotics – Internship
Location: Evodyne Robotics Academy, Mountain View, CA
Cost/Stipend: Internships are paid
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Program Dates: Internship dates are not mentioned, but they operate throughout the school year and in the summer as well
Eligibility: Students must be a current junior in high school and at least 16 years old and have completed the Genesis Track
The Evodyne Robotics Internship, offered by Evodyne’s Research Lab, provides a paid opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience in robotics research and development. You will work on enhancing existing robotic systems and designing new ones for both educational and advanced research applications.
Key skills developed include CAD modeling using Fusion 360, advanced Python programming, soldering and electronics, web development, and AI/deep learning applications. During the summer, you will also serve as a teaching assistant, applying your knowledge to support younger students. This internship offers practical experience in robotics engineering, problem-solving, and technical communication while contributing to real-world projects in automation and artificial intelligence.
7. Internships – Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
Location: The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, Danville, VA
Cost/Stipend: Interns will receive a stipend, paid semi-monthly
Application Deadline: March 28
Program Dates: June 2 – July 31
Eligibility: Students must be high school graduates
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) offers a paid summer internship program that provides hands-on experience in fields such as robotics, coding, biotechnology, and data analytics. As a Coding and Robotics Intern, you will work on enhancing IALR’s SMART Platform robotic plant imaging system, gaining skills in Python programming, data analysis, 3D printing, and experimental design while applying engineering principles. The internship requires a commitment of 224 hours over eight weeks, with a structured work schedule and professional expectations. This opportunity allows you to engage in applied research, develop technical expertise, and gain exposure to real-world problem-solving in robotics and automation.
8. Pathways Program | Maryland Robotics Center
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost/Stipend: Pathways students participating in MRC research will be supported on an hourly basis for up to 10 hours per week
Application Deadline: Two weeks before the start of the term/semester you are applying in (check program dates below)
Program Dates: Start dates are:
- Fall: August 26
- Winter: January 2
- Spring: January 27
- Summer: June 2
Eligibility: High school students and undergraduates from the University System of Maryland
The Maryland Robotics Center offers the MRC Pathways program, a paid research internship for high school and undergraduate students to work with faculty on robotics projects. Supported in part by the Army Research Laboratory through the ArtIAMAS cooperative agreement, the program focuses on advancing robotics, smart systems, and human-machine collaboration. You will gain hands-on experience in areas such as autonomous navigation, multi-agent systems, AI-enabled decision-making, and cybersecurity for connected platforms.
9. Young Scholars Program (YSP) – Center for STEM Education
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Students will receive a stipend
Application Deadline: February 20
Program Dates: June 23 – July 31
Eligibility: Students must be permanent Massachusetts residents and must live within commuting distance of Northeastern University. Additionally, only students entering 12th grade in the fall following the program (current juniors) are eligible to apply.
Northeastern University’s Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a free summer research internship for rising high school seniors in Massachusetts, offering hands-on experience in university labs within the Colleges of Engineering, Science, and Health Sciences. You will work alongside faculty on projects in areas such as robotics, machine learning, biotechnology, and environmental engineering, gaining technical skills in laboratory research, data analysis, and model simulation.
The program includes seminars on engineering disciplines, career counseling, and field trips to industry and government research sites, providing exposure to real-world applications of STEM fields and insight into college-level research and career pathways.
10. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program
Location: The program is conducted virtually, with in-person opportunities in Greater Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free; most projects offer stipends.
Application Deadline: April 22
Program Dates: ~8 to 12 weeks, usually from May to August, depending on the opportunity
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and live in the United States. Additionally, only WA state students will be eligible unless the project is located out of state
A software engineering internship/mentorship in Bellevue, WA, offers high school students in the Greater Seattle area an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in real-world software development. This paid, eight-week program connects you with industry experts and mentors while working on projects related to web development, infrastructure, content management, and mobile app development for Android and iOS.
You will develop coding, problem-solving, and research skills through independent and collaborative work, with potential research components such as customer usage analysis and competitor product comparison. Basic proficiency in at least one programming language (JavaScript, Java, C++, etc.) is required, and interns are expected to work 40 hours per week with flexible scheduling options.
