Middle school students can greatly benefit from engaging in STEM summer camps. These camps provide an enriching environment where participants can explore various STEM fields, cultivate their interests, and develop essential skills. These hands-on experiments, interactive projects and team activities not only prepare students for advanced placement (AP) courses but also enrich your college applications and boost your shot at getting into future research programs!

Below, we've curated a selection of 10 STEM summer camps tailored specifically for middle school students, offering them an exciting pathway to discovery and growth in the world of STEM.

1. Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers

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 done by students 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: Rolling

Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8

Program dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (on weekends) during the spring and 25 hours over 2 weeks (on weekdays) during the summer cohort

Fee: $1,790

Financial assistance: Need-based financial aid is available 

2. The University of Texas at Dallas Coding Camps

At the University of Texas at Dallas Coding Camps, you'll discover the dynamic fusion of mathematical principles and computer programming. With platforms like Scratch and JavaScript, you'll witness how abstract math concepts come alive in the digital realm. From exploring angles and 3D space to working with random numbers and recursion, students will immerse themselves in a diverse array of mathematical ideas.

A standout offering is the "Bring Math to Life!" camp, where participants embark on a journey to leverage programming for grasping geometry, object manipulation, sequence patterns, and recursive structures in an enjoyable week-long experience. Moreover, the "Modding with Minecraft" camp transports students into the beloved Minecraft universe, empowering them to craft mods using programming fundamentals.

For beginners, the camp provides an accessible entry point with the "Enjoyable Coding with Alice" segment. Through the Alice programming environment's intuitive drag-and-drop interface, participants delve into 3D animation and game development, bypassing the complexities of syntax errors. This segment caters especially to newcomers, furnishing a robust groundwork in programming principles in a user-friendly manner.

Location: Virtual

Dates: Weekly camps from June 3, 2024 - August 2, 2024

Cost: $150

Eligibility: Students aged 11-14 are eligible

Deadline: Enrollment is open until the Wednesday prior to the start date of the week’s camps.

3. Oregon State University - Stem Academy

The program aims to boost college attendance rates and foster enthusiasm for STEM disciplines. Although the specific topics for the upcoming summer of 2024 are pending confirmation, the offerings from the previous year in 2023 provide a glimpse into the varied array of subjects available. Choices ranged from the adventurous Wild About Wildlife Camp to the hands-on Making with Microcontrollers, as well as Engineering Camps, ActivityBots Camp, and Flying Robots Camp. Some programs even included field trips and interactive learning opportunities to enrich students' educational journeys.

Location: Corvallis, OR (Oregon State University)

Dates: TBA

Cost: $90-300

Eligibility: Rising 6-8th graders

Deadline: Registration opens in late February

4. Junior Scientist Training Program at Scripps Research

During the execution of a research project, students will acquire essential hands-on skills, participate in lab tours, and partake in various STEM activities. At week's end, they'll share their discoveries with peers. Additionally, participants will be granted a completion certificate from Scripps Research, recognizing their active participation. To begin the application process for the Junior Scientist Training Program for middle schoolers, you'll need to register by providing personal information.

Following this, you'll be able to register your child and any additional middle schoolers via the provided link.

Location: La Jolla, California

Dates: TBD

Cost: $300

Eligibility: Rising 6-8th graders

Deadline: Rolling, registration ends on May 13th. 

5. Georgia Tech: The Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing Expanded Learning Programs

The program is committed to equipping students with vital skills like coding from an early stage. By engaging in hands-on experimentation, participants will nurture creativity while tackling their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) projects. For students who cannot attend the physical location, online alternatives are available, ensuring accessibility and flexibility in learning.

Location: Atlanta, GA (Georgia Tech) and online

Dates: April 19th.

Cost: $225-450

Eligibility: K-12

Deadline: Students are accepted on a rolling basis

6. Tech Explorer Camp at the University of North Texas

The Tech Explorer Camp, held at the University of North Texas, caters to middle and high school students intrigued by technology. Spanning five days at Frisco Landing, attendees engage in hands-on activities designed to fuel curiosity and inspire innovation. Led by seasoned instructors, the camp features a stimulating curriculum encompassing diverse tech topics, from coding workshops to robotics challenges.

Designed to spark creativity and foster critical thinking, the program emphasizes teamwork and problem-solving skills. Beyond equipping participants with practical abilities, the Tech Explorer Camp aims to cultivate a deep appreciation for technology, whether students aspire to careers in programming, engineering, or simply harbor a love for tech. It presents an enriching opportunity for attendees to expand their skill set and kindle their passion for the technological realm.

