10 Summer Physics Programs for Middle School Students in New York
- Stephen Turban
- 10 hours ago
- 7 min read
Physics programs can be an excellent way to deepen your understanding of scientific concepts while developing problem-solving, analytical thinking, and quantitative reasoning skills. Beyond classroom learning, these programs often provide access to advanced laboratories, research opportunities, university faculty, and collaborative projects that introduce you to college-level academics and professional STEM environments. Many summer programs also help you build connections with mentors and like-minded peers, making them a cost-effective way to explore your academic interests before high school.
If you are interested in physics, an online or in-person summer program can help you explore specialized topics ranging from astrophysics and engineering to artificial intelligence and scientific research. New York is home to world-class universities, research institutions, and STEM organizations that offer enriching opportunities for middle school students. To help you identify the strongest options, we narrowed our list based on factors such as academic rigor, selectivity, mentorship opportunities, funding availability, networking potential, and affiliation with prestigious organizations.
Below are 10 of the best summer physics programs for middle school students in New York.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Program Dates: Eight weeks; timing varies by cohort
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program is a selective online research experience designed to introduce you to advanced academic research and scholarly writing. You begin by choosing an area of interest within STEM, humanities, or social sciences and are matched with a PhD-level mentor from a leading university. Throughout the program, you explore foundational concepts in your chosen discipline before developing an independent research project centered on a real-world question. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based analysis, and academic communication. You will complete a formal research paper that presents your findings and demonstrates your ability to engage with complex topics. If you are interested in exploring physics through independent inquiry and mentorship, this program offers a rigorous introduction to the research process.
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free (full scholarship)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: July 8–August 2
Application Deadline: April 29
Eligibility: New York City students aged 12–14 with a strong academic record and demonstrated interest in STEM
NYU Tandon's Science of Smart Cities (SoSC) program introduces you to engineering, computer science, and technology through the lens of creating more sustainable, efficient, and safer cities. During this fully funded summer program, you learn about electronics, circuitry, coding, microcontrollers, sensors, environmental science, and urban systems while working on hands-on engineering challenges. Guided by NYU faculty and graduate students, you collaborate with peers to design and build projects that address real-world urban problems using technology and scientific principles. The curriculum emphasizes experimentation, research, design thinking, and problem-solving in a highly interactive environment equipped with professional tools and materials. A distinctive component of the program is Irondale, a required workshop led by theater educators that uses improvisation exercises to strengthen your communication and public speaking skills.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio
Program Dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (spring) or 25 hours over 2 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
Veritas AI's AI Trailblazers program introduces you to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning through live instruction and small-group mentorship. During the program, you learn Python programming, data analysis, regression models, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. Instruction combines lectures, guided exercises, and collaborative learning sessions designed specifically for middle school students. Previous participants have built machine-learning models capable of classifying music genres and recommending educational resources based on user preferences. The program's low student-to-mentor ratio allows for personalized guidance and feedback throughout the learning process. If you are interested in the intersection of physics, mathematics, computing, and emerging technologies, AI Trailblazers offers a valuable introduction.
Location: New York, NY (The City College of New York)
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: July 6–August 7
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12
The CCNY STEM Institute Summer Program is a free STEM enrichment experience that combines classroom instruction with hands-on projects across engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the sciences. You can choose from courses such as Architecture, Game Programming, and Intro to Electric Vehicle Systems, while high school students can explore offerings including Ideas of Physics, Robotics & Rocketry, App Development & Entrepreneurship, and Living Systems Lab. Classes are held Monday through Thursday and pair morning instruction with afternoon project-based learning, allowing you to apply concepts through practical challenges and collaborative work. The program's theme, STEAMworks, focuses on redesigning public spaces through engineering, sustainability, and technology, culminating in a public showcase of student-created prototypes. You will also have access to tutoring and academic support throughout the program.
Location: Brooklyn, NY (Andries Hudde Magnet School of STEAM)
Cost: Free (full scholarship)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: July 6–July 30
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Current 6th and 7th-grade students who are New York City residents
The SONYC (Sounds of New York City) Summer Program introduces you to the science of sound, acoustics, and noise pollution through an interdisciplinary STEM curriculum. Over four weeks, you investigate how sound waves travel, measure noise levels in local communities, and examine the public health and environmental impacts of noise pollution in urban settings. The program combines physics concepts with hands-on engineering activities, allowing you to build sound-monitoring devices, explore electronics, and learn coding skills used in smart-city technologies. You will collect and analyze real-world data, gaining experience with scientific research methods and technology development. A unique feature of the program is its theater-based communication training, which helps you strengthen your presentation and public speaking abilities. The experience concludes with a showcase where you present a smart-city technology project that applies physics, engineering, and data analysis to address a real-world urban challenge.
