If you’re a high school student fascinated by computer science, electrical engineering, or artificial intelligence, robotics programs can be an exciting way to explore these fields while building practical skills. Depending on the program, you might program robots by using Python, Java, or C++, work with microcontrollers such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi, and design custom robot components using CAD software and 3D printers. You might also wire circuits, test motors, troubleshoot code, and improve how a robot moves and responds to its environment. Many robotics programs introduce you to cutting-edge concepts such as automation, computer vision, machine learning, sensor integration, and mechanical engineering. Some robotics programs also include competitions or research-based projects where you work in teams to solve engineering problems under real design constraints.
Why should you choose a program in New Jersey?
New Jersey is a good place to explore robotics because it is home to strong engineering and technology communities, and is located near major research and innovation hubs such as New York City and Philadelphia. You can benefit from the presence of universities such as Princeton University and New Jersey Institute of Technology, both known for their engineering and computer science programs. The state also has a growing tech and healthcare industry, where robotics is increasingly used in areas such as automation, medical technology, and AI systems. Such experiences can help you build valuable technical skills while gaining hands-on experience that can strengthen your resume and college applications.
Here are 15 robotics programs for high school students in New Jersey.
If you’re looking for research programs for high school students in New Jersey, you can find them here. You can also check out online robotics programs and internships here.
15 Robotics Programs for High School Students in New Jersey
1. Stevens Institute of Technology Summer Residential Program — Robots, Humans, and AI: From Past Visions to Future Stories
Location: Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ
Cost: $4,950; a limited number of need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: July 19 – 31
Application Deadline: March 16 (priority deadline) | June 1 (final deadline)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors
Stevens Institute of Technology’s pre-college residential programs let you explore the broader social and ethical questions surrounding robotics and artificial intelligence. The Robots, Humans, and AI: From Past Visions to Future Stories course examines how people have viewed robots and cyborgs from ancient history to today’s rapidly evolving AI technologies. You’ll investigate topics such as transhumanism, engineered sentience, autonomous humanoid robots, and enhanced humans, and explore both optimistic and critical perspectives on the future of technology. The course also examines how technology, ethics, philosophy, and capitalism shape discussions of robotics and AI. You will thus learn to think critically about the relationship between humans and machines and how robotics could influence society in the future.
2. Rowan University’s STEAM Academy — Navigators & Pathfinders
Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Cost: $2,600–$3,900 (Navigators) | $4,300 (Pathfinders)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 90–120 students
Dates: July 5 – 17
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders with a GPA of 3.0 or higher can apply to the Navigators program, while the Pathfinders program requires a GPA of 3.5 or higher
Rowan University STEAM Academy gives high school students the opportunity to experience college-level learning in STEM and the arts, taught by Rowan faculty. Students interested in robotics can choose from two summer pathways. In the Navigators program, you take an accredited Rowan course each morning and spend afternoons in workshops on career planning, leadership, conflict resolution, and test preparation, with optional weekend trips and community activities. The two-week Pathfinders program is designed for high-achieving students interested in research and scholar-leader development. If you are interested in robotics, both programs include the Engineers of the Future course, which explores multidisciplinary engineering problems and robotic applications. Pathfinders students can also work with faculty on research in areas such as soft robotics. Courses such as Java Development can also help you strengthen your programming, algorithms, and software skills, which are important for designing and operating robotics systems.
3. NJIT’s Summer Early College Preparatory Programs — Robotics Track
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ
Cost: $1,525 tuition + $70 non-refundable application fee; limited scholarships are available for students from historically underserved and underrepresented backgrounds
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohort size
Dates: July 6 – August 6
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines; January 22, February 26, April 2, and May 7
Eligibility: Students completing grades 8 and 9 are eligible for the Robotics track
NJIT’s Summer Early College Preparatory Programs give high school students an introduction to STEM fields, while preparing them for future studies and careers in STEM. The program includes eight themed tracks, including a dedicated robotics track, as well as an all-girls FEMME option to encourage students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a supportive environment. Each track combines STEM subjects, computer science, language arts, mathematics, and recreation for a balanced learning experience. If you are interested in robotics, the Robotics track introduces you to computational thinking, coding, and problem-solving through real-world, project-based activities. You’ll use the VEX V5 Robotics platform to learn robotic movement, programming concepts, and sensor feedback. As the program progresses, you’ll also learn how to build more advanced robotic programs and explore concepts such as patterns, logic, and structured problem-solving used in robotics systems.
