25 Educational Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 23 hours ago
- 16 min read
If you’re in middle school, this is the right time to try things that go beyond your regular classes. Educational programs can give you the chance to explore subjects in a hands-on way, whether that means coding, debating, solving science problems, or even learning how real researchers work.
These programs are set up to help you discover your interests and test out new skills. You may find yourself working on projects, meeting mentors, or joining group activities that push you to think in new ways. Some are short weekend or seasonal programs, while others may run for a few weeks, and many are designed so you can join without missing your regular schoolwork.
Taking part in a program like this can also make a real difference for your future. You can strengthen your academic profile, get experiences that will stand out when you apply to high school or later opportunities, and figure out what fields excite you the most.
To help you get started, we’ve gathered 25 educational programs for middle school students!
25 Educational Programs for Middle School Students
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by the program. Full financial aid is available.
Program dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: Varies by the cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an online mentorship-based research experience tailored for middle school students who want to create an academic project in a field they’re passionate about. You’ll work closely with a mentor (often affiliated with prestigious institutions like MIT, Harvard, or Stanford) who supports you throughout the research and project development process. Throughout the program, you learn to conduct independent investigations, think critically, and complete a final project that reflects your area of interest. The program balances academic challenge with scheduling flexibility, featuring multiple application rounds during the year.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies, financial aid available
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
Application deadline: Varies by the cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
The AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is a virtual course for middle school students in grades 6 through 8 who want to learn the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over 25 hours, you’ll study Python programming and explore topics like data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. The program includes live lectures and small-group mentoring sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. You’ll work on a group project with three to five peers, applying what you’ve learned to build real AI models. Past student projects have included classifying music genres and creating algorithms that recommend educational resources based on user input.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 12 students per cohort
Location: Stanford University (Online, administered from Stanford, CA)
Cost: Tuition-free
Program Dates: July 7–25 (summer course), August 27–December 10 (weekly meetings)
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Current 6th or 7th grade students residing in the U.S. from households typically under $90,000 annual income
The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program offers a three-week intensive summer course followed by weekly meetings through December, building academic and personal skills to help students thrive in competitive high schools. You’ll work closely with Stanford Online High School faculty, 65% of whom hold Ph. D.s, to strengthen academic writing, math reasoning, and growth mindset approaches. Cohorts of 12 students engage in live online classes, work on enrichment projects, and explore high school pathways through guided mentorship.
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost: $475 (commuter); $1,050 (residential)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; applicants must submit test scores, recommendations, and a short essay
Program Dates: June 23–27 and July 7–11
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Current 7th or 8th grade students during the 2024–2025 school year; must submit qualifying test scores and a teacher recommendation
Mathematics, Science, and Technology at Michigan State University is a one-week summer program for academically talented middle school students who want to dive deeper into advanced mathematics, science, and technology. Each day, you take part in three two-hour classes that focus on problem-solving, applied research, and interdisciplinary thinking. The program goes beyond standard school subjects by guiding you through real-world challenges that combine science, technology, engineering, and mathematics tools. You work on hands-on projects, use active learning strategies, and connect abstract ideas to practical problem-solving.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly specified
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $650/student. A limited amount of need-based financial assistance is available
Program Dates: June 22–26
Application Deadline: Not yet published for the upcoming cycle
Eligibility: Rising 7th–9th graders (current 6th–8th grade students)
Penn Girls in Engineering, Math, and Science is a week-long day camp at the University of Pennsylvania where middle school students explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on projects and mentorship. You experiment with topics like bioengineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, and materials science while working alongside faculty, researchers, and university students. The program focuses on applied problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. You learn how engineers approach real-world challenges and use science and technology to design creative solutions. Workshops are collaborative and designed to spark long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; acceptance statistics not published
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost: $1,830 (commuter, 1 week); $2,580 (residential, 1 week); $3,660 (commuter, 2 weeks); $5,640 (residential, 2 weeks). Limited financial aid available
Program Dates: June 22–July 4, July 6–18 (two-week sessions); July 20–25 (one-week session)
Application Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: Current 6th–8th grade students
The Duke University Pre-College Program offers one-week and two-week summer sessions for middle school students that combine academic challenge with campus immersion. You take courses led by Duke University faculty, doctoral candidates, and industry experts in subjects such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences. Each day runs from nine in the morning to four in the afternoon and includes hands-on classes, guest speakers, and guided site visits. If you stay on campus, evening activities give you more time to connect with peers and experience university life.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not published
Location: Duke University Marine Lab, Beaufort, NC
Cost: $3,720 (includes housing, meals, books, supplies, activities, and site visits)
Program Dates: June 29–July 5
Application Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: Current 6th–8th grade students, age 13+, meeting North Carolina immunization requirements
