10 Best STEM Summer Programs for Middle School Students in 2024-2025
Summer programs in STEM offer middle school students a chance to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on activities. These programs allow you to build skills, explore new fields, and learn alongside peers with similar interests. Early exposure to these fields can prepare you for advanced learning in high school and beyond.
For 2024-2025, a range of STEM summer programs are available to middle school students across the country, each offering curriculums that balance academic rigor with fun and creativity. Whether you are interested in robotics, coding, environmental science, or engineering, these programs cater to a variety of interests and skill levels.
In this list, we’ve highlighted 10 of the best STEM summer programs designed for middle schoolers available in 2024-2025. Each program emphasizes not only technical skills but also critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a rigorous academic initiative designed for middle school students with a keen interest in research. This program introduces students to foundational research skills through close mentorship from PhD candidates, giving participants the chance to develop a research project in their chosen field of interest. Over six weeks, students attend weekly one-on-one sessions where they learn essential research methodologies, critical analysis, and academic writing techniques. The program’s structure fosters intellectual independence and encourages students to explore topics in-depth, culminating in a final research project that serves as both a learning milestone and a foundation for future academic pursuits.
Application Deadline: November 24, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
Program Dates: 8-week program during different parts of the year (including summer!)
Fee: $2,400, need-based financial aid is available
Location: Virtual
The AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is a virtual program that teaches middle school students the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over 25 hours, you will learn the basics of Python as well as topics like data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. Students learn through lectures and group sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. By the end of the program, you will have worked on a hands-on project in a subject of your choice! Previous projects have included building a machine-learning model to classify music genres and creating a machine-learning algorithm to provide a custom list of educational resources based on selected specifications.
Application Deadline: December 1, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
Program Dates: 25 hours over 2 weeks (on weekdays) during the summer cohort
Fee: $1,990. Need-based financial aid is available
Location: Virtual
The GEMS program at the University of Pennsylvania is a summer outreach initiative designed to introduce middle school students to engineering. Hosted by Penn’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, the program fosters early interest in STEM through interactive workshops, lab activities, and discussions on current topics in engineering and technology. Over the course of a week, you will work alongside Penn faculty, undergraduate mentors, and graduate students, gaining insight into both academic and career pathways in STEM. GEMS provides a hands-on environment for you to explore scientific principles and build foundational skills, with a broader goal of enhancing diversity and representation across the engineering and science fields.
Application Deadline: March 4, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 deadline)
Eligibility: Rising 7th, 8th, or 9th graders attending a Philadelphia-area school with at least a B average GPA
Program Dates: June 24 – 28, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 dates)
Fee: $650. Need-based financial assistance is available
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to Enhance Excellence of Middle School Students (SEEEME) program at Stanford University is a summer experience designed to engage middle school students from backgrounds historically underrepresented in STEM fields. Through an intensive curriculum that combines hands-on labs, interactive workshops, and mentorship from Stanford faculty and researchers, SEEEME encourages you to develop a strong foundation in STEM while fostering critical skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and analytical thinking. You will delve into real-world challenges, gain insight into research, and explore potential career pathways in STEM.
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
Program dates: TBA for 2025
Fee: No cost!
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
The Diversity of Youth in Mathematics, Engineering, and Science (DynaMIT) program is a free, week-long summer initiative hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology designed to engage economically disadvantaged middle school students in STEM. Through a structured curriculum that includes hands-on projects, workshops, and presentations led by MIT students, you will gain exposure to engineering, science, and mathematics. DynaMIT seeks to build foundational skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and scientific inquiry while promoting inclusivity in STEM fields. The program’s mission is to inspire students to pursue advanced studies and careers in STEM, bridging educational gaps and fostering diversity in future scientific communities.
Application Deadline: March 10, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 deadline)
Eligibility: Rising 6–9 grade students
Program Dates: TBA for 2025. Two sessions were offered in 2024:
August 19 – 23, 2024
August 26 – 30, 2024
Fee: No cost!
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Oregon State University’s STEM Academy Middle School Summer Camps offer an immersive experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for students entering grades 6-8. These week-long camps feature hands-on activities and projects in areas such as robotics, engineering, computer programming, and environmental science. Led by OSU faculty and mentors, the program provides you with the opportunity to build foundational STEM skills, engage in problem-solving, and work collaboratively with peers.
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Students entering 6th-8th grade
Program Dates: Varies by program, with options in June, July, and August
Fee: $60–$320, depending on the camp. Need-based scholarships available
Location: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
The Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab Summer Camp at the University of Michigan’s MEZ (Michigan Engineering Zone) offers middle school students an interactive introduction to engineering and technology through hands-on projects and problem-solving activities. This one-week camp combines elements of engineering, coding, and robotics, allowing you to design and build your own innovative projects. Led by University of Michigan faculty and industry mentors, the program emphasizes critical thinking, teamwork, and technical skills, providing you with a glimpse into potential STEM careers.
Application Deadline: April 5, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 deadline)
Eligibility: Current 6th-8th grade students
Program Dates: TBA for 2025. Two sessions were offered in 2024:
August 5 – 9, 2024
August 12 – 16, 2024
Fee: No cost!
Location: Michigan Engineering Zone, Detroit, MI
New York University Tandon School of Engineering’s Science of Smart Cities program introduces middle and high school students to the field of urban innovation and smart technology. Through interactive modules and hands-on projects, you will explore how science, technology, and engineering shape sustainable, efficient cities. Guided by NYU faculty and industry professionals, you will engage in activities such as coding, engineering design, and data analysis. You will solve real-world challenges related to energy, transportation, and environmental sustainability.
Application Deadline: April 29, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 deadline)
Eligibility: New York City residents aged 12-14 by the start of the program
Program Dates: July 8 – August 2, 2025 (tentative, based on 2024 dates)
Fee: No cost!
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
The University of New Hampshire’s Tech Camp is a hands-on summer program designed to cultivate middle and high school students' interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through workshops and collaborative projects, you will explore fields like robotics, environmental science, and engineering design while gaining practical skills in problem-solving and critical thinking. Led by UNH faculty and industry professionals, Tech Camp offers you experience with real-world STEM applications. The program aims to inspire you to consider future studies and careers in technology and innovation.
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 deadline)
Eligibility: Students in grades 5-12
Program Dates: Varies by program
Fee: $700 (for non-sponsored programs), financial support is available
Location: University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
Georgia Tech’s CEISMC Summer PEAKS programs offer middle school students an opportunity to dive into STEM through a range of immersive, hands-on courses. You can explore fields like robotics, coding, environmental science, and biomedical engineering while engaging in interactive labs and group projects. Led by Georgia Tech faculty and mentors, each program is designed to inspire curiosity, build problem-solving skills, and introduce you to real-world STEM applications. These week-long sessions provide a unique experience on Georgia Tech’s campus, encouraging you to connect with peers who share your interest in STEM.
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Rising 6th-8th graders
Program Dates: Week-long programs from June 6 – July 22 (based on previous years)
Fee: $400–$650, scholarships are available
Location: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.