Participating in a robotics program allows you to go beyond the high school curriculum and explore tools, techniques, and concepts typically covered during college. In research lab placements, you might work on computer vision pipelines, train machine learning models, annotate datasets for robotic manipulation systems, or write code that runs on physical hardware with tools such as Python, ROS, and Arduino. Engineering-oriented programs tend to go deeper into control theory, sensor integration, motor mechanics, and embedded systems design, with some pushing into autonomous navigation and AI-driven decision-making for physical robots. Most of these experiences also expect you to communicate findings through technical presentations or written reports.
Why should you choose a program in Texas?
Texas is home to many institutions and universities that offer prestigious robotics programs for high school students. As a participant in these programs, you will have the chance to work alongside top scientists and gain valuable hands-on experience in the field of robotics. NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston is a major aerospace and robotics ecosystem, and UT Austin’s Texas Robotics initiative is a nationally recognized program that recently launched the country’s first direct-admit undergraduate robotics honors program. Austin’s tech corridor has drawn companies like Apptronik, a humanoid robotics firm that grew out of UT Austin’s labs, alongside a dense cluster of aerospace contractors and autonomous systems companies spread across Houston and the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
With that, here are 15 robotics programs for high school students in Texas.
Key Takeaways
- Texas offers a strong robotics ecosystem for high school students, anchored by NASA Johnson Space Center, UT Austin’s Texas Robotics initiative, AFRL in Austin, and a dense cluster of aerospace and autonomous systems companies across Houston, Austin, and Dallas-Fort Worth
- Programs range from free, accessible options like NASA SEES, Code@TACC, MITES Semester, and UT Academy for All to highly selective paid research internships at Clark Scholars, AFRL Scholars, and UT Dallas NanoExplorers
- Several programs on this list are explicitly research-oriented rather than course-based, including Clark Scholars, UT Dallas CS Internship, AFRL Scholars, AEOP, ASSIP, and NanoExplorers, placing you inside active labs where you contribute to real ongoing investigations
- Virtual programs including MIT Beaver Works, MITES Semester, ASSIP, and NC State Online Research Academy are fully accessible to Texas students and significantly expand the range of robotics opportunities available beyond in-person placements
You can also check out these guides on free artificial intelligence programs, robotics internships, or mechatronics summer programs for high school students!
15 Robotics Programs for High School Students in Texas
1. NASA SEES (STEM Enhancement in Earth Science) at UT Austin
Location: Virtual + UT Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Free (virtual); $2,000 (in-person); Financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June – July 21 (virtual); July 5 – 18 (in-person); More details here
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors (16+) who are U.S. citizens
NASA SEES is a hybrid program, meaning you’ll complete distance learning modules before arriving on-site at UT Austin’s Center for Space Research for the actual work of interpreting real NASA satellite data alongside agency scientists and engineers. Research projects span planetary geology, climate science, remote sensing, exoplanet research, urban heat island analysis, and aerospace engineering prototypes, including robotics tools, with your assignment depending on the track you’re placed in. Field investigations are part of the experience, giving the program a hands-on dimension. The whole cohort reconvenes at a virtual science symposium in late July to present findings to NASA researchers, scientists, and guests.
2. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee; $750 stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Extremely selective; 12 students per year
Dates: June 21 – August 6
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (17+) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is among the most competitive pre-college research experiences in the United States. As a participant, you’ll spend seven weeks working alongside a Texas Tech faculty member on a research project based on your academic interests, with available tracks including Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics. Past scholars have tackled GPU frequency optimization for AI workloads, machine learning pipelines for medical data classification, and FMCW radar-based motion classification systems. The program operates like an academic apprenticeship and has you produce a formal research report, present your work, and attend weekly seminars alongside other scholars across completely different research areas.
