15 Programs for Middle School Students in Kansas
- Stephen Turban
- 3 hours ago
- 10 min read
If you are a middle school student looking to explore new interests, structured programs make that exploration both accessible and meaningful. These programs give you the chance to experience advanced academics, build practical skills, and discover subjects that go beyond your regular classes. They also help you strengthen important skills such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork while learning from experienced instructors and peers who share your curiosity.
Why should you attend a program in Kansas?
Kansas offers a variety of opportunities for middle school students through universities, community centers, and educational organizations across the state. You can take part in activities such as research projects, STEM experiments, art and music workshops, and outdoor learning experiences that make learning more engaging. Participating in such programs can also help you gain confidence and a clearer sense of what subjects you might want to pursue later in high school.
To help you get started, we have 15 programs for middle school students in Kansas.
If you are looking for online programs, check out our blog here.
15 Programs for Middle School Students in Kansas
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Location: University Academy Foundation, Kansas City, KS
Cost: Fully funded (scholarships valued up to $7,000); $300 refundable deposit required.
Program Dates: Sessions typically run for 2–4 weeks during June–August
Application Deadline: Application opens in the fall; final deadline varies by camp session.
Eligibility: UA students in grades 6–8
This scholarship-based initiative supports middle school students at University Academy in attending immersive summer camps in Colorado or Minnesota. You’ll spend 2-4 weeks engaged in outdoor education, team activities, and community-building experiences designed to build confidence, independence, and social-emotional skills. You’ll take part in guided wilderness exploration, skill-based electives, and structured group challenges led by trained youth development professionals. Some programs incorporate outdoor skills training, nature seminars, and opportunities to learn from long-standing camp staff and mentors. The scholarship covers all major costs, making it an accessible pathway for Kansas City students to experience high-quality residential summer learning.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Online
Cost: Varies; need-based financial aid available
Program Dates: Rolling cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies across different cohorts
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 to 8; open to motivated students globally interested in exploring academic research or writing
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program pairs middle school students with Ph.D. mentors from universities such as Harvard, Oxford, MIT, and Princeton to explore academic subjects and develop a written project. Across eight weeks, you’ll learn to read and interpret academic literature, build research questions, and create outputs such as a high school-level research paper or case study. You’ll receive individualized feedback through eight mentor sessions and two writing-coach sessions, ensuring you master both analytical and writing fundamentals. Research topics range from gene editing to behavioral economics. Lumiere also offers a Junior Research and Publication Program for students who wish to publish their research in academic journals.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Information on selectivity and exact cohort size is not available
Location: Accelerated Schools of Overland Park, Overland Park, KS
Cost: Standard tuition applies; financial aid may be available (details provided upon inquiry)
Program Dates: June–July (Monday–Friday, 9 am–1 pm)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; placement finalized at enrollment
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–8
The Middle School Summer School at Accelerated Schools of Overland Park provides targeted academic instruction designed to meet each student’s learning needs. You will work on core subjects in small, supportive settings while also engaging in hands-on creative activities in art, computer applications, and STEAM. The program incorporates guided practice in executive functioning skills, helping you strengthen organization, planning, and study habits. You will follow structured daily schedules that blend academic reinforcement with applied problem-solving and creative projects.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; need-based financial aid available
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; You can apply to the program here
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
The AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is a virtual program that teaches middle school students the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over 25 hours, you will learn the basics of Python as well as topics like data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. Students learn through lectures and group sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. Previous student projects have included building a machine-learning model to classify music genres and creating a machine-learning algorithm to provide a custom list of educational resources based on selected specifications.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: The program is moderately selective; information on the size of the application pool and the exact cohort size is not available
Location: University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
Cost: Varies by activity; many programs are free or low-cost
Program Dates: Programs run throughout the academic year; summer camps are offered in June–July
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by program; announcements are released through the K–12 Initiatives webpage
Eligibility: Middle and high school students in Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools
