11 Research Opportunities for Middle School Students
If you're aiming to lay a strong foundation for your academic journey, starting early can make all the difference. Engaging in research during these formative years can shape your future interests and set the stage for success in high school and beyond.
That's why we've curated a list of 11 research opportunities for middle school students that offer a chance to explore diverse fields of study, from science and technology to mathematics and beyond. Many of them provide financial aid and scholarships as well. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an 8-week program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE. During this program, spanning weeks 1 to 4, participants will delve into four distinct topics within their selected track. In weeks 5 to 6, the focus intensifies as participants embark on a deep dive into one specific topic area, and finally, weeks 7 to 8 are dedicated to project implementation, with participants receiving guidance and support from their mentors as they bring their projects to life. You can find the application form here.
Location: Fully Virtual
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Cost: $1990
Age requirements: Grade 6 - 8
Deadline: Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts + deadlines, you can refer to this page!
The Lawrence program at UC Berkeley is a unique research opportunity for middle school students to explore science firsthand! This one-week research program offers experiments and campus tours. With lab sessions, interactions with faculty and students, and exposure to diverse STEM career paths, the Lawrence program provides an enriching learning environment. There are four programs available for middle school students, and all of them have a research component—Body Systems and Biomedical Innovations, Coding and Engineering Nano-Satellites, Solar Energy and Electrical Engineering, and Designing and Engineering Bridges. Find the registration link here.
Location: UC Berkeley Campus
Dates: Sunday, June 23, at 4:00 p.m. and ends Friday, June 28, at 5:00 p.m.
Cost: N/A
Age requirements: Rising 7th- 9th graders
Deadline: May 15th
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
Program dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (on weekends) during the spring and 25 hours over 2 weeks (on weekdays) during the summer cohort
Fee: $1,790
Financial assistance: Need-based financial aid is available
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. You will learn through lectures and group sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. By the end of the program, you will have worked on a project in a subject of your choice! Previous 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.
The SONYC program is designed to encourage middle school students' interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through a curriculum crafted to explore engineering, physical and computer sciences, as well as natural phenomena such as waves and sound, SONYC fosters an appreciation for these disciplines. You will learn about the intricate workings of microcontrollers, sensors, and various hardware components. You will also study circuitry, electronics, and coding and gain insight into how scientists and engineers apply fundamental principles to tackle real-world challenges. Find the application link here.
Location: New York University
Dates: July 8 - August 4; Orientation: June 28 (via Zoom 1:00 - 4:00 PM ET)
Cost: Full Scholarship
Age requirements: 12- 14 years. Only students who live in New York City are eligible.
Deadline: April 14th.
SoSC is a three-week program where students get opportunities to research developments in energy, engineering, computer science, and urban/environmental science. The program's focus on research extends across various disciplines, from understanding energy systems to analyzing the impact of urbanization on the environment. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, enabling you to conduct experiments, gather data, and draw informed conclusions. SoSC also emphasizes the importance of community-engaged research, and you will collaborate with local organizations and stakeholders to address pressing issues facing your community.
Location: New York University
Dates: July 8 - August 2 Orientation: June 28 (via Zoom 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET)
Cost: Full Scholarship
Age requirements: 12-14 years.
Deadline: April 14th.
NYU's STEP introduces middle school students to research. Led by NYU faculty and students, STEP offers STEM courses, research opportunities, and mentorship, preparing you for academic success. Through STEP, you will prepare for high school while learning about research and innovation. You will engage in STEM research within an NYU facility under guidance from faculty and researchers. You will showcase your research outcomes at the yearly STEP State Conference held in Albany, NY.
Location: New York University
Dates: July 5-August 4
Cost: $350
Age requirements: 6th -8th
Deadline: March 24th.
Everyday Engineering is a program run by Carnegie Mellon University College of Engineering for students in grades 6th through 8th. The program focuses on fostering a research-oriented perspective towards engineering. Unlike traditional approaches, this program encourages middle school students to explore their everyday environments through a research perspective. Everyday Engineering aims to instill a sense of curiosity and a research-driven mindset. Through exploration of recognizable examples, exposure to online exhibits, and interaction with CMU engineering students, you will gain insight into various engineering disciplines. Please find the registration link here.
Location: Virtual
Dates: February 24th from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Cost: NA
Age requirements: 6th-8th grade
Deadline: TBA
Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics is a four-week summer program that provides middle and high school students with advanced learning opportunities in STEM. While primarily targeted at high school students, Summer Ventures also offers research opportunities for outstanding middle school students who demonstrate a strong interest and aptitude in science and mathematics. The program typically runs for four to five weeks during the summer. You will work alongside peers and professors on research projects in various STEM disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering. These projects may involve conducting experiments, analyzing data, and presenting findings.
Location: North Carolina State University
Dates: TBA
Cost: None
Age requirements: Middle and high school students
Deadline: TBA
This initiative provides students with research experiences under the guidance of university faculty mentors. Tailored for high-achieving students, these camps offer opportunities to delve into high school, college-level, and pre-professional instruction under the guidance of industry leaders. You will take courses that explore advanced concepts across various disciplines, including math, science, writing, technology, leadership, and service learning. Through rigorous coursework, you will grapple with complex problems and develop critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
Location: Northwestern University
Dates: June 23 - July 12 (Other sessions available as well)
Cost: $4650 (Residential camp). Financial aid is available for qualified students.
Age requirements: Middle and high school students
Deadline: June 5th for session 1.
COSMOS is an intensive four-week summer residential Pre-College Program for students interested in STEM. Catering to motivated students in grades 8 through 12, COSMOS provides a great opportunity to collaborate with faculty, researchers, and scientists in cutting-edge facilities. You will explore STEM topics that extend beyond the scope of typical high school courses in California. Through a blend of activities and laboratory-intensive curricula, COSMOS will nurture your interests and broaden your awareness of educational pathways in STEM. Each UC campus can accommodate only about 160-200 participants, and the selection is competitive.
Location: University of California’s COSMOS Campuses
Dates: TBA
Cost: TBA
Age requirements: Middle and high school students
Deadline: Feb 9th.
You will acquire valuable practical skills by designing and executing a research project in this program. You will have the opportunity to participate in laboratory tours and engage in various STEM activities. By the end of the week, you will showcase your findings to your peers through presentations. Additionally, you will receive a certificate of completion from Scripps Research. To begin the application process for the Junior Scientist Training Program for your middle school child or children, visit this link.
Location: La Jolla, California
Dates: TBD
Cost: $300
Age requirements: Rising 6th- 8th graders
Deadline: Rolling; registration ends on May 13th.
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.