15 Fall Science Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 1 day ago
- 11 min read
A fall science program can be a good way to explore topics that don't usually come up in a regular classroom, whether through independent research, engineering challenges, or guided experiments. Along the way, you'll build analytical and communication skills while getting a closer look at what it's like to work alongside researchers, faculty, and other STEM-minded students. These programs also introduce you to advanced concepts and methods that can carry into high school coursework and future STEM pursuits.
What should you look for in a fall science program?
A fall science program can give middle school students access to research, mentorship, and structured projects that go beyond a typical school curriculum. Depending on the program you choose, you could work through an independent research project, join an after-school engineering or robotics course, or explore biology and earth science through museum-based learning. Whether you're looking for something local and in-person or a fully virtual course, you can find a program suited to your schedule and interests.
To help you get started, here are 15 fall science programs for middle school students.
If you’re looking for programs for middle school students, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span AI and machine learning, engineering, biology, earth science, mathematics, and independent research, so middle school students with a wide range of interests can find a relevant fall science program.
Several programs are free, including UMB CURE Scholars, CCNY STEM Institute Fall Courses, South Carolina GSSM SPARK! and ENGAGE Programs, while others, such as Lumiere and Veritas AI, offer full financial aid and Northwestern CTD offers financial aid for eligible students.
Programs range from one-hour standalone workshops (SC GSSM SPARK!) to multi-month research commitments (Lumiere Junior Explorer, Alvernia University), so students can choose based on their availability and depth of interest.
Application deadlines vary widely, with early deadlines including UNC Charlotte STEM Academy (June 30) and CCNY STEM Institute (August 30), while several programs, such as UT Dallas Biology Camps, AMNH Science Alliance, and Alvernia University, accept rolling applications.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies | Financial aid available
Dates: Eight weeks | Timing varies by cohort
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort. You can apply here.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 to 8
Lumiere’s Junior Explorers Program is a selective online research experience for middle school students, designed to build advanced academic writing and research skills. You begin by selecting a subject area, such as STEM, humanities, or social sciences, and are matched with a PhD-level mentor from a top university. Over the course of the program, you receive a structured introduction to your chosen field, then design and carry out an independent research project focused on a world question. To strengthen your writing and analytical abilities, you conclude the program by producing a formal research paper that presents your findings.
Location: Johns Hopkins University South Campus, Laurel, MD
Cost: $39-per-course for each six-week session
Dates: Session A: September 14–October 19 | Session B: October 16–December 7 | Sessions scheduled once per week
Application Deadline: Returning student registration window: August 15–17 | New student registration window: August 15–23
Eligibility: Grades 6-8 students | Students from the state of Maryland are given priority
Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory’s STEM Academy Ignite offers middle school students two six-week sessions in the fall. The program will allow you to learn a range of advanced topics in fields such as artificial intelligence, programming, and cybersecurity using project-based, hands-on activities designed specifically for middle school students. Courses are taught by STEM professionals and educators affiliated with APL, giving students exposure to real-world scientific and engineering applications. Rather than focusing solely on lectures, the program emphasizes experimentation, problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type | Full financial aid available
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: Rolling deadlines | You can apply to the program here
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 student projects have included building a machine-learning model to classify music genres and developing a machine-learning algorithm to generate a custom list of educational resources based on specified criteria.
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: $350
Dates: Multiple cohorts, including fall
Application Deadline: Fall Applications open in August
Eligibility: 7th-12th-grade students having an 80 average or above in Math, Science, and English | Must be New York residents and meet the state-determined economic criteria
The NYU Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) is an academic enrichment program that supports New York students from historically underrepresented and economically eligible backgrounds in preparing for STEM careers. The program combines instruction with laboratory activities, research exposure, academic enrichment, and college readiness programming. You study mathematics, science, research methods, and college preparation while working with NYU faculty, staff, and mentors. The curriculum also includes workshops, career exploration activities, and opportunities to strengthen academic skills beyond the regular school curriculum.
Location: University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
Cost: Free
Dates: Year-round pipeline initiative
Application Deadline: Applications typically open during the summer for students entering grades 6–10 in the fall
Eligibility: 6th-10th-grade students residing in West Baltimore | Middle school applicants must attend Franklin Square Elementary and Middle School, Green Street Academy, or Southwest Baltimore Charter School
University of Maryland, Baltimore CURE Scholars is a year-round program for middle and high school students. The program aims to empower students from underserved communities to engage in STEM and healthcare-focused research opportunities. Beginning in middle school, selected scholars participate in one-on-one mentoring, field trips, and hands-on laboratory activities that continue through high school and even into college. Middle school students complete grade-specific STEM curricula, including food science, anatomy, coding, and robotics, and participate in research-focused activities and annual STEM showcases.
