EXPLOR-NEPA

Your Gateway to AI and Robotics

Are you curious about technology, engineering and problem-solving? EXPLOR-NEPA (Experiential Learning for Artificial Intelligence-Driven Robotics in Northeast Pennsylvania) is a free program designed specifically for high school students like you who want to explore the exciting world of artificial intelligence and robotics—no prior experience required.

Get Started

EXPLOR-NEPA creates a complete pathway from high school to college to career. You'll get hands-on experience with real robotics and AI technology, work alongside college students and industry professionals and develop skills that employers are looking for.

Funded by the National Science Foundation and led by Wilkes University in partnership with Production Systems Automation (PSA), EXPLOR-NEPA gives you the chance to learn cutting-edge technology skills, earn college credit, receive scholarship opportunities and gain real industry experience – all while you're still in high school.

Who Can Join?

EXPLOR-NEPA is open to Wilkes-Barre Area and Hazleton Area high school students in grades 9-12 . You don't need any prior robotics or AI experience – just an interest in technology, engineering, and problem-solving. We're looking for students who are ready to learn, collaborate and explore new possibilities.

Eligible participants in the EXPLOR-NEPA program can receive a $3,000 scholarship toward their first semester at Wilkes!

What You'll Learn and Do

Through EXPLOR-NEPA, you'll dive into artificial intelligence, robotics and automation technology. You'll build and program robots, solve real engineering challenges and see how these technologies are used in actual businesses and manufacturing facilities.You'll also work in teams on projects that matter, learning from both Wilkes University faculty and industry experts.

Our program is designed to be hands-on and engaging. And because we partner with local industry, you'll get to see how the skills you're learning translate to real careers.

Robotics Club

Robotics Club

Work on hands-on projects with AI and robotics technology in our 15-week Robotics Club. You'll receive a $200 stipend for participating. Up to 50 students are supported each semester.

Summer Industry Experience

Summer Industry Experience

See what it's really like to work in the tech industry. Up to 10 selected participants will receive an 8-week paid summer experience with our industry partner, PSA. Earn $600 per week while gaining real-world job shadowing experience in automation and robotics.

Earn College Credit

Earn College Credit

Get a head start on your college education while still in high school. Enroll in ME 298 (Robotics) at Wilkes University through dual enrollment completely free. Up to 10 participants receive free tuition for this college-level course.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're a high school student in NEPA who's curious about technology and ready to explore the future of robotics and AI, EXPLOR-NEPA could be your next step. The program provides everything you need: education, experience, mentorship and financial support—all designed to help you succeed.

Questions? Want to Learn More?

Contact Us

Dr. Abas Sabouni

Professor and Chair
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

abas.sabouni@wilkes.edu email link
(570) 408-4832

This project is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under award No. 2526169.