4. The Governor’s School of New Jersey in Engineering & Technology (GSET)
Location: Rutgers University School of Engineering, Piscataway, NJ
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Fewer than 100 students are accepted each year, usually between 62 and 90
Dates: July 6 – 31
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: New Jersey high school juniors who are nominated by their schools before applying are eligible. Applications must be submitted in the fall of junior year, and the program takes place the following summer
The Governor’s School of New Jersey in Engineering and Technology at Rutgers School of Engineering is a residential program for high school students in New Jersey that focuses on robotics and engineering. You’ll take four courses, including required classes in Physics and Robotics, along with electives such as Introductory Electronics for Robotics, Materials Science, RC Flight, Game Design, and Micro and Nanofabrication. In the robotics course, you’ll work in teams to design and build robots using LEGO Mindstorms kits and sensors. Projects may involve challenges such as maze navigation using vision recognition and artificial intelligence, with many activities leading to competitions such as Robot Soccer. Beyond the classroom, you’ll visit companies, attend workshops, collaborate on team research projects, write papers, and present your work at a final symposium. You may also get to participate in cutting-edge robotics research projects involving autonomous robots and bipedal walking robots.
5. Rutgers University’s Design, Invent & Prototype Academy
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick campus, NJ
Cost: $2,899 (Residential)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25–30 students
Dates: July 26 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 24 (Domestic Students) | April 12 (International Students)
Eligibility: High school students finishing sophomore or junior year who are 16–18 years old, have English proficiency, and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA
The Design, Invent, and Prototype Summer Academy at Rutgers University introduces high school students to the engineering design process through hands-on innovation and fabrication. The program will guide you through the complete engineering design process, from idea development to building real prototypes using Rutgers Makerspace tools, including laser cutters, 3D printers, and other rapid prototyping equipment. As you build functional prototypes and explore concepts, you’ll develop practical skills used in robotic structures and components, such as mechanical design, fabrication, and testing physical systems. At the end of the program, you’ll present your project in a Shark Tank-style pitch that will explain the problem, design process, and fabrication journey. Overall, the program will help you build confidence in design, innovation, and collaborative engineering.
6. NJIT’s Saturday Morning STEM (SMS) High School Sessions — Robotics
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ
Cost: $399
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohort size
Dates: January 10 – February 7 (Winter) | March 28 – May 2 (Spring)
Application Deadline: December 19 (Winter) | March 12 (Spring)
Eligibility: High school students
Saturday Morning STEM is a five-class series that introduces high school students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through practical learning experiences. If you are interested in robotics, the High School Robotics program gives you the opportunity to explore the rapidly growing fields of assistive robotics and brain-computer interface technology using NeuroMaker. You’ll learn the basics of assistive technology and take part in workshops where you’ll build a robotic hand and explore BCI headbands. You’ll also work on team projects to combine the robotic hand with brain-computer interface systems and develop creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The program ends with final project presentations, where teams showcase their projects and explain how assistive robotics and BCI technology can improve accessibility and communication for people with different needs. Along the way, you’ll gain both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience working with innovative robotics technologies.
7. Seton Hall University’s Pre-College Summer Courses — Engineering Pathways: Robotics, Electronics & Green Technologies
Location: Seton Hall University, South Orange campus or Interprofessional Health Sciences Campus, Nutley, NJ
Cost: $25–$1,200; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Classes usually have around 20 students
Dates: Courses of varying lengths run between July 13 and July 24
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students
Seton Hall University offers college-prep courses for high school students in areas such as accounting, robotics, business, health sciences, mechanics, investing, sports media, and SAT or ACT preparation. Classes are available for credit or non-credit and can be taken as half-day or full-day sessions across Seton Hall’s two campuses. If you are interested in robotics, the Engineering Pathways: Robotics, Electronics, and Green Technologies course through Giant Leap STEM Academy introduces you to robotics, electronics, mechanics, climate, weather, and sustainability through hands-on STEM experiences. During the program, you’ll build electronics projects, troubleshoot hardware systems; and design, assemble, and program mechanical systems to complete team challenges. The course also explores green technologies and mechanics connected to climate science and helps you develop hands-on engineering and robotics skills.