The KU Medical Center K–12 Initiatives give middle school students exposure to STEM and health-science pathways through structured workshops and hands-on activities. You will engage in small-group laboratory sessions, guided technology exploration, filmmaking modules, and real-world problem-solving assignments led by KU faculty, researchers, and trained mentors. Several components incorporate project-based learning, such as growing and studying plants in the Organic Teaching Garden or participating in introductory research tasks. Some students also receive opportunities for one-on-one internships or academic mentoring, helping them build early scientific inquiry and communication skills. The program’s mix of lab exposure, mentorship, and creative projects makes it a strong early pipeline experience for Kansas students.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: First-come, first-served; exact cohort size not published
Location: Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Cost: Varies by workshop
Program Dates: Summer Workshop: Early June (3-day, 2-night)
Application Deadline: Opens before each event; closes once capacity is reached
Eligibility: Open to middle school students of all genders
The GROW program at Kansas State University introduces middle school students to STEM fields through hands-on workshops led by K-State faculty, staff, and student mentors. You will rotate through themed sessions that may include lab experiments, engineering builds, or scientific demonstrations tailored to real-world concepts. The summer workshop extends the experience into a multi-day residential program, giving you additional time to work on guided projects and learn in university classrooms and labs. There will be faculty-led activities that expose you to active research areas on campus, helping you understand how scientific inquiry unfolds in professional settings.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: The program is moderately selective; information on the size of the application pool and the exact cohort size is not available
Location: Wichita State University, Wichita, KS
Cost: Free; federally funded through the U.S. Department of Education
Program Dates: Academic year programming; summer programs run June–July
Application Deadline: Rolling; students may apply throughout the year
Eligibility: Middle or high school students in Kansas foster care or state custody
Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP supports middle school students in foster care through a structured blend of academic instruction, mentoring, and college-readiness programming. Throughout the year, you’ll participate in small-group workshops, counseling sessions, and campus or career-site visits that build awareness of postsecondary opportunities. The summer program includes skill-building in reading, math, English, computers, and career exploration, helping you strengthen academic foundations in a supportive environment. There will be mentorships that will pair students with university mentors and trained volunteers who offer guidance on academic planning and personal development.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Registration is capped at 40 school districts; exact student cohort size not published
Location: Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS (Virtual instruction + local classroom facilitation)
Cost: $100 per classroom (district-paid); free for enrolled students
Program Dates: June 2–12
Application Deadline: Registration opens in spring and closes once capacity is reached
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
The LEAPES Virtual Academy introduces middle school students to emerging STEM fields through a two-week curriculum in computer science and artificial intelligence/robotics. The instruction is delivered live over Zoom by K-State faculty, while on-site teachers assist students with activities and hands-on tasks in their local classrooms. You will work with programming concepts, robotic logic, and introductory AI tools to complete guided build-and-test projects. The program integrates real problem-solving challenges that require collaboration, iteration, and applied engineering thinking. You’ll benefit from structured support through classroom facilitators and interactive lessons that simulate a university-style learning environment. The districts also receive classroom technology such as drones and robots, giving you continued access to STEM tools even after the program ends.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Classes have limited space; exact cohort size not published
Location: Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS (Virtual instruction + optional local classroom facilitation)
Cost: $100 per classroom for Kansas students and individuals
Program Dates: June 10–27, 2026
Application Deadline: Rolling until classes fill; late enrollees are not guaranteed preferred class options
Eligibility: Students in grades 5–8
The Summer STEAM Virtual Academy provides middle school students with structured instruction across science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through live Zoom sessions taught by K-State educators. Each class blends virtual teaching with hands-on activities guided by on-site facilitators in local schools or at home for individual enrollees. You can explore diverse topics such as robotics, digital art, engineering challenges, coding, and design-based problem solving. The weekly modules follow a project-focused format, allowing you to work through iterative builds and creative experiments while receiving real-time feedback from instructors. The program emphasizes practical application, digital tool proficiency, and collaborative problem-solving.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: The program is moderately selective; information on the size of the application pool and the exact cohort size is not available
Location: Camp Wood YMCA, Elmdale, KS
Cost: Varies by camp type; specialty camps may have additional fees
Program Dates: Multiple week-long sessions available throughout June–August
Application Deadline: Rolling; registration remains open until sessions reach capacity
Eligibility: Ages 7–17; middle school students (grades 6–8) are fully eligible
Camp Wood YMCA provides middle school students with immersive outdoor learning experiences designed to build independence, teamwork, and practical skills. You will participate in structured activities such as hiking, campfire cooking, nature exploration, archery, horseback riding, and group challenges guided by trained staff. There will be specialty camps that allow you to pursue focused skill areas, including culinary arts, construction, leadership training, and advanced outdoor techniques. Each day integrates hands-on workshops with recreational time, encouraging communication, resilience, and collaborative problem-solving.