Location: Franchise centers across the U.S.
Cost: Varies by program location and course
Dates: Available year-round during the academic calendar
Application Deadline: Varies by program location
Eligibility: Students aged 4–14 years
Engineering For Kids – After-school Classes allows middle school students to explore programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. You will have the opportunity to develop STEM skills, work on prototypes, engage in problem-solving and design challenges, and attend technology-focused classes. Some of the offered programs include robotics, interactive engineering, technology and coding, and Minecraft. Through these programs, you will design video games, create models for a sustainable city, learn about computer programming and robotics, and more.
Location: The CCNY STEM Institute, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Dates: September 13–December 20 | Courses typically meet once or twice per week after school or on weekends
Application Deadline: August 30
Eligibility: Grades 6th–12th students with a strong interest in STEM
The CCNY STEM Institute's Fall Courses offer a hands-on learning experience for middle and high school students. The program will allow you to enroll in either after-school classes or Saturday classes. You will gain knowledge from experienced STEM faculty and explore a range of academic disciplines, including engineering, architecture, 3D modeling, robotics, environmental science, and more. Instruction combines hands-on laboratory work, project-based learning, and collaborative activities with peers. The program also offers career and college preparation guidance along with the opportunity to form meaningful friendships.
Location: University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
Cost: $125
Dates: September 12 & 19 | October 10 & 17 | November 7 & 21 | Virtual Thursdays: September 24 & December 3
Application Deadline: June 30
Eligibility: 6th–8th students with a minimum 2.5 GPA and a minimum grade of C in math and science
University of North Carolina Charlotte STEM Academy: Engineering Mathematics Program allows you to explore the relationship among scientific inquiry, engineering, and mathematics. Some of the topics you might explore through the program include water filtration challenge, math in motion, bridge building and load testing, catapult design and energy transfer, and rocket trajectory and angle optimization. The program will allow you to work on research projects, engage in experiments, and receive guidance in preparing for the Science Olympiad. The curriculum emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, engineering design, and mathematical reasoning while introducing students to STEM careers through guest speakers and hands-on activities.
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
Cost: $1,000 | Tuition assistance available
Dates: October 3–November 7 | October 13–December 15 | October 15–December 10 (Classes conducted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students in grades 6th-8th
The American Museum of Natural History's Science Alliance: Middle School Program is an enrichment program for students in grades 6–8 who want to explore scientific topics through hands-on investigation. You will get to choose and explore a range of topics based on your interest, including evolutionary biology, anthropology, earth science, astrophysics, and conservation science. Some of the classes included in the fall sessions cover animal prosthetics, a universe without minerals, time verse: the world of microbiology, and astro explorations. The program allows you to participate in hands-on activities and take off-site field trips.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: September–November | Courses meet once per week in the evening
Application Deadline: Registration opens early August
Eligibility: Grades 6th–8th students, typically South Carolina residents | Limited to 25 students per session
SPARK! is a free virtual after-school STEM outreach program offered by the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) for students in grades 6–8. Through one-hour standalone workshops, you investigate topics in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics while learning from GSSM residential students, who serve as instructors and mentors. Each session explores a different real-world scientific question through interactive demonstrations and discussions, allowing participants to sample advanced STEM topics without a long-term commitment. Because workshops are offered only once each semester and enrollment is capped, students benefit from small-group instruction and direct interaction with STEM role models.