The Duke University Marine Laboratory Pre-College Program is a week-long residential experience where middle school students explore sustainability, marine biology, and conservation through hands-on learning. Classes are led by professional instructors and industry experts, and you have full access to laboratories, boats, and field research sites along the coast of North Carolina. You investigate marine ecosystems through guided site visits, collaborative workshops, and projects that connect classroom concepts to real-world environmental challenges. Each day includes academic sessions, guest lectures, and team-based activities, along with excursions to important coastal locations.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 8–15 students per class
Location: Yale University (Old Campus, Dwight Hall), New Haven, CT
Cost: $75 (This amount includes tuition for classes, transportation to and from field trips, and lunch provided by the state of Connecticut). Financial aid is available
Program Dates: Usually held for six weeks between late June and August. The dates for this year’s summer program are June 24–August 2
Application Deadline: Typically in spring; dates announced annually
Eligibility: Talented and motivated middle school students enrolled in New Haven public or parochial schools
The Ulysses Simpson Grant Foundation Summer Program is a six-week academic enrichment experience for middle school students in New Haven, Connecticut. Each morning, Yale University undergraduates teach small, grade-specific classes in humanities and investigations. You might explore creative writing, poetry, science, or social studies through hands-on problem-solving and discussion. Afternoons include electives and clubs such as debate, mock trial, book club, music, and performing arts, along with field trips around the region. With class sizes of eight to fifteen students, you receive individualized attention and support.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; more than 1,900 students are part of the program
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: Free; funded by Yale and donors
Program Dates: Year-round programming; more than 150 annual events and summer opportunities
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications typically accepted during the school year
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12 enrolled in New Haven, West Haven, or Orange public schools
Yale University Pathways to Science introduces middle school students to advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields through direct access to Yale University’s scientific community. Once admitted, you are invited to more than one hundred fifty events each year, including academic lectures, lab visits, and demonstrations with Yale University researchers. Hands-on experiences have included launching rockets, building telescopes, examining brain specimens, and exploring the cosmos in the Yale University planetarium. The program encourages long-term engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and participants are considered the youngest members of the Yale University research community.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited to 24 students per grade level
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: $675 (non-refundable; payment due upon registration)
Program Dates: June 30–July 10 (Monday–Thursday)
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served basis until spots are filled
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7, 8, or 9 in September
Stony Brook University Science Exploration Program gives middle school students hands-on experience in laboratory science across multiple disciplines. Rising seventh-grade students build foundational lab skills through guided experiments in physics, chemistry, microbiology, and ecology. Rising eighth-grade students explore advanced topics such as biology, biotechnology, genetics, and environmental chemistry, using real-world case studies like cholera and bioremediation. You learn both scientific concepts and practical lab techniques while working in small groups with close faculty support. With only twenty-four students per grade, the program offers personalized instruction and a strong academic community.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; exact acceptance rates not published
Location: Multiple sites, including Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) and partner campuses nationwide
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid and scholarships available
Program Dates: Session 1: June 22–July 11; Session 2: July 13–August 1 (dates vary slightly by site)
Application Deadline: Rolling, with priority deadlines in winter and spring
Eligibility: Grades 2–8 for Young Students and Discovery Sampler programs; grades 7+ for Academic Explorations and Intensive Studies. Admission requires qualifying test scores or a demonstration of advanced academic ability.
The Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University is a nationally recognized academic enrichment program for advanced middle school students. You can choose from several summer options based on your grade level and interests. The Discovery Sampler, for students in grades three through eight, links three subjects under a common theme. Academic Explorations, for students in grade seven and above, introduces interdisciplinary topics that go beyond the regular school curriculum. Intensive Studies, also for students in grade seven and above, offers accelerated coursework at the high school and college level.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; class size not published
Location: University of California, San Diego (Pre-College Program), La Jolla, CA
Cost: Fee-based; details provided upon registration
Program Dates: Varies by session; contact UCSD Pre-College for schedule
Application Deadline: Rolling; closes when sessions are full
Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6–8)
The University of California, San Diego Pre-College Python and Machine Learning course introduces middle school students to programming and artificial intelligence through hands-on projects and guided instruction. You learn to write Python scripts, build functions, and use conditional logic and loops to solve problems. Projects include training an image classifier using Google Teachable Machine and deploying it on web platforms or Raspberry Pi hardware. The course helps you build practical coding skills while exploring real-world applications in data science and artificial intelligence.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact cohort size not published
Location: Stanford University (online and in-person, depending on grade level), Stanford, CA
Cost: Varies per session; financial aid available
Program Dates: Quarter-long sessions held weekly during the academic year
Application Deadline: Rolling; waitlist sign-ups open before each session
Eligibility: Students in grades 1–12; middle school circles are for grades 7–8
Stanford University Math Circle is a weekly program that brings together middle school students who are passionate about mathematics to explore advanced topics beyond the regular school curriculum. You build problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and higher-level mathematical thinking with guidance from Stanford University faculty and graduate students. Sessions introduce you to areas of mathematics rarely taught in kindergarten through grade twelve, such as number theory, combinatorics, and advanced geometry. Classes are small and discussion-based, encouraging creative thinking and collaboration with other motivated students.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; maximum enrollment of 30 students
Location: Online (Northwestern University Center for Talent Development)
