15 Programs for Middle School Students in Missouri
- Stephen Turban
- 22 hours ago
- 10 min read
If you're a middle schooler looking for a summer program, there's a wide range of options available in fields like coding, robotics, engineering, and creative writing. Some programs focus on a single subject for just a few days, while others run for several weeks and combine coursework with an independent project you build over time. Along the way, you can pick up new skills, work with mentors in a specific field, and meet other students who share your interests.
Why should a middle schooler in Missouri join a summer program?
Missouri is home to various universities, museums, and community organizations that offer programs for middle school students. Depending on the program, you might build a simple robot, investigate a scientific question, write and revise your own story, or work through a design challenge with other students, learning to troubleshoot and break a complicated problem into smaller pieces along the way. Students living in Missouri can take advantage of these programs without having to travel far from home, while out-of-state students can use virtual options or short residential sessions to access instructors and resources they might not have locally.
To help you get started, below is a list of 15 programs for middle school students in Missouri!
If you’re looking for programs for middle school students, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span AI and coding, robotics, medicine, engineering, research, agriculture, arts, and humanities, so middle school students in Missouri can find a relevant option regardless of their interests.
Several programs are free, including WeCode KC, Verizon Innovative Learning, UMO STEM Cubs, Stanford SMSSP, and WASH SRI, while others, such as Lumiere Junior Explorer and Veritas AI Trailblazers, offer need-based financial aid.
Programs range from single-day events (American Royal STEM Camp, UMO STEM Cubs) to three-week residential experiences (Joseph Baldwin Academy) and multi-month virtual commitments (Stanford SMSSP runs through December), so students can choose based on their availability.
Application deadlines vary widely, with Joseph Baldwin Academy closing as early as January 7 and Stanford SMSSP by March 25, while most other programs, such as WeCode KC and Verizon Innovative Learning, accept rolling applications through the spring and summer.
Location: Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: June 28 – September 20 (Saturdays only)
Application Deadline: Rolling registration ending June 28
Eligibility: Varies by program; Available for students aged 7-17
WeCode KC's Saturday Coding Program offers a free, 10-week learning experience to middle school students. The program will allow you to explore computer science through hands-on activities, gain knowledge from professionals across industries such as coding and web development, and participate in weekly sessions. You will have the opportunity to explore a range of programs and enroll in them, including Game development, Scratch, Web development, and Roblox Studio. By the end of the program, you will work on a final project and engage in either website development, programming a robot controller through Python, or Roblox game designing.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies | Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Dates: Eight weeks | Timing varies by cohort
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 to 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-world question. To strengthen your writing and analytical abilities, you conclude the program by producing a formal research paper that presents your findings.
Location: Harris-Stowe State University, St. Louis, MO
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Open enrollment (Capacity varies by partner institution)
Dates: Two 3-week sessions (June 9-27)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Rising 6th-8th grade students local to the St. Louis area; Camp One: Current and Rising 6th graders; Camp Two: Current and Rising 7th and 8th graders
Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers is a four-week program for middle school students. The program will allow you to engage in an immersive learning experience through social entrepreneurship, 3D printing, augmented reality, and design thinking. You will receive hands-on mentorship, develop problem-solving skills, and have the opportunity to explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The program is beginner-friendly and does not require prior experience or knowledge.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; need-based financial aid available
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 D eadline: 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 developing a machine-learning algorithm to generate a custom list of educational resources based on specified criteria.
Location: University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: One-day sessions are offered in the fall, spring, and summer; Upcoming session: July 25
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Grades K-5 and middle school students
University of Missouri STEM Cubs - Middle Connection is a one-day summer learning opportunity for middle school students. You will have the opportunity to explore projects on creating energy-efficient structures, developing experimental models to represent virus spreading, and more. The program will allow you to participate in hands-on projects, engage with advanced coursework, and explore careers in STEM fields. You will learn from faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students at the University of Missouri.
