15 Educational Programs for Middle School Students in Wisconsin
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 22
- 9 min read
If you're a middle school student in Wisconsin looking to make the most of your summer or after-school time, joining a structured educational program can be a great way to explore new interests. These programs go beyond your typical high school classes, offering advanced academics, practical skills training, industry exposure, and mentorship. They are designed to help you learn something new in a structured curriculum, whether through academic content or creative exploration. Most of these programs are either free or offer financial aid, making them an accessible option to explore—often at a far lower cost than year-round tutoring or camps. Whether you're interested in science, the arts, leadership, or technology, these programs give you a chance to learn from professionals, collaborate with motivated peers, and get hands-on experience through projects and workshops. Many are hosted by respected universities or organizations, offering rigorous academics and opportunities to network.
To help you choose, we've put together a list of 15 top educational programs for middle schoolers in Wisconsin. We focused on programs with strong curricula, opportunities for mentorship, competitive or selective admissions, funding support, and backing from well-known institutions or nonprofits.
Here are 15 educational programs for middle school students in Wisconsin!
Location: Virtual
Dates: Summer III: August 25 | Fall: September 14 | Winter I: December 8 | Winter II: January 19
Application Deadline: Summer III: August 3 | Fall : August 24 | Winter I: November 16 | Winter II: December 28
Eligibility: Middle school students (Grades 6–8)
Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program is an 8-week virtual research experience where you get to explore academic topics of your choice while working one-on-one with a mentor. You’ll begin by sampling four subtopics within a chosen track before focusing on one area to develop as an individual project. The program is designed and led by researchers from top universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. Tracks popular with middle schoolers include Mathematics, Engineering, AI and Data Science, and Astrophysics. Lumiere alumni have also been shown to gain admission to Ivy League schools at roughly four times the global average, reflecting the strength of its mentorship and project-based approach. No prior experience is required, making this program a solid choice for curious learners ready to explore new ideas in a guided, supportive environment.
Location: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI
Cost: $790 for commuter students; $1095 for residential students. Scholarships available
Dates: June 22 - 28
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Grades 6-8
Summer Music Clinic’s Junior Session is a week-long immersive music program for middle school students interested in music. You’ll select one of four musical paths, such as jazz, vocal, orchestral strings, or music technology, and spend one hour daily to learn and explore something new. Alongside music instruction, you’ll also enjoy campus life through arts and crafts, sports, evening activities, and community celebrations. The clinic also includes collaborative performances and chances to connect with peers and faculty mentors, all while experiencing the culture of UW–Madison’s music community.
Location: Virtual
Dates: Admission I: April 27 | Summer II: June 22
Application Deadline: Available here
Eligibility: Middle school students (Grades 6-8))
Veritas AI Trailblazers is a virtual, entry-level AI bootcamp built specifically for Grades 6-8. Over 25 hours, you’ll learn Python programming, core machine learning concepts like regression and image classification, and the principles of neural networks and AI ethics. Lectures are complemented by small group lab sessions, up to 5 students per mentor, where you’ll collaborate to build real-world AI models. By the end of the program, you would have worked in teams to create a final AI project, which you’ll present to your peers and mentors. It’s suitable for beginners who want a hands-on introduction to AI and machine learning.
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
Cost: $1,370 per session. Financial aid available
Dates: Session I: June 15-20 | Session II: June 22-27
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Middle school students
Summer Transitional Enrichment Program is a one-week, residential pre-college program that gives middle school students a chance to study an accelerated course while living on the UW-Madison campus. You’ll spend your days in interactive, project-based classes designed to develop high-level critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Outside the classroom, you’ll stay in residence halls and engage in social, athletic, and arts activities that help build independence and peer connections. By getting exposure to industry-standard labs and faculty-led instruction, you will get a glimpse of college-level academics.
Location: University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
Cost: Varies based on the program opted for.
Dates: Check program site for updates
Application Deadline: Rolling until classes fill
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6-8
UW-Milwaukee’s College for Kids & Teens offers a wide range of summer enrichment classes designed to challenge middle schoolers in STEM, arts, writing, and leadership. You can choose from over 100 short-format courses, such as coding, robotics, creative writing, and digital design. Classes are held on the UWM campus to give you a collegiate experience while learning in small, supportive groups. Sessions emphasize hands-on projects, critical thinking, and collaboration with peers from across the region. Many classes are taught by experienced K–12 educators and university instructors, making this program both accessible and academically rigorous.
Location: Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, WI
Cost: Check program site for updates
Dates: August 26, Competition season runs from September to February
Application Deadline: Typically rolling until teams fill
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-12
MSOE’s VEX Community Teams gives middle schoolers a chance to dive into robotics through the internationally recognized VEX Robotics Competition. You’ll work in teams to design, build, and program a robot to complete specific challenges, learning applied engineering and programming skills along the way. You’ll meet regularly on MSOE’s campus, accessing university-grade tools and lab spaces with coaching from mentors and faculty. This program will suit students looking for a practical STEM experience.
Location: MSOE Kern Center, Milwaukee, WI
Cost: Provides $500 grants to organizations that are participating
Dates: Workshop day happens on April 8, and Challenge Day happens on May 13
Application Deadline: Registration opens in February
Eligibility: A team of 4 students in grades 6-8
Through the Fluid Power Challenge, MSOE and NFPA introduce middle school teams to engineering by tasking them to design and construct pneumatic-powered mechanisms that solve real-world problems. The event kicks off with a Workshop Day in April, where teams learn fluid power basics and assemble a starter kit under mentor guidance. Over the following weeks, students research solutions, build prototypes, and compile portfolios before returning for Challenge Day in May to present and test their devices in timed trials. The competition emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, with judging based on design, functionality, portfolio quality, and collaboration. Mentors from MSOE, NFPA, and industry bring practical insight, and the event includes awards for design excellence, teamwork, and innovation.
