10 After-School Research Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 59 minutes ago
- 8 min read
If you’re interested in discovering after-school research programs for middle school students, you’re tapping into a smart option for early academic and career exploration. These programs often give you exposure to college‑level academics, practical skills, and real industry connections - all without requiring full‑time study or enormous expense. They let you explore research topics, work with mentors, and build projects in a way that complements your regular schooling rather than replacing it. For middle school students who are curious, after-school research programs can be an excellent way to try out fields like engineering, data science, or environmental science while making meaningful connections with peers and professionals. Because you’re investing time and energy into something selective and rigorous, you’ll want to consider programs that offer strong networking, mentorship, and special opportunities.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of top after-school research programs for middle school students, choosing them based on criteria like how competitive they are, whether they’re fully or partially funded, whether they’re hosted by a prestigious institution, and whether they include meaningful project or research components. In the listings below, you’ll find rigorous programs that provide mentoring and research exposure, and that are designed for motivated middle schoolers.
10 After-School Research Programs for Middle School Students
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies; Full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 8-week program; multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by the cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
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: Stanford University (Online)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Small cohort size (12 students per cohort)
Dates: July 7–25 (summer course), August 27–December 10 (weekly fall meetings)
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: U.S. students in grades 6 or 7 from households earning under $90,000; must attend both summer and fall components
Through this tuition-free, online program, you’ll take part in a three-week summer course followed by weekly after-school sessions in the fall. You’ll explore academic writing, math enrichment, and high school preparation with guidance from instructors (65% of whom hold PhDs) at Stanford Online High School. Over the summer, you’ll choose from courses such as Democracy & Dissent, History through Graphic Novels, or Real-Life Applications to Mathematics. During the fall, you’ll attend weekly one-hour workshops that dive into selective school applications, writing support, and academic skill-building. The program is designed for motivated students from low-income backgrounds, with a focus on building the tools to thrive in rigorous academic settings.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Various cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by the cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8; no coding or technical background required
Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers program introduces you to key concepts in artificial intelligence and machine learning through live instruction and collaborative learning. Over 25 hours, you learn Python programming, explore data analysis, and build models using regression and classification techniques. You receive personalized guidance through small-group mentoring, with a five-to-one student-to-mentor ratio. As the program progresses, you explore more advanced topics such as neural networks and AI ethics. A central part of the experience is the team-based capstone project, where you and a few peers apply your new skills to solve a real-world challenge and present your findings at the end.
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: $200
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not publicly specified
Dates: October 18–May 2 (academic year cycle)
Application Deadline: Summer applications open March 1; academic year applications are now closed
Eligibility: New York State residents in grades 7–12 with a B average in math, science, and English; must meet state income eligibility requirements
NYU’s STEP gives you the chance to build a strong foundation in STEM subjects while also preparing for college. The program includes academic year and summer components, where you’ll engage in math and science enrichment, Regents exam prep, college admissions counseling, and even supervised research. You’ll also participate in workshops led by NYU faculty and students that help connect what you’re learning to real-world careers. Throughout the program, you’ll explore hands-on labs and project-based learning activities designed to increase both your academic and research skills. If you’re a motivated student from New York looking to boost your competitiveness for selective colleges and STEM careers, STEP could be a solid fit.
Location: UC Berkeley Haas School of Business (Online)
Cost: $1,895
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not publicly stated
Dates: February 1–April 15 (Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:00–5:00 PM PT)
Application Deadline: December 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
In this 10-week virtual program, you’ll join middle school peers from across the country to explore how business fundamentals intersect with the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence. Through live Zoom sessions and collaborative projects, you’ll examine how AI is transforming industries and develop your own AI-powered business ideas using tools like the Business Model Canvas. You’ll also strengthen key skills in communication, creative problem-solving, and teamwork as you pitch your ideas. While it’s not a research program in the traditional academic sense, the structured project work and exposure to real-world challenges make this a valuable after-school option for students interested in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Location: Loveworks Leadership, Norman, OK
Cost: Free (includes snack and dinner)
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified; application required
Dates: One semester; February–May or August–December (4:00–6:00 PM, one or two days per week)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8 in Norman, OK or surrounding areas; open to public, private, and homeschool students
This afterschool program focuses on leadership, mentorship, and experiential learning through weekly sessions split into “Leadership Days” and “Discovery Days.” You’ll engage in hands-on projects with local professionals, explore personal passions, and build key skills like communication and teamwork. Mentors and volunteers lead small groups and activities, while you get consistent support—including a snack and a full dinner during each session. If you're interested in developing leadership skills and contributing to your community, this free program offers a structured and supportive space to grow. Sessions are held in a newly renovated downtown location and transportation is provided from select schools.
