Discover the Connection Between Robotics and Engineering

Summary:

Robotics, and its ties to STEM and engineering, is a fascinating and rewarding way for teens to flex their tinkering skills. Getting started in high school with STEM pre-college online courses and robotics organizations is an excellent choice.

Key Points:

• Today, robots are so advanced that they can run, jump, balance, and even do a backflip with ease and agility.
• At the core of robotics are engineering and STEM.
• Robotics programs develop future engineers by providing hands-on experience in problem-solving, programming, and mechanical skills. 
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies that STEM occupations are projected to grow by 10.4%, significantly outpacing the 4% growth rate for all other occupations.
• Outside of school, joining STEM clubs or even robotics clubs like those offered by the FIRST® Robotics Competition are exciting and engaging ways to focus learning on these subjects, which all look excellent on college applications.  
• Other options that also look great on college applications are pre-college online courses, such as those offered by Prelum, Powered by Kaplan. 

Did you know that there are robots so advanced they can run, jump, balance, and even do a backflip with ease and agility? Robots are no longer the stuff of science fiction. In fact, Boston Dynamics (a spin-off of MIT) has a humanoid electric-powered robot called Atlas. It features an advanced control system and 3D-printed, lightweight hardware. According to the company’s website, “Atlas’s advanced control system and state-of-the-art hardware give the robot the power and balance to demonstrate human-level agility to move with grace, speed, and dexterity.” 

And at the core of robotics are engineering and STEM. 

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of studying robotics and engineering, and ways motivated students like you can study robotics, engineering, and STEM while in high school, including robotics programs and pre-college online programs. 

First up, we’ll touch on just why robotics is so beneficial to you while in high school, and how it relates to engineering. 

Benefits of Robotics for High School Students

Robotics programs develop future engineers by providing hands-on experience in problem-solving, programming, and mechanical skills. This fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity in young adults. 

Robotics also exposes you to real-world applications in diverse fields such as manufacturing, healthcare, and space exploration. These programs integrate technical skills, such as coding and system design, with essential soft skills like communication and leadership, preparing students for workforce readiness and inspiring them to pursue careers in STEM. And you will agree: building robots is a lot of fun!

As a high school student, you may be curious about how to elevate your interest in robotics and STEM. But do you know where to begin?

Studying Robotics and STEM in High School

As you are aware, studying STEM subjects can lead to careers in a variety of subjects that are increasingly more important in everyday life. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies that STEM occupations are projected to grow by 10.4%, significantly outpacing the 4% growth rate for all other occupations. This growth is driven by increasing demand in areas such as engineering, advanced manufacturing, and computer science.

Outside of school, joining STEM clubs or even robotics clubs like those offered by the FIRST® Robotics Competition are exciting and engaging ways to focus learning on these subjects, which all look excellent on college applications.  

Other options that also look great on college applications are pre-college online courses, such as those offered by Prelum, Powered by Kaplan. 

Pre-College Online Program Courses in Engineering and STEM

 Building a strong foundation in STEM enrichment courses is highly beneficial for anyone aspiring to a career in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. 

Prelum, Powered by Kaplan, partners with several notable universities to provide pre-college courses for STEM. The following are just a few.

The Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program offers several STEM courses, including courses in anatomy and physiology, biology, medicine, and cybersecurity. College-credit versions of psychology, cybersecurity, and biology are also available.

Case Western Reserve Pre-College Program offers STEM courses in astrophysics and evolutionary biology, engineering, biomedical engineering, as well as neuroscience and medicine.

You’ll also want to check out the Rice University Precollege Program STEM courses in aerospace, engineering, genome engineering, medicine, and physiology. 

Other exciting STEM offerings from other top universities include:

• Northwestern Pre-College Online Program course in engineering.
• Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program course in medical research.
• Dartmouth Precollege Online Program’s courses in biology and regenerative medicine.
• The Rochester Pre-College Online Program course offers Intro to Video Game Design.
• Be sure to review the Wake Forest Online Immersion Program bioscience course. 

Robotics for high school students is an excellent way to begin your foray into a potential career in STEM or engineering. Good luck!

This was last reviewed by Ashley Simmons on 10/17/2025.