15 Engineering Summer Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Oct 3
- 10 min read
Explore 15 engaging engineering summer programs for middle school students. Foster creativity and critical thinking while having fun this summer.
If you’re a middle schooler interested in engineering, engineering summer programs are a great way to get a head start on advanced academics and practical skills, without requiring a big financial investment. These programs often offer hands-on experiences like building bridges, coding robots, or designing structures, while providing insight into real-world engineering challenges. Participants also gain exposure to industrial tools and professionals, helping them understand how concepts learned in class apply to careers in engineering.
These engineering summer programs for middle school students allow you to test-drive different disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, civil, or software engineering, before deciding what to focus on in high school. These experiences also help you build confidence, develop teamwork and communication abilities, and practice creative problem-solving.
To make your search easier, we have curated this list of 15 engineering summer programs for middle school students. These programs were chosen based on rigor, networking opportunities, affordability, selectivity, and the reputation of the hosting institution.
15 Engineering Summer Programs for Middle School Students
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary for each cohort
Eligibility: Middle school students
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an eight-week virtual research experience where middle school students work one-on-one with mentors from top universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. The program guides students through developing a high school–level project in areas such as AI, biology, or astrophysics. During the first half, students explore different topics within their chosen track, while in the second half, they focus on building a focused, portfolio-ready project. Mentorship is a core element, with weekly sessions designed to sharpen research, critical thinking, and presentation skills. The program culminates in a polished final project, and students may also receive guidance on how to present their work. Need-based financial aid is available for eligible students. If you'd like to take a look at the upcoming cohorts + deadlines, you can refer to this page.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (on weekends) during the spring cohort; 25 hours over 2 weeks (on weekdays) during the summer cohort
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
This is a virtual program that introduces middle school students to the core concepts of artificial intelligence and machine learning through 25+ hours of instruction and hands-on work. You will begin by learning Python programming and then move into key AI topics like data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. With a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio, you will receive focused guidance during both lectures and group sessions. A highlight of the program is the final project, where students apply what they’ve learned to build something of their own, like a music genre classifier or an educational resource recommender. The program emphasizes not only technical skills but also responsible AI development and critical thinking.
3. MIT DynaMIT
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited seats (~40 students per session)
Dates: Mid to late August 2025 — 1 week for rising 6th–7th graders, 1 week for rising 8th–9th graders
Application Deadline: February 10
Eligibility: Middle school students entering grades 6–9 in the coming school year
MIT’s dynaMIT is a free, weeklong summer program designed to give middle school students hands-on exposure to STEM fields. Tailored for students with limited access to enrichment opportunities, the program includes experiments and activities in science, engineering, and math, ranging from analyzing fingerprints in mock detective cases to programming with Arduino microcontrollers. You work closely with MIT undergraduate and graduate student mentors, who design and lead each activity. The focus is on active learning, with students encouraged to ask questions, explore engineering concepts, and collaborate with peers. In addition to building technical skills, the program helps students gain confidence and curiosity through mentorship and engaging projects.
Location: Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, CA) and Ursinus College (Collegeville, PA)
Cost/Stipend: $6,459 – $7,501
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 18 – 20 students per class
Dates: Session 1: June 22 – July 11 | Session 2: July 13 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 16 (extended)
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–11 who satisfy CTY eligibility requirements and have completed (or are ready for) Algebra 1; must meet “Advanced CTY-Level” in testing/prerequisites
The CTY Electrical Engineering Program introduces middle school students to the core principles of electrical engineering through an immersive, hands-on curriculum. You will explore electromagnetism, energy, circuits, and signal behavior by analyzing real-world devices and building your own electronic systems. The course emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application. Students use Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s laws to draw and troubleshoot series and parallel circuits, as well as work with components like diodes, resistors, and transistors. Alongside these activities, students examine how concepts apply to technologies like solar panels, motors, and speakers. The program fosters collaborative learning and problem-solving, with a strong focus on experimentation, critical thinking, and design.
