10 After-School STEM Programs for Middle School Students

Exploring an after-school STEM program activity for middle school students can be a low-cost way to dive into academic subjects typically reserved for high school or even college. These programs often give you access to research, design thinking, engineering practices, and even coding — all within a structured environment that doesn’t require you to commit to a full-time summer experience. You’ll also get a chance to build technical and soft skills that align with careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. What makes many of these programs worthwhile is the exposure to real-world applications, mentorship from professionals, and opportunities to collaborate with like-minded peers.

Some of these offerings even introduce you to college-level labs or virtual simulations, and most of them are structured to accommodate school schedules. If you’re someone who’s interested in advanced learning and looking to build a foundation early, an after-school STEM program activity for middle school might be a strong fit. These programs vary in selectivity, but the most competitive ones come with benefits like networking, funding, and instruction from experts in the field. We’ve curated a list of ten of the most rigorous and well-regarded after-school STEM programs based on criteria such as academic challenge, host institution, access to mentorship, and how selective the admission process is. 

10 After-School STEM Programs for Middle School Students

1. Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program

Dates: 8-week program

Application Deadline: August 24 (Fall Cohort)

Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8

Cost: Varies, financial aid available

Location: Virtual

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. 

2. NYU College & Career Lab

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort (not publicly disclosed)

Location: New York University, New York, NY

Cost: Free

Dates: July 7 – August 1

Application Deadline: March 31

Eligibility: Current 7th or 8th grade students attending a NYC public or charter school

The College & Career Lab (CCL) at NYU is a multi-year academic program that begins with a summer component known as the Exploratory Stage. During this four-week experience, you’ll explore diverse subjects like law, engineering, public health, and the arts through hands-on courses taught by NYU faculty. You’ll participate in college-style lectures, small group discussions, and activities that simulate real-world professions—from arguing cases in mock courtrooms to analyzing health data.

In addition to the summer program, you’ll take part in Saturday Practice Labs throughout the school year, where you’ll receive mentorship, career coaching, and skill-building support. The program’s design helps you discover career paths and build foundational tools for success in high school and beyond. If you’re looking for after school program activities for middle school that emphasize career exposure and long-term academic growth, CCL offers a structured and supportive path to explore your future.

3. Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers

Location: Virtual

Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8; no coding or technical background required

Application Deadline: August 31 (Fall Cohort); other sessions may be offered throughout the year

Program Dates: Weekend Track: 25 hours over 10 weekends | Summer Track: 25 hours over 2 weeks (weekdays)

Cost: Varies, financial aid available

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.

4. NYU Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)

Subject Areas: Science, Mathematics, Research, College Prep

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; capacity-limited (rolling admissions until full)

Location: New York University, New York, NY

Cost: $200 total ($100 per semester); fee waivers available for eligible students

Dates: October 19 – May 3

Application Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis until capacity is reached

Eligibility: New York State residents in grades 7–12 (with a B average in math, science, and English); must meet income or first-generation college student criteria

The Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) at NYU is a state-funded initiative designed to strengthen your skills in math, science, and critical thinking while preparing you for college and STEM careers. On Saturdays throughout the academic year, you'll participate in intensive workshops, Regents exam prep, and college readiness sessions led by NYU faculty and students. Enrichment classes cover advanced math, English writing, and supervised STEM research.

The program also offers support with standardized testing, career exploration, and personal development. Among after-school program activities for middle school, STEP stands out for its academic depth and long-term focus on supporting underrepresented students in STEM and health-related fields.

5. MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering and Science (MITES) Saturdays

Subject areas: Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Data Visualization, Robotics, Architecture

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

Eligibility: 7th–10th grade public school students who live and attend school in Boston, Cambridge, or Lawrence, MA; U.S. citizens or permanent residents

Application Deadline: Opens in November; closes early December

Program Dates: Fall semester (8 Saturdays from September to December); Spring semester (8 Saturdays from February to May)

Cost: Free; transportation provided for students from Lawrence, MA

As a participant in MITES Saturdays, you’ll engage in a rigorous STEM curriculum that combines technical skill-building with college readiness. You’ll take part in hands-on project courses, ranging from mechanical engineering to biological design—while also attending Academic Mentoring Seminars that focus on communication, leadership, and navigating higher education. Classes are taught by MIT staff and graduate students, and you’ll work alongside peers who share your passion for science and engineering. At the end of each semester, you’ll receive written feedback from your instructors, which many students later include in college applications. The program fosters long-term connections and encourages multi-year participation, allowing you to grow within a strong academic community.