Location: South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics, Hartsville, SC
Cost: Free
Dates: September 21–November 9 | Weekly evening sessions
Application Deadline: Registration opens in Early August
Eligibility: Students in grades 6th–8th, typically South Carolina residents | Limited to 20 students per session
ENGAGE is GSSM's free, in-person after-school STEM program for students in grades 6–8. It consists of a multi-week sequence of interactive lessons in which you build on concepts from one session to the next while completing engineering and science challenges. You develop critical thinking, deductive reasoning, and collaborative problem-solving skills as you investigate real-world STEM problems alongside GSSM students and educators. The program emphasizes hands-on learning rather than lectures, with students working through design challenges and project-based activities in small groups. Because enrollment is limited, participants receive individualized support throughout the program.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $575 | Financial aid available
Dates: October 7–November 18
Application Deadline: Applications remain open until courses fill
Eligibility: Students in grades 3–8 who meet CTD's Emerald admission criteria through qualifying test scores or an academic portfolio
Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development (CTD) offers six-week Online Enrichment Courses for academically advanced students in grades 3–8 during the fall. The courses cover a wide range of STEM subjects, including biology, engineering, environmental science, computer science, mathematics, and technology, in an asynchronous online format guided by experienced instructors. You complete weekly assignments, participate in live online sessions, receive individualized feedback, and engage with intellectually curious peers from around the world. Admission is based on CTD's Emerald eligibility tier, which requires students to demonstrate advanced academic readiness through qualifying test scores or a portfolio of grades and teacher recommendations.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $200
Dates: Saturday sessions from October to December
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
UT Dallas Biology Camps allow you to gain in-depth knowledge in biology through a virtual, hands-on learning experience. Led by AP Biology educators and university-affiliated instructors, the program explores key biological concepts through interactive online instruction, guided discussions, and practice with AP-style questions. Sessions are recorded for registered students, allowing participants to revisit course material outside scheduled class hours. The program will help you develop the skills and knowledge important in exploring advanced study opportunities.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA (online for grades 1–12; in-person sections available for high school grade levels)
Cost: $500 per quarter (online) | $525 per quarter (in-person, where applicable) | Financial aid availability may vary
Dates: September 29–December 10 (Fall Quarter)
Application Deadline: Registration opens approximately 1–2 months before each academic quarter and remains open until sections fill
Eligibility: Students in grades 1–12 | Participants must register for the section corresponding to their current grade level
Stanford Math Circle is a quarter-long academic enrichment program offered through Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies for students in grades 1–12. Middle school participants attend weekly after-school sessions led by mathematicians and experienced educators, where they solve challenging problems through collaborative discussions rather than traditional lectures. The program emphasizes mathematical reasoning, creative problem-solving, and proof-based thinking while encouraging students to work alongside peers who share similar interests. Online sections are open to students worldwide, while in-person offerings are available for high school grade levels. Enrollment is conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Location: John R. Post Learning Center, Reading, PA
Cost: $700
Dates: September 22–December 17
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students in grades 5–12
Alvernia University After-School Student Research Program offers both semester-based and year-long learning opportunities to middle school students. The program will allow you to engage in hands-on research, explore topics based on your interests, and work on passion projects while gaining real-world experience. You will engage in 4 hours of learning every week, receive guidance for the science fair, and gain knowledge from experienced faculty and mentors. The program also provides access to professional-grade laboratory equipment and technology, along with optional guidance on intellectual property and patent applications where appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
What fall science programs are available for middle school students?
Options include independent research programs, such as Lumiere Junior Explorer Program and Alvernia University After-School Student Research Program, AI and technology programs, such as Veritas AI Trailblazers and JHU APL STEM Academy Ignite, mathematics and engineering programs, such as Stanford Math Circle and UNC Charlotte STEM Academy, and museum-based or biology programs, such as AMNH Science Alliance and UT Dallas Biology Camps.
Are there free fall science programs for middle school students?
Yes, UMB CURE Scholars Program, CCNY STEM Institute Fall Courses, and both South Carolina GSSM programs (SPARK! and ENGAGE) are free. Lumiere and Veritas AI charge tuition but offer full financial aid, and Northwestern CTD offers financial aid for eligible students based on demonstrated need.
Which fall science programs are best for students interested in AI or technology?
Students interested in AI or technology might consider Veritas AI Trailblazers for a structured introduction to machine learning and Python, JHU APL STEM Academy Ignite for hands-on AI, programming, and cybersecurity courses, and Lumiere Junior Explorer Program for independent research in STEM fields, including data science or computer science.
When should I apply to fall science programs for middle school students?
The earliest deadline is UNC Charlotte STEM Academy (June 30), followed by CCNY STEM Institute (August 30) and NYU STEP (applications open in August). South Carolina GSSM programs open registration in early August, and JHU APL STEM Academy Ignite opens registration mid-August. Several programs, such as UT Dallas Biology Camps, AMNH Science Alliance, and Alvernia University, accept rolling applications, so students should begin researching options over the summer.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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.