12 STEM Summer Programs in Vermont for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Jun 22
- 12 min read
If you’re interested in science, technology, engineering, or math, a summer program can be a great way to explore these subjects outside of school. These programs introduce you to topics like robotics, coding, engineering design, transportation systems, genetics, and mathematics while helping you build problem-solving and teamwork skills. They also give you the chance to learn through projects, challenges, and activities that make STEM concepts easier to understand.
In Vermont, STEM summer programs are offered through universities, community organizations, innovation centers, and educational initiatives across the state. These opportunities include day camps, academic enrichment programs, design-focused workshops, and technology experiences that allow students to explore different STEM fields in engaging learning environments.
Why should I attend a STEM summer program in Vermont?
Vermont offers a variety of STEM programs where you can explore different subjects while working on projects and activities designed for middle school students. Depending on the program, you might build robots, learn coding, design 3D models, study genetics, solve math challenges, or investigate how engineering and transportation systems work. Whether you live in Vermont or are visiting from another area, these programs can help you discover new interests, build confidence in STEM subjects, and prepare for more advanced learning in high school.
With that, here are 12 STEM summer programs in Vermont for middle school students.
If you’re looking for programs for middle school students, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
Several programs are free or low-cost, including NSTI at Vermont State University (fully funded), WASH Summer Program (free or low-cost), Rosie's Girls (free or low-cost at many sites), Stanford Middle School Scholars Program (free for qualifying low-income students), making Vermont a state with strong accessible STEM options for middle schoolers.
Programs span a wide range of STEM disciplines including AI and machine learning (Veritas AI Trailblazers), robotics and electronics (UVM Robotics Camp), 3D design and engineering (UVM Makers I Camp), genetics and molecular biology (Gene to Genome), transportation engineering (NSTI), advanced mathematics (AwesomeMath, Stanford SMSSP), computer science and coding (JHU CTY, BRIC STEAM), and independent research (Lumiere Junior Explorer).
Several programs are specifically designed for girls and gender-expansive youth in STEM, including Rosie's Girls STEM and Trades Camp (carpentry, electrical, and mechanical skills) and WASH Summer Program, both of which focus on building confidence in subjects traditionally underrepresented in youth programming.
Students looking for virtual programs accessible from anywhere can apply to Lumiere Junior Explorer, Veritas AI Trailblazers, Stanford SMSSP, AwesomeMath, JHU CTY, and Gene to Genome Genetics Camp, all of which are fully online with structured mentorship or instructor-led sessions.
Deadlines for competitive programs fall as early as March, with Stanford SMSSP closing March 25 and AwesomeMath opening applications December 15, so students should begin identifying programs in the winter and apply to early-deadline programs before spring break.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies | Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Application deadline: Varies based on cohort
Program dates: Eight weeks | Timing varies by cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 to 8
Lumiere’s Junior Explorers Program is a selective online research experience for middle school students, designed to build advanced academic writing and research skills. You begin by selecting a subject area, such as STEM, humanities, or social sciences, and are matched with a PhD-level mentor from a top university. Over the course of the program, you receive a structured introduction to your chosen field, then design and carry out an independent research project focused on a real-world question. To strengthen your writing and analytical abilities, you conclude the program by producing a formal research paper that presents your findings.
Location: Vermont State University – Williston Campus, Vermont
Cost: Free; fully funded through the Vermont Agency of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited spots available each year
Program Dates: Typically held during the summer (May–August); specific session dates vary annually
Application Deadline: Varies by year depending on funding and program schedule
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–8 for the middle school day-camp program
The National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) at Vermont State University is a hands-on STEM summer program that introduces middle school students to careers in transportation, engineering, and infrastructure systems. Hosted on the university’s Williston campus, the program combines classroom learning with interactive activities that demonstrate how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are applied in modern transportation systems. During the program, you participate in interactive labs, field trips, and guest lectures from professionals working in transportation-related industries. Activities may include exploring how bridges are designed and constructed, examining public transit systems such as buses or rail, and learning about sustainable transportation technologies. You will also gain exposure to transportation safety concepts and the role of environmental science in developing eco-friendly mobility solutions.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by cohort; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small-group instruction with an approximately 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines. You can apply to the program here.
Program dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (on weekends) during the spring cohort and 25 hours over 2 weeks (on weekdays) during the summer cohort.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
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. Previous student projects have included building a machine-learning model to classify music genres and developing a machine-learning algorithm to generate a custom list of educational resources based on specified criteria.
Location: Vermont (in-person sessions hosted by local partner institutions and schools)
Cost: Free or low-cost depending on the hosting site; scholarships often available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohorts to support hands-on mentoring
Program Dates: Summer sessions typically held June–August
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the local program cycle
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–8, with a focus on supporting girls interested in STEM
The Women Advancing STEM in Higher Education (WASH) Summer Program is designed to introduce middle school students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on learning and mentorship. The program focuses on encouraging girls to explore STEM subjects early by providing a supportive environment where they can experiment with new technologies, build projects, and collaborate with peers. During the program, you participate in interactive workshops that may include coding exercises, engineering challenges, scientific experiments, and technology demonstrations. These projects are designed to show how STEM concepts apply to real-world problems and emerging technologies. The program also emphasizes teamwork and creative problem-solving as students work together to complete challenges and design solutions.