Location: Multiple locations. Check details here
Cost/Stipend: $3,149 – $7,501
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Typical class size is around 14–16 students
Dates: Session 1: June 22 – July 11 | Session 2: July 13 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 16 (extended)
Eligibility: Students in grades 5–6
Johns Hopkins CTY's Introduction to Robotics gives middle school students a hands-on introduction to programming, mechanical systems, and electronics through the lens of robotics. You will learn fundamental computer science concepts like algorithms, control flow, and Boolean logic while also exploring physics and engineering principles such as simple machines, locomotion, circuits, and sensor feedback. Throughout the course, students build and program their own robots to complete real-world challenges like obstacle navigation. The curriculum blends coding with mechanical and electrical design, encouraging problem-solving and experimentation. By the end of the program, students gain a foundational understanding of how robots operate and how engineering disciplines intersect in modern technologies.
Location: Multiple locations. Check details here
Cost/Stipend: $3,149 – $7,501
Acceptance rate/cohort size: The typical class size is 14–16 students
Dates:
Session 1: June 22 – July 11 or June 29 – July 18
Session 2: July 13 – August 1 or July 20 – August 8
Application Deadline: May 16 (extended)
Eligibility: Students in grades 5–6
This is a hands-on course where middle school students explore how physical principles underpin engineering design. Through engineering projects like building trebuchets, launching rockets, and constructing roller coasters, you will apply core principles in mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and aerodynamics. The course emphasizes experimentation and data analysis, encouraging students to test hypotheses, collect results, and refine their engineering solutions. You will also develop scientific writing and presentation skills by reporting your findings. Activities balance experimentation with conceptual lessons so learners practice both hands-on construction and scientific reasoning. Before enrollment, CTY recommends prior exposure to pre-algebraic concepts or completion of CTY’s foundational reasoning/data courses to ensure students can engage with the course’s quantitative elements.
Location: SMU Lyle School of Engineering, Texas
Cost/Stipend: $600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 students
Dates:
Boys-only camp: July 7 – 11
Girls-only camp: July 14 – 18
Co-ed camp: June 21 – 25
Application Deadline: Applications open in February
Eligibility: Rising 7th and 8th grade students
The Introduction to Engineering Summer Camp at SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering is a five-day program designed to give you an early start in exploring the world of engineering. You’ll be introduced to multiple engineering disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, civil, environmental, and cmputer science. Through hands-on projects and activities, you’ll see how engineers approach and solve real-world problems. With only 20 spots available, the camp ensures close interaction with faculty and personalized guidance. No prior STEM experience is required, making it an ideal entry point if you’re curious about engineering and want to start building foundational skills.
Cost/Stipend: $2,895 (Residential) | $2,495 (Commuter); Scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: Multiple sessions between June and July; Check details here
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students must be at least 11 years old and currently enrolled in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade
The NSLC Middle School Summer Engineering Program is a six-day residential experience designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of engineering while building your leadership skills. Hosted on campuses like American University and UC Berkeley, the program combines hands-on activities with interactive workshops that showcase different engineering disciplines. You’ll experiment with aerospace, biotechnology, and robotics through projects such as building rockets, designing wind turbines, programming robots, and constructing model bridges. Alongside technical exploration, you’ll take part in leadership training that emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and communication. By the end of the week, you’ll not only have practical engineering experience but also a clearer picture of the educational paths and opportunities awaiting you in high school and beyond.
Location: UC Berkeley Campus
Cost/Stipend: Tuition: $1,465 | Residential Tuition: $1,255
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates:
Session 1: June 23 – 27
Session 2: July 7 – 11
Session 4: July 21 – 25
Application Deadline:
Session 1: June 15
Other sessions: June 29
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7 – 9
This is a one-week summer program that introduces middle school students to sustainable energy through hands-on engineering challenges. You will design and build solar-powered devices, like sun-charged cars and water fountains, while learning the fundamentals of electrical circuitry and energy systems. The program emphasizes teamwork and the iterative design process, guiding students through real-world problem solving rooted in sustainability. You will also engage with STEM professionals and participate in lab tours to better understand current innovations and career paths in renewable energy. The program concludes with a final showcase, where participants present their solar-powered projects to peers and parents.
