13 Programs for Middle School Students in Ohio
- Stephen Turban
- Apr 12
- 9 min read
If you’re in middle school and want to try something new outside your regular classes, joining a program can be a great way to explore your interests. These programs can introduce you to subjects such as science, technology, music, writing, and engineering while helping you build skills in problem-solving and teamwork. You also get the chance to learn in a different setting and meet other students who enjoy similar activities.
Why should I attend a program in Ohio?
Ohio is home to a wide range of programs that offer you the chance to explore different subjects in structured, engaging settings. You might work on robotics and engineering projects, take part in science labs, practice creative writing, or join music and arts programs while learning alongside other students. Whether you’re from Ohio or visiting from another state, these programs offer a way to explore your interests, build new skills, and learn in a new environment.
To help with your search, here are 13 programs for middle school students in Ohio.
If you’re looking for online programs, check out our blog here.
Location: University of Toledo Health Science Campus
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; limited spots
Dates: Typically held in summer (exact 2026 dates TBA)
Application Deadline: Not specified; application requires recommendation and essay
Eligibility: Students entering 9th grade in northwest Ohio counties (e.g., Lucas, Wood, Hancock)
CampMed is a selective, two-day medical camp for rising 9th graders passionate about science and healthcare. You’ll spend the program shadowing real doctors and medical students while participating in hands-on labs in anatomy, pharmacology, neurobiology, and other medical fields. Your activities will range from attending diagnostic simulations and treatment labs to earning your CPR certification. As a camper, you’ll work closely in small teams led by second-year med students, gaining a realistic, up-close look at what medical school is like.
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies; full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: 8-week program; multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by the cohort. You can apply here.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
Lumiere’s Junior Explorers Program is a selective online research experience for middle school students who want to build advanced academic writing and research skills. You begin by choosing a subject area, such as STEM, humanities, or social sciences, and get paired with a PhD-level mentor from a top university. Over the course of the program, you receive a guided introduction to your chosen field, then design and carry out an independent research project focused on a real-world question. You’ll conclude the program by producing a formal research paper that presents your findings, helping you strengthen your writing and analytical abilities.
Location: Ohio University, Athens, OH
Cost/Stipend: Free (includes meals and some transportation)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Space-limited; priority given to economically disadvantaged families
Dates: June 15 – July 17
Application Deadline: Priority April 18; final May 16
Eligibility: Current 6th–11th grade students enrolled at select Appalachian Ohio schools
Teen Camp at Ohio University is a free, five-week summer program that combines enrichment, outdoor adventure, and college exposure for students in grades 6–11. You’ll take part in daily activities such as ziplining, kayaking, swimming, field trips, and college readiness sessions, all hosted on the university’s Athens campus. The program also includes breakfast and lunch each day and may offer transportation to and from local bus stops. While academics are part of the experience, the camp also emphasizes social development, recreation, and building confidence in a college-like environment. Priority is given to students from economically disadvantaged households, and spots fill quickly, so applying early is important.
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies; full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: Various cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by the cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8; no coding or technical background required
Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers program introduces you to key concepts in artificial intelligence and machine learning through live teaching and collaborative learning. Over 25 hours, you learn Python programming, explore data analysis, and build machine learning models using techniques such as regression and classification techniques. You’ll receive personalized guidance through small-group mentoring, with only five students per mentor. As the program progresses, you’ll explore more advanced topics, including neural networks and AI ethics. A central part of the experience is the team-based capstone project, where you and a few peers apply your new skills to solve a real-world challenge and present your final findings.
Location: Ohio State University, Marion, OH
Cost/Stipend: $185 (includes lunch and lab materials)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open registration; space may be limited
Dates: July 6 – July 10
Application Deadline: Registration opens mid-December
Eligibility: Rising 5th–8th-grade students enrolled in any U.S. school
This week-long day program for middle school students in Ohio gives you a real-world exposure to several branches of engineering, from robotics and coding to biomedical and aerospace concepts. You’ll work on an Arduino robotics project, use 3D-printing to prototype and test your own designs, and take on daily challenges that mirror real-world problem-solving. Activities may include everything from rocket launches to ultrasound demos and other tech-based explorations. One standout feature of the program is a visit to Honda's Marysville facility, where you’ll see how engineers contribute to real innovation in manufacturing. This camp teaches core engineering concepts through fun, practical activities, helping you take the first step into the world of engineering.
Location: Ohio University, Athens, OH
Cost/Stipend: Free (includes breakfast, lunch, and all materials)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified; typically ~50–60 students
Dates: May 9
Application Deadline: Opens in spring; details to be announced
Eligibility: Students in grades 5–9; one parent/guardian may also attend
Tech Savvy is a free, one-day STEM event that brings middle school students to Ohio University’s campus for hands-on science and engineering workshops. You’ll get to code robots, launch bottle rockets, dissect real brains, and build your own experiments, everything from slime chemistry to water quality analysis. You can choose your workshops based on what interests you most, allowing you to dive into neuroscience, environmental science, engineering challenges, or a mix of everything. A parallel program for parents offers sessions on college readiness, financial aid, and supporting STEM learning at home. With real university faculty, engaging lab experiences, and a full day of activities, this program provides a meaningful introduction to STEM on a college campus.
Location: The Wellington School, Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: $190–$380/week; aftercare $100/week; $50 cancellation fee (full-day), $25 (half-day)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment; first-come, first-served
Dates: June 9–August 1 (eight weekly sessions)
Application Deadline: January 21 (Wellington families), February 18 (general public); closes when full
Eligibility: Rising PreK–12; specific courses for grades 6–8
Wellington’s Summer Program for middle school students in Ohio gives you the flexibility to design a schedule that fits your interests by mixing and matching half- or full-day courses in STEM, art, performance, and games-based learning. Some options for middle school students include “Earth Proxy” (a strategy-based world-building course), “Broadway Bops!” (a full-day musical theater intensive), and hands-on classes such as fencing, Dungeons & Dragons, or pastel-based art workshops. Each program is led by Wellington teachers or guest instructors, and you’ll have access to daily lunch and optional aftercare. With new sessions each week, you can build a personalized summer experience that reflects your interests, whether that’s science, role-playing, art, or athletics.
