10 Summer Engineering Programs for Middle School Students in Chicago
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 8 min read
Summer engineering programs can help you develop problem-solving, design, and technical skills while introducing you to real-world applications of STEM concepts at an early stage. By participating in these programs, you can gain hands-on experience with robotics, coding, electronics, mechanical design, and other engineering fields that are rarely explored in depth during middle school classes. Many programs also provide exposure to college-style academics, collaborative projects, industry professionals, and mentors who can help you better understand future STEM pathways.
If you are interested in engineering, you should also consider online summer programs, since they can provide flexible access to specialized instructors, advanced coursework, and students from across different regions. To help you identify the strongest options, we narrowed down this list of top summer engineering programs for middle school students in Chicago based on factors such as academic rigor, networking opportunities, funding availability, selectivity, and institutional prestige. Some programs emphasize robotics and coding, while others focus on engineering design, research, or interdisciplinary STEM learning. Several options are hosted by highly respected universities and organizations known for strong STEM education and mentorship opportunities. Whether you are interested in mechanical engineering, computer engineering, robotics, or applied technology, these programs can help you explore engineering in a structured and engaging way.
In no particular order, here are 10 summer engineering programs for middle school students in Chicago.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies | Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Program Dates: Eight weeks | Timing varies by cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program is a selective online research experience that allows you to explore engineering and STEM topics through one-on-one mentorship and independent research. After selecting your area of interest, you are paired with a PhD-level mentor from a leading university who guides you through foundational concepts, research methods, and analytical thinking techniques. Throughout the program, you learn how to evaluate sources, organize technical information, and approach complex engineering or scientific questions systematically. You then design and complete an independent research project focused on a real-world issue, helping you strengthen both problem-solving and communication skills. The program concludes with a formal research paper that showcases your ability to conduct structured academic research and present your findings clearly.
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost: Tuition varies by course; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective admission based on academic qualification criteria
Program Dates: Summer sessions offered June through August
Application Deadline: Applications generally close in spring and early summer
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12 who meet CTD eligibility requirements
Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development (CTD) offers accelerated STEM and engineering courses designed for academically advanced middle and high school students. Depending on the course you choose, you may explore topics such as robotics, computer programming, electronics, design engineering, and applied mathematics through hands-on projects and collaborative learning activities. The curriculum is structured to mirror aspects of college-level coursework while still providing guidance and support appropriate for younger learners. You work on technical challenges, participate in group problem-solving exercises, and strengthen both analytical and practical engineering skills throughout the program. Because CTD is affiliated with Northwestern University, you also gain exposure to a highly respected research institution and a more rigorous academic environment than a typical middle school classroom.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies | Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small cohort model with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Program Dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks during the spring cohort or 25 hours over 2 weeks during the summer cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers program introduces you to artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts through a structured online curriculum that emphasizes both coding and problem-solving. During the program, you learn foundational Python programming skills while exploring engineering-related topics such as data analysis, regression models, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. The curriculum combines lectures with collaborative group sessions, allowing you to apply technical concepts through guided projects and hands-on exercises. With a low 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio, you receive personalized guidance from mentors with strong research and technical backgrounds. Previous student projects have included machine learning systems for music classification and recommendation algorithms, giving you practical exposure to how engineering and AI intersect in real-world applications.
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: Tuition varies by course; limited financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive enrollment with seminar-style classes
Program Dates: Summer sessions typically run June through July
Application Deadline: Applications generally close in spring
Eligibility: Middle and high school students meeting academic readiness expectations
The University of Chicago’s Young Scholars Program offers academically rigorous enrichment courses that expose you to advanced STEM and engineering concepts in a university-style setting. Depending on the courses offered each year, you may explore subjects related to programming, computational analysis, quantitative reasoning, engineering design, or applied technology through discussion-based and project-oriented learning. Classes emphasize analytical thinking and inquiry-driven exploration, encouraging you to solve problems creatively rather than rely on memorization alone. You may also work on collaborative assignments that connect engineering concepts to fields such as economics, computer science, or emerging technologies. The program reflects the University of Chicago’s broader academic culture, which prioritizes intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary learning, and critical thinking.
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL., and other campuses nationwide
Cost: Tuition varies by course and duration; no formal application fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment with limited class sizes
Program Dates: Weekly summer sessions available June through August
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment until sessions fill
Eligibility: Students ages 7–17
iD Tech Camps offer hands-on engineering and technology programs that allow you to explore coding, artificial intelligence, robotics, game development, and computer engineering concepts through project-based learning. Depending on the course you choose, you may learn Python programming, build engineering-focused projects, experiment with machine learning tools, or work with real-world AI applications in collaborative settings. The program emphasizes experiential learning, meaning you actively design, code, test, and improve projects instead of relying mainly on lectures. Small class sizes also make it easier to receive individualized support from instructors while developing technical and problem-solving skills. In addition to learning engineering concepts, you work alongside peers who share similar interests in STEM and emerging technologies, creating a collaborative and engaging environment.
