14 Programs for Middle School Students in Delaware
- Stephen Turban
- 18 minutes ago
- 11 min read
If you're a middle school student, a program is a great way to explore new subjects in a fun and practical way. Your time in the program might go toward building something small, testing out an experiment, working alongside a mentor, writing your own material, or discussing ideas with other students who share your interests. Rather than rushing through a topic, you get to actually spend time with it and see what sticks.
Why should you choose a program in Delaware?
Delaware offers middle school students access to a mix of in-person and virtual enrichment programs across STEM, the arts, leadership, environmental science, writing, and emerging technologies. While local programs take advantage of resources at institutions such as the University of Delaware and Delaware State University, as well as museums and community organizations, many high-quality virtual opportunities are also available, allowing students to learn from anywhere while connecting with mentors and peers from across the country. Whether you're interested in conducting research, exploring marine science, learning artificial intelligence, strengthening your writing, or developing leadership skills, these programs provide experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom.
To help you find the right fit, we've compiled a list of 14 programs for middle school students in Delaware!
If you’re looking for summer activities, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span AI, aerospace, marine science, environmental science, creative writing, music, government, and independent research, so middle school students in Delaware can find a relevant option across a wide range of interests.
Several programs are free or fully funded, including Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers, Stanford SMSSP, and Speak Up Creative Writing Camp, while others, such as Lumiere Junior Explorer and Veritas AI Trailblazers, offer need-based financial aid.
Many programs are virtual and open to Delaware students regardless of location, including Lumiere Junior Explorer, Veritas AI Trailblazers, CTY, Stanford SMSSP, and Speak Up, while in-person options are based at institutions such as the University of Delaware and Delaware State University.
Application deadlines range from rolling admissions (Lumiere, Veritas AI, CTY) to fixed spring deadlines, such as DASEF (April 30), FAME Inc. (final Friday in April), and Stanford SMSSP (March 25), so students should begin researching options in the winter.
Location: University of Delaware, Clayton Hall, Newark, DE
Cost: $800 (includes the non-refundable $\$75$ registration fee); need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Week‑long sessions in July; exact dates vary
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-9
The Delaware Aerospace Education Foundation’s “Destination Moon” and “Destination Mars” overnight academies are immersive residential programs held at the University of Delaware. Over the course of a week, you’ll work as part of a structured “wing” of cadets, engaging in real‑world challenges related to lunar and Martian exploration. Activities include advanced rocketry, drone piloting, crystal development, telescope building, composites/space beam construction, and simulation exercises, all led by experienced aerospace educators. You’ll also participate in team‑based engineering challenges that mirror the work of NASA scientists and military cadets. The program integrates physics and engineering with leadership training, giving you a rare opportunity to explore aerospace while building confidence and collaboration skills.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts year‑round
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines for each cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
Lumiere’s Junior Explorers Program is a selective online research experience for middle school students, designed to build advanced academic writing and research skills. You begin by selecting a subject area, such as STEM, humanities, or social sciences, and are matched with a PhD-level mentor from a top university. Over the course of the program, you receive a structured introduction to your chosen field, then design and carry out an independent research project focused on a real question. To strengthen your writing and analytical abilities, you conclude the program by producing a formal research paper that presents your findings.
Location: Delaware Museum of Nature & Science, Wilmington, DE
Cost: Varies by camp; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; camps fill quickly
Dates: Week‑long sessions from June through August
Application Deadline: Rolling; early registration strongly recommended
Eligibility: Rising 1st through 8th graders (age‑specific tracks)
The Delaware Museum of Nature & Science offers week‑long summer day camps that combine experiential science exploration with the museum’s world‑class collections. Middle school campers can choose from specialized tracks such as paleontology, marine biology, environmental science, and wildlife conservation, each led by museum educators and guest scientists. Activities include working with real museum specimens, conducting outdoor field studies in local parks, and designing your own science investigations to present at the end of the week. For students who love natural history and want to experience science in a museum setting, this program offers an engaging and educational summer experience.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by cohort; need‑based aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts year‑round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
Veritas AI Trailblazers is a selective virtual program that introduces you to artificial intelligence and machine learning in an accessible, project‑based way. You’ll learn Python basics, data analysis, regression, image classification, and neural networks, all through live small‑group instruction with a 5:1 student‑to‑mentor ratio. The program emphasizes ethics in AI, ensuring you understand not just how models work but also their societal implications. You’ll work with real datasets throughout the course, and you’ll complete a guided project that showcases your new skills. Whether you’re brand-new to coding or already have some experience, this program provides a structured, supportive environment to learn.
