The Best High School Robotics Programs
by
Indigo Research Team
&
Published:
December 13, 2024
Last Updated:
December 13, 2024
Robotics is shaping the future, and if you’re a high school student interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), then enrolling in high school robotics programs can be life-changing. These programs are not just about programming, engineering, and design, but also about critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving – skills that will keep you competitive in the 21st century.
There are so many different programs out there, so it might be difficult to choose. We've rounded the best high school robotics programs that will help you lay a solid foundation for a successful robotics career. From world-class competitions that test students’ ability to innovate and work with others, to research-led projects and university camps, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a longtime coder or new to robotics, these events offer a place to learn, compete, and develop alongside like-minded students.
The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is an international competition that motivates high school students to become scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians (STEM). In this program, teams of 10-25 students are led by professional mentors to design, program, and build industrial-size robots that can compete in themed challenges. Each season features a different game, challenging students to leverage engineering, collaboration, and strategic thinking.
FRC provides students with practical exposure to cutting-edge technology, such as CAD software and manufacturing equipment. It also teaches them how to collaborate and solve problems. The events finish with high-spirited matches resembling professional sports tournaments. Besides robotics, FRC is about leadership, community, and innovation. They often send graduates to scholarships and professional networking events with industry professionals.
The VEX Robotics Competition encourages students to learn about engineering and STEM with hands-on robotic challenges. This robotics high school program caterers to two groups of students: grade 4-8, and grade 6-12. For grade 4–8 students, more than 8,500 teams in 45 countries compete in challenges such as Teamwork Challenge (cooperative scoring), Robot Skills Challenge (individual performance), and STEM Research Projects (scientific problem-solving).
For grade 6–12 students, the program brings in more than 11,500 teams from 40 countries every year to 750+ tournaments in the VEX Robotics World Championship. Participants play games such as Standard Matches (teams go head-to-head), Robot Skills Challenges (personal performance), and Online Challenges (CAD, animation, papers).
NASA's Robotics Alliance Project (RAP) is one of the best flagship robotics programs for youths interested in being engineers and scientists. The program includes practical education, including robotics competitions, internships, and education workshops. During the program, high school students work with mentors to make robots and experience NASA's real-world engineering problems.
They learn basic STEM subjects such as programming, mechanical engineering, and problem-solving. The program offers a full robotics design manual, which is continuously updated with community input, and an extensive archive of lessons, forum posts, and resources. RAP offers grants too, including the Year-Two Team grant to foster new robotics curriculums.
Northeastern Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a popular summer robotics camp for high school students who want to study STEM subjects. This program is sponsored by Northeastern University. Here, students spend time directly in innovative research labs with faculty and graduate mentors. In the past students have visited important sites such as Biogen, MIT Chemical Engineering Labs, and The US Army Natick Soldier Systems Center.
They also work on experiments in areas such as robotics, engineering, and computer science. Past students have worked alongside experienced mentors on various projects including cancer therapies, batteries, and robots for optimizing complex technology.
RoboCup, known as the World Cup of robot football, is an annual international high school robotics competition where autonomous robots compete in soccer matches. Originating in 1997, the event showcases robots of various types—humanoid, box-shaped, and virtual—designed to tackle, pass, shoot, and even recover from falls, all while making decisions independently through onboard computing.
Beyond the competition, RoboCup drives innovation in robotics and AI. Its ambitious long-term goal is to create a team of humanoid robots capable of defeating human soccer world champions by 2050, symbolizing a leap in technological advancements.
The Botball Educational Robotics Program immerses middle and high school students in autonomous robot-fighting competitions while aligning with modern learning initiatives such as the Common Core. Students program, design, and construct robots using C, C++, and Java. Such self-driving robots solve actual problems using artificial intelligence and embedded computing.
The program starts with trainer workshops in early spring, where mentors get training and game information. Teams get a 7 week build period, then compete in regional tournaments. The whole process helps them develop creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking. Botball gives students important STEM, leadership, and collaboration skills that can help them later in college and work.
BEST Robotics (Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology) is really one of the best robotics programs for youths who prefer experiential learning. During a six-week build period, students are asked to design, build, and program a robot to perform a task. Each team has a tight deadline and minimal resources, which resembles real engineering problems.
The program focuses on creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. Students also learn technical writing, marketing, and presentation. They can sign up for the program through state competition sites in 18 states. Parents or caretakers can also sign up for an account to get their child registered for the contest.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Engineering Summer Program (ESP) is a free, 3-week residential program for high school students. The participants stay on campus, take the best robotic classes, and get their hands dirty in workshops and field trips. The program also includes faculty mentorship and industry visits to explore engineering careers.
For younger students who will be high school freshmen or sophomores next year, the Virtual ESP offers a one-week online program for free. It covers engineering majors, design, mailed design kits, and mentoring.
The Robotics & Autonomous Systems Camp at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a hands-on introduction to robotics and engineering. The program targets high school students between the ages of 15-18. For a week, they're paired with professors and college robotics teams to program, test, and create their own self-driving robots. Students learn mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering principles to be ready for careers in robotics.
The summer robotics program offers mentored housing, campus meals, resources, and classroom training. These provisions give participants a head start in one of the fastest-growing technological industries today.
The Tufts Engineering Design Lab (EDL) is a two-week summer robotics camp for high school students interested in engineering, robotics, and computation. Participants solve actual problems in the Nolop Makerspace using advanced equipment like laser cutters, 3D printers, and the Raspberry Pi-based GoPiGo3 robotic system (which students can take home for future exploration).
Besides real-world design exercises, students meet with academic and industry guest speakers to learn about research and development problems. The program also includes Python programming via Jupyter Notebooks to prepare students for their future STEM adventures.
The robotics high school programs outlined in this article are great places for high-school students to learn, experiment, and excel. By taking part in these programs, you can acquire hands-on experience, collaborate with peers, and get ready for the tech world in the future.
Indigo Research offers high school students the opportunity to conduct in-depth research under the guidance of experienced mentors. We offer a variety of STEM disciplines where you can complete individualized research projects to expand your knowledge and creativity. Especially for high school students, Indigo Research has prepared The Indigo Research Intensive Seasonal (IRIS) program, which includes courses in Genetics, AI, Comp Science, Engineering, and more.
Satisfy your curiosity on AI, computer science and engineering research with the Indigo Research Intensive Seasonal (IRIS) Program. This 6-week program offers high school students the chance to work on individualized research projects, guided by experienced mentors from top universities from all over the world. Gain hands-on experience and prepare for your future in robotics!