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost: Tuition varies by session
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment
Program Dates: Summer weekday sessions over four weeks
Application Deadline: Dates announced annually
Eligibility: Middle school students interested in STEM
ChiS&E offers a math-focused STEM program designed to help you build engineering, coding, and analytical skills through a structured progression that develops year after year. The curriculum introduces advanced concepts early, including engineering design, algebra, and real-world coding projects, while emphasizing long-term skill development rather than one-time enrichment activities. During the summer program, you participate in hands-on STEM learning experiences, collaborative projects, and weekly field trips hosted at Chicago Public Schools or university campuses. The program uses a scaffolded learning approach, meaning each lesson builds on previous knowledge to help you strengthen both conceptual understanding and practical problem-solving abilities. Because the curriculum is heavily rooted in mathematics and applied STEM learning, it can be especially valuable if you are interested in engineering pathways that require strong quantitative reasoning skills.
Location: Multiple Chicago-area locations, including Hyde Park, Lincoln Park, West Loop, and Wicker Park
Cost: Tuition varies by location and session
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment
Program Dates: Summer weekday sessions; camp runs from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment until sessions fill
Eligibility: Students in grades K–10 (middle school tracks available for grades 6–8)
Camp Galileo offers hands-on STEAM programs that combine engineering design, creativity, and outdoor activities in an engaging summer camp environment. Middle school participants work on collaborative engineering and innovation projects that encourage problem-solving, experimentation, and critical thinking through project-based learning. Depending on the session, you may design prototypes, test solutions to engineering challenges, and explore concepts related to technology, physics, and applied science. The program emphasizes creativity and iteration, allowing you to improve designs through trial, feedback, and teamwork rather than relying only on textbook instruction. In addition to technical learning, Camp Galileo incorporates outdoor activities and group experiences that help you build communication and leadership skills alongside peers with similar STEM interests.
Location: Loyola Water Tower Campus, Chicago, IL
Cost: $2,400 standard tuition | $1,600 for students who participated in the MathCON Online Test
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective admission based on competition participation and demonstrated interest in mathematics
Program Dates: June 15–19
Application Deadline: Applications open later in the year
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 who registered for the MathCON Online Round
MathCON Summer Camp is a rigorous academic program designed for mathematically advanced students who want to strengthen the quantitative and analytical skills that form the foundation of engineering and technical STEM disciplines. During the week-long camp, you study advanced topics such as number theory, combinatorics, algebra, geometry, and mathematical problem-solving through focused instruction and collaborative activities. The curriculum emphasizes logical reasoning and complex problem-solving, both of which are essential in fields like mechanical engineering, computer engineering, and robotics. The program also prepares you for competitions such as the AMC 8 and AMC 10, exposing you to higher-level mathematical thinking commonly used in engineering and applied science coursework. In addition to classroom learning, you participate in team activities and networking opportunities with other high-achieving students who share strong interests in STEM subjects.
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL (in-person and virtual options available)
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid and paid apprenticeships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by track; selective for apprenticeships and dual enrollment
Program Dates: Summer sessions offered June through August, with additional year-round programs
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines depending on the program
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12
Illinois Institute of Technology’s Elevate College Prep program allows you to explore engineering, computing, sustainability, and cybersecurity through hands-on STEM learning experiences connected to a major research university. Depending on the track you choose, you may participate in summer workshops, collaborative engineering projects, lab-based activities, or longer-term enrichment programs that introduce college-level technical concepts in an accessible format. The curriculum emphasizes creativity, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving, helping you apply engineering ideas through practical challenges and project-based learning. Middle school students can begin with exploratory STEM courses, while more advanced participants may later pursue dual-enrollment opportunities or paid apprenticeship experiences focused on research and technical skill development. Another major advantage of the program is the opportunity to interact with Illinois Tech faculty, mentors, and industry professionals who provide guidance on STEM pathways and future careers.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Tuition varies by registration period; discounts available for early applicants
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; admission based on an application test and academic readiness, with limited seats per session
Program Dates: June 8–June 26, June 29–July 17, or July 20–August 7
Application Deadline: Multiple testing and application windows offered from January through May; later applications accepted if space remains
Eligibility: Advanced middle and high school students ages 12–18
AwesomeMath Summer Math Camp is an intensive virtual program designed to strengthen your mathematical reasoning and advanced problem-solving skills in a rigorous academic environment. During the three-week camp, you participate in live instructor-led classes covering topics such as algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics, all of which form an important foundation for engineering and technical STEM fields. Lessons combine concept instruction with guided problem-solving activities, allowing you to apply advanced mathematical ideas to increasingly complex challenges. The curriculum is designed to push students beyond standard school coursework and is particularly valuable if you are interested in engineering pathways that rely heavily on quantitative reasoning and analytical thinking. You also complete regular assignments, assessments, and optional office hours that provide additional academic support and feedback.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. 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.