Location: University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Kansas City University Medical School, Kansas City, MO; Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO; Program also offered in other states and online
Cost: Varies by program type. More information here
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: One or two weeks over the summer in June – August; Specific dates vary by campus. More information here
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current 6th-8th grade students; Rising 6th graders also eligible; Must have a GPA of 3.0+
Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy Pre-Med Readiness Summer Intensive introduces middle school students to the world of medicine. You will have the opportunity to explore medicine-related career pathways, go on visits to clinics and hospitals, and explore the medical school campus. You will explore a range of topics, including anatomy and physiology, learn about the curriculum taught in US medical schools during the first year, and gain knowledge of the American healthcare system. You will develop real-world knowledge and skills in CPR, public speaking, First Aid, effective communication, and research.
Location: Lee’s Summit (Greater Kansas City) and Chesterfield (Greater St. Louis), MO; Also offered in Richardson, TX, Westminster, CO, and Columbus, OH
Cost: Early Bird: $425; Regular: $495
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified on official website (Rolling enrollment)
Dates: Kansas City: June 1 – 3; St. Louis: June 8 – 10
Application Deadline: Registration is done on a Rolling basis (Apply before March 15 to avail the early bird fee)
Eligibility: 7th-12th grade students
Medical Explorers (MedEx) Summer Camp offers a three-day hands-on learning experience to middle school students. You will attend a range of workshops and explore topics such as sleep medicine, CPR, Suturing, Anaphylaxis, nutrition, medical mythbusters, trauma basics, sleep hygiene, stroke basics, heart attacks, sports medicine, anticipatory guidance, and more. You will gain knowledge of important medical terms, engage in leadership opportunities in healthcare, and explore multiple career pathways and job opportunities in the field.
Location: American Royal, Kansas City, MO
Cost: Not specified
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Capacity-limited / Capped at 25 middle school students
Dates: June 9
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students from the Kansas City region across grades 6-8
American Royal STEM Summer Camp is a one-day learning opportunity for middle school students. The camp will allow you to explore a range of themes and topics specific to agricultural technology, plants, and animals. You will interact with industry professionals and explore careers in STEM and agriculture. You will engage in livestock at American Royal, gain knowledge about industrial technology, and develop the confidence and skills to pursue these fields in the future.
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Cost: $885; Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective rolling review / Capacity-restricted
Dates: Session I: June 29 – July 3; Session II: July 6 – 10
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current 8th-grade students from the St. Louis area
WUSTL High School Summer Kickstart offers a comprehensive learning experience to middle school students. You will have the opportunity to engage in small group work, attend workshops, and participate in hands-on activities. You will learn to identify and work toward both personal and academic goals and to develop a range of leadership skills, including active listening, collaboration, shared responsibility, and more. The program allows you to engage in thoughtful discussions while gaining an in-depth understanding of literature, historical and cultural events, and art.
Location: Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO
Cost: $425
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: First-come, first-served (Waitlist maintained) / Capped at 30 students
Dates: July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled; Registration on a first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: Students aged 8-11
Energy Explorers at Missouri S&T allows middle school students to explore and observe energy-related phenomena. You will engage in hands-on activities, observe energy-related events, and go on field trips to explore energy sources, including a virtual dam, a green roof at Missouri S&T, and a solar village. The camp will allow you to understand the real-world applications of energy while engaging in an interactive experience on “Main Street”. You will engage in hands-on learning through designing a windmill prototype using an engineering process.
Location: Truman State University, Kirksville, MO
Cost: $2,500; Financial aid and scholarships available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective (Gifted talent-search screening) / Cohort size limited by residence hall capacity
Dates: Session I: June 6 – 26; Session II: July 5 – 25
Application Deadline: January 7
Eligibility: Current 7th-9th-grade students. More information here
Joseph Baldwin Academy for Eminent Young Scholars is a three-week residential program for middle school students. The program will allow you to experience life as a college freshman while developing academic and social skills and knowledge. You will have the opportunity to choose and attend one class from a range of areas in liberal arts offered through the program, including fine arts, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. You will explore a challenging curriculum, get to live with a roommate in a residential hall, and learn from experienced teachers.
