14 Programs for Middle School Students in Arkansas
- Stephen Turban
- 3 hours ago
- 10 min read
If you’re a middle school student looking to try something new outside the classroom, academic and enrichment programs can be a good option to explore. These programs can help you build skills, explore future interests, and explore your interests. Whether you’re curious about coding, science, creative writing, or leadership, these opportunities let you work on projects, meet experienced mentors, and learn alongside motivated students.
Why should you attend a program in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, universities, nonprofits, and community organizations host a wide range of programs that make high-quality learning experiences more accessible. You can participate in research challenges, design engineering projects, or explore nature through field studies, while receiving mentorship from experienced faculty. Whether you are a local or out-of-state student, you can find a program that suits your interests.
To make your search easier, we’ve put together a list of 14 programs for middle school students in Arkansas.
If you are looking for online programs, check out our blog here.
14 Programs for Middle School Students in Arkansas
Location: Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR
Cost: Free, fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 23 – June 26
Application Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: Arkansas students in grades 6-8 with exceptional ability or interest in STEM
Operation A.I.M.S. (Adolescents Investigating Medical Sciences) places you in the role of a junior medical student during an immersive 4-day, 3-night residential experience at Arkansas State University. You’ll dive into hands-on activities across the NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College of Nursing & Health Professions, and the College of Engineering and Computer Science, exploring how STEM connects to real medical specialties. During the program, you engage in fundamental lab techniques, collaborate on team-based problems, and gain insights directly from professionals in medicine and health sciences. You also receive mentorship, participate in site visits, and contribute to projects that mirror real-world medical investigations. For a student curious about the medical arts, sciences, and professions, this program helps you develop practical skills while providing a clear picture of your future career options.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; need-based financial aid available up to 100% for low-income families
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified (selective with interview for top applicants)
Dates: 8 weeks (cohorts year-round)
Application Deadline: Rolling. You can apply here.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8; best for ambitious and gifted students with a strong academic background.
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a virtual, 8-week initiative in which middle school students collaborate closely with a mentor to investigate their academic interests and develop a personal project. During the program, students will explore four topics within their chosen track, focus deeply on one area, define their project, and build it with guidance from their mentor. These mentors are researchers from leading universities like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE. Available STEM tracks include Mathematics, Engineering, AI and Data Science, Physics, and Astrophysics, among others
Location: University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, AR
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Current 7th and 8th-grade students interested in tech fields.
Girls Who Code introduces you to computer science, information science, and web design through a one-week, non-residential camp at UA Little Rock. You participate in practical sessions, seminars, and plant visits where female professionals share their experiences and discuss career opportunities in computer and information science. You also learn about the challenges women frequently encounter in male-dominated tech environments and explore strategies to collaborate and support future colleagues. Throughout the week, you develop skills in coding, problem-solving, and teamwork. The program also includes advising and counseling sessions that help you understand early steps toward preparing for college and a future in technology.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified (Highly selective)
Dates: 25 total hours across 10 weekends in the spring cohort, or over 2 weeks of weekday sessions in the summer cohort
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines. You can apply to the program here
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8; no prerequisites.
Veritas AI Trailblazers introduces you to artificial intelligence through a beginner-friendly mix of Python coding, machine learning, and real AI applications. You learn core skills such as data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics through live lectures and small-group sessions, supported by a 5:1 mentor-to-student ratio, giving you direct guidance as you work through new concepts. Throughout the program, you experiment with real datasets and train your own models, whether you're classifying images or building tools that make personalized recommendations. You also work with peers to develop and showcase a final AI project that highlights your learning. By the end, you'll have practical experience with emerging technologies and a better understanding of how AI operates behind the scenes.
Location: University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 14 – July 18
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Arkansas students entering grades 7-9 with an interest in STEAM.
The Summer STEAM Academy at UCA invites you to explore ecology and visual arts through hands-on experiences in Arkansas’ natural environment. You will collect data on local trees, analyze birdsong using spectrograms, and observe freshwater crustaceans, pairing each scientific activity with art projects such as leaf pigment extraction, printmaking, and sound-based artwork. The program encourages critical thinking, creative expression, and teamwork as you design and build a visual STEAM installation inspired by local species. You’ll gain skills in ecological observation, art design, and collaboration, while deepening your appreciation for the natural environment.
Location: Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, Hot Springs, AR
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 8 – June 13
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Arkansas students who are current 8th- and 9th-graders, or 7th-graders who are participants in ASMSA-TIP
ASMSA Summer Camps invite you to participate in one of six residential programs focused on comprehensive learning and mentorship to explore new areas. You can dive into global connections in Arkansas Goes Global: World Languages & Cultures, develop ensemble skills in Chamber Music, or build projects in Computer Science through coding, physical computing, and game design. If you are drawn to the natural world, Environmental Science and Biotechnology takes you into Hot Springs National Park for fieldwork and lab analysis, while Engineering Camp lets you work with circuits, soldering, and design challenges. Ignite Camp integrates the sciences, arts, and literature to provide a creative, interdisciplinary experience. Across all camps, you work closely with experienced educators, participate in real-world activities, and build the teamwork and critical-thinking skills that support your academic growth.
Location: Community School of the Arts, Fort Smith, AR
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 14 – July 18
Application Deadline: July 8
Eligibility: Arkansas students in grades 7-12 have an interest in singing or playing a musical instrument. Instrumental students must have at least one year of experience playing their instrument.
Pop, Rock, & All That Jazz provides space to explore jazz, pop, and rock through both vocal and instrumental music at the Community School of the Arts. As a middle school student, you can join ensembles, take private lessons with instructors, and work in the studio to experiment with recording and songwriting, even if you are new to jazz or one year of experience on your instrument. Alongside performance and composition, you also learn practical digital skills through workshops on music technology, career success, and marketing. The camp encourages you to collaborate, take creative risks, and understand how different musical styles connect. By the end, you will have a chance to bring everything together in a final concert that showcases what you’ve learned and created.
