20 Fall STEM Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 11 min read
Fall marks the start of a new academic year, and it can be a great time for middle school students to explore specialized learning opportunities outside the classroom. These programs can give you an early head start by combining advanced academics with practical applications. From coding labs and robotics clubs to research-based workshops, these programs help you build skills, gain industry exposure, and connect with peers and mentors who share your interests.
A STEM program can spark curiosity, deepen subject mastery, and even introduce you to pathways in fields like engineering, computer science, medicine, or environmental science. It’s a chance to experiment, innovate, and learn in settings that encourage exploration, often guided by experts from top universities, research labs, or STEM-focused nonprofits. Fall programs are also designed to allow you to pursue your interests during your school year, without being a major burden.
To help identify the best options, we’ve narrowed down 20 fall STEM programs for middle school students.
20 Fall STEM Programs for Middle School Students
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; you can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
The Junior Explorer Program is a selective 1-on-1 mentorship program for middle school students to explore academic interests while building a project they are passionate about. Over 8 weeks, you’ll work with a dedicated mentor: the first four weeks focus on exploring different topics, the next two weeks involve a deep dive into a chosen subject and project definition, and the final two weeks are spent building the project with close mentor support.
Location: New York, NY
Cost: Free
Program Dates: September 13 – December 20
Application Deadline: August 30
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
The STEM Institute’s Fall program offers middle school students hands-on, high-energy courses in STEM and STEAM fields. You can explore creative courses like 3D Modeling, Architecture, and targeted SHSAT prep while gaining early exposure to high school-level academics. Classes are scheduled after school or on Saturdays. The program emphasizes real-world applications, collaborative projects, and skill-building for future college and career success.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Program Dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling; you can apply to the program here
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
The Trailblazers Program by Veritas AI is designed for middle school students to learn the fundamentals of Python programming and key concepts in artificial intelligence and machine learning. You’ll begin with building a foundation in AI and data analysis, followed by an introduction to exploratory data analysis, regression, and classification problems. In the later weeks, you’ll explore advanced topics like image classification, neural networks, and the importance of AI ethics. The program concludes with a hands-on group project, where you’ll collaborate in teams of 3-5 to apply what you’ve learned.
Location: The University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Weekly sessions during Fall, Mini STEM competition at the end of the program
Application Deadline: No information available
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
The After-School STEM Clubs at The University of Texas at Austin provide middle school students with an interactive, hands-on introduction to STEM. You’ll participate in weekly sessions led by UTeach Interns and UTeach Outreach students, where you’ll explore STEM concepts through collaborative projects, experiments, and challenges. At the end of the program, you’ll showcase your skills in a Mini STEM competition, competing against other local clubs for trophies and recognition. The program is designed to build critical thinking, problem-solving, and inquiry-based skills while fostering curiosity and confidence in STEM.
Location: La Brea Tar Pits, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Sept 20, Oct 4, Oct 18, Nov 1, Nov 15
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Girls in grades 7-8
La Brea Tar Pits’ Girls in STEM Programming invites middle school girls to explore STEM through hands-on activities, behind-the-scenes experiences, and mentorship from museum staff. Over five sessions held every other Saturday from September to November, you’ll learn how the Tar Pits’ stories connect to science and real-world applications. You’ll gain exposure to scientific research, build practical STEM skills, and engage with professional scientists in a collaborative environment. Materials for all activities are provided, and full attendance is required for program completion.
Location: UNC Charlotte, Woodward Building, Charlotte, NC
Cost: $125
Program Dates: In-Person: Aug 23, Sept 27, Oct 11, Nov 1, Nov 8 | Virtual: Sept 18, Dec 11
Application Deadline: July 31
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
The STEM Saturday Academy at UNC Charlotte offers middle school students a dynamic blend of in-person and virtual learning over five Saturdays and two virtual Thursday sessions. You’ll explore STEM through direct instruction, hands-on problem-based learning, cooperative team projects, and Science Olympiad preparation. You’ll engage in experiments, mathematical problem-solving, and mock competitions, building critical thinking, teamwork, and STEM skills aligned with middle grades standards. The program provides access to educators, scientists, and STEM professionals, culminating in a certificate of participation.
Location: Escambia County Science Center, FL
Cost: Non Members: $35 per session | Members: $30 per session
Program Dates: Every 3rd Wednesday from September through December, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
The Pathways Middle School Workshops' fall sessions invite students to design, build, and test challenges that explore career pathways across STEM disciplines. You’ll gain practical skills in problem-solving, engineering, and experimentation while being guided by educators. Each month features a different themed workshop ranging from robotics and computer science to chemistry, physics, and environmental science, so you can experience a wide variety of STEM fields. Families must submit a registration form for each child, and full participation is encouraged to maximize the learning experience.