11. K-State Salina Summer STEM Camps (Kansas State University – Salina Aerospace & Technology Campus)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Low selectivity
Location: Salina, KS
Cost: Varies by camp
Program Dates: May–July, varies by camp
Eligibility: Programs available for Grades 4–12 (with middle-school–specific options for Grades 6–8)
K-State Salina offers a suite of hands-on STEM camps that provide students with an immersive introduction to aerospace, robotics, and engineering. These short-format programs are built around real campus labs, aviation simulators, and engineering workshops, letting you experiment with tools, build projects, and understand how STEM concepts apply in the real world. Middle school students can join the NextGen Scholars Jr. High Camp (Grades 7–8) for three days of aerospace and technology exploration, or dive deeper into engineering through Build-a-Bot (Grades 6–8), a robotics camp where they construct and program their own rover. All camps are instructor-led, capped at small cohort sizes, and designed to spark curiosity in STEM while helping students test-drive future academic paths.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; exact cohort size not published
Location: Online, Davidson Institute
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Year-round (rolling participation)
Application Deadline: Multiple annual deadlines (Feb 14, Apr 11, Aug 1, Oct 10, Nov 21)
Eligibility: Ages 5–18; must meet “profoundly or exceptionally gifted” test score requirements; U.S. residents
The Davidson Young Scholars Program offers profoundly gifted middle school students individualized academic support, enrichment guidance, and access to a national community of advanced learners. You’ll receive year-round mentorship, parent and family support services, and opportunities to explore accelerated learning paths tailored to your needs. The program offers virtual events, expert-led webinars, portfolio-based enrichment, and structured guidance for academic planning and advanced coursework. Young Scholars can also access summer events, community projects, and peer networks that help them develop personal goals and intellectual confidence. As a free, highly selective national program, it is one of the strongest enrichment options available for advanced middle school students seeking challenge beyond the regular school system.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective. The exact number of applicants and cohort size is not published
Location: Online, Stanford University
Cost: Free (tuition-free program)
Program Dates: July 6–24, 2026 (summer course); August 26–December 9, 2026 (fall semester meetings)
Application Deadline: March 25, 2026
Eligibility: U.S.-based students currently in grades 6–7; families typically with $90,000 household income; must commit to both summer and fall components
The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program provides a rigorous academic pathway for motivated middle schoolers who want early exposure to high-level coursework and structured preparation for selective high schools. You’ll begin with a three-week online summer course where you’ll explore advanced topics in small cohorts and engage in real-time discussions led by Stanford Online High School instructors. The fall semester continues the experience through weekly enrichment sessions focused on academic writing, problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and exploring competitive high school options. You will receive mentorship from instructors, peer support from a national cohort, and practical guidance on building long-term academic habits. The program also emphasizes community building, reflective learning, and the foundational skills required for selective high school admissions.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The program is highly selective. Information on the size of the application pool and cohort size is not available
Location: Online, New York University
Cost: $1,250
Program Dates: February 5 – May 7
Application Deadline: December 15
Eligibility: Current 7th–8th grade students interested in advanced mathematics
This 13-week virtual program is designed for mathematically talented middle schoolers who want to explore ideas far beyond the typical curriculum. You’ll meet weekly with NYU faculty and teaching assistants, engaging in live, interactive sessions that build advanced problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning. The curriculum covers foundational areas of higher mathematics, including number theory, topology, and geometry, giving you early exposure to college-level thinking. Collaborative problem-solving and group discussions are a core part of the experience, helping you learn how mathematicians work together to approach complex questions.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective. Exact cohort size varies by course
Location: Online, Johns Hopkins University
Cost: Typically $625–$1,500 depending on course; need-based financial aid available
Program Dates: Year-round sessions (varies by course)
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines (varies by course)
Eligibility: Students in grades 2–12; CTY-Level or Advanced CTY-Level qualification required for most courses
CTY’s Online Programs allow advanced middle school students to explore university-level topics across mathematics, computer science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. You will work with expert instructors who’ll guide you through challenging modules, problem-solving activities, and project-based assignments designed for academically motivated learners. The courses may include structured weekly deadlines, virtual class interactions, or individually paced pathways, depending on the format selected. Many offerings incorporate opportunities for analytical writing, coding projects, lab simulations, or collaborative forums with talented peers around the world. You’ll also receive personalized feedback and instructor support to strengthen advanced thinking and academic independence. The program’s global community and rigorous curriculum make it a strong option for middle schoolers seeking enrichment beyond their regular school environment.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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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