3. UT Dallas CS Intensive Research Internship
Location: University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
Cost: $1,000 (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate: Extremely selective
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling; Typically starts in the spring
Eligibility: Rising 11th-12th graders (15+) in the Dallas area
The UT Dallas CS Intensive Research Internship program places advanced high school students inside active computer science research labs at UT Dallas for eight weeks. The Intelligent Robotics and Vision Lab is one such group, where past high school interns worked on 3D hand and object pose estimation from videos using computer vision algorithms and producing data that goes into ongoing faculty research on embodied AI and robot manipulation. Lab interns typically put in 20 to 40 hours per week on tasks like reading research papers, running simulations, and building functional software components. A separate research workshop track covers AI and machine learning topics for students who want depth without lab placement.
4. AFRL Scholars Program
Location: AFWERX, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; Weekly stipend offered
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: 10-12 weeks in the summer (specific dates vary by location and project)
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: High school students (16+) with at least a 3.0 GPA who are U.S. citizens; More details here
The Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program places high school students inside AFRL research sites to work alongside full-time defense scientists and engineers on project-based research. As a participant, you’ll run real experimental trials, collect and analyze data, and contribute to research in areas including autonomous systems, aerospace engineering, AI and machine learning, and materials science. Past student projects have included programming-based research, 3D modeling work, and nanoparticle measurement. A paid stipend is provided through the University’s Space Research Association, which administers the program.
5. AEOP High School Internship (Army Educational Outreach Program)
Location: Various U.S. Army research labs and partner universities in Texas
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend offered
Acceptance rate: Highly competitive
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Varies by lab position
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; Specific roles can have additional criteria
AEOP connects high school students to Army research labs and partner university labs for summer internships, with Texas listed as a participating state. You’ll be assigned one-on-one to a DoD scientist or engineer and expected to contribute to their research. Facilities are professional-grade and include cutting-edge equipment in fields spanning cybersecurity, materials science, biology, engineering, and physics. The specific research area depends on which lab you’re matched to. The work carries real stakes, and interns are expected to function as junior research contributors by the end of the program.
6. UT Austin Academy for Robotics
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: $2,100; Scholarships offered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 26 – 31
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders
The Academy for Robotics is a one-week residential academy co-hosted by UT Austin’s Department of Computer Science and Texas Robotics at the Gates-Dell Complex, the home of UT’s computer science and robotics research. You’ll work in C++ and Linux from day one, building and programming a wheeled robot through hands-on lab sessions led by UT faculty and undergraduate program assistants. Past cohorts have assembled and programmed Bot’n Roll One A robots, tuned motor control, worked with robot sensors, and competed in robot races. The academy also includes tours of the Anna Hiss Gymnasium, which houses active Texas Robotics research labs, and panels with industry professionals and UT admissions staff.
7. Code@TACC Robotics AI
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 14 – 20
Application Deadline: April 27
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen and sophomores
Run by the Texas Advanced Computing Center at UT Austin, this residential program puts high school students to work with Python, machine learning algorithms, and miniature autonomous cars. The core project involves training the cars to detect faces, stop signs, and colors using computer vision and basic ML classification, and instructors are TACC researchers and engineers. The curriculum was designed around the principle that production-level robotics work demands both technical precision and collaborative problem-solving. After the program, you will be invited back to quarterly Back@TACC STEM workshops.
8. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)
Location: Virtual + In-person options available
Cost: Free for families earning under $200,000/year; $2,400 for others
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: 4 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who live or attend high school in the U.S.
BWSI is a four-week intensive program run jointly by MIT Lincoln Laboratory and MIT’s School of Engineering for students entering their senior year, available in both virtual and in-person formats. Virtual courses include CogWorks, which applies machine learning to audio recognition, computer vision, and natural language modeling through team capstone projects; Microelectronics and Hardware Development, where you design hardware systems using microcontrollers and work with a physical kit sent to your home; Remote Sensing for Disaster Response, a Python and GIS-heavy course that builds toward a multi-day simulated hurricane scenario requiring real-time evacuation modeling and aerial image analysis; and Quantum Software, co-developed with MITRE Corporation. All tracks require completing online prerequisite coursework before the summer, and every course culminates in a team challenge or demonstration.