Location: University of Vermont (UVM) Campus – Votey Hall 242, Burlington, VT
Cost: $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited seats; registration-based enrollment
Program Dates: June 22 – June 26
Application Deadline: Registration open until spots are filled
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–7 or beginners with no prior experience in 3D design; campers must be at least 12 years old at the time of the camp
The Makers I: Design and Rapid Prototyping Camp at the University of Vermont introduces middle school students to the fundamentals of digital design and modern fabrication technologies. Over the course of the week-long program, you learn how engineers and designers turn ideas into physical objects using computer-aided design (CAD) software and 3D printing technologies. You explore key engineering concepts such as mechanical assemblies, measurement techniques, and reverse engineering. Hands-on activities include designing simple objects using CAD tools, preparing files for 3D printing, and experimenting with printing variables such as infill density to see how they affect the strength and structure of printed objects. You also examine the difference between additive manufacturing (3D printing) and subtractive manufacturing techniques such as machining, helping you understand how modern products are created.
Location: Multiple locations in Vermont (hosted by community partners across the state)
Cost: Varies by site; many sessions are free or low-cost, with scholarships often available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohorts to support hands-on learning
Program Dates: Summer sessions typically run June–August
Application Deadline: Varies by location and session
Eligibility: Middle school students entering grades 6–8 (program is designed for girls and gender-expansive youth)
Rosie’s Girls is a hands-on summer STEM and trades camp designed to help middle school students explore engineering, construction, and technical skills in a supportive environment. The program focuses on building confidence and encouraging participants to try activities that are traditionally underrepresented in youth programming, such as carpentry, electrical work, and mechanical problem-solving. During the camp, you work on practical projects using real tools while learning foundational concepts from engineering and applied sciences. Activities may include building small structures, experimenting with basic electrical circuits, and exploring mechanical systems that demonstrate how machines and tools function. The program blends technical learning with teamwork and creative problem-solving as students collaborate on projects and challenges.
Location: University of Vermont – Innovation E210, Burlington, VT
Cost: $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited seats; registration-based enrollment
Program Dates: June 22 – June 26
Application Deadline: Registration open until spots are filled
Eligibility: Middle school students (typically grades 6–8) who are at least 12 years old at the time of the camp
The Robotics Design and Testing Camp at the University of Vermont introduces middle school students to the fundamentals of robotics, electronics, and programming. Throughout the week-long program, you explore how engineers use robotics to solve real-world problems related to safety, sustainability, and everyday efficiency. During the camp, you learn how microprocessors receive digital inputs and generate outputs, which allows robots and automated systems to interact with their environment. You also gain hands-on experience writing basic code, designing mechanical components, and assembling robotic systems. Working in teams, you collaborate with other students to design and build a robotic device that addresses a specific challenge or practical problem.
Location: Black River Innovation Campus, Springfield, VT
Cost: Varies by camp; scholarships and financial assistance may be available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited seats per camp to support hands-on learning
Program Dates: Multiple weekly camps held June–August
Application Deadline: Rolling registration until camps are full
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–8 (specific camps may have slightly different grade ranges)
The BRIC STEAM Summer Camps in Burlington offer middle school students an opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through creative, project-based learning. These camps blend technical STEM concepts with artistic design, helping students see how innovation often emerges at the intersection of engineering and creativity. During the camps, you participate in hands-on activities such as digital design, electronics projects, creative coding, and engineering challenges. Many sessions encourage experimentation with tools such as microcontrollers, fabrication equipment, and design software, while also emphasizing artistic expression and storytelling. This interdisciplinary approach allows you to explore both the technical and creative sides of STEAM learning.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 12 students
Program Dates: Summer session July 6 – July 24, followed by weekly sessions August 26 – December 9
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–7 from low-income backgrounds who live and attend school in the United States
The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program is a highly selective academic enrichment initiative designed to help middle school students prepare for advanced coursework in high school. One of its offerings, Real-Life Applications to Mathematics, introduces you to mathematical concepts that extend beyond standard classroom curricula while demonstrating how math is applied in real-world contexts. During the program, you explore topics such as cryptography, modular arithmetic, and financial mathematics, learning how to use mathematical tools to solve practical problems and analyze complex scenarios. Classes are conducted live online, encouraging interactive discussions and collaborative problem-solving with peers. Through guided instruction and challenging exercises, you strengthen your analytical thinking and deepen your understanding of advanced mathematical ideas.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Tuition varies by registration period; discounts available for early applicants; instructional materials included
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, July 20 – August 7
Application Deadline: Applications open December 15
Eligibility: Advanced middle and high school students aged 12–18