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ
Cost: $399
Program Dates: October 18 - November 15
Application Deadline: October 2
Eligibility: Students in grades 5-8
Saturday Morning STEM – Middle School Sessions at New Jersey Institute of Technology offer middle school students an engaging, hands-on introduction to STEM through robotics, engineering, and coding. For 5th and 6th graders, students can join Robo Rangers to explore robotics using the VEX IQ platform, building and programming robots through collaborative challenges. Alternatively, the Engineering Explorers track introduces you to multiple engineering themes, Chemical & Materials, Energy & Sustainability, Electrical, Biomedical, and Mechanical, through group projects and hands-on activities that illustrate real-world applications. 7th and 8th graders can take part in Engineering Innovators, an advanced rotational program that deepens their problem-solving and critical thinking skills while tackling engineering challenges across the same disciplines. The CodeQuest track immerses you in computer science fundamentals, algorithms, and programming, culminating in real-world projects that give participants practical coding experience. Across all tracks, you’ll benefit from collaborative, project-based learning that strengthens STEM knowledge and fosters creativity.
Location: UNLV Advanced Engineering Building, Las Vegas, NV
Cost: $500 per module
Program Dates: Select Saturdays, September 20 - December 6
Application Deadline: Varies by module
Eligibility: Middle school students
The UNLV STEM Institute’s Saturday STEM Camp offers middle school students an engaging, hands-on introduction to various STEM topics, including artificial intelligence, embedded systems, and cybersecurity. There are 2 modules offered, and you can choose to enroll in either one or both modules. In module 1, the morning session, you’ll explore Physical AI, combining AI with real-world sensing through Arduino-based microcontrollers. You’ll program hardware, engage in computer vision projects, and collaborate with peers on hands-on experiments that apply classroom learning to real-world challenges. In module 2, the afternoon session focuses on Digital Citizenship and Cybersecurity, introducing core cybersecurity concepts like network analysis, threat detection, and safe digital practices through interactive, beginner-friendly exercises. Across both modules, students gain practical STEM experience, strengthen problem-solving and collaboration skills, and build a foundation for future academic and career opportunities in technology and engineering.
Location: Townsend Hall, College of Education and Human Development, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Cost: Not mentioned
Program Dates: October 18
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students in grades K-5 and middle school
STEM Cubs at the University of Missouri offers middle school students a hands-on introduction to STEM through interactive activities and projects. You’ll explore concepts like engineering, physics, and problem-solving while collaborating in small teams, such as building tabletop propeller cars or completing other engaging challenges. The fall half-day camp includes a morning session and an afternoon session, designed to give you an immersive STEM experience in a supportive environment. The program emphasizes early exposure to STEM, fostering curiosity, creativity, and practical skills for future academic pursuits.
Location: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD
Cost: $39 per course
Program Dates: Fall Session A: September 15 - October 20 | Fall Session B: October 27 - December 8
Application Deadline: August 25
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8, priority given to Maryland residents
The STEM Academy Ignite program at Johns Hopkins APL offers middle school students an opportunity to explore programming, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other STEM fields through hands-on, project-based learning. Sessions are designed to strengthen your STEM knowledge while fostering curiosity, perseverance, and adaptability. Courses meet once a week in person, with students expected to attend at least five of six classes to receive a certificate of completion. Fall Session A offers courses such as Code Quest: Scratch Adventures and Junior Detectives: The Science of Solving Crimes, and Session B courses such as Code Quest: Make It Move with micro:bit and Artificial Intelligence & You: Learning to Think Critically. Each course combines interactive learning with real-world examples to give you practical STEM experience and a chance to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Location: Science Center, Academy & Research Institute, Avon, CT
Cost: $750
Program Dates: Six Saturdays in Fall
Application Deadline: No Information available
Eligibility: Students in grades 4-8
Talcott Mountain Science Center’s Saturday Robotics program offers students the chance to join a FIRST LEGO League (FLL) team. Over six weeks, you’ll work in the center’s robotics lab, using LEGO SPIKE PRIME kits to design, build, troubleshoot, and code robots under the guidance of expert coaches. The program culminates with at least one regional competition, and high-performing teams may advance to the State Tournament. This program blends engineering, coding, and teamwork in a fun, hands-on environment, giving you the chance to experience STEM through real-world problem-solving and collaboration.
