In this hands-on summer robotics program, high school students explore the exciting, fast-changing world of robotics and build foundational skills in programming, engineering, artificial intelligence, and computer science. By the end of the program, students will have designed and built a fully functional robot from scratch using the VEX V5 robotics platform. Learn more about how our robotics camp for high schoolers helps students develop core STEM competencies and get a preview of potential careers in robotics, engineering, and computer science.
Program at a Glance
- Grade Level: Rising 9-12 (Grade after summer)
- Available Options: Commuter or Residential
- Duration: 7 days
- Topics: Engineering, Coding, Computer Science
FAQs
Is previous robotics or coding experience required?
No. Our robotics summer camps are designed for students with a wide range of experience levels. Our accomplished robotics instructors provide guidance throughout the week, helping students both with and without programming experience to succeed.
What programming skills will students learn in this camp?
Students entering 9th through 12th grades will develop programming skills, including how to write, test, and refine code that controls robot behavior. They will learn how to program robot movement, integrate sensors, connect hardware to software, and more.
Who teaches the robotics summer programs?
Our instructors are subject matter experts, with many holding degrees in STEM fields or a background in robotics education.
In our engaging robotics summer programs for high school students, we explore the science of robot mechanics, engineering, and design thinking, all in a collaborative, team-based format. Students design actual robots using the world’s premier classroom robotics platform, VEX5, tackling terrain, transportation, and sensor-based challenges before applying their skills in a final robotics sports competition.
Held on the campuses of top U.S. colleges, including Stanford University, our robotics summer program emphasizes learning by doing. This extends beyond the classroom, with students staying in residential dormitories and eating at university dining halls, getting an early taste of college campus life.
Learning Outcomes
- Explore core STEM concepts, including engineering design, algorithmic logic, and mathematical analysis.
- Develop technical proficiency as well as soft skills including collaboration and problem-solving.
- Gain a foundational understanding of power systems, microcontrollers, motors, and sensors.
- Build and program robots using the VEX V5 robotics system and compete in real-world challenges.
- Learn to combine technology and design to solve actual, everyday problems.
- Extended Day: Extended Day Campers attend camp from 9am to 9pm seven days a week (except check-in and check-out days, which are half days), with lunch and dinner provided in the dining hall each day.
- Overnight: Overnight campers check-in after lunch on the first day of camp and check out before lunch on the last day of camp. All meals and shared dorm accommodations are provided.
| Program | Grades | Location | Start Date | End Date | Price Options | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robotics 9th-12th | 9 - 12 | Stanford University | Jul 19, 2026 | Jul 25, 2026 | Enroll |
Price Options for Robotics 9th-12th
| Extended Day Camp | $2,985 |
| Overnight Camp | $3,495 |
Sample Schedule Science Camps |
|
|---|---|
| 7:30 am | Overnight campers - wake up! |
| 8:00 am | Breakfast in the dining hall (overnight campers) |
| 9-9:15 am | Extended day camper check-in |
| 9:00 am | Camp meeting & warm up |
| 9:15 am | Lab session |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch in the dining hall (included for overnight & extended day campers) |
| 1:15 pm | Recreation |
| 2:00 pm | Lab session |
| 5:30 pm | Dinner in the dining hall (overnight & extended campers) |
| 6:30 pm | Evening class session |
| 7:45 pm | Evening recreation & activities |
| 8-9:00 pm | Extended day camper check-out |
| 9:30 pm | Floor check (overnight campers get ready for bed) |
| 10:00 pm | Room check & lights out |
Education Unlimited believes in small-group, immersive learning with subject matter experts and experienced teachers. We strive to provide industry-leading instruction to all of our students and hold all staff to the highest possible standards. Staff assignments vary by program and location. Some of our recent staff members for this program include:
Rhonda McCoy, PhD - Camp Director
Dr. Rhonda McCoy is a Manager of Quality Control for a leading global biopharmaceutical company. Through analysis of quality from creation to post-expiration date, Dr. McCoy oversees a team that ensures medications sold around the world are both safe and effective. Dr. McCoy holds a PhD in Chemistry from Howard University in Washington DC. A member of the Education Unlimited team since 2005, Dr. McCoy has been passionate about the empowerment of middle and high school age girls throughout her career, evident in her work as Director of our Science and Engineering Camps for Girls. She has volunteered her time as the scholarship program chair for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and taught chemistry and physics in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools of Charlotte, North Carolina.
In addition to her doctorate degree, Dr. McCoy has a Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina A&T State University. Prior to her five years as a research assistant at Howard while pursuing her doctorate, she spent time as an analytical chemist with the global cosmetics brand, L’Oreal. In her free time, Rhonda enjoys travel, shopping, and time with her family.
Gladys Velez Caicedo - Instructor
Gladys Velez Caicedo is a technical instructor in the Department of Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). A graduate of Columbia University in New York City, Gladys holds a Bachelor of Science degree in astronomy & physics. Gladys has conducted high energy particle astrophysics at various labs around the world, such as Nevis Laboratories and as part of the VERITAS collaboration. Gladys developed a passion for high school education during her college years. While at Columbia, she established the Columbia Education Studies Program in 2011, designed to give high school students wide-range access to university education.
Gladys joined the Education Unlimited team in 2017. She developed the curriculum for the astrophysics summer camp program, offered as of summer 2018.
Thomas Harper - Instructor
Thomas Harper is a robotics enthusiast currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical and Human Factors Engineering at Tufts University. His passion for robotics started at a young age. In addition to being president of the robotics and 3D printing club at The Head Royce School in the San Francisco Bay Area, Thomas turned his love of robotics into a business. Close to 10 years ago, he co-founded a company that teaches VEX robotics to middle and high school students. He looks forward to bringing his expertise and knowledge to Education Unlimited.