9. MITES Semester
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June – December
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
MITES Semester is a six-month virtual program for high school juniors that runs in two phases. The summer phase requires 25 to 30 hours per week and includes two MIT-level courses: a project-based course in a field like Machine Learning, Robotics, or Astrophysics, and a supplemental core course in Calculus, Physics, Computer Science, or Science Writing. Teams develop and present final projects at a virtual symposium at the end of the summer. The school-year phase drops to 3 to 5 hours per week and shifts focus to career and college preparation, with mock interviews, essay reviews, and weekly webinars with researchers and professionals across STEM fields. MIT undergraduate mentors work with small student groups throughout both phases. All synchronous sessions run in the evenings, making the program stackable with regular school schedules.
10. Raider Robotics Academy
Location: Reese Technology Center, Lubbock, TX
Cost: $200
Cohort Size: only 24 spots available
Dates: July 21 – 25
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders
The Raider Robotics Academy is a commuter program that puts you to work with SparkFun XRP robot kits and FIRST Robotics Competition software tools at Texas Tech’s Reese Technology Center. The week covers robot programming, motion control, and fabrication fundamentals, including 3D printing, with the curriculum focusing on both engineering documentation and basic design process skills alongside the technical build. A robot game competition at the end of the week is where everything gets tested. With only 24 spots and a small daily cohort, the level of mentorship and guidance is strong. The program is run by the Whitacre College of Engineering’s Outreach and Engagement team.
11. UTSA Klesse College Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Camp
Location: University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Cost: $600 (day camp); $800 (overnight camp); Financial assistance is available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – July 3
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: High school students
The Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Camp is a week-long day camp at UTSA’s Klesse College of Engineering that takes you through a complete robotics project from the ground up, starting with coding, moving through circuitry, and finishing with physical assembly and a group competition. The Robotics and Automation Society provides direct involvement throughout the week, working alongside you on the technical build. UTSA’s engineering faculty also runs dedicated lessons, workshops, and tours of active research labs, giving you a look at how AI is being used in current research and industry applications. The Klesse College houses a mechanical and aerospace engineering department with dedicated robotics facilities, providing exposure to advanced infrastructure and expert faculty.
12. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual + In-person options available
Cost: $1,299 + $25 application fee; Financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: December 8 – February 15
Eligibility: High school students aged 15+ (remote)
ASSIP pairs individual high school students with George Mason faculty researchers for eight weeks of lab work. You’ll be matched with a mentor based on your interests and then expected to contribute to an active research project for the full eight weeks. Some subjects include robotics, micro- and nano-manufacturing, STEM, nanoscience, machine learning, and more. The work is original research, and many ASSIP participants even go on to co-author papers or present at academic conferences. By the end of the program, you’ll get to present at a final poster session that mirrors the actual conference poster format. You’ll earn three George Mason University college credits upon completion.
13. NC State Online Research Academy
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,295; Partial scholarships available
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 6 – 31
Application Deadline: June 15
Eligibility: Rising 10th graders and above
NC State’s Online Research Academy is a four-week virtual program where you’ll pick a specific research project and work on it under NC State faculty supervision. Projects include Wearable Robotics for Assistive Healthcare and drone delivery systems research that involves assessing autonomous delivery models and building predictive data analyses. Faculty write a formal individual evaluation letter for each student upon completion, which carries more weight than a generic certificate when it comes to college applications and future research opportunities. The program concludes with a virtual graduation event in early August.
14. UT Austin Academy for All
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Free; Travel scholarships for up to $500
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Standard Edition: June 7 – 13; Machine Learning Edition: June 14 – 19
Application Deadline: Opens in February
Eligibility: Rising 11th-12th graders
The Academy for All offers two tracks, both led by UT Computer Science faculty. The Standard Edition puts you to work with an Arduino microcontroller, using C++ to code an LED display that reacts to music as a team project, focusing on how software instructions translate into physical hardware behavior. The Machine Learning Edition covers Python and the mechanics of training and evaluating ML models, including faculty-led workshops specifically examining how operating system behavior affects ML performance. Both editions include guest lectures from tech industry professionals, tours of UT’s CS and engineering facilities, and a potential field trip to a local company. The program sits inside the same department that houses Texas Robotics, one of the most active university robotics research programs in the country.