Location: Multiple sites across New York City (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not stated; selective admissions process with group interviews and academic criteria
Dates: After-school program (two days a week during the school year); five-week summer session (early July–early August)
Application Deadline: Nominations due by December 5; application timelines vary by year
Eligibility: Current 6th graders living in NYC with 90%+ in core subjects, Level 3+ on state exams, and household income below 75% of NYC AMI
Breakthrough New York is a ten-year college access and success program that supports you from 7th grade all the way through college graduation. As a middle school participant, you'll attend after-school workshops twice a week and a five-week summer session focused on writing, STEM, literature, and electives. The program prepares you for selective high school admissions and connects you with career exploration opportunities at organizations like BlackRock and The MET. Instruction is led by trained college and grad students, and you’ll work closely with mentors and advisors to build both academic and social-emotional skills. This tuition-free, long-term program is designed to help you stay on track for college and build meaningful relationships with peers and educators along the way.
Location: Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago in partnership with Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified; small group mentorship model
Dates: Weekly sessions throughout the school year (October–May)
Application Deadline: Not listed; ongoing enrollment coordinated through participating Boys & Girls Clubs
Eligibility: Middle school students in Chicago, particularly those attending Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago
Science Club Chicago offers you weekly after-school science sessions led by real scientists from Northwestern University, all held at local Boys & Girls Club locations. You'll join a small group of peers and a mentor to complete hands-on experiments across themes like neuroscience, engineering, food science, and medical problem-solving. The program emphasizes critical thinking and experimental design rather than memorizing facts, and each quarter wraps up with a final challenge or showcase. As a member, you'll also have access to field trips, lab visits, and opportunities to return as a junior mentor after 8th grade. The program is designed to close science opportunity gaps while helping you connect STEM concepts to real-world problems.
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA; programs operate in Dorchester and Chinatown neighborhoods of Boston
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified; selective placement depending on program and volunteer capacity
Dates: Weekly after-school programming during the academic year
Application Deadline: Varies by program; typically early fall
Eligibility: Middle school students in Boston, particularly recent immigrants and English language learners
PBHA's after-school offerings for middle schoolers, such as the BRYE Extension and Chinatown Afterschool Program (CHAP), support immigrant and refugee youth through academic mentoring, enrichment activities, and social-emotional learning. You’ll work closely with Harvard student volunteers who guide homework help, run structured lessons, and lead workshops in leadership, literacy, and STEM. These programs are tailored for youth who are building new lives in the U.S. and need extra support navigating language, school, and culture. If you live in the Boston area and want a free, relationship-driven after-school space focused on your development, PBHA programs offer consistent, supportive engagement led by trained college mentors.
10. SquashBusters
Location: Boston, MA; Lawrence, MA; Providence, RI
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not publicly stated; recruitment from partner schools with limited spots
Dates: Year-round, with after-school programming during the academic year and additional summer activities
Application Deadline: Varies by site and school; application required
Eligibility: Middle school students attending select partner schools in Boston, Lawrence, or Providence
SquashBusters combines academic support, character development, and health education through a unique model that includes squash training and community service. As a middle school student, you’ll attend regular after-school sessions that mix tutoring with physical activity and mentorship, all led by trained staff and volunteers. The program also includes weekend and summer components that focus on team-building, travel, and exposure to college campuses. Over the course of several years, you’ll build lasting relationships, complete service projects, and receive college guidance from a team committed to your growth. If you enjoy hands-on activities and thrive with consistent structure, SquashBusters offers a free, long-term way to stay active while preparing for higher education.
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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