Location: Legislative Hall, Dover, DE (conference); weekly meetings at YMCA branches statewide
Cost: $125; financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Weekly meetings September–November; Middle School Conference in November
Application Deadline: Fill out the interest form, and they will contact you
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
The YMCA Youth in Government Jr. Model Legislature program allows you to serve as a senator, house representative, lobbyist, judge, lawyer, or journalist in a simulated state government at Delaware’s Legislative Hall. You’ll attend weekly delegation meetings at a YMCA branch near you, where you’ll learn about the legislative process, debate parliamentary procedure, and draft bills that address problems you see facing Delaware residents. The program culminates in a one‑day Middle School Conference at Legislative Hall in Dover, where students from across the state come together to debate legislation, vote on bills, and experience democracy in action.
Location: Delaware State University, Dover, DE (one of many participating hosts)
Cost: Fully funded for eligible students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 180 middle school students in last year’s cohort
Dates: 3‑4 week summer session, with 2 follow‑up STEM workshops in the fall and spring
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies
Eligibility: Middle school students from under‑resourced communities
This program for middle school students helps you build STEM and entrepreneurship skills through project-based learning. You’ll work with hands‑on tools like 3D printers, augmented reality headsets, drones, and robotics, while also learning coding and app development. Mentorship continues throughout the academic year, with fall and spring open houses that reinforce your skills and keep you connected to DSU faculty and student mentors. As a participant, you will also take tours of the campus, classrooms, and labs. If you’re looking for rigorous, project‑based STEM programs for middle school students in Delaware, this is a good choice.
Location: Camp Barnes, Frankford, DE
Cost: Varies by camp; scholarships available for income-eligible families
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by camp
Application Deadline: Varies by camp
Eligibility: Youth aged 8-12 years as of June 1
Part of Delaware’s long-standing 4‑H tradition, the Environmental Camp offers a 3-4 day immersion in outdoor science at Camp Barnes. You will explore local ecosystems, learn about animal science and conservation, and participate in team-based environmental challenges and stream studies. The program emphasizes blending education with traditional camp activities like swimming and campfires. All meals and accommodations are included in the fee, and scholarships are available. This program is a good choice for students seeking an experiential connection to the natural sciences within a fun, supportive environment.
Location: University of Delaware’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus, Lewes, DE
Cost: Varies by camp
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 27–31
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-9 (junior camp)
The University of Delaware’s ECO Camp: Marine Science is a one‑week residential program that plunges you into the coastal marine environment of the Delaware Bay. You’ll spend your days conducting field research alongside university faculty and graduate students, using scientific tools like seine nets and trawls to collect and identify local marine species. Activities include kayaking the coastal waterways, sampling in the Great Salt Marsh, and even going out on a UD research vessel to experience marine science in action like a real scientist. You’ll also gain classroom instruction on sediment transport, species adaptation, habitat loss, and the use of robotics in marine environments.
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost: Varies by class; discounts available for siblings, multiple classes, and UD faculty/staff
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by class
Dates: Spring: February–April / Fall: September–November
Application Deadline: Varies; first-come, first-served
Eligibility: Grades 1–12, depending on the class (middle school options include Gold Voices: grades 4–8, Digital Music: grades 6–adult, Broadway Kids/Jr: grades 2–9, Ukulele Ensemble: grades 3–8)
Through the University of Delaware Community Music School, you can join a variety of non‑auditioned group classes that run during the spring and fall semesters. For middle school students, standouts include Gold Voices, a vocal ensemble where you develop pop, jazz, classical, and contemporary repertoire while learning to arrange songs and write original music, and Digital Music, an online class that introduces beat‑making and music production. You also have access to musical theater through Broadway Kids/Jr, instrumental ensemble options like Ukulele Ensemble, and private one‑on‑one lessons on any instrument. All classes are taught by UD music majors and professional faculty, giving you high‑quality instruction in a supportive, low‑pressure environment. Classes meet weekly on campus in the Amy E. du Pont Music Building and culminate in a public “Showcase” concert where you can share what you’ve created.
Location: John Dickinson High School, Wilmington, DE
Cost: $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: School‑year program
Application Deadline: Final Friday in April annually
Eligibility: Grades 7–12; GPA of 3.0+; specific focus on girls and underrepresented minorities
FAME Inc., one of the nation’s oldest nonprofit STEM education organizations, offers the Core STEM Initiative to provide over 220 hours of intensive, advanced STEM instruction. The program operates out of John Dickinson High School in Wilmington during the school year, with project‑based classes that move beyond traditional curriculum and challenge you to solve real‑world problems. Beyond instruction, the program offers FIRST Robotics for middle and high school students, college skills prep, job readiness workshops, and peer counseling to help you map out a long‑term path in STEM.
