10 Great Afterschool Enrichment Programs for Middle School Students

Afterschool enrichment programs are one of the smartest ways you can spend your time outside of regular school hours. Whether you're looking to dive into a subject you're already passionate about or just want to explore new ideas, these programs offer structured learning without feeling like extra homework. And even though some of them might sound like they’d be expensive, a lot of strong options are either free or offer financial aid, making them a realistic option for families from different backgrounds.

If you're the kind of student who enjoys academic challenges and wants more than what your school might currently offer, an online or in-person enrichment program is worth checking out. These programs give you the chance to work closely with mentors, learn from experts in their fields, and even meet other students who care as much as you do about learning. For this list, we've selected after-school programs that are known for their academic depth, strong mentorship opportunities, competitive admissions, and connections to respected universities or organizations. 

1. Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program

Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Academic Research

Location: Virtual

Application Deadline: Varies by the cohort

Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8

ProgramDates: Varies by the cohort

Cost: Varies by the cohort. Financial aid is available

The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an 8-week virtual research experience designed for middle school students in grades 6–8 who are curious, motivated, and ready to explore advanced topics. You’ll work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor from a top university, like Harvard, MIT, or Columbia, to dive deep into a subject you choose, whether it’s artificial intelligence, history, psychology, physics, or something else that excites you. The first half of the program focuses on exploring different ideas and narrowing down your research question. In the second half, you’ll build your own project with guidance from your mentor. By the end, you’ll have a finished research product. 

2. The School at Columbia University - After School Program

Subject Areas: Visual arts, performing arts, STEM (coding, robotics, engineering), athletics, music, debate, journalism, recreation, and academic support

Location: The School at Columbia University, New York, NY

Eligibility: Open to currently enrolled students in grades K–8 at The School at Columbia University

Application Deadline: Registration for Fall Semester closes September 2 at 12:00pm; add/drop deadline is September 19

Program Dates:

• Fall Semester: September 8 – January 23

• Spring Semester: January 26 – early June

Cost: Variable; based on each family's tuition and financial aid package. Drop-in care available for $30/day.

The After School Program (ASP) at The School at Columbia University offers semester-long enrichment courses that extend learning beyond the school day. You can choose from a wide selection of classes like musical theater, coding and game design, debate, journalism, martial arts, violin, and pre-robotics. Many of the instructors are either school faculty or outside professionals from local organizations like the Bloomingdale School of Music, NYC Guitar School, and Robofun, giving you access to both continuity and outside expertise. If you're in the middle division (grades 6–8), you also have the option to join supervised study hall or school-run clubs, such as the student newspaper. With a flexible add/drop policy and class offerings five days a week, this is one of the more structured and diverse middle school enrichment programs available through a private school partnership.

3. Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers

Subject Areas: AI, Programming, Data Analysis, Model Building

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Location: Virtual

Cost: Varies, financial aid available

Program Dates:

• Weekend Track: 25 hours over 10 weekends

• Summer Track: 25 hours over 2 weeks (weekdays)

Application Deadline: August 31 (Fall Cohort); other sessions may be offered throughout the year

Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8; no coding or technical background required

Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers program introduces you to core concepts in artificial intelligence and machine learning through live instruction and group collaboration. Over the course of 25 hours, you’ll learn Python programming, explore data analysis, and build models using regression and classification techniques. The program includes small-group mentoring (5:1 ratio), ensuring personalized guidance as you move through increasingly advanced topics, including neural networks and AI ethics. A major component is the team-based capstone project, where you and a few peers apply your new skills to a real-world challenge and present your findings. While the environment is designed for beginners, the curriculum pushes you to think critically about how AI works and how it should be used.