8. Rutgers University’s SLAAM Engineering Summer Academy
Location: Rutgers University School of Engineering Busch Campus, Piscataway, NJ
Cost: $875 for the two-week session
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 6 –17
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students entering grades 9–12 in the fall, including graduating seniors
SLAAM at Rutgers University is a selective non-residential summer program designed for academically strong high school students interested in science, engineering, and research. The program focuses on applied work and research in mechanical and aerospace engineering with guidance from Rutgers faculty and graduate mentors. You’ll take part in hands-on projects involving generative AI, thermal systems, airflow and aerodynamics, nanocoatings, and autonomous systems, such as an autonomous foosball table. If you are interested in robotics, you’ll gain experience with Python, AI-assisted coding, physics, and mechanical engineering systems, while designing and simulating 2D robots and solving engineering problems. The program also includes collaborative projects, coding activities, and real-world engineering applications that demonstrate how robotics, automation, and mechanical system design intersect with each other.
9. NJIT’s Summer STEMx Residency
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ
Cost: $3,600 tuition + $70 non-refundable application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited cohort size
Dates: July 5 – 10 | July 12 – 17 | July 19 – 24
Application Deadline: April 27
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th graders with at least a B average can apply if they submit a personal statement and a recommendation letter from a math teacher
NJIT’s STEMx Residency High School Program is a three-week residential program for 10th and 11th-graders interested in exploring advanced STEM learning. During the program, you’ll stay on campus from Sunday to Friday and learn from NJIT faculty in subjects such as Applied Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Sustainable Engineering and the Environment. If you are interested in robotics, the Applied Engineering Technology course gives you hands-on experience with mechanical systems, 3D printing, electronics, IoT applications, and lab safety. You can also explore robotics-related concepts through other courses in the program. The Sustainable Engineering course can help you see how robotics and automation improve energy efficiency and environmental outcomes. The Artificial Intelligence course allows you to explore how autonomous systems perceive and respond to their surroundings.
10. Montclair State University’s Pre-College Summer Program — AI and Engineering Summer Lab
Location: Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
Cost: $1,900 / program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Last year, around 250 students participated in the program
Dates: July 12 – 18 | July 26 – August 1
Application Deadline: Applications open on November 25; rolling admissions
Eligibility: Current 9th–11th grade students can apply by submitting an academic transcript and a short personal statement
Montclair State University Pre-College Summer Program gives high school students the opportunity to explore college life through two one-week sessions covering a wide range of subjects, including engineering, animation, AI, fashion, film, business, law, psychology, sports communication, and pre-med. Classes run daily from morning to late afternoon, and each program includes at least one field trip with professionals working on the ground. If you are interested in robotics, the AI and Engineering Summer Lab introduces you to artificial intelligence, embedded systems, deep learning, and robotics engineering through hands-on activities and projects. You’ll learn Python and C programming as well as work with Raspberry Pi devices, cameras, microcontrollers, and sensors to build intelligent systems that sense, learn, and respond to their surroundings. You’ll also explore machine learning and neural networks, and present a final AI-powered engineering prototype, thereby gaining experience with both the technical and creative aspects of designing intelligent systems.
11. Princeton University’s Laboratory Learning Program
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 50 students are selected from roughly 3,000 applicants
Dates: 6–8 weeks between June 15 and August 21; the exact dates vary depending on the project
Application Deadline: February 15 – March 17
Eligibility: Local high school students enrolled in a U.S. high school who will be at least 16 years old by June 15
Princeton University’s Laboratory Learning Program is a full-time summer research opportunity that allows high school students to work with Princeton faculty or research staff on active science and engineering projects. You’ll be matched with a mentor and assigned to a specific project, with your schedule and project duration determined by the research group’s needs. You’ll also complete a two-page research summary outlining the project’s methods, research question, data, and conclusions. If you are interested in robotics, you can work in areas such as soft robotics, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, computer vision, and safe robotics and conservation technology. Past projects have explored topics including machine learning for underwater robot navigation, flexible bio-inspired robotic systems, drones, legged robots, and AI-based object recognition and navigation that help robots perceive and interact with their environment.
