14 College Programs for Middle School Students in NJ (New Jersey)
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 21
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 14
If you're a middle school student in New Jersey looking to challenge yourself outside the regular school year, college-based programs can be a great option to consider. These programs, hosted directly by universities and colleges, give you early access to advanced academic subjects, practical hands-on experiences, and even early glimpses of campus life.
For students in grades 6-8, these programs typically feature structured curricula designed to develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in a supportive environment. New Jersey students have a robust set of local options, with top universities across the state running pre-college and enrichment programs tailored for younger learners. From STEM labs to creative writing workshops, these programs are designed to nurture curiosity while offering a well-structured introduction to higher education.
We’ve put together this list of 14 College Programs for Middle School Students in New Jersey that stand out for their academic rigor, mentorship opportunities, professional connections, and the reputations of the universities hosting them.
14 College Programs for Middle School Students in NJ (New Jersey)
Location: The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ
Cost: $575 per week; includes tuition and lunch
Dates: July 7 – 18 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: Early interest sign-up available for 2026 Eligibility: Students entering grades 6 – 8
iSTEM’s MakerCraft is a hands-on STEM experience where middle schoolers like you can turn creative ideas into tangible prototypes using tools like 3D printers and fabrication labs. You’ll tackle real-world challenges such as catapult mechanics and rocket design with your teammates, guided by faculty. Each week follows a fresh theme, ensuring no two sessions are the same. You also get to bring home your creations. The academy emphasizes problem-solving, teamwork, and applied engineering, with every session concluding in a demo where you get to showcase your inventions.
Location: Virtual
Dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (weekends) during the spring cohort | 25 hours over 2 weeks (weekdays) during the summer cohort
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines
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 projects done by students have included building a machine-learning model to classify music genres and creating a machine-learning algorithm to provide a custom list of educational resources based on selected specifications.
Location: Rutgers Makerspace, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $500 | $450 for early bird enrolment until June 30
Dates: August 11 – 14
Application Deadline: Registration closes once spots fill
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6 – 12
Rutgers University’s Student Maker Summer camp is a week-long immersion in exploration and invention at Rutgers’ hands-on Makerspace. You’ll form teams, identify challenges, and build prototypes using tools like CAD software, 3D printers, and laser cutters. Each day integrates design thinking principles, guiding teams from ideation to a Shark-Tank-style product pitch on the final day. Guided by Rutgers Makerspace instructors, you’ll develop skills in engineering, rapid prototyping, and public presentation. This collaborative setting not only strengthens technical understanding but also builds leadership and communication through peer interaction and demo presentations.
Location: Online
Cost: Approximately $299
Dates: June – August (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: Rolling; early application recommended
Eligibility: Grades 1 – 8
Rutgers University’s Summer Bridge Math offers middle schoolers like you a well‑structured online pathway to solidify existing skills or preview upcoming math concepts. You’ll choose a class aligned to your current or next grade level, with options of fast-paced (3 weeks) or extended (6 weeks) formats. Led by veteran instructors, the courses feature interactive lessons, live problem-solving, and homework assignments to reinforce learning. This program helps you build math confidence, maintain academic momentum, and prepare for future grade-level challenges in a flexible, remote setting.
Location: Nathan Weiss East Campus, Kean University, Hillside, NJ
Cost: $350 | Limited need-based scholarships available
Dates: July 7 – 18 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: June 27 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6 – 8
This two-week college-level program offers creative students an immersive introduction to the theater arts. Through structured improvisation, storytelling exercises, and acting games, you’ll work together to write and perform an original stage piece. You will be guided by professionals from Premiere Stages, which develops and produces Equity theater premieres and conducts professional and educational initiatives for Kean students and the local community. The program emphasizes collaboration, self-expression, and confidence, culminating in a final showcase for family and friends. With small cohorts and professional mentorship, Theatremakers offers a safe and supportive space for you to develop your artistic voice.
Location: Galleries at Kean University, Union, NJ
Cost: $375 per week
Dates: July 14 – 17 | July 21 – 24 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: Rolling; early application recommended
Eligibility: Ages 12 – 18
CREATE at the Galleries, a pre-college program, invites middle school and high school students to explore their aptitude for the visual arts on Kean’s scenic campus. Over four-day sessions, you’ll draw inspiration from campus exhibits and the natural surroundings to learn about techniques such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and digital art. You will receive comprehensive guides and study a curriculum aligned with New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. Your mentors will include Kean faculty and visiting artists, who will guide you on excursions to campus galleries and outdoor sculpture spaces. Workshops include collaborative projects, portfolio development, and art history critiques, culminating in a public exhibition where students present their work to peers and family.
Location: William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ
Cost: Varies based on the chosen program
Dates: June 26 – August 10
Application Deadline: Rolling; early application recommended
Eligibility: Grades 6 - 8
William Paterson’s program offers both academic enrichment and targeted skill development tailored for middle school students. Academic Enrichment courses range from coding and forensics to creative writing, sewing, and treehouse architecture. Each of these includes engaging projects that reinforce core skills. The Academic Enhancement courses, on the other hand, are designed to bridge learning gaps, such as those developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Depending on your needs, these classes can be remedial or can introduce you to concepts from an advanced grade. Some of the classes offered are Math Skill Builder, ELA Skill Builder, Advanced Math, and Advanced ELA Summer Learning. In addition, the courses give you a preview of campus life and help you bond with like-minded peers from diverse backgrounds.
Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Cost: $2,100 | Includes tuition, breakfast, and lunch
Dates: July 7 – 14 | July 14 – 17 (tentative, based on previous years)Application Deadline: Rolling; early application recommended
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7 – 9 | Minimum of 2.5 / 4.0 GPA
Rowan University’s two-week Voyagers program is a hands-on induction into STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) subjects. Each morning, you'll engage in two hands-on STEAM sessions led by Rowan faculty, covering various topics from science and technology to art. In the afternoons, you will focus on personal development through leadership-building workshops. You’ll learn from Rowan faculty in small cohorts of about 30, enabling close collaboration and guidance. The program encourages curiosity and confidence through creative problem-solving, peer interaction, and access to college-level resources and experts.
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ
Cost: $399
Dates: March 29 – May 3 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: March 19 (tentative, based on previous years) Eligibility: Grades 5 – 8
This college-level program by NJIT is a hands-on, five-week series of Saturday classes designed for middle school learners who are eager to explore facets of engineering at different levels. You can choose to be an Engineering Explorer (grades 5 – 6), Robo Ranger (grades 5 – 6), an Engineering Innovator (grades 7 – 8), or a CodeQuest (grades 7 – 8) and explore concepts that suit your grade and area of interest. Subjects vary from electrical engineering and robotics to biomedical engineering, coding, and energy and sustainability. You will work on a group project, participate in various activities, and understand the real-world applications of engineering concepts with help and guidance from the NJIT faculty and staff. Open to beginners and those with some prior STEM exposure, this program provides a structured yet engaging introduction to college-level engineering thinking and helps you explore career prospects in the field.
Location: Various locations, NJ
Cost: Free
Dates: Year-round weekday or weekly sessions
Application Deadline: No information available
Eligibility: Elementary and middle school students
Stevens' Math Circle Initiative is an enrichment program that will help you tackle engaging, non-standard math problems designed to encourage deep learning, collaboration, creativity, and critical reasoning. Guided by mathematics faculty and trained undergraduate leaders, you’ll dive into puzzles, games, and discussions that go far beyond typical classroom topics. Originally launched in 2017 and supported by an NSF grant since 2023, the program continues to grow with multiple community partnerships. It inspires a love for mathematics by making it more accessible through fun and engaging problem-solving challenges and enabling a better understanding of concepts and their applications.
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ
Cost: $1,525; includes academic materials and lunch | $70 non-refundable application fee
Dates: July 7 – August 7 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: May 9 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Students completing grades 4 – 10, with at least a B average
NJIT’s four-week Early College Preparatory Programs give you a jumpstart on college-level STEM education through immersive coursework in fields like robotics, aeronautical, mechanical, electrical, and biomedical engineering. You’ll alternate between classroom instruction and hands-on lab work, culminating in field trips that highlight real-world applications. You’ll also design and present your final projects, building confidence in both technical abilities and public presentation. With a balance of academics and social activities, ECPP offers a well-rounded introduction to STEM on campus.
Location: Busch Campus, Rutgers University-Piscataway, Piscataway, NJ
Cost: $500; includes tuition, lunch, and two snacks | Need-based sponsorships available upon acceptance
Dates: TARGET I (6th grade): June 23 – 27 | TARGET II (7th grade): June 30 – July 3 | TARGET III (8th grade): July 7 – 11 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: No information available
Eligibility: Grades 6 – 11
Rutgers’ TARGET is a vibrant week-long commuter program designed to introduce middle school and early high school students to various fields of engineering. Each grade level cohort follows its schedule. Sessions include hands-on lab work, activities, and sessions guided by the School of Engineering faculty members and student mentors. You’ll take turns exploring disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, chemical, biomedical, and civil engineering. The program emphasizes mentorship and empowerment, aiming to boost confidence and challenge gender stereotypes in STEM.
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $1,549 for the standard camp; includes lunch | $1,698 with a private tutoring add-on
Dates: July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling; early application recommended
Eligibility: Ages 11 – 13
Rutgers’s Model United Nations Camp is a five-day, on-campus day camp that introduces you to the world of diplomacy and global issues through structured UN simulations. You’ll represent countries, draft resolutions, and engage in guided debate sessions under the mentorship of MUN professionals. Beyond the academic format, you’ll also enjoy interactive activities like public speaking workshops, trivia, improv, and tours of the Rutgers campus. The supportive program platform builds confidence, leadership, and a deeper understanding of international relations.
Location: Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, Glassboro, NJ
Cost: $200 | limited scholarships offered by the Marketa's Journey Organization
Dates: July 14 – 17 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: 2026 registrations open in February
Eligibility: Grades 6 – 8
Rowan’s AWE program is a four-day, non-residential STEM experience designed to spark young girls' interest in engineering through an engaging learning learning experience comprising projects, demos, and tours of real engineering labs. You’ll engage in projects, such as creating water-filtration models and exploring soft robotics, led by faculty, staff, and current engineering students, balancing technical exposure with mentorship and peer support. With a maximum cohort of 25 students, you will receive personalized attention and ample opportunity for collaboration.
One more option—The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE.
The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure! To learn more, you can reach out to our Director, Dhruva, at dhruva.bhat@lumiere.education, or go to our website.
Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the upcoming cohorts + deadlines, you can refer to this page!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. 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.
Image Source - Rutgers University logo