4. UNIS After-School Activities Program (United Nations International School)

Subject Areas: STEM, arts, music, athletics, world cultures, journalism, homework support, recreation

Location: United Nations International School, New York, NY

Eligibility: Open to currently enrolled UNIS students in grades 5 through 8

Application Deadline: Rolling registration; early sign-up is encouraged due to limited availability

Program Dates: Semester one runs from September to January, and semester two takes place from February through June

Cost: A $30 registration fee is required per academic year. Full-time participation costs $3,000 per semester. 

The After-School Activities Program at UNIS is built to help you explore interests beyond your usual classes while staying in a supervised, structured environment. Available every school day from 3:00–6:00 PM, the program combines academic support, like homework help and time management coaching, with a mix of enrichment activities. These include non-competitive sports, group games, film screenings, board games, and occasional special events. You'll also have access to computers for research and school projects, along with time to unwind through casual games or creative activities. Whether you're looking to finish assignments early or try out a new hobby with your classmates, this option stands out among middle school enrichment programs for its flexibility and range of offerings.

5. NYS Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)

Subject Areas: STEM, health sciences, psychology, robotics, test prep, research, college readiness

Location: Adelphi University, Garden City, NY

Eligibility: New York State residents in grades 7–12 who are economically disadvantaged or underrepresented in STEM fields. Priority is given to students in the Hempstead, West Hempstead, Westbury, Freeport, Malverne, and Valley Stream districts, though others may join if space allows.

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; contact the program directly or apply through your school counselor

Program Dates: Saturday Academy runs September to June on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; additional summer enrichment in July

Cost: Free to all eligible participants

The NYS STEP program at Adelphi University is designed to help you build the academic and professional foundation needed to pursue careers in science, technology, health, and licensed professions. As a participant, you’ll attend Saturday classes during the school year in subjects like math, science, robotics, and test prep. You’ll also have access to college-level lab research, mentoring from professionals, and field trips to places like Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and Brookhaven National Lab. Seniors can even earn college credit through a psychology course. The program includes college application guidance, Regents and SAT/ACT prep, and leadership development activities.

6. BEAM (Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics) – Saturday Classes

Subject Areas: Advanced math, algebra, combinatorics, modular arithmetic, investing, computer science, SAT prep, college readiness

Location: Professional Children’s School, 132 West 60th Street, New York, NY

Eligibility: Open to BEAM students in grades 8–12; students typically enter through BEAM’s summer programs for 6th or 7th graders

Application Deadline: Varies; spring semester registration typically opens in January

Program Dates: Classes run on select Saturdays from February through May, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

BEAM’s Saturday Classes are part of its multi-year pathway program designed to support students from underserved backgrounds who are interested in advanced mathematics. These Saturday sessions give you the chance to dive into high-level math topics like combinatorics, modular arithmetic, and the mathematics of investing—all in a setting that encourages creativity and collaboration. Classes are small, taught by experienced instructors, and designed to challenge you through problem solving and theory rather than memorization. You can also learn more about math through the Algebra class or explore practical skills like Python programming and Excel. Breakfast, lunch, and office hours are provided, making it a full-day learning experience. Among middle school enrichment programs that focus on math, BEAM stands out for its long-term mentorship and academic depth.

7. The Ailey School – Pre-Professional Program

Subject Areas: Classical ballet, modern dance (including Horton and Graham techniques), jazz, tap, West African dance

Location: The Ailey School, New York, NY

Eligibility: Students ages 7 to 17; placement is determined through an audition process

Application Deadline: Varies; auditions held annually, with rolling updates posted on the school’s website

Program Dates: September through May (full academic year)

Cost: Tuition varies by level and number of classes; scholarships are available for students ages 15–17 who show strong potential for a dance career

The Pre-Professional Program at The Ailey School offers a structured, year-round dance education for students who are serious about developing their technique and performance skills. Once accepted through an audition, you’ll be placed into a level based on your proficiency in ballet and modern dance. The curriculum is intensive and includes a combination of ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and West African dance. Instructors are experienced professionals who focus on building both technical skill and expressive movement. Each spring, students perform in productions at The Ailey Citigroup Theater and a larger New York City venue, giving you the chance to showcase your work in a professional setting. As one of the more established middle school enrichment programs in performing arts, this program offers a clear pathway for young dancers aiming toward a professional career.