12. Stevens Institute of Technology Summer Residential Program — Exploring Career Options in Engineering and Science (ECOES)
Location: Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ
Cost: $4,950; a limited number of need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: July 19 – 31
Application Deadline: March 16 (priority deadline) | June 1 (final deadline)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors
Stevens Institute of Technology’s pre-college residential programs give high school students the opportunity to explore college-level engineering and science subjects while experiencing life on a university campus. If you are interested in robotics, the Exploring Career Options in Engineering and Science (ECOES) course introduces you to areas such as robotics, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, naval engineering, physics, optics, and engineering management. The program gives you a broad overview of how robotics connects to different engineering fields rather than focusing on a single area of robotics. Through hands-on labs, prototyping, and design-and-build projects, you’ll learn how engineering concepts are applied to create and improve real-world technology. The curriculum encourages tinkering and experimentation, and helps you understand how robotics and other engineering systems are designed, developed, and applied across a variety of industries.
13. Kean University’s Group Summer Scholars Research Program (GSSRP)
Location: Kean University, Union, NJ
Cost: $3,000 or $5,000 (4-week session) | $1,500 or $3,000 (2-week session), depending on the date of payment
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohort size
Dates: July 6 – 30 (4-week session) | July 20 – 30 (2-week session)
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
the program, you’ll work directly with faculty and research staff, build technical, analytical, and teamwork skills, and learn how scientific research is conducted. If you are interested in robotics, some research streams offer exposure to fields that are closely connected to robotics and autonomous systems, including machine learning, computer vision, computational engineering, and spatial computing. Depending on the project, you might use Python to build machine learning models, work on object detection and 3D data analysis, explore mechanical design and sensor integration, and create simulations using the Unity Game Engine. In addition to research activities, the program includes workshops, demonstrations of scientific instrumentation, college preparation sessions, and STEM career exploration opportunities.
14. Rutgers University’s Engineering Summer Academy
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick campus, NJ
Cost: $2,899 (Residential)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25–30 students
Dates: July 12 – 18 | July 19 – 25
Application Deadline: May 24 (Domestic Students) | April 12 (International Students)
Eligibility: High school students finishing sophomore or junior year who are 16–18 years old, have English proficiency, and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA
Rutgers University Pre-College Engineering Summer Academy is a residential program that introduces high school students to a wide range of engineering fields such as aerospace, civil, electrical, computer, biomedical, chemical, industrial, mechanical, environmental, forensic, materials science, and systems engineering. You’ll strengthen your math and science skills by building quantitative models and working with data. If you are interested in robotics, you will learn coding basics used to control mechanical systems and explore the physics and AI-assisted coding behind robotic technology. Throughout the academy, you’ll rotate through departments such as Electrical, Computer, and Mechanical Engineering, which are central to robotics. You’ll also take part in lab experiments and technology demonstrations in Rutgers’ advanced engineering facilities, gaining firsthand exposure to the tools, technologies, and concepts used across modern engineering.
15. The College of New Jersey’s Camp Innovate and Investigate
Location: Science Complex-Chemistry Building, The College of New Jersey campus, Ewing, NJ
Cost: $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots are available
Dates: July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: March 31; rolling admissions continue afterward based on available space
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have completed at least one year of high school math and science
Camp Innovate and Investigate at The College of New Jersey is designed for rising 10th–12th graders who want to gain experience in STEM research, technology, and innovation through hands-on learning experiences. During the program, you’ll work with faculty, students, and industry professionals through lab sessions, workshops, and team projects across fields such as physics, computer science, biology, chemistry, and sustainability. You’ll also take part in urban heat research, hydroponics workshops, and sustainability projects. If you are interested in robotics, the camp can help you build foundational skills in coding, computational thinking, physics, math, and engineering design through STEM activities and AI-related projects. Along the way, you’ll strengthen your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, explore real-world challenges, and learn about college preparation and STEM careers.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like robotics, coding, AI and ML, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that allows you to conduct advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image Source: Montclair State University