Location: The College School, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost: $450
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Dates: June 15–18
Application Deadline: Not specified | Check website for updates
Eligibility: Rising 5th through 7th graders
Running for four days on the University of Delaware campus, this STEAM week helps you develop the skills and strategies needed to create and play your very own escape game. Throughout the program, you will visit science, technology, and art facilities on UD’s campus, giving you a firsthand look at college‑level resources. You will also experience a local escape room, where you can put your new problem‑solving skills into practice in a real‑world setting. The curriculum balances creative thinking with technical challenges, encouraging you to collaborate with peers and think critically under pressure. If you love puzzles, storytelling, or hands‑on design, this camp offers a fun and immersive way to explore STEAM concepts.
Location: Online
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Varies by course
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students who qualify via CTY’s talent search (typically scoring in the 95th percentile or above on a nationally normed test)
CTY is one of the most established and prestigious academic programs for gifted students. To be eligible, you must first participate in CTY’s talent search, which involves taking an above‑grade‑level test (like the SAT or ACT) while in middle school. Once admitted, you can choose from several advanced courses in math, science, computer science, writing, and the humanities, many of which are not available in regular school curricula. Online courses offer greater flexibility while maintaining the same rigor. Being a CTY alum is a meaningful credential that many selective high schools and summer programs recognize.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited spots
Dates: July 13–18
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Rising 6th–12th graders (ages 13–19)
Speak Up is a unique virtual creative writing camp offered by the Miami Book Fair. This intensive program runs for six days, from Monday to Saturday, and includes instructor‑led writing check‑ins, open writing time with access to individual mentorship, and guest author visits. The curriculum focuses on helping you find your authentic voice through memoir, fiction, and spoken word, culminating in an open mic event where you can share your work with a supportive community. You’ll also participate in an immersive day focused on college and professional writing, providing practical skills for future academic and creative endeavors. For any Delaware student with a passion for storytelling, this free virtual program is an incredible way to learn from published authors and connect with a community of young writers.
Location: Online
Cost: Tuition‑free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 12 students per year
Dates: 3‑week online summer course: July 6 – 24 + weekly after‑school meetings: August 26 – December 9
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: Current 6th or 7th‑grade students from low‑income backgrounds living in and attending school in the U.S.
SMSSP is an online program designed by Stanford Pre‑Collegiate Studies to prepare you for the rigors of high school and beyond. You’ll begin with a three‑week summer course taught by Stanford instructors, followed by weekly after‑school meetings that run into the fall. The curriculum focuses on critical reading, analytical writing, and academic discussion, skills that lay a strong foundation for any advanced high school pathway. Because the program serves only about 12 students each year, you get highly personalized attention and work closely with a cohort of motivated, like‑minded peers. Most of all, SMSSP is free, removing any financial barriers.
Frequently asked questions
What programs are available for middle school students in Delaware?
Options include STEM and research programs, such as Lumiere Junior Explorer, Veritas AI Trailblazers, FAME Inc., and Verizon Innovative Learning, science and environmental programs, such as DASEF, UD ECO Camp, and Delaware Museum of Nature and Science camps, creative programs, such as UD Community Music School and Speak Up Creative Writing Camp, and academic enrichment programs, such as CTY and Stanford SMSSP.
Are there free programs for middle school students in Delaware?
Yes, Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers is fully funded for eligible students, and Stanford SMSSP and Speak Up Creative Writing Camp are free. CTY, Lumiere Junior Explorer, and Veritas AI Trailblazers offer need-based financial aid, and DASEF and 4-H Environmental Camp offer scholarships for income-eligible families.
Which Delaware programs are best for students interested in science or STEM?
Students interested in STEM might consider Veritas AI Trailblazers for AI and machine learning, Lumiere Junior Explorer for independent research across STEM fields, DASEF for aerospace and engineering, UD ECO Camp for marine science, FAME Inc. for intensive school-year STEM instruction, and Verizon Innovative Learning for hands-on technology and entrepreneurship.
When should I apply to programs for middle school students in Delaware?
The earliest fixed deadlines are Stanford SMSSP (March 25) and FAME Inc. (final Friday in April), followed by DASEF (April 30) and Speak Up (May 31). Several programs, such as Lumiere Junior Explorer, Veritas AI Trailblazers, and CTY, accept rolling applications year-round, so students can apply at any time.
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 in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.