10 After-School Programs for Middle School Students in California
- Stephen Turban
- Sep 5
- 8 min read
If you're a middle school student in California looking to do more after the school day ends, after-school programs are a strong option. They can introduce you to topics that go way beyond your regular classes, like engineering, public health, creative writing, or college-level research, without requiring expensive private tutoring or summer camps. Many of these programs are hosted by well-known universities or educational organizations, giving you access to advanced academic content and mentorship from professionals. You'll also get the chance to build useful skills, work on long-term projects, and explore career paths you might not have considered before.
For students who enjoy a challenge or want to prepare for selective high schools and colleges, these programs are a smart place to start. You’ll be able to meet peers with similar interests, get personalized feedback, and even try out subjects that relate to real-world jobs. Here, we've researched and narrowed down the best after-school program activities for middle school in California using criteria like academic rigor, networking potential, selectivity, funding, and institutional reputation.
10 After-School Programs for Middle School Students in California
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies, financial aid available
Program Dates: 8-week program
Application Deadline: November 16 (Winter Cohort)
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an intensive and highly selective research program providing middle school students the chance to undertake advanced research. The program provides 1-on-1 guidance from PhD mentors from top universities like Harvard, Columbia, and MIT. You are encouraged to pick your subject of interest, which can range anywhere from artificial intelligence to history. Over 8 weeks, this virtual program lets you dive deep into your chosen subject, build high-standard research skills, and complete your own project by the end. Beyond gaining specialized knowledge, you also build the confidence to think critically, innovate, and approach both theoretical and practical academic endeavors with independence.
Subject Areas: Business, Entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence, Communication Skills
Location: Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley (Online)
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 6–8 with an interest in business and entrepreneurship
Application Deadline: January 10; applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Program Dates: Spring (exact dates TBD); virtual sessions on weekday afternoons
Cost: Program fee TBD; $80 non-refundable application fee; no financial aid info listed
The Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY) Middle School after-school Program is a selective, virtual learning experience that introduces you to core business concepts and the entrepreneurial mindset. Through interactive sessions with UC Berkeley Haas faculty, industry professionals, and college-level teaching assistants, you’ll explore how business ideas come to life, especially within the context of a real-world theme. The current focus is on Artificial Intelligence, including how AI is changing industries and creating new opportunities for innovation.
As part of a team, you’ll apply what you learn by building a Business Model Canvas and brainstorming a creative solution to a social impact issue. The program emphasizes critical thinking, public speaking, and collaborative problem-solving. If you’re looking for after-school program activities for middle school in California that combine business education with emerging tech, this program offers a university-level experience in a flexible virtual format.
Subject Areas: AI, Programming, Data Analysis, Model Building
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies, financial aid available
Program Dates:
Weekend Track: 25 hours over 10 weekends
Summer Track: 25 hours over 2 weeks (weekdays)
Application Deadline: October 19 (Winter Cohort); other sessions may be offered throughout the year
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8; no coding or technical background required
Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers program introduces you to core concepts in artificial intelligence and machine learning through live instruction and group collaboration. Over the course of 25 hours, you’ll learn Python programming, explore data analysis, and build models using regression and classification techniques. The program includes small-group mentoring (5:1 ratio), ensuring personalized guidance as you move through increasingly advanced topics, including neural networks and AI ethics. A major component is the team-based capstone project, where you and a few peers apply your new skills to a real-world challenge and present your findings. While the environment is designed for beginners, the curriculum pushes you to think critically about how AI works and how it should be used.
Subject Areas: Academic Writing, Math Enrichment, Humanities, Critical Thinking
Location: Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies, Stanford University, Online
Eligibility: U.S.-based students currently in grades 6–7; low-income background (typical family income under $90,000)
Application Deadline: March 20
Program Dates: July 7–25 (Summer Session); August 27–December 10 (Fall Meetings)
Cost: Free
The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program (SMSSP) is a tuition-free academic enrichment opportunity for middle school students interested in preparing for rigorous high school experiences. If selected, you’ll participate in a three-week online summer course and weekly virtual after-school meetings throughout the fall semester. The summer portion includes live, instructor-led classes in subjects like democracy and dissent, graphic novels as history, or real-world math applications, each designed to boost your analytical and academic writing skills.
In the fall, you’ll meet with your cohort and Stanford instructors once a week to explore high school pathways, strengthen study skills, and engage in workshops hosted by the Stanford Online High School admissions and tutoring teams. SMSSP focuses on helping students build confidence and readiness for selective schools, while also providing community support and family engagement events. If you're looking for after-school program activities for middle school in California that balance academics and mentorship in a supportive virtual space, this one stands out for its access to Stanford faculty and structured guidance.
Subject Areas: Academic Support, STEM, Arts, SEL, Physical Education
Location: Various School Districts Across California
Eligibility: TK–8th-grade students in participating public schools across California
Application Deadline: Rolling admission based on school district enrollment
Program Dates: after-school throughout the academic year (typically dismissal until 6:00 p.m.)
Cost: Free (funded through district partnerships and state/federal grants)
Think Together is one of the largest and most well-established after-school programs for middle school students in California. If you’re enrolled in a public school that partners with Think Together, you could attend their after-school program for free. The program focuses on providing academic support that aligns with your school-day learning. You'll get help with homework, build your math and reading skills, and explore STEM and digital literacy through fun projects. The program also includes enrichment activities like visual arts, creative writing, sports, and hands-on STEAM workshops. Trained staff guide small groups of students, maintaining a strong 20:1 ratio to make sure you’re supported. Social-emotional learning is also a key part of the experience; you’ll build teamwork, resilience, and leadership skills while staying active and engaged. Many students also participate in field trips, theater, and community projects.
