13 Programs for Middle School Students in Indiana
- Stephen Turban
- 3 hours ago
- 9 min read
Have you ever wondered how to explore new subjects or discover your interests before even reaching high school? Programs designed for middle school students are a great way to dive into advanced concepts and pick up practical skills. Such programs give you the space to try out new subjects, build confidence, and understand what learning beyond the classroom actually feels like. Many of these programs also introduce you to college environments, exciting industries, and mentors who can help shape your early interests.
Why should you attend a program in Indiana?
Indiana has various universities and community organizations that offer meaningful opportunities for younger learners. In these programs, you can take part in projects, explore new topics, and learn from teachers who make lessons engaging and easy to understand. Whether you live in Indiana or come from another state, these programs give you a friendly place to learn, grow, and explore your interests.
To help you get started, we’ve narrowed down a list of 13 programs for middle school students in Indiana.
If you are looking for online programs, check out our blog here.
Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited enrollment
Dates: June 9 – 13
Application Deadline: Register before April 18
Eligibility: Current 7th and 8th grade students
Physics Inside Out at Purdue University College of Science is a summer program for 7th and 8th-graders who want to explore physics through hands-on experiments and interactive lessons. You’ll dive into core concepts and real-world applications in areas such as astrophysics, astronomy, and modern innovations, all taught by Purdue faculty and research staff. In addition to labs and activities, you’ll hear presenters share their own journeys into science, giving you insights into different STEM career paths. The program also lets you experience campus life with visits to spaces such as the France Cordova Recreation Center and the Wilmeth Active Learning Center. Depending on availability, you might also tour major research facilities such as the Birck Nanotechnology Center, the PRIME Lab particle accelerator, and Purdue’s PUR-1 nuclear reactor.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary for each cohort
Eligibility: Middle school students
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an eight-week virtual research experience where you work one-on-one with a mentor from top universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. The first half of the program introduces you to different topics within your chosen track, whether that’s AI, biology, astrophysics, or another field. As the weeks go on, you’ll narrow your focus and develop a high-school–level research or creative project with step-by-step guidance from your mentor. Weekly mentorship sessions help you build skills in research, critical thinking, and presenting your ideas. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a polished, portfolio-ready project and get advice on how to present or share your work.Â
Location: Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne, IN
Cost/Stipend: $200 / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small batch size, but relatively open entry criteria
Dates: June 1 – 5
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in MayÂ
Eligibility: Middle-school studentsÂ
Build + Learn Middle School Camp at Indiana Tech is a week-long STEM day camp where you dive into engineering, science, math, and technology through hands-on projects. You’ll run experiments, try robotic programming, launch rockets, and design structures using engineering and CAD tools. The camp focuses on fostering creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking, skills you’ll use in every activity. You’ll also tour Indiana Tech’s labs to see what college-level STEM looks like. With guidance from faculty and tech students, you learn by doing while building friendships along the way.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (on weekends) during the spring cohort; 25 hours over 2 weeks (on weekdays) during the summer cohort
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 8
Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers is a virtual program that helps middle school students build a strong foundation in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over 25+ hours, you’ll learn Python, practice data analysis, and explore core AI ideas such as regression, image classification, neural networks, and ethics. The small 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio ensures you get steady guidance during lectures and group sessions. As you progress through the program, you’ll apply what you learn through hands-on exercises and discussions. The program wraps up with a personalized project, such as a music genre classifier or an educational resource recommender, giving you practical experience with real AI workflows and tools.
Location: Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne, IN
Cost/Stipend: $250 / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small batch size, but relatively open entry criteria
Dates: June 8 – 12
Application Deadline: Registration opens in December
Eligibility: Middle and high school studentsÂ
The Examine + Explore Science Camp is a practical program that helps middle school students understand how biological systems function and why balance is essential for keeping them healthy. You’ll study microorganisms, examine human anatomy, and investigate environmental science through lab activities, experiments, and guided exploration. The camp is designed to spark curiosity and strengthen your scientific reasoning and observation skills in a fun, interactive setting. Throughout the program, you’ll work with real scientific tools and participate in activities that show how living systems stay balanced, from entire ecosystems to the human body. It’s a great option if you want an engaging introduction to the life sciences.Â
Location: IU Bloomington campus, IN
Cost/Stipend: $475 / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 studentsÂ
Dates: June 7 – 14
Application Deadline: Registration and payment: May 1, Participant Forms: May 18
Eligibility: Anyone aged 7–13 years with at least 3 months of previous piano instruction
IU Blossom Piano Camp is a week-long program for young pianists ages 7–13 who want to build a strong musical foundation in a supportive environment. You’ll work with experienced instructors on piano technique, musical expression, and different approaches to learning new pieces. The camp blends structured lessons with creativity-focused activities, giving you space to explore music while building your confidence levels. You’ll also collaborate with other students, participate in group learning, and join activities that strengthen your understanding of rhythm, phrasing, and performance basics. The goal is to help you grow as a musician while enjoying a fun, community-oriented environment.
Location: Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne, IN
Cost/Stipend: $200 / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specifiedÂ
Dates: July 13 – 17
Application Deadline: TBA, applications open in December
Eligibility: Middle and high school studentsÂ
The Launch + Lead Camp at Indiana Tech is a week-long day program where middle and high school students explore leadership, personal strengths, and real-world business concepts. You’ll complete assessments such as the Clifton Strengths Finder and Leadership Profile to discover your unique capabilities, then put them to use through activities in design thinking, marketing, business development, and even sports leadership. Workshops are hands-on and team-based, giving you practical experience in communication, planning, and problem-solving. By the end of the week, you’ll have a clearer sense of your leadership style and the career pathways that might be a good fit for you.