15. George A. Jeffries NanoExplorers Summer Research Program
Location: University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
Cost: $5,000; Limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students 16 or older
NanoExplorers places you in an active UTD research lab where you are expected to contribute to real ongoing projects. Students are matched with a faculty mentor based on interest and availability, with labs drawn from across Engineering and Computer Science, Natural Science and Mathematics, and Behavioral and Brain Sciences. The institute’s current work includes fabrication of artificial muscles using carbon nanotube sheath structures and carbon nanotube “twistrons” that convert mechanical energy into electricity. You’ll present your findings at an end-of-program symposium and maybe go on to co-author papers published in Science and Nature and win international awards at Intel and Siemens competitions.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like robotics, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
What robotics programs are available for high school students in Texas?
Texas students can access in-person programs at UT Austin (Academy for Robotics, Code@TACC, Academy for All, NASA SEES), Texas Tech (Clark Scholars, Raider Robotics Academy), UT Dallas (CS Internship, NanoExplorers), UTSA (Klesse College Robotics and AI Camp), and AFRL and AEOP placements at defense research facilities. Virtual programs including MIT Beaver Works, MITES Semester, ASSIP, and NC State Online Research Academy are also open to Texas students.
Do I need prior robotics or coding experience to apply?
It depends on the program. Code@TACC and Raider Robotics Academy are designed for students earlier in their high school careers, with Code@TACC specifically targeting freshmen and sophomores. UT Austin Academy for All builds from foundational C++ and Python instruction. More advanced programs like Clark Scholars, UT Dallas CS Internship, AFRL Scholars, and NanoExplorers expect demonstrated technical preparation and strong academic records, with Clark Scholars and NanoExplorers among the most competitive pre-college research experiences in the country.
Are there free robotics programs for high school students in Texas?
Yes. NASA SEES is free for the virtual track, Code@TACC is free, UT Academy for All is free with travel scholarships available, MITES Semester is free, and AEOP provides a stipend at no cost to participants. Clark Scholars provides a $750 stipend. AFRL Scholars is fully funded with a weekly stipend. MIT Beaver Works is free for families earning under $200,000.
Which Texas robotics programs involve the most advanced research?
Clark Scholars embeds you in a Texas Tech faculty lab for seven weeks, producing a formal research report on projects like GPU optimization or radar-based motion classification. UT Dallas CS Internship places you in active computer vision and robotics labs for up to 40 hours per week. NanoExplorers at UT Dallas involves fabrication research with real publication potential. AFRL Scholars and AEOP place you on defense research projects alongside working scientists and engineers.
Are there robotics programs in Texas specifically for younger high school students?
Yes. Code@TACC is specifically designed for current freshmen and sophomores. Raider Robotics Academy accepts rising 9th through 12th graders. UT Austin Academy for Robotics accepts rising 10th through 12th graders. UTSA Klesse College Robotics Camp is open to all high school students. These programs provide accessible entry points before applying to more selective research-based placements in later years.
When should I apply to robotics programs in Texas?
AFRL Scholars and Clark Scholars have the earliest deadlines, closing January 10 and February 16 respectively. MITES Semester closes February 1 and NASA SEES closes February 22. NanoExplorers closes February 28. MIT Beaver Works closes March 30 and Code@TACC closes April 27. UT Austin Academy for Robotics, UTSA Klesse, and Raider Robotics Academy use rolling admissions and fill on a first-come basis. Reviewing program requirements in the fall and preparing application materials, including transcripts and recommendation letters, well before winter break gives you the strongest foundation.
Image Source: George Mason Univeristy