15 Online Fall STEM Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 35 minutes ago
- 8 min read
If you are a middle school student who enjoys science, technology, engineering, or math, joining an online STEM program this fall can be a great way to keep learning outside the classroom. These programs let you try hands-on projects, work with educators or professionals, and see how the ideas you learn in class connect to real problems.Â
Why should I consider an online fall STEM program in middle school?
One of the biggest benefits of online programs is that you can join from anywhere. You are not limited to what’s available in your own school or town. Instead, you can work with students and mentors from across the country or even from other parts of the world. This gives you fresh perspectives and the chance to learn how different people approach the same problem.Â
Taking part in a program like this can also help you strengthen your academic profile. By showing interest in STEM outside of school, you build experience that stands out when you apply for future opportunities, whether that’s high school programs, competitions, or later on, college applications.
To help you find the right fit, here are 15 online fall STEM programs for middle school students!
15 Online Fall STEM Programs for Middle School Students
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by course (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not provided
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 2–12
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Online Courses help middle school students explore advanced STEM topics that go beyond the standard curriculum. You can choose from subjects like computer science, space colonization, engineering, and forensic science, with options to match your interests and learning style. Courses are offered in different formats; some are self-paced, while others follow a set schedule or include live sessions. You receive guidance from instructors, get feedback on your work, and interact with classmates through discussion boards, live meetings, and small clubs.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Ambitious students in grades 6–8
Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program is a research-based mentorship experience where high school students work one-on-one with a PhD mentor to explore academic topics and build a personal project. You begin by sampling different subject areas, then choose one focus for a deep dive. Mentors guide you through disciplines such as physics, artificial intelligence, biology, and engineering. You learn how to think like a researcher: asking questions, reviewing sources, testing ideas, and refining your work. Your final project reflects your learning and shows how your ideas developed over time. Past projects have included machine learning models, biomedical case studies, and engineering design proposals.
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12 students
Dates: July 7 – 25 and August 27 – December 10
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Low-income students in grades 6–7 who live and attend school in the U.S.
Stanford University Middle School Scholars Program helps middle school students build academic and STEM skills through a summer course and a fall semester cohort. You begin with a three-week summer class that covers academic writing, math enrichment, and strategies for building a growth mindset. In the fall, you meet weekly with a small group of peers to explore advanced academic topics, prepare for high school, and learn about selective programs and schools you might apply to. You also receive guidance from mentors and take part in discussions that help you set goals and stay motivated.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Program 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; Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Middle school students
Veritas Education AI Trailblazers Program introduces middle school students to Python programming, data analysis, and machine learning through weekly online sessions and mentorship. You start by learning basic coding skills, then move into topics like regression, classification, and exploratory data analysis. As the program progresses, you explore advanced ideas such as neural networks and image classification. Each week includes structured lessons, small group mentoring, and collaborative activities that help you build confidence and technical skills. The program ends with a group project where you apply what you’ve learned to solve a real problem using artificial intelligence.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 3–5 students/class
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 2–12
Create and Learn offers online small group classes for middle school students in coding, robotics, game design, and artificial intelligence. You choose a learning path based on your interests, such as coding essentials, game creators, or artificial intelligence and data science. Each path helps you move from beginner tools like Scratch and Roblox to advanced topics like Python, Java, and cloud computing. Classes include live instruction and project-based activities that let you practice new skills and experiment with your own ideas.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $500/quarter
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not provided
Dates: Year-round; the Fall quarter is from September 30 to December 11
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 1–12
Stanford University Math Circle is an online fall program where middle school students explore advanced math through weekly problem-solving sessions. Instead of memorizing formulas, you work with other students to solve challenging questions and think creatively about math. The format is called a circle, which means you meet regularly in small groups to discuss ideas, test strategies, and build reasoning skills. Instructors include mathematicians and educators who guide you through topics like logic, proofs, and higher-level math concepts that go beyond the standard school curriculum.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type and course length (financial aid and scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not provided
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: RollingÂ
Eligibility: Students in grades 2–12
The Northwestern Center for Talent Development (CTD) runs online programs that encourage you to deepen your knowledge in core subjects and interdisciplinary areas. Options include enrichment courses, honors classes, and even Advanced Placement (AP) for motivated learners. Courses are organized in different formats, ranging from short exploratory classes to semester-long intensives. You’ll also gain practice connecting what you learn to real-world applications, such as leadership and service-based projects.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program, but some are free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not provided
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: All students who are U.S. citizens
The NASA STEM Gateway is an online platform where students can join live events and career sessions to explore science and engineering. You learn about topics like artificial intelligence, aerospace engineering, data science, and sound design in flight, all connected to real NASA missions. Each session features professionals who explain how they contribute to NASA’s work. You hear about current projects, the tools scientists use, and the challenges they are solving. Because the events are live, you can ask questions and take part in discussions with NASA experts.