Location: Stony Brook, NY
Cost: $700
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, 24 students per grade level
Program Dates: June 29 - July 9
Application Deadline: Rolling, First-come, first-served
Eligibility: Middle school students entering 7th or 8th grade in September
Stony Brook University hosts STEM enrichment opportunities that expose younger students to scientific research, engineering, and advanced mathematics. Depending on the program, you may participate in workshops focused on physical science concepts, laboratory investigations, and technology applications. Faculty members and university researchers often contribute to program activities, providing insight into scientific careers and research pathways. The curriculum emphasizes active participation and inquiry-based learning. You will also have opportunities to collaborate with peers who share an interest in STEM subjects. The university setting offers an early introduction to college-level academic environments.
Location: New York, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited seats available
Program Dates: July 6–July 30
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until seats are filled
Eligibility: New York State students in grades 7–12 who meet STEP program requirements
The Baruch College Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) Academy is a state-funded STEM enrichment program designed to prepare middle and high school students for future studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health-related fields. During the summer program, you can enroll in courses such as Engineering Principles, Cognitive Psychology, Urban Ecology, Anatomy and Physiology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Coding in Snap, and Environmental Sustainability & Climate Justice, depending on your grade level. The curriculum combines academic enrichment with college-readiness programming, helping you strengthen your understanding of STEM concepts while developing critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. In addition to coursework, you can participate in workshops focused on mathematics, science, SAT preparation, and college planning.
Location: Riverdale, Bronx, NY
Cost: $665–$699 per week; financial assistance available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited enrollment; 15:1 camper-to-staff ratio
Program Dates: July 6–August 6
Application Deadline: Rolling until spaces are filled
Eligibility: Students in grades 5–8
Manhattan University's Science & Engineering Camp introduces you to the fundamentals of five major engineering disciplines: chemical, environmental, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Each week focuses on a different specialty, allowing you to explore how engineers solve real-world problems through hands-on projects, experiments, and design challenges. Throughout the program, you work in university classrooms and engineering laboratories while learning directly from Manhattan University faculty and experienced educators. Physics concepts are woven throughout the curriculum, particularly during the mechanical and electrical engineering units, where you investigate forces, motion, energy, circuits, and engineering design principles. In addition to project-based learning, you meet engineering professionals and alumni who discuss their careers and the practical applications of engineering in industry.
Location: Upton, NY (Brookhaven National Laboratory)
Cost: Varies by workshop
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; participation contingent on application acceptance
Program Dates: July 7–August 15
Application Deadline: Registration required; deadlines vary by workshop
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12
Brookhaven National Laboratory's Summer Science Explorations program gives you the opportunity to learn STEM concepts in one of the nation's leading federal research laboratories. Through hands-on workshops, you explore topics such as scientific computing, biotechnology, microelectronics, physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering while interacting with scientists actively conducting research in these fields. The program includes laboratory tours, demonstrations, and interactive activities that help you understand how scientific discoveries are made and applied to real-world challenges. For students interested in physics, Brookhaven's research environment provides valuable exposure to advanced scientific facilities and technologies that support cutting-edge experiments. You will also strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills by engaging with authentic scientific questions and research methods.
Location: New York, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited availability; varies by workshop
Program Dates: Offered throughout the year; dates vary
Application Deadline: Varies by event and workshop
Eligibility: Students in grades K–12
The Cooper Union STEM Days Program introduces you to engineering through hands-on workshops led by engineering students from one of New York City's most respected technical institutions. Activities are designed to demonstrate how engineering principles are applied to innovation, technology, and everyday challenges, with participants exploring topics through interactive projects and demonstrations. Past activities have included building fuel-cell-powered model cars and learning about sustainable engineering, manufacturing, and design. The program also connects students with engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, civil, and environmental engineering, providing early exposure to concepts that underpin physics and other STEM fields. Through demonstrations presented by student organizations and engineering teams, you gain insight into how scientific and engineering ideas are transformed into real-world technologies.
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.