Location: Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO
Cost: $500
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: First-come, first-served
Dates: June 2 – 4
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled; Registration on a first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: Students ages 11-14
Missouri University of Science & Technology Robotics Camp is a selective hands-on learning opportunity for middle school students. The program will allow you to explore STEM through engaging in small teams and working on collaboration with peers, while receiving guidance from a teacher. You will receive hands-on instructions in robotics and software, while also participating in a range of activities, including computer programming 101, working on a robotics team, and engaging in a team challenge to design a robot.
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Cost: $785; Need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective rolling review / Capacity-restricted
Dates: Session I: June 29-July 3; Session II: July 6-10
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Rising 7th-8th-grade students from the St. Louis area
The Middle School Summer Challenge program allows you to explore arts, humanities, and leadership. You will explore a STEM course, develop effective communication and collaboration skills, and gain knowledge about different leadership styles. The program will allow you to improve, engage in shared decision-making, and develop active listening, empathy, and creativity. You will have the opportunity to learn and apply STEM concepts to solve real-world challenges through design and testing.
Location: Virtual / In-person
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective / Mentorship cohort size
Dates: June 17 – August 5
Application Deadline: June 14
Eligibility: Female-identifying students in grades 6 – 12
The Women's Alliance in STEM and Humanities (WASH) Summer Research Institute is a six-week virtual research program in which you study a specialized subject under the guidance of WASH mentors before completing a capstone research project. Depending on the cohort, you might explore computer science, finance, quantum technology, or microbiology through structured lessons and research activities. Past students have built fintech applications, examined real-world uses of quantum computing, and completed scientific literature reviews in microbiology. Alongside your research, you learn to organize information, analyze academic sources, and present your findings clearly and in a structured way.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Moderately selective (15%–30% acceptance rate) / 12 students per seminar section
Dates: Summer course: July 6 – 24; Fall semester meetings: August 26 – December 9
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: Current 6th-7th-graders from low-income families with a household income below $90,000.
Stanford Middle School Scholars Program is a tuition-free online academic program for students in grades 6 and 7 from low-income backgrounds across the United States. The program begins with a three-week summer course taught in small cohorts of about 12 students, followed by weekly meetings during the fall semester. Along with the academic course, you will study academic writing, mathematics enrichment, growth mindset, and high school planning while working closely with Stanford Online High School instructors. The program also includes workshops on selective high school applications and academic planning, helping students understand what rigorous high school coursework looks like before they apply.
Frequently asked questions
What programs are available for middle school students in Missouri?
Options include coding and AI programs, such as WeCode KC, Veritas AI Trailblazers, and Verizon Innovative Learning, robotics and engineering programs, such as Missouri S&T Robotics Camp and Energy Explorers, medical and health programs, such as MPP Academy and MedEx Summer Camp, research programs, such as Lumiere Junior Explorer and WASH SRI, and academic enrichment programs, such as Joseph Baldwin Academy, Stanford SMSSP, and WUSTL Summer Challenge.
Are there free programs for middle school students in Missouri?
Yes, WeCode KC Saturday Coding Program, Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers, UMO STEM Cubs, Stanford SMSSP, and WASH SRI are all free. Lumiere Junior Explorer and Veritas AI Trailblazers charge tuition but offer need-based financial aid.
Which Missouri programs are best for students interested in medicine or healthcare?
Students interested in medicine might consider MPP Academy for an introduction to medical school curricula and clinical visits, MedEx Summer Camp for hands-on workshops covering CPR, suturing, and trauma basics, and UMO STEM Cubs for broader STEM exploration that includes health science projects.
When should I apply to programs for middle school students in Missouri?
The earliest deadline is Joseph Baldwin Academy (January 7), followed by Stanford SMSSP (March 25). Several programs, such as Missouri S&T Robotics Camp and Energy Explorers, fill on a first-come, first-served basis, so students should register early in the spring. Others, such as WeCode KC and Verizon Innovative Learning, accept rolling applications closer to the summer.
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.