8. Manhattan University After-School Program

Subject Areas: Homework support, STEM enrichment, math, science, engineering, technology, arts

Location: Amber Charter School Kingsbridge, 3120 Corlear Ave, Bronx, NY

Eligibility: Open only to students in grades K–7 enrolled at Amber Charter School Kingsbridge

Application Deadline: Registration opens for the full academic year; monthly tuition deadlines are the 17th of each prior month

Program Dates: September 8 – June 19

Cost: $100 non-refundable registration fee; $180 per month; late pick-up fees apply

The Manhattan University After-School Program offers a mix of academic support and weekly enrichment for elementary and middle school students at Amber Charter School Kingsbridge. If you’re enrolled there, you’ll receive daily homework help from trained university students and educators, with a focus on reviewing classwork and preparing for tests. On Fridays, the schedule shifts toward hands-on enrichment in STEM and the arts, giving you a chance to explore new subjects in a more interactive way. Although the program doesn't include field trips, all activities take place on school grounds under staff supervision, with a 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio for more focused attention. While not the most advanced of middle school enrichment programs, this one provides reliable academic support and structured learning in a school-based setting.

9. TEAK Fellowship

Subject Areas: English, math, research, writing, science, Latin, coding, social justice, high school prep, public speaking, performing arts

Location: Multiple sites across New York City (Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan); summer programming held in academic settings across NYC

Eligibility: Current 6th grade students in NYC who have 90%+ averages, are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, demonstrate financial need, and attend public or charter schools

Application Deadline: Round 1 applications due by January 23

Program Dates: Begins spring of 6th grade and continues through college matriculation; includes summer institutes and weekly sessions during the school year

Cost: Free

The TEAK Fellowship is a 10-year, tuition-free academic and leadership program that starts in the spring of 6th grade and supports students through high school and into college. Once accepted, you’ll take part in a rigorous academic schedule that includes after-school sessions, Saturday classes, and two intensive summer institutes designed to prepare you for competitive high school admissions. You’ll study writing, Latin, Shakespeare, science, and social justice, and you’ll get support in test prep and high school applications. Cultural enrichment is a major part of the experience, with field trips, speaker events, and the chance to work on projects in the arts. What makes TEAK stand out among middle school enrichment programs is its long-term commitment and focus on opening doors to top-tier high schools and colleges for high-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds.

10. CCNY STEM Institute (City College of New York)

Subject Areas: Physics, chemistry, biology, robotics, game and app design, architecture, journalism, algebra, calculus, financial literacy, SHSAT prep

Location: City College of New York, 259 Convent Avenue, New York, NY

Eligibility: Open to NYC residents or students enrolled in NYC schools in grades 6–12; no GPA or prior STEM coursework required

Application Deadline: Rolling; early application recommended due to limited availability

Program Dates:

• Fall and Spring Semesters: 12–15 weeks, after school or on Saturdays (September–December, February–June)

• Summer Program: 5 weeks, Monday–Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

The CCNY STEM Institute offers free, year-round academic programs for middle and high school students interested in hands-on learning across science, technology, engineering, and math. As a middle schooler, you can attend after-school sessions twice weekly or join Saturday classes focused on SHSAT prep, math foundations, robotics, or creative STEM projects like 3D printing and app development. Over the summer, the program expands into a full-day experience where you'll take multiple STEM courses and complete a research project to present at a final symposium. With access to City College faculty, lab facilities, and experienced instructors, this is one of the most comprehensive middle school enrichment programs in New York City focused on helping underrepresented students succeed in advanced STEM pathways.

Lydia is an alumna from Harvard University and studied Molecular and Cellular Biology & Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She is working as a life sciences consultant after graduation. 

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