Location: University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, AR
Cost: Fully funded.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 students
Dates: June 23 – June 27
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Current Arkansas students in grades 7-9
MT Stage: From the Bard to Broadway introduces you to musical theater by reimagining Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet through modern scenes and original song lyrics. You will experiment with Shakespearean language, craft playful insults, and stage theatrical moments that integrate acting, music, and storytelling. You also learn basic stage combat with clear safety practices while exploring the concepts of adaptation and interpretation. During the program, you will work with peers, boost your confidence through team activities, and enhance your performance skills at the UA Little Rock campus. The experience concludes with a showcase where you present the scenes and songs you created, taking the stage to share your work with an audience.
Location: University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, AR
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – June 21
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Current 8th-11th graders interested in engineering.
The UA Little Rock Engineering Scholars Program offers a week-long residential experience that introduces participants to engineering through hands-on projects, laboratory activities, and exposure to disciplines such as robotics. Attendees visit industrial sites, interact with industry engineers, and observe how engineering principles are applied beyond the classroom. You also join counseling and advising sessions designed to help you prepare for college and choose the high school coursework that supports future engineering pathways. These experiences provide a clearer understanding of the field and support informed decisions about your academic and career direction.
Location: Audubon Arkansas, Little Rock, AR
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer sessions (specific dates not specified)
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Pulaski County youth ages 6-12.
Little Scholars Seis Puentes Creative Arts Camp offers a combination of art exploration, academic growth, cultural experiences, and health activities. Participants engage in hands-on projects that boost academic skills and promote healthy habits, character development, and civic awareness. The camp combines creative arts with community involvement, providing a space to express yourself and discover new interests. Throughout the program, you also practice teamwork and personal development through structured activities.
Location: University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, AR
Cost: $350; need-based scholarships are available up to 100%
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – July 17
Application Deadline: June 2
Eligibility: Students who have completed grades K-6 and are academically and/or creatively advanced for their age.
The Summer Laureate University for Youth (SLUFY) gives you the chance to explore and expand your talents through enriched, face-to-face instruction designed for high-ability learners. On the UA Little Rock campus, you take a variety of advanced courses across STEM, the arts, and the humanities, taught by graduate students specializing in gifted education, certified master teachers, and field experts. You gain knowledge through practical activities, creative projects, and engaging problem-solving exercises that challenge your thinking and strengthen your academic abilities. During the program, you can develop confidence as you explore new interests and receive close mentorship from educators.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective, less than 5%
Dates: June 22 – July 27
Application Deadline: May 21
Eligibility: Female students in grades 6-11 interested in STEM.
WASH Summer Research Institute gives you a chance to explore STEM through an online, research-focused learning experience. You can select from three advanced tracks: Number Theory, Computational Neuroscience, or Deep Learning, and engage with interactive lessons, coding exercises, and projects based on real scientific questions. You might encode secret messages using math, simulate neural activity in Python, or train an AI model to recognize images. Each week, you meet virtually with instructors and peers to unpack new concepts and apply them through hands-on exercises. By the end, you deepen your STEM foundation, strengthen your research skills, and connect with a global community of students.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective, only 12 students per cohort
Dates: 3-week summer course: July 7 – July 25 | Fall semester meetings: August 27 - December 10
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: U.S.-based students in grades 6-7 from low-income backgrounds.
Stanford Middle School Scholars Program introduces you to a tuition-free academic experience designed to help you prepare for Stanford Online High School and other rigorous high school environments. You join a three-week summer course and continue learning through weekly fall meetings where you explore high school pathways, practice academic writing, build math enrichment skills, and develop a growth mindset. In small, live online classes, you work closely with Stanford OHS instructors, many of whom hold doctoral degrees, and connect with peers from across the United States. Throughout the program, you strengthen your academic confidence, learn to express your ideas clearly, and expand your opportunities so that you are prepared for more advanced learning.
Location: Virtual
Cost: From $2,699
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small-group cohorts averaging 6 students
Dates: July 14 – August 1; additional AI modules last until August 8
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 12 - 14 and 15 - 18 (depends on cohort). Basic knowledge of Python is recommended but not required.
Berkeley Coding Academy’s Summer Program lets you learn the Python code behind AI and data science entirely online while working through real coding challenges. You explore data by creating visualizations, training machine learning models, and building your own AI applications with libraries such as pandas, matplotlib, seaborn, scikit-learn, and Keras. Live lectures guide you step-by-step as you code with instructors and save detailed, annotated notebooks to your Google Drive. You learn in small cohorts of about six students at a similar age and skill level, gaining one-on-one support and collaborating on hands-on projects while also joining “bonus time” sessions to relax and connect with classmates. By the end, you will develop and present an independent research project to earn a Data Science Scholar Certificate.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $400 – $600 per course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 40 – 80 students/class
Dates: 12 weeks; September – December
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment until classes are full
Eligibility: Students in grades 5 – 12
Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) Online School lets you explore advanced math and science from home through courses that range from foundational classes like Introduction to Physics and Chemistry Fundamentals to rigorous Olympiad-level programs such as PhysicsWOOT and ChemWOOT. Led by instructors with backgrounds at top universities, including MIT, Princeton, and Stanford, the curriculum emphasizes real-world problem-solving and conceptual mastery over memorizing formulas. In live, text-based discussions, you practice explaining your thinking, learn from classmates, and build confidence tackling complex ideas. Whether you follow self-paced modules or join live sessions, you come away with stronger analytical skills, a deeper grasp of the material, and solid preparation for math and science competitions.
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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