Cost: $660 tuition; financial aid available
Program Dates: January 17–March 20 (9 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
The Center for Talent Development Online Core Essentials Grammar and Writing course helps middle school students strengthen their academic writing through structured instruction and guided practice. Over nine weeks, you complete two to five hours of coursework each week, building a deeper understanding of grammar rules, sentence structure, and stylistic clarity. Assignments ask you to analyze and apply concepts directly in your writing, helping you improve both technical accuracy and creative expression. As part of the Center for Talent Development enrichment track, the course also introduces advanced resources such as The Magic Lens One, which supports deeper critical thinking about language and writing.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; class sizes are kept small for individualized instruction
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost: $990–$6,000 depending on course length, format, and subject; financial aid available
Program Dates: Late June–early August (one- and three-week sessions)
Application Deadline: Opens in December; deadlines vary by session
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–12; middle school tracks are for grades 6–8
Northwestern University Center for Talent Development summer camps offer middle school students accelerated academic experiences across science, technology, engineering, mathematics, humanities, and leadership. You can choose one-week or three-week day or residential sessions taught by master teachers, doctoral candidates, and industry experts. Courses include topics such as coding, app development, and advanced writing, giving you the chance to create real work like writing portfolios, original iOS applications, or community action plans. If you stay on campus, you also take part in structured evening activities that build independence and collaboration.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; enrollment numbers not published
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL (with online and weekend program options).
Cost: Varies by program type; financial aid available
Program Dates: Summer sessions and weekend programs (e.g., 6-week Saturday sessions); dates vary by program
Application Deadline: Rolling; deadlines vary by session
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
Northwestern University Center for Talent Development Civic Education Project offers leadership and service-learning programs that help middle school students build confidence, teamwork, and civic awareness. You can choose from options like the Summer Leadership Intensive, a residential program where you live and learn on campus through workshops and community-building activities, or Leadership for Today, a six-week Saturday course focused on social impact and collaboration. Both programs include hands-on projects, reflective discussions, and group challenges that strengthen your communication and problem-solving skills. You explore leadership roles and learn how to apply your ideas to real-world issues while growing both academically and personally.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact cohort size not published
Location: New York University (online)
Cost: $700; limited aid may be available
Program Dates: Nine-week session (dates announced annually)
Application Deadline: Typically in spring; varies by session
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 7–8 with a strong interest in advanced mathematics
NYU’s Math Program for Young Minds provides middle school students with a rigorous introduction to advanced mathematical ideas. Over nine weeks, you’ll attend highly interactive online sessions that explore college-level concepts such as number theory, topology, and geometry. Weekly meetings with NYU faculty and teaching assistants emphasize collaborative problem-solving and abstract reasoning, helping students build mathematical maturity.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; exact cohort size not published
Location: Online (Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth)
Cost: $1,365; $15 application fee (waived for financial aid applicants). Financial aid available
Program Dates: Six-week sessions offered throughout the academic year
Application Deadline: Rolling; closes when sessions are full
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–11 with qualifying CTY-level test scores or advanced assessment results
This CTY enrichment course introduces middle school students to anatomy, physiology, and medical diagnostics through case-based learning. You will analyze conditions across specialties such as cardiology, neurology, pulmonology, hematology, and immunology. Working in small groups, you’ll evaluate patient symptoms, design diagnostic tests, and propose treatment plans, gaining insight into medical reasoning. Outside class, you’ll write and present original case studies based on independent research, reinforcing scientific communication skills.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; enrollment capped at small cohorts
Location: Online (Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth)
Cost: $446; $15 application fee (waived for financial aid applicants). Financial aid available
Program Dates: Three-week sessions offered during the academic year
Application Deadline: Rolling; closes when sessions are full
Eligibility: Students in grades 5–6 with CTY-level test scores or equivalent advanced academic assessments
This CTY mini-course introduces younger middle schoolers to the science of forensic fingerprinting. Over three weeks, you will explore the history of fingerprint identification, analyze types of prints (patent, latent, plastic), and practice classification methods. Hands-on activities include dusting and lifting prints from household surfaces and applying techniques to a simulated crime scene investigation. Alongside lab-style activities, you’ll participate in group discussions and case-based exercises that reinforce scientific reasoning and problem-solving.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size not published
Location: Online (Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth)
Cost: Tuition varies; $15 application fee (waived for financial aid applicants). Financial aid available
Program Dates: Twelve-week sessions offered during the academic year
Application Deadline: Rolling; closes when sessions are full
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–11 with CTY-level test scores or equivalent advanced academic assessments
This CTY enrichment course trains middle schoolers in advanced writing techniques within the nonfiction genre. You will analyze professional works, then apply narrative techniques to your own essays, focusing on structure, detail, pacing, and voice. Over the 12-week program, you’ll complete five projects, culminating in one fully revised, polished piece of writing. The course emphasizes peer feedback, editing practice, and supportive workshop-style discussions guided by CTY educators. By the end, you will gain the tools to craft authentic, engaging nonfiction that bridges storytelling with factual accuracy.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; details on acceptance rates not published
Location: Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Summer session in July (weekdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.); academic year session October–May (Saturdays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.)