Location: MySTEM Academy Center, 10850 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA
Cost: Not mentioned
Program Dates: Starts August 18, for 12 weeks
Application Deadline: No Information available
Eligibility: Students in grades 4-6
MySTEM Academy’s Fall STEM Programs give middle school students the chance to immerse themselves in robotics, coding, and engineering through hands-on, project-based courses that spark curiosity and creativity. Tracks offered include Cool Projects with SPIKE, where students experiment with LEGO Technic elements to design and program innovative robots, and Introduction to LEGO Robotics, which builds foundational skills in autonomous programming and sensor-based challenges. Those looking to go further can join VEX IQ Robotics, where you construct competition-ready robots using advanced sensors and programming concepts, or EV3 Master Builders: Robotics in Motion, which challenges you to create advanced mechanisms like robotic arms and cube solvers. For those continuing from prior programs, Lego Robotics II offers a deeper dive into gear mechanisms and sensors, preparing students for competitive robotics teams. Across all tracks, MySTEM Academy emphasizes critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Location: Massachusetts, exact location varies by team site
Cost: $150
Program Dates: September - December
Application Deadline: No information available
Eligibility: Students in grades 5-8
LongMetal Robotics’ FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is a fall program where middle school students are encouraged to explore their creativity through robotics, engineering, and teamwork. Over the course of the season, you’ll spend two hours a week designing, building, and programming LEGO Spike Prime robots while tackling real-world challenges inspired by the year’s competition theme. Students can join at the beginner, intermediate, or advanced level, ensuring that both newcomers and experienced builders find the right fit. Alongside technical skills, you’ll develop resilience, leadership, and presentation abilities while working closely with peers and mentors. The program culminates in a high-energy tournament where teams showcase their creations and share innovative solutions.
Location: Various sites
Cost: No information available
Program Dates: September to December
Application Deadline: No information available
Eligibility: Students in grades 4-8
The VEX IQ Challenge is a hands-on robotics program for middle school students. It is designed to make engineering fun, collaborative, and competitive. You’ll be paired in teams of two to design, build, and program your own robots from the ground up. With no prior experience required, the program ensures that both beginners and returning participants can dive into robotics confidently. Classes meet once a week for nearly two hours, with small cohorts capped at just eight students. Mentorship and guidance will be given by instructors throughout the program. Over the 12-week fall season, teams prepare for at least two competitions, where they’ll test their robots against peers in high-energy matches. Success can even advance you to state or world championship levels. Beyond competition, the program emphasizes teamwork, resilience, and hands-on learning.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Program Dates: September 26
Application Deadline: Not Applicable
Eligibility: Open to all beginners
This introductory course by IBM is designed to help you build a strong foundation in artificial intelligence and its applications. Through four modules, you’ll explore core concepts of machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks while also learning how generative AI is shaping industries today. The program emphasizes both technical understanding and ethical considerations, guiding you to think critically about responsible AI use. By the end of the course, you’ll gain hands-on skills such as natural language processing, risk mitigation, and content creation, while also designing your own generative AI solution for a real-world challenge.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $200
Program Dates: October - December
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle and high school students currently
Hosted by the Department of Biological Sciences at UT Dallas, these virtual biology camps provide you with the chance to strengthen your understanding of advanced biology concepts. Over a series of 3-hour weekend sessions, you’ll engage with AP Biology topics in depth, guided by instructors who incorporate both instruction and practice test questions. The camps are designed to help you build confidence, sharpen problem-solving skills, and prepare for success in AP-level coursework and exams. Session recordings are provided exclusively to registered students, ensuring flexibility and ongoing support throughout the fall.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $575
Program Dates: October 8 – November 19
Application Deadline: Varies, early registration recommended
Eligibility: Students in grades 3-8 who meet CTD’s Emerald Tier admission requirements
Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development (CTD) offers Online Enrichment Courses designed to spark curiosity and challenge bright learners. These interdisciplinary classes encourage critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, with weekly requirements that allow you to engage at your own pace under instructor guidance. You’ll also receive personalized feedback throughout the course, culminating in an evaluation upon completion.
Location: Virtual, via edX
Cost: $219 for a verified certificate
Program Dates: April 16 - December 17 | 8 weeks, self-paced
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to beginners interested in data science and programming fundamentals
Fata Science: R Basics course from Harvard University is part of the Professional Certificate in Data Science and is designed to teach the foundations of programming with R. Over eight weeks, you’ll learn basic R syntax, data types, vector arithmetic, and indexing, as well as practical skills like sorting, data wrangling with dplyr, and creating plots. The program is highly accessible while still providing rigorous training in one of the most widely used languages in data science. You can audit the course for free or earn a verified certificate for a fee, making it a flexible and accessible option for middle school students interested in data science.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $675
Program Dates: October 1 – December 3
Application Deadline: Varies, early registration recommended
Eligibility: Students in grades 3-8 who meet CTD’s Emerald Tier admission requirements
Northwestern’s Center for Talent Development (CTD) offers Online Core Essentials courses for students ready to accelerate beyond standard grade-level content. Over nine weeks, you’ll dive deeper into core subjects like math, science, and English language arts through a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and independent learning. With weekly requirements and flexible pacing, the courses allow you to engage at your own schedule while benefiting from structured activities and instructor guidance.
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 in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - The University of Texas Austin logo