Location: Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH
Cost/Stipend: $550 residential; $350 day camper with meals; $200 day camper without meals
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open to all eligible students; limited by capacity
Dates: June 21 – June 26
Application Deadline: June 5
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7–12
The Ohio Northern University (ONU) Summer Music Camp gives you the chance to dive deeply into music alongside students from across the region and beyond. You can choose to focus on band, choir, or orchestra while also taking a wide range of electives, including music theory, conducting, jazz improvisation, sound recording, and even ukulele. Whether you’re refining your piano skills or exploring music technology, your days will include ensemble rehearsals, instrument-specific sectionals, and optional small-group experiences such as a cappella, steel band, or jazz combos. Talent shows and recitals in the evenings add a social and performance dimension to the experience. Held on ONU’s scenic campus, the program offers both residential and commuter options, with faculty and staff supporting you throughout the week. The final concert caps off the week, allowing families to witness students' accomplishments.
Location: Knowlton School of Architecture, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: $400/week; scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment, limited spaces per week
Dates: Weekly sessions from June 2 to July 25
Application Deadline: Rolling, until full
Eligibility: Rising 3rd–8th grade students
Camp Architecture and Design is a weeklong real-world introduction to architecture and design for middle school students who enjoy building, sketching, and thinking about how spaces come to life. Hosted at OSU’s Knowlton School of Architecture and later at The Center for Architecture and Design, the program highlights key concepts in architecture, landscape design, and planning, and provides access to real studio spaces. You’ll take part in daily hands-on projects and learn from college students pursuing careers in the field. Instructors guide you through activities that foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, all while using real tools and materials. The camp concludes with a presentation of your work, giving you a chance to showcase your ideas and design thinking.
Location: Pleasant Hill Outdoor Camp, Perrysville, OH
Cost/Stipend: $545; discounts available for early registration, OFLA members, and siblings
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 10 campers per language group
Dates: June 7 – June 13
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Rising 3rd–8th grade students or those who just completed 8th grade; novice and novice-mid language learners
Camp OFLA gives you the opportunity to explore a new language through hands-on activities such as cooking, dancing, crafts, and storytelling, all while living and learning in cabins grouped by the language you choose. Campers choose either Spanish, French, German, Russian, Japanese, or Korean, with the language you’re learning woven into everything from meals to evening campfires. You’ll participate in small-group language classes twice a day and join fun, multilingual evening events that bring different cultures together. A highlight of the experience is earning and spending "camp currency" at the end-of-week international market, where you can only buy treats and crafts by conversing in the language you are learning. Pre-camp activities in Google Classroom help you get a head start before you arrive at camp.
Location: Columbus Academy, Gahanna, OH
Cost/Stipend: $425–$500 per week; $25 non-refundable registration fee; installment plans available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: First-come, first-served; space is limited
Dates: June 3–August 1 (sessions: June 3–6, June 9–13, June 16–20, June 23–27, July 7–11, July 14–18, July 21–25, July 28–August 1)
Application Deadline: Registration opens February 6; closes weekly at 6 p.m. on the Monday before each session
Eligibility: Students entering PreK–Grade 12; middle school programs for rising grades 5–8
Columbus Academy’s Summer Experience offers a wide range of weekly programs for middle school students, covering everything from sports and visual arts to science labs, outdoor exploration, and coding. You can choose from a variety of tracks each week, whether you want to try baking, robotics, filmmaking, language, or something totally different. The camp structure blends academic enrichment with hands-on creativity, all in a relaxed environment where you can build friendships and confidence. While the program is not selective, spots fill fast, and the eight-week format lets you build a summer schedule that suits your interests. Optional extended day programming is also available until 6:00 p.m. for added convenience.
Location: Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH
Cost/Stipend: $820 (overnight camp); $425 (day camp); financial aid available covering 20%–95% based on need
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective admissions based on holistic review; size not publicly listed
Dates: June 7–11, June 14–18, June 21–25 (overnight); June 29–July 2, July 6–9 (day camp)
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Students in grades 5–8 at the time of application
OWL Camp is built for gifted and high-ability middle school students seeking academic challenges and a chance to connect with peers who think as they do. You’ll choose four courses from a list of around 30 options, covering everything from fetal pig dissection and rocket science to mock trials and creative writing. Classes are hands-on, fast-paced, and meant to stretch your thinking beyond the typical school curriculum. Outside the classroom, you’ll take part in campus-wide activities, games, and events such as movie night or the OWL dance. Whether you attend as a day camper or stay overnight, you’ll be part of a small "family group" supervised by counselors, giving you a chance to bond with new friends. This camp combines academic enrichment with social-emotional growth, making it a good fit for students who enjoy learning and thinking creatively.
Location: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: $550 per course (includes lunch, snacks, and materials); limited need-based aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified; first-come, first-served
Dates: June 1 – June 5
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising 7th–9th grade students
This week-long program lets middle school students spend full days learning alongside Ohio State faculty, staff, and graduate students to deepen their understanding of science or art. Middle school courses such as "Music & Mind Studio" and "Eco-Printmaking" are hands-on and built around exploration of materials and concepts. Each day runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with lunch at a campus dining hall and supervised transitions across the campus. This program offers a preview of college-style learning in a structured and supportive 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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