Location: IU Bloomington campus, IN or Online
Cost/Stipend: In-person day camps/ online camp: $500, In-person overnight: $850 / No stipend (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specifiedÂ
Dates: Varies based on the program
Application Deadline: Varies based on the program
Eligibility: Programs are available for students aged 12–18
The IU Game Development Camp is a summer program at Indiana University Bloomington where students ages 12–18 learn the fundamentals of game creation. You can choose sessions in 2D game design, 3D development with tools such as Unreal Engine 5, or Game Art & Storytelling, so you can focus on the part of game creation that excites you the most. No prior experience is required: beginners learn from the ground up, while more advanced students can take on complex projects using industry-level software. Throughout the week, you’ll work with IU faculty, industry professionals, and guest speakers as you build your own fully playable game. The camp blends technical instruction, creative problem-solving, and real-world project development to give you a look into the world of modern game design.
Location: Butler University, Indianapolis, IN
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on the program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment​
Dates: Multiple camps between June 8 and July 17
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until sessions are full
Eligibility: Programs are available for students aged 7–17
This program gives you a week-long, college-style STEM experience on Butler’s campus, combining hands-on learning with classic summer camp fun. You’ll explore topics such as coding, game development, robotics, 3D printing, and more, all taught in small groups by experienced tech mentors. Each day includes team-building activities, morning coursework, and afternoon lab sessions, with plenty of breaks for outdoor games and campus activities. Day campers enjoy a full schedule of learning and recreation, while overnight campers continue the experience with evening events such as gaming and movie nights. Overall, it’s a balanced environment where you build real STEM skills while enjoying the social, creative, and fun parts of the camp.
Location: IU Bloomington campus, IN
Cost/Stipend: Single Session: $1,000, Both Sessions: $2,000 | Housing- Single Session: $550, Both Sessions: $1,100 | Commuter Meal- Single Session: $115, Both Sessions: $225 (need-based financial aid available) / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Session 1: June 7 – 13, Session 2: June 14 – 20
Application Deadline: Registration: February 9, Participant Forms Due: May 18
Eligibility: Students aged 13–18 years
The Ballet Summer Intensive at the IU Jacobs School of Music is a two-week training experience (split into two one-week sessions) for dancers ages 13–18 who want to strengthen their technique and grow artistically. You’ll train in technique, pointe, variations, contemporary, conditioning, and more, while also studying subjects such as music appreciation, ballet history, and nutrition. Each week includes rehearsals of both classical and neoclassical repertoire, along with new works created specifically for the group by faculty choreographers. The program is known for its schedule and professional-level expectations, giving you a clear sense of what advanced ballet training looks like. A dorm and meal plan option is available for those who want a full campus experience, and each session ends with a studio showing for family and friends.
Location: IU Bloomington campus, IN
Cost/Stipend: $3200, Double-room housing (Optional, includes meals): $2,700, Commuter Meal Plan (Optional, for participants not staying in dorm): $440 (need-based financial aid available) / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Admissions are competitive
Dates: June 20 – July 18
Application Deadline: Application due: February 9, Participant Forms Due: June 1
Eligibility: String players aged 12–18 years
The Summer String Academy at Indiana University is a four-week program for serious young violin, viola, cello, and bass players ages 12–18. You’ll take part in private lessons, rehearse in chamber groups, join studio classes, and attend masterclasses led by Jacobs School of Music faculty and guest artists. Daily practice time, technique development, and ensemble coaching are built into the schedule, giving you a structured environment to grow as a musician. You will also perform in weekly concerts and attend events connected to the Indiana University Summer Music Festival. The academy’s training environment helps you strengthen musicianship, performance ability, and artistic discipline while working alongside talented young musicians from around the world.
Location: IWU main campus, Marion, IN
Cost/Stipend: No information provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: April 14 – 16
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: 8th graders
Wildcat Junior is a hands-on program for 8th graders in Grant County that helps you explore future college, career, and life pathways. Through interactive sessions with IWU faculty and professionals, you’ll dive into topics such as financial literacy, career exploration, and understanding your personal strengths. With support from Project Leadership, you’ll also complete the Agile Work Profiler to see how your abilities align with different career options. The program includes a campus tour so you can experience what college life feels like. Families are invited to an evening session on Indiana’s updated graduation requirements to help you plan. Overall, Wildcat Junior encourages you to think about your future and make confident, informed choices for life after high school.
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $3,200 (financial aid available) / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective (16 students per class on average)
Dates: Session 1: June 15 – 26, Session 2: July 6
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–11
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes is an online academic program that lets you take a deep dive into a single subject while learning alongside motivated peers from around the world. With more than 75 non-credit courses in areas such as artificial intelligence, engineering, creative writing, philosophy, math, and biosciences, each class is designed and taught by expert instructors who shape the curriculum themselves. Small, live online sessions give you plenty of interaction, discussion, and hands-on exploration of advanced topics you won’t usually find in school. You’ll work through challenging ideas, participate in collaborative activities, and connect with students who share your academic interests. The experience provides an authentic glimpse into Stanford-style coursework while letting you build knowledge in a focused area you’re genuinely excited about.
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 where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - Purdue University logo