Subject Areas: Academic Support, College & Career Readiness, Leadership, Arts, Sports, STEM, Health & Wellness
Location: Multiple club sites across Santa Barbara County, CA (Santa Barbara, Goleta, Lompoc, Carpinteria, Buellton, Solvang)
Eligibility: Open to all youth in the community, with special focus on students in grades 4–8
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment (scholarships available)
Program Dates: Year-round after-school program and full-day summer camps
Cost: Low-cost or free, with scholarships available
If you live in Santa Barbara County and you're looking for engaging after-school program activities for middle school in California, UBGC offers one of the most accessible, community-based options around. These clubs go beyond just a safe place to hang out—they give you a wide mix of academic support, leadership training, arts, sports, and even career and college prep.
During the school year, you can get help with homework through Power Hour, explore college pathways through College & Career Bound, or develop leadership skills in Torch Club and Keystone Club. What makes this program stand out is the focus on the whole student. You’ll learn new skills, take part in outdoor trips, grow through mentorship, and even eat free daily meals through the Zero Hunger Program. If you're looking for an affordable, holistic, and impactful program near home, UBGC is a strong contender.
Subject Areas: Varies widely – includes STEM, humanities, arts, life skills, pop culture, and hands-on electives
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–12
Application Deadline: Opens prior to the May session; rolling until classes fill
Program Dates: May 24–25
Cost: $50 (fee waivers available); optional lunch for $10; snacks and water included
Stanford Splash is a weekend event where you can explore dozens of mini-courses taught by Stanford students, all packed into two days on campus. If you’re in 8th grade, you can register for classes ranging from complex science topics to creative arts and even totally unexpected subjects like origami or game design. The goal is to give you the chance to learn just for fun, without the pressure of tests or grades.
The program takes place on Stanford’s main quad and draws students from across the Bay Area, especially those from underrepresented or underserved communities. You get to build your own schedule, picking courses that match your interests, whether that’s coding, music theory, philosophy, or anything in between. As far as after-school program activities for middle school in California go, Stanford Splash is one of the few that lets you customize your experience on a university campus, offering exposure to college life, new ideas, and peers who are just as curious as you.
Subject Area: Mathematics
Location: Online; select in-person courses at Stanford campus (Redwood City or Main Campus)
Eligibility: Students in grades 1–12
Application Deadline: Rolling, first-come, first-served basis
Program Dates: Throughout the school year, runs by semester
Cost: $500/quarter for online; $525/quarter for in-person (fee covers instruction, platform use, and admin costs)
The Stanford Math Circle is an academic enrichment program designed for students who are passionate about mathematics and eager to explore topics beyond the standard classroom curriculum. Through weekly live classes, students dive into advanced mathematical ideas such as problem solving, logical reasoning, number theory, and abstract thinking. The program is not focused on tutoring or test preparation—it emphasizes discovery, deep thinking, and the culture of doing mathematics. Students work through challenging problems and are encouraged to engage with homework between sessions to strengthen their understanding. Classes are led by experienced educators and mathematicians from Stanford and beyond, and students learn alongside peers who share their enthusiasm for math. Whether you’re exploring symmetry, proofs, or mathematical modeling, the program builds a strong foundation for future STEM studies.
9. USC MESA
Subject Areas: STEM, Academic Enrichment, College & Career Readiness, Leadership
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: Open to middle and high school students in grades 6–12 at MESA partner schools
Application Deadline: December 1
Program Dates: Year-round after-school activities and weekend/summer events
Cost: Free
The USC MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) program offers a comprehensive academic experience for middle and high school students interested in STEM. Through hands-on projects, competitions, leadership development, and mentorship, you’ll explore subjects like engineering, robotics, and computer science in real-world contexts. USC MESA combines in-school support with extracurricular experiences like STEM field trips, the Catalina Island STEM Exploration, and the annual MESA Day competitions. The program is designed to prepare you for college and future STEM careers, with dedicated workshops, guest speakers, and guidance on the college application process. You’ll also be part of a supportive community of peers, teachers, and mentors. Many students go on to pursue STEM degrees in college, often as first-generation scholars.
Subject Areas: Core Academics, Career & College Prep, STEM, Arts, World Languages, Health & Wellness
Location: Online (Available in select counties across California)
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 6–8 who reside in eligible California counties
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment (space subject to availability)
Program Dates: Year-round with structured daily coursework
Cost: Free
If you're looking for flexible, online after-school program activities for middle school in California, CAVA gives you a full academic experience from the comfort of your home. As a public charter school powered by K12, CAVA is tuition-free and provides a structured online curriculum in core subjects like math, science, history, and English, along with electives in music, world languages, and career exploration.
You’ll attend live “Class Connect” sessions led by certified teachers, get daily feedback, and work with classmates in breakout rooms and virtual labs. Beyond the classroom, CAVA offers career and college readiness pathways, including the chance to explore fields like health science, business, and IT through project-based learning and virtual career clubs like SkillsUSA. Parents or guardians act as Learning Coaches, supporting you as you take more responsibility for your own progress. For students who are self-motivated and prefer a digital learning setting, CAVA provides structure, support, and strong academic foundations.
Lydia is an alumna from Harvard University and studied Molecular and Cellular Biology & Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She is working as a life sciences consultant after graduation.
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