Location: Discovery World, Milwaukee, WI
Cost: $250 - $400 per week. Discounts for members, check this brochure for more details.
Dates: June 9 - August 22
Application Deadline: Rolling until camps fill
Eligibility: Students in grades 1-8, camps tailored for grades 6-8 specifically
Discovery World’s Summer Camps offer week-long, hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, art, and design. Middle school camps are specifically designed to challenge older learners with activities such as 3D modeling, marine biology investigations, engineering design challenges, and robotics. Each session is led by an educators who emphasize inquiry-based learning and creative problem-solving. Campers also explore Discovery World’s exhibits and labs, integrating practical science into daily activities.
Location: Urban Ecology Center, Milwaukee, WI (multiple sites)
Cost: Varies based on the program opted for
Dates: June 14 - August 22
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Middle School Students
Urban Ecology Center Summer Camps offer immersive outdoor learning experiences focused on ecology, environmental science, and community stewardship. These sessions encourage you to explore Milwaukee’s green spaces through activities like field research, habitat restoration projects, nature journaling, and leadership development. You’ll work in small groups led by experienced educators who emphasize environmental ethics and teamwork. The program’s hands-on approach fosters critical thinking while connecting you to the local ecosystems and sustainability practices.
Location: University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, Green Bay, WI
Cost: Depends on the camp. Scholarships are provided.
Dates: Varies based on the camp opted for.
Application Deadline: Varies based on the camp opted for
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6-12
UW-Green Bay hosts a wide variety of summer camps in STEM, music, art, writing, and leadership. Many camps are tailored specifically for middle school students, offering you a structured curriculum led by university faculty and educators. Programs feature hands-on labs, creative projects, and in some cases, overnight stays on campus for an early college experience. Camps encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and skill-building in areas like environmental science, robotics, creative writing, and instrumental music. You’ll receive access to university facilities and mentorship from instructors.
Location: Downtown Milwaukee, WI
Cost: $389
Dates: July 7 - July 11
Application Deadline: Rolling until camps fill
Eligibility: Entering Grade 6 - Grade 12
The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music’s Jazz Camp offers an intensive week of study for young musicians looking to develop their improvisation and ensemble skills. You’ll participate in daily rehearsals, masterclasses, and sectionals led by professional jazz musicians. You’ll benefit from small-group instruction and mentorship, with opportunities to collaborate with peers at various skill levels. The curriculum covers jazz theory, listening skills, and performance techniques, culminating in a final concert for family and friends.
Location: Downtown Milwaukee, WI
Cost: $389
Dates: July 28 - August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until camps fill
Eligibility: Percussionists with at least 1 year of band or percussion lessons experience, and entering grades 6-12
Percussion Camp at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music gives you a chance to explore a wide range of percussion styles from drum set and mallet instruments to global rhythms like West African, Afro-Caribbean, Indian Carnatic, and Brazilian samba. Through daily core classes in rhythm theory, drum set, mallets, and small-group ensemble workshops, you’ll develop strong technique while expressing your creativity. Afternoon rotations invite you to expand your musical palette with international percussion traditions. The week culminates in a final showcase performance for family and friends, celebrating your growth and collaborative spirit.
Location: University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI
Cost: Based on the program opted for
Dates: Typically in June, July, and August
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6-8
UW-Stout’s Junior STEAM Summer Camp combines art, design, and STEM learning in a hands-on, project-based experience for middle school students. You’ll participate in workshops on robotics, 3D modeling, digital art, and engineering challenges, using university labs and maker spaces. Each program emphasizes creativity and problem-solving, encouraging you to develop projects that blend technical and artistic skills. Residential options offer a mini-college experience with supervised evening activities on campus. University faculty will guide you through the program and help build your confidence in both STEM and design thinking.
Location: Ripon College, Ripon, WI
Cost: $485
Dates: July 13 - 17
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
The Wisconsin Association of School Councils’ Junior & Middle School Leadership Camp is designed to help students build communication, teamwork, and self-advocacy skills. You’ll attend multi-day workshops on conflict resolution, goal-setting, and public speaking, all in a residential camp setting. The program emphasizes experiential learning with group challenges, role-playing, and leadership simulations. You’ll also connect with peers from across the state, which fosters networking opportunities and collaboration.
Location: University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Kenosha, WI
Cost: Typically $225–$375 per week. Financial aid may be available for qualifying families.
Dates: July 28 - August 1 and August 4 - August 8
Application Deadline: Rolling until camps fill
Eligibility: Middle schoolers aged 11 - 14 years
UW-Parkside’s Youth STEM & Environmental Explorers Camps offer week-long sessions designed to immerse middle schoolers like you in hands-on science learning. You’ll get to work in university labs, explore local ecosystems, and tackle creative challenges using tools like AI, music software, or data sensors. Topics vary each session and include everything from machine learning and digital music production to robotics and water quality testing. Instructors include UW-Parkside faculty, industry professionals, and local educators, providing you with the opportunity to engage with mentors. You’ll also work on a culminating project to showcase your learning. Whether you’re into environmental science or digital creativity, these camps are a great way to explore future career paths while building STEM skills in a supportive environment.
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 - University of Wisconsin–Madison logo