Location: Frisco Landing, Preston Rd, Frisco, TX

Dates: from July 8 to 12, 2024

Cost: $350 for the 5-day camp. Meals are not included.

Eligibility: Summer camp participants must be middle or high school students

Application Deadline: TBA

7. SMU Lyle School of Engineering’s Introduction to Engineering Summer Camp

This 5-day residential summer camp, with an intake limited to just 20 students annually, is a rather exclusive program. It offers a comprehensive introduction to various fields of engineering including electrical, mechanical, civil, and environmental engineering, as well as computer science basics. Through a variety of hands-on projects and activities, participants will gain practical experience and theoretical knowledge.

Each project is meticulously crafted by faculty to simulate real-world engineering processes. Prior STEM experience is not required to attend this camp, making it an ideal starting point for middle school students eager to begin their journey into STEM education. If you're enthusiastic about diving into the world of engineering, SMU's Introduction to Engineering Summer Camp provides an excellent opportunity.

Location: SMU Lyle School of Engineering, Texas

Dates: Boys-only camp: June 3-7, 2024 | Girls-only camp: June 10-14, 2024 | Boys/Girls camp: June 17-21, 2024 (tentatively)

Cost: $600

Eligibility:  Rising 7th and 8th grade students

Deadline: NA

8. UNH Tech Camp

The TechLeaders initiative at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) offers an innovative summer program centered on the convergence of technology and healthcare, with a particular emphasis on regenerative medicine. Through hands-on projects and discussions, students delve into how technological progress is revolutionizing tissue regeneration and healing processes. Under the guidance of expert faculty and mentors, participants explore topics like fabrication and bioprinting, gaining valuable insights into the application of technology in regenerative medicine.

This immersive experience not only hones students' data analysis skills and experimental capabilities but also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving. TechLeaders not only sparks students' enthusiasm for STEM but also showcases the transformative power of technology in healthcare.

Location: In-person on the UNH Durham campus

Cost: Tuition is $700 per week for day students and $1,350 per week for residential students Program Dates: July, exact dates to be announced

Application Deadline: TBA

Eligibility: Middle or high school students

9. MIT DYNAMIT

Catering to students entering grades 6 through 9 from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, this initiative is dedicated to fostering a love for STEM fields through engaging experiments and challenges. MIT students generously volunteer their time to educate these underserved middle schoolers about STEM concepts, with the goal of sparking their passion for science and engineering and molding them into future leaders in STEM.

The program encompasses a variety of STEM topics, such as mathematics, biology, chemistry, mechanical engineering, earth and space sciences, and computer science. Students participate in captivating activities like experimenting with bouncy bubbles, launching bottle rockets, and constructing water balloon slingshots, enhancing their learning experience and igniting their curiosity. Find the application form here. 

Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Dates: Rising 6th and 7th graders- August 14th to August 18th, 

Rising 8th and 9th graders- August 21st to August 25th

Cost: Entirely Free

Eligibility:  6th to 9th graders from the Boston area

Deadline: March 10th. 

10. SALLY RIDE SCIENCE ACADEMY

The Sally Ride Science Academy's summer program offers STEAM workshops customized for students ranging from 3rd to 12th grade. These workshops provide opportunities for participants to explore different roles, including space explorer, marine biologist, and computer programmer, through interactive hands-on projects. Guided by experienced STEAM instructors who double as mentors, the workshops integrate stories of successful women in each field, with the goal of inspiring students and promoting greater accessibility to STEAM careers.

Location:  Both in person and live-online session

Dates: 8th July- 2nd August

Cost: $135 to $149 per course

Eligibility: 3 - 12th grade

Deadline: May 31st

11. MSM Steam Academy (Morehouse School of Medicine)

Throughout this comprehensive four-week program, you will immerse themselves in a diverse range of engaging activities spanning engineering/technology and exploratory studies. In addition to these focal areas, you will delve into the realm of mobile application development with a specific emphasis on health science.

Incorporating both fundamental academic content and thematic programming, the curriculum encompasses subjects ranging from engineering/technology to health and wellness, satisfying extracurricular educational needs. You will also actively engage in inquiry-based activities designed to reinforce the program's curriculum and establish connections to real-world applications.

Note: All materials (application and supplemental) must be received by the application closing date by 5 pm. 

Location: Atlanta, GA (Morehouse University)

Dates: June 3-28

Cost: $800

Eligibility: Rising 5-8th graders

Deadline: Rolling

One other Option - Lumiere Junior Explorer Program

The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about.  Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke and LSE.

The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure! 

To learn more, you can reach out to our Head of Growth, Khushi Malde, at khushi.malde@lumiere.education or go to our website.

Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts + deadlines for 2024, you can refer to this page!

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.

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