Application Deadline: Typically in spring; exact dates vary annually
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 with an interest in medicine, science, or STEM-related fields
The State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) offers academically motivated students rigorous preparation in science, math, and health-related disciplines. You will take enrichment courses such as anatomy, chemistry, brain and cognitive science, and pre-calculus, while also receiving PSAT/SAT prep, college counseling, and career development workshops. You will benefit from field trips, college tours, and exposure to professional pathways in STEM and healthcare. Admission to S-PREP also opens eligibility for research-focused opportunities at Columbia, such as BRAINYAC (neuroscience research) and YES in THE HEIGHTS (cancer research training).
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; selective spots may fill quickly
Location: UC Berkeley campus (with some residential options at UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz)
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid is available
Program Dates: June 23–27, July 7–11, July 13–19 (UC Santa Cruz, residential only), July 21–25
Application Deadline: June 29 (final registration deadlines vary by session)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7–12; specific programs are split into grade bands (7–9 and 10–12)
The Lawrence Hall of Science Teen Research Programs immerse students in authentic scientific exploration on the UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz campuses. Middle school offerings (grades 7–9) include Animal Behavior and Investigations, Body Systems and Biomedical Innovations, Coding and Engineering Nanosatellites, and Electrical Engineering with Solar Energy. You’ll work alongside peers in labs and field sites, designing experiments, coding satellites, and exploring biomedical and ecological systems. Optional residential add-ons let students sample college life with evening programming and mentorship from current Berkeley students.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact cohort size not published
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Fully funded; no tuition
Program Dates: July 8 – August 2. Orientation on June 28 (virtual)
Application Deadline: April 29
Eligibility: NYC students ages 12–14, currently in middle school (grades 6–8)
NYU’s Science of Smart Cities (SoSC) program introduces middle school students to engineering, computer science, and sustainability through a unique project-based curriculum. You’ll explore electronics, circuitry, coding, microcontrollers, and sensors while collaborating on solutions to real-world urban challenges. Teams present their final projects to showcase how technology can make cities safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. In addition to STEM coursework, participants take part in Irondale, an improv-based workshop led by theater artists to build communication and public speaking skills.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; selective through partner programs
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Cost: Varies; information available through the Atlanta Urban Debate League and CCE
Program Dates: Summer (specific session dates vary annually)
Application Deadline: Varies; check partner program sites for updated timelines
Eligibility: Rising 4th–8th graders
The Middle School Summer Debate Workshops, hosted in partnership with Emory’s Center for Civic and Community Engagement (CCE) and the Atlanta Urban Debate League, give younger students a strong foundation in argumentation and public speaking. You’ll learn how to structure persuasive cases, build evidence-based arguments, and practice rebuttals in a collaborative environment. The workshops emphasize critical thinking, research, and clear communication, skills that benefit both academic and civic life. You’ll also gain confidence speaking in front of peers while developing strategies for effective teamwork and respectful debate.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; selective application process with teacher and counselor recommendations
Location: Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $400 (Fall/Spring, per semester); $850 (Summer)
Program Dates: Fall: Four Saturdays (Sep–Nov, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.); Spring: Four Saturdays (Mar–Apr, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.); Summer: June 2–27, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Application Deadlines: Fall: February 7; Summer: May 2
Eligibility: Students entering grades 4–8 with strong attendance, aptitude in science, and recommendation letters from a teacher and counselor.
Morehouse School of Medicine Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics Academy introduces elementary and middle school students to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through hands-on learning and real-world applications. Programs are designed to spark creativity, strengthen problem-solving, and build critical thinking skills while introducing you to careers in healthcare and science. During fall and spring sessions, you explore robotics, coding, virtual reality, and phenomenon-based science, ending with a final presentation that showcases your work. The summer program expands into sports science, financial literacy, coding, and health-focused investigations, giving you the chance to apply classroom learning to real-world challenges.
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 Ph.D. 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.
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