The AwesomeMath Summer Math Camp is an intensive academic program designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of advanced mathematical concepts and problem-solving techniques. Over the course of three weeks, you participate in live, instructor-led classes that focus on challenging topics such as algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics. Each lesson blends concept instruction with guided practice, allowing you to apply new ideas through structured problem-solving exercises. The curriculum goes beyond standard school mathematics and is particularly well suited if you are interested in math competitions, olympiad-style problems, or accelerated mathematics coursework.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by course and session; financial aid may be available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; eligibility typically requires CTY qualification through testing or prior coursework
Program Dates: Multiple summer sessions offered June–August
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines depending on the course session
Eligibility: Advanced students in grades 6–8 (eligibility determined through CTY talent search or qualifying scores)
The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Online Programming Courses allow academically advanced middle school students to explore computer science through structured virtual instruction. These courses are designed to introduce you to programming concepts while strengthening logical reasoning and computational problem-solving skills. During the program, you learn fundamental programming concepts, including variables, loops, conditionals, functions, and algorithm design. Courses often focus on languages such as Python or other beginner-friendly programming environments, allowing you to build practical coding skills through guided exercises and projects.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,095
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small class sizes to encourage interactive learning
Program Dates: Online session: July 20 – July 24
Application Deadline: Rolling registration until sessions are full
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–8
The Gene to Genome Genetics Summer Camp introduces middle school students to the core principles of genetics and molecular biology. The program focuses on the Central Dogma of Biology (DNA → RNA → Protein) and explores how genetic information is transferred and expressed within living organisms. Through interactive lessons and hands-on activities, you study how genetic mutations can cause heritable diseases and how these conditions are passed down through generations. The curriculum begins with molecular-level concepts, helping you understand the structure and function of DNA and genes. As the program progresses, you expand your perspective to explore inheritance patterns, genomic research, and the broader impact of genetics on human health. Activities are designed to help you apply scientific reasoning while learning how modern genetic research contributes to medical discoveries.
Frequently asked questions
What types of STEM programs are available for middle school students in Vermont?
Options include transportation and infrastructure engineering programs (NSTI at Vermont State), AI and machine learning programs (Veritas AI Trailblazers), robotics and electronics camps (UVM Robotics Camp), 3D design and fabrication camps (UVM Makers I Camp), genetics and molecular biology camps (Gene to Genome), advanced mathematics programs (AwesomeMath, Stanford SMSSP), STEAM and creative technology camps (BRIC Springfield), trades and engineering camps (Rosie's Girls), computer science courses (JHU CTY), and independent research programs (Lumiere Junior Explorer).
Are there free STEM programs for middle school students in Vermont?
Yes, several programs are free or low-cost. NSTI at Vermont State University is fully funded through the Vermont Agency of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration. WASH Summer Program is free or low-cost at many hosting sites with scholarships available. Rosie's Girls is free or low-cost at many Vermont locations. Stanford Middle School Scholars Program is free for qualifying low-income students in grades 6 and 7. Programs like Lumiere, Veritas AI, and AwesomeMath charge tuition but offer financial aid.
Which Vermont STEM programs are best for students interested in engineering or hands-on building?
UVM Makers I Camp teaches CAD software and 3D printing over one week on the Burlington campus. UVM Robotics Design and Testing Camp introduces microprocessors, code writing, and mechanical assembly through a team-based robot-building challenge. Rosie's Girls covers carpentry, electrical circuits, and mechanical systems with real tools. NSTI introduces bridge design, public transit systems, and sustainable transportation technologies through labs and field trips.
Which programs are best for students interested in AI, coding, or computer science?
Veritas AI Trailblazers teaches Python, data analysis, regression, image classification, and AI ethics in small groups with a 5:1 mentor ratio. JHU CTY Online Programming Courses introduce variables, loops, functions, and algorithm design in Python for academically advanced students. BRIC STEAM Camps include creative coding and microcontroller projects alongside engineering and design. Lumiere Junior Explorer allows students to pursue independent research in computer science or data science with a PhD mentor.
Are there STEM programs in Vermont specifically for girls or underrepresented students?
Rosie's Girls STEM and Trades Camp is specifically designed for girls and gender-expansive middle school students and focuses on trades skills including carpentry, electrical work, and mechanical problem-solving. WASH Summer Program focuses on encouraging girls to explore STEM through hands-on workshops and mentorship. Stanford Middle School Scholars Program specifically serves students from low-income backgrounds in grades 6 and 7 with a free, highly selective academic program.
When should I apply to STEM programs for middle school students in Vermont?
AwesomeMath applications open December 15 for its summer sessions. Stanford SMSSP closes March 25. UVM Makers I Camp and UVM Robotics Camp accept rolling registration until spots fill for their late June sessions. Gene to Genome and BRIC STEAM Camps accept rolling registration throughout the spring. JHU CTY has rolling deadlines by course session. Students should begin researching in the winter and prioritize December and March deadline programs well before spring break.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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.