Location: Virtual; students collaborate online via the Launchpad platform
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; no fees required
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact acceptance rate not publicly disclosed
Dates: Fall semester begins in September; students work on 60-day STEM innovation challenges
Application Deadline: July 8 annually for the fall semester
Eligibility: Students aged 13–17 with a strong interest in STEM. Open to students worldwide
Through The Junior Academy, you join an international community where students and STEM experts collaborate to tackle innovation challenges. These challenges are project-based and focus on solving real-world problems using approaches like research methods, design thinking, and data analysis. The program’s Launchpad platform serves as your hub, giving you access to mentors, resources, expert talks, and team discussions. Judges review and score completed projects, providing feedback and selecting winning teams.
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: None
Eligibility: All students can apply
Girls Who Code Code at Home is a free online program where middle school students explore coding through creative and technical projects. You can start with beginner tools like Scratch or move on to text-based coding in Python and HTML. There are also unplugged activities that do not require a computer. Projects connect coding to real-world ideas, such as building activist toolkits, sending messages in binary code, or designing websites. Advanced options include analyzing data, creating strong passwords, and building multi-page web tools. Each activity introduces you to a woman working in technology, helping you see how coding leads to real careers.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by class
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not provided
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle school studentsÂ
Outschool Online STEAM Classes offer live courses that connect science, technology, engineering, art, and math with creativity. You choose the classes that match your interests, from astronomy and storytelling to Minecraft-based ecology and biology. Technology options include Unity game development, Roblox coding, and other platforms. You can also explore chemistry, engineering, and design through hands-on activities. Classes are small and interactive, and you can even sign up for one-on-one sessions for more personalized learning.
Location: Virtual; live instruction via Zoom
Cost/Stipend: $975 per session; financial aid may be available upon request
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment until full; no competitive selection process
Dates: September 8 – January 31; weekly classes during the fall session
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; students may enroll until sessions fill
Eligibility: Students aged 10–13 with an interest in coding. No prior experience required. Open to students worldwide
The Coding Space Online Coding Classes help middle school students build computer science skills through live small group lessons. You start with Scratch if you are new to coding, then move into JavaScript or Python as you gain experience. Lessons match your level and give you space to grow. Projects include game design, logic puzzles, and interactive apps. You learn how to solve problems, write code, and build websites while working with classmates and getting support from instructors. The program focuses on core computer science ideas and encourages creativity and teamwork.
13. CodeWizardsHQ
Location: Virtual
Cost: $499–$599/program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not provided
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students aged 8–18
CodeWizardsHQ offers online coding classes where middle school students build computer science skills through a step-by-step learning path. You start with Python and move into JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and databases as you progress through each level. You apply what you learn by creating games, apps, and websites, building a portfolio of projects that show your growth. The program uses project-based learning and interactive tools to keep you engaged. You also learn how to use application programming interfaces and databases to build more advanced applications.
14. Code.org
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: None
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
Code.org gives you free access to coding tools and tutorials designed for different experience levels. You can experiment with animation, interactive art, and game development using platforms like Game Lab and App Lab. Web Lab introduces you to HTML and CSS, while Python Lab provides a way to write real Python code in a student-friendly environment. Many activities are self-paced, so you can move through them at your own speed while still practicing real-world programming.
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: None
Eligibility: Students aged 11–18
The Smithsonian Science Education Center offers resources that connect you to science, history, and culture in creative ways. You can explore interactive activities through programs like Smithsonian Science for the Classroom and Smithsonian Science for Global Goals. Projects often blend hands-on exploration with bigger questions about the world, encouraging you to connect science concepts to real issues. Some activities focus on computational thinking or maker-based projects, while others highlight contributions from women in STEM.
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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