11. ResearcHStart – UChicago Medicine
Location: University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, Rush University (IL)
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 taxable stipend
Application Deadline: January 20
Program Dates: 8 weeks; starting from the second full week of June through the first week of August
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors (16+), from the Chicago and Urbana-Champaign areas
The ResearcHStart program, offered by the University of Chicago, provides high school students in the Chicago and Urbana-Champaign areas with an opportunity to explore bioengineering and cutting-edge AI applications in cancer research. In this paid internship, you will work full-time in research labs focused on bioengineering, experimental cancer therapeutics, and AI-driven methodologies for cancer analysis.
You will gain hands-on experience with advanced research techniques, including AI algorithms for data analysis, bioinformatics tools, and innovative cancer treatment approaches. Additionally, the program includes career development workshops, faculty lectures, and ongoing mentorship from leading researchers. Through this experience, you will develop a strong foundation in research methodologies and gain practical skills in bioengineering, AI, and cancer therapeutics. The program culminates in a research symposium, and participants receive a taxable stipend of $3,000.
12. Summer Undergraduate & High School Research Internship – Los Alamos National Laboratory
Location: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), NM
Cost/Stipend: Compensation varies according to assignment
Application Deadline: Fall: September 30 } Spring: December 31 } Summer: April 15
Program Dates: Fall/Spring: Interns work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year | Summer: Expected to take place during summer months (exact dates to be announced)
Eligibility: High school seniors located in New Mexico can apply
The High School Internship Program, offered by the Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories, provides New Mexico high school seniors with a hands-on opportunity to explore careers in STEM fields, particularly in nanotechnology and materials science. As an intern, you will work alongside leading scientists in the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT), contributing to cutting-edge research focused on advanced microscopy, nanointegration strategies, and dip-pen nanolithography.
You will develop skills in experimental techniques, such as scanning probe-based methods, quantum dot synthesis, and optical spectroscopy, while gaining exposure to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
13. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program – California Academy of Sciences
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship, exact amount not specified
Application Deadline: April 1
Program Dates: Multi-year, year-round participation
Eligibility: Applicants must
- Be currently enrolled full-time as a 9th or 10th-grade student in an SFUSD school
- Maintain a GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C or higher in science and math
- Be able to obtain a valid US work permit
The Careers in Science program, offered by the California Academy of Sciences, is a multi-year paid internship for high school students from underrepresented communities in STEM, including girls and students of color. Beginning in June as rising sophomores or juniors, you will gain hands-on experience in science through outdoor fieldwork and by facilitating learning experiences for visitors. As you progress, you will develop skills in science communication, leadership, and critical thinking while learning about STEM careers from professionals. You will also engage in science research or environmental action projects, receive mentorship, and have opportunities to present at STEM conferences.
14. HighTech Bound | InterOperability Laboratory, University of New Hampshire
Location: Varied locations according to company placement
Cost/Stipend: Interns are paid at a competitive hourly rate
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: July 7 – August 7
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are U.S. residents
HighTech Bound, offered by the University of New Hampshire’s Interoperability Lab, is a paid summer internship program designed for high school seniors interested in gaining hands-on experience in network technologies. Over four to six weeks, you will work with dedicated mentors on real-world software and hardware projects, using cutting-edge technologies employed by major companies like Apple, Dell, and Cisco.
You will develop technical skills through tasks such as coding, testing, and problem-solving with technologies used in smart devices and internet technologies. By contributing to impactful projects, you will gain expertise in areas such as software development, FPGA design, and network protocols. You will also enhance your understanding of industry practices and expand your professional network while earning high school credit and a stipend.
15. Meta Summer Academy
Location: Menlo Park, CA
Cost/Stipend: Stipend varies year to year
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: June 16 – July 25
Eligibility: High school sophomores with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA who are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City
Meta Summer Academy, offered by Meta, provides high school students with a paid opportunity to gain practical experience in engineering and computer AI models. During the program, you will develop coding skills, work on projects related to AI and machine learning, and learn about the technical processes behind creating and optimizing AI models.
You will also explore careers in engineering, AI research, and related fields while building critical soft skills such as problem-solving, networking, and collaboration. By the end of the program, you will have a deeper understanding of AI technologies and the opportunity to engage with Meta engineers and experts, enhancing both your technical and career readiness for future endeavors in the tech industry.
Bonus Items!
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September)
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.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, robotics, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
2. Veritas AI Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program
The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Through the 8-week internship, students have the opportunity to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. Students work directly with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more.
This program is a great opportunity for students who have prior experience with AI/ML and are looking to gain real-world exposure to a career in the field. Students get a chance to network with industry professionals, work closely with company leadership, and receive a letter of completion from the company at the end of the internship. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
Image source: NASA
