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ยง Robotics

Robotics programs for high schoolers.

12 programs indexed in robotics. 4 are free or pay a stipend. 4 prioritize under-resourced or underrepresented students. This page updates whenever we add a new robotics program.

All robotics programs

  1. Auburn University College of Engineering
    Auburn Engineering Summer Camps (HS Track)

    One-week intensive workshops in robotics, aerospace, and medical engineering for Alabama high school students.

    ๐Ÿ“ Auburn, ALโฑ 1 week๐Ÿ“… February 1๐ŸŽ“ 9, 10, 11, 12
    Selective
  2. MIT Lincoln Lab
    Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)

    Free MIT-led project-based courses in AI, robotics, cybersecurity.

    ๐Ÿ“ MAโฑ 4 weeks (summer)๐Ÿ“… Early February๐ŸŽ“ 11
    Selective
  3. FIRST
    FIRST LEGO League

    LEGO-based STEM challenge for grades 4-8.

    ๐Ÿ“ Globalโฑ Year-long๐Ÿ“… Fall๐ŸŽ“ 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
    Moderate
  4. FIRST
    FIRST Robotics Competition

    Team-based robotics season culminating in regional and world championships. Team participation fees vary; financial aid available.

    ๐Ÿ“ Local team + regional eventsโฑ 6-week build๐Ÿ“… Jan kickoff๐ŸŽ“ 9, 10, 11, 12
    Moderate
  5. FIRST
    FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)

    High school robotics teams design, build, and program 125-pound robots for competition.

    ๐Ÿ“ Globalโฑ Year-long๐Ÿ“… Fall๐ŸŽ“ 9, 10, 11, 12
    Moderate
  6. FIRST
    FIRST Tech Challenge

    Smaller-scale FIRST robotics program. Team fee + parts; many teams sponsored by schools.

    ๐Ÿ“ Local team + regional eventsโฑ Multi-month๐Ÿ“… Sep-Apr season๐ŸŽ“ 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
    Moderate
  7. FIRST
    FIRST Tech Challenge

    Robotics competition for grades 7-12 using modular metal robotics kits.

    ๐Ÿ“ Globalโฑ Year-long๐Ÿ“… Fall๐ŸŽ“ 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
    Moderate
  8. Marine Advanced Technology Education
    MATE ROV Competition

    Underwater robotics competition with regional and international finals.

    ๐Ÿ“ Globalโฑ Year-long๐Ÿ“… Fall๐ŸŽ“ 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
    Moderate
  9. Society for Science
    Regeneron ISEF

    The largest international pre-college science fair. Qualify through an affiliated regional or state fair. Travel and lodging covered for finalists.

    ๐Ÿ“ Rotating US cityโฑ 1 week๐Ÿ“… Regional Jan-Mar๐ŸŽ“ 9, 10, 11, 12
    Selective
  10. Technology Student Association (TSA)
    TSA National Competitions

    The premier middle and high school competition for engineering and technology projects involving a formal design process.

    ๐Ÿ“ Nationwideโฑ Year-round๐Ÿ“… Rolling๐ŸŽ“ 9, 10, 11, 12
    Selective
  11. REC Foundation
    VEX Robotics Competition

    Worldwide robotics competition with regional, state, and world championships. School- or club-team based.

    ๐Ÿ“ Worldwideโฑ Multi-month๐Ÿ“… Aug-Apr season๐ŸŽ“ 9, 10, 11, 12
    Moderate
  12. REC Foundation
    VEX Robotics World Championship

    World's largest robotics competition with VEX IQ (middle) and VEX V5 (high school) divisions.

    ๐Ÿ“ Globalโฑ Year-long๐Ÿ“… Fall๐ŸŽ“ 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
    Moderate

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