Location: UC Berkeley Campus
Cost/Stipend: Tuition: $1,465 | Residential Tuition: $1,255
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates:
Session 1: June 23 – 27
Session 2: July 7 – 11
Session 4: July 21 – 25
Application Deadline:
Session 1: June 15
Other sessions: June 29
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7 – 9
This one-week program gives middle school students the chance to explore computer programming and space science through hands-on projects. Using block-based coding or Python/JavaScript for more advanced learners, you will build and program your own model satellites for deep space exploration. The program includes daily puzzles, design challenges, and a planetarium experience to deepen students’ understanding of the solar system and engineering principles. You will follow the iterative design process as you craft your own nanosatellite, culminating in a final presentation for peers and parents. Along the way, students connect with STEM professionals and peers from other tracks to gain insight into real-world applications and career pathways.
Location: Rice University
Cost/Stipend: $499 per week + registration fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots available (first-come, first-served basis)
Dates: June 9 – 13
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 7
Rice University’s iRIDE Academy (Introduction to Research and Innovative Design in Engineering) is a hands-on summer program designed to immerse middle school students in real-world engineering challenges. Over the course of the program, students explore various engineering fields through rotating topics, guest speakers, and visits to research labs. The curriculum emphasizes the engineering design process, with students working collaboratively on a capstone project that addresses a real issue affecting their lives or community. As a participant, you will also interact with professional engineers and college students to gain insight into STEM education and career pathways. The program is structured to build awareness of engineering’s societal impact and to encourage students to pursue a STEM endorsement in high school.
Location: University of Pennsylvania campus
Cost/Stipend: $650 (need-based financial assistance available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 22 – 26 (day camp, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Rising 7th, 8th, or 9th graders (students currently in 6th–8th, depending on academic year)
Penn GEMS at the University of Pennsylvania is a week-long day camp for middle school students in grades 7–9, focused on hands-on learning in STEM fields. You will explore areas like bioengineering, nanotechnology, robotics, materials science, and computer graphics through collaborative projects and problem-solving challenges. Students work in teams under the guidance of Penn faculty or graduate students, developing skills in critical thinking, communication, and innovation. Activities range from building robots to experimenting with glow-in-the-dark materials, all designed to make engineering approachable and exciting. The program also emphasizes mentorship, helping students envision themselves in STEM careers while building confidence through real-world applications.
Location: Andries Hudde Junior High School (Brooklyn, NY) and STAR Early College School (Queens, NY)
Cost/Stipend: Free; full scholarship offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Rising 7th–8th graders residing in New York City
The Sounds of New York City (SONYC) program at NYU Tandon School of Engineering offers middle school students an effective experience in environmental engineering, with a focus on urban noise pollution. Through hands-on projects, students explore sound waves, learn the health impacts of noise, and build real-world solutions using sensors, microcontrollers, and circuits. The curriculum blends engineering, coding, and physical sciences with creative communication training from the Irondale Theater Group, helping students present their ideas with confidence. You will analyze local noise data, design smart-city technologies, and showcase your final projects at a program-wide expo. It's a multidisciplinary experience that bridges STEM learning with civic awareness and design innovation.
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Campus; Michigan Engineering Zone, Detroit
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 23 – 27 (U-M Ann Arbor Campus) | August 4 – 8 (Michigan Engineering Zone in Detroit)
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8 residing in Michigan
The Thinkabit Lab Summer Camp introduces middle school students to the world of engineering, robotics, and coding through hands-on, interactive projects. Over the course of a week, you’ll engage in creative problem-solving challenges, build robotic crafts, and explore how computers interpret human input. Led by University of Michigan faculty and industry professionals from Qualcomm, the camp encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and curiosity about how new technologies are developed. You’ll also meet real engineers, learn about their work, and gain insight into potential STEM career paths. The camp wraps up with student-designed projects that demonstrate your new skills in action.
Location: NC State’s North and Centennial campuses
Cost/Stipend: $500 per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 6 students per camp
Dates: July 7 – 11 and July 14 – 18
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Students entering 6th through 8th grade in the fall
The Imagine Engineering Camp at NC State University is a week-long day camp where middle school students explore how engineering impacts communities through hands-on projects and collaborative design challenges. Working in groups, you'll experience the Engineering Design Process firsthand with activities that change every year. Past examples include building earthquake-resistant bridges, designing solar-powered boats, programming with SNAP, and making nitrogen ice cream. The camp emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, helping you understand how engineers tackle real-world problems. You will engage with instructors and peers in a supportive environment that encourages experimentation and curiosity. By the end of the week, you will have a deeper appreciation for engineering and how it contributes to improving everyday life.
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.
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