6. Stanford Middle School Scholars Program

Subject areas: Academic Writing, Mathematics, History, Civics, Critical Thinking

Location: Stanford University (online)

Eligibility: Current 6th or 7th-grade students living in and attending school in the U.S.; applicants must commit to both summer and fall sessions; priority given to families with household incomes under $90,000

Application Deadline: March 20

Program Dates: August 27–December 10 (weekly fall sessions)

Cost: Free

As a Scholar in this tuition-free program, you’ll start with a three-week online summer course, followed by weekly fall meetings designed to prepare you for competitive academic high schools like Stanford Online High School. You’ll choose from focused courses led by experienced instructors, many of whom hold Ph.D.’s. During the fall, you'll continue to engage through weekly after-school workshops on topics like high school admissions, academic writing, and mindset development. All classes are live and highly interactive, and you'll be expected to participate with your camera on. If you're looking for a structured yet flexible program that blends enrichment and college prep, SMSSP offers a strong foundation.

7. CCNY Stem Institute

Subject areas: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Game Design, Robotics, Rocketry, Financial Literacy, Algebra, Architecture, App Development

Location: City College of New York, New York, NY

Eligibility: Open to middle and high school students (grades 6–12) who reside in or attend school within the five boroughs of New York City

Application Deadline: Varies by semester; early application recommended due to limited space

Program Dates: Fall (12 weeks, September–December), Spring (15 weeks, February–June)

Cost: Free

If you’re a middle school student looking for a no-cost way to explore STEM, the CCNY STEM Institute offers both semester-based and summer programs packed with hands-on learning. You’ll study topics like general physics, game development, architecture, and algebra through interactive sessions taught by experienced instructors and teaching assistants. During the school year, sessions are held after school twice a week, and in summer, you’ll attend full-day classes four days a week. The program includes research projects that culminate in poster presentations, and SHSAT prep is available for students in grades 6 and 7. While there’s no GPA requirement, you will need to complete a diagnostic exam to be placed in the right courses.

8. The TEAK Fellowship

Subject areas: English, Latin, Math, Science, History, Test Prep, Drama, Social Justice, Research & Writing

Location: Various locations across New York City; main office at 16 West 22nd Street, New York, NY

Eligibility: 6th grade students enrolled in a New York City public or charter school; must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, maintain a 90%+ average, and meet income eligibility requirements

Application Deadline: Opens in fall; check back after September 15 for next cycle details

Program Dates: Begins spring of 6th grade and continues through college graduation; intensive summer programs after 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, plus year-round after-school programming

Cost: Free

Once admitted in the spring of 6th grade, you’ll start a ten-year journey with TEAK, beginning with rigorous academic and enrichment programming designed to prepare you for admission into top high schools and colleges. Throughout 7th and 8th grade, you’ll attend after-school and Saturday classes focused on writing, Shakespeare, coding, science, and more, with additional support for SHSAT and SSAT prep. Over the summers, you’ll participate in full-day courses covering STEM topics like math and science, alongside cultural excursions and guest speaker events. You’ll also be matched with a professional mentor to support you through middle school. TEAK doesn’t just help you prepare for high school—it continues supporting you through college and into your career.

9. Stanford Math Circle

Subject areas: Problem Solving, Abstract Reasoning, Number Theory, Combinatorics, Logic

Location: Stanford University (online for grades 1–12; online and in-person options for grades 9–12)

Eligibility: Open to students in grades 1–12; sessions are grouped by grade level and filled on a first-come, first-served basis

Application Deadline: Registration opens 1–2 months before each quarter; space is limited and fills quickly

Program Dates: Fall Quarter: September 30–December 11; Winter and Spring sessions available separately

Cost: $500 per quarter for online classes or $1,485 for full year; $525 per quarter for in-person classes or $1,545 for full year

If you’re a student who enjoys mathematical problem-solving beyond what’s offered in school, the Stanford Math Circle gives you that extra challenge. Over ten weeks each quarter, you’ll meet once a week with instructors—many of whom are mathematicians or Stanford-affiliated educators—and work through complex, open-ended problems. The middle school sessions (grades 5–8) dive into topics like symmetry, divisibility, invariants, and logical reasoning, with an emphasis on collaboration and curiosity. Expect regular homework and opportunities to build skills in creative problem-solving. All sessions are live, and attendance is expected, especially since most groups function like collaborative learning communities.

10. Columbia University State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP)

Subject areas: Anatomy, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Psychology, Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Statistics, SAT/PSAT Prep, College & Career Readiness

Location: Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY

Eligibility: 7th–12th grade students who live in New York State, maintain at least an 80% GPA (especially in math and science), and meet economic or academic enrichment criteria as outlined by STEP

Application Deadline: Summer: April 15; Academic Year: September 15

Program Dates: Academic Year: November 9–May 17

Cost: Free

At S-PREP, you’ll take part in intensive academic programming designed to support your interest in medicine or a STEM career. During the academic year, you'll attend Saturday classes that focus on advanced topics in science and math, including organic chemistry, neuroscience, and calculus. Over the summer, the focus shifts to enrichment courses and PSAT prep, along with career development workshops and college counseling. As a participant, you may also become eligible for additional summer research opportunities at Columbia, like BRAINYAC or YES in the HEIGHTS, both of which offer stipends and lab-based experience. This program is ideal if you're looking for long-term academic support and exposure to real scientific environments.

Lydia is an alum 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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