10 Scholarships for Middle School Students in NYC

If you’re a middle schooler in NYC looking for meaningful academic challenges, a scholarship for middle school students NYC can open the door to more than just a free summer or weekend program. These scholarships often give you access to college-level resources, connections with peers who are just as motivated as you, and mentorship from professors or industry professionals. You’ll get the chance to explore subjects you’re curious about -from biology and technology to writing and leadership - while also learning time management, public speaking, and other practical skills. 

What’s more, most of these scholarships are hosted by institutions that are widely respected for academic excellence, and they’re designed to give you a sense of what college-level work actually feels like. That means you can build a real foundation early, without needing to pay thousands of dollars to do it. If you’re the type of student who enjoys going beyond the classroom, this list is for you.

We’ve narrowed down 10 of the most selective and enriching scholarships for middle school students in NYC. Each one is rigorous, often has a low acceptance rate, and includes strong mentorship or networking elements. Most are fully funded or offer financial aid, and many are run by prestigious universities or nonprofit organizations known for youth education.

1. Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program

Cost: Varies by the cohort. Financial aid is available

Location: Virtual

Dates: Varies by the cohort

Application Deadline: Varies by the cohort

Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8

The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an 8-week virtual research experience designed for middle school students in grades 6–8 who are curious, motivated, and ready to explore advanced topics. You’ll work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor from a top university, like Harvard, MIT, or Columbia, to dive deep into a subject you choose, whether it’s artificial intelligence, history, psychology, physics, or something else that excites you. The first half of the program focuses on exploring different ideas and narrowing down your research question. In the second half, you’ll build your own project with guidance from your mentor. By the end, you’ll have a finished research product. 

2. NYU College and Career Lab

Subject Areas: Law, Business, Engineering, Arts, Health Sciences, Public Health, Education, and Global Studies

Location: New York University, New York, NY

Eligibility: Rising 8th and 9th graders currently enrolled in NYC public schools; students from under-resourced backgrounds are encouraged to apply

Application Deadline: March 31

Program Dates: July 7 – August 1

Cost: Free

The NYU College & Career Lab (CCL) is a six-year, tuition-free program designed for NYC middle and high school students who want to explore college-level academics and a wide range of career paths. As a participant in the Exploratory Stage, you’ll take college-style courses taught by NYU faculty across diverse subjects—from artificial intelligence and neuroscience to law, global public health, and business. You’ll attend daily classes, go on field trips, and connect with industry professionals, all while gaining hands-on experience in various fields. CCL also offers ongoing Practice Labs throughout the school year, where you’ll receive one-on-one support on resumes, networking, and preparing for future opportunities. The program transitions into the Immersive Stage during high school, giving returning scholars deeper academic exposure and access to internships. This is a highly structured scholarship for middle school students in NYC that combines mentorship, real-world learning, and long-term academic planning.

3. Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers

Subject Areas: AI, Programming, Data Analysis, Model Building

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Location: Virtual

Cost: Varies, financial aid available

Program Dates:

• Weekend Track: 25 hours over 10 weekends

• Summer Track: 25 hours over 2 weeks (weekdays)

Application Deadline: August 31 (Fall Cohort); other sessions may be offered throughout the year

Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8; no coding or technical background required

Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers program introduces you to core concepts in artificial intelligence and machine learning through live instruction and group collaboration. Over the course of 25 hours, you’ll learn Python programming, explore data analysis, and build models using regression and classification techniques. The program includes small-group mentoring (5:1 ratio), ensuring personalized guidance as you move through increasingly advanced topics, including neural networks and AI ethics. A major component is the team-based capstone project, where you and a few peers apply your new skills to a real-world challenge and present your findings. While the environment is designed for beginners, the curriculum pushes you to think critically about how AI works and how it should be used.

4. TEAK Fellowship

Subject Areas: Academic Enrichment, High School Placement, College Access, Leadership Development

Location: TEAK Fellowship, New York, NY

Eligibility: Current 6th-grade students attending public, charter, or parochial schools in NYC; must have 90%+ grades, strong attendance, U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and meet financial need requirements

Application Deadline: Round 1 Application due January 23

Program Dates: Begins after 6th grade and continues through college

Cost: Free

The TEAK Fellowship is a long-term academic and leadership program that supports high-achieving, low-income students from middle school through college. Starting in the 6th grade, you’ll take part in intensive after-school and summer sessions to prepare for admission into selective high schools and later, top-tier colleges. The fellowship includes tutoring, enrichment courses, mentorship, internships, and individualized guidance through the high school and college admissions process. Once in high school, you’ll continue receiving academic and college prep support, along with access to transformative experiences like study abroad and career internships. As one of the most well-established scholarships for middle school students NYC, TEAK focuses on long-term success and offers a tight-knit community of mentors and peers who help you grow academically and personally.

5. GYEL Promising Young Leader Program: The Foundation for Global Young Leaders

Subject Areas: Global Leadership, United Nations, Sustainable Development Goals, Emotional Intelligence, Negotiation, Public Speaking, Strategic Innovation

Location: Fully virtual (hosted by Global Youth Excellence & Leadership Program)

Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8; open internationally, with strong interest in global issues and leadership

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (suggested by August 1 for Fall Term)

Program Dates: Fall Term: September–December (weekends); Spring Term: January–May; Summer Term: June–August (weekdays)

Cost: Varies, financial aid available

The GYEL Promising Young Leader Program is a selective global leadership course designed for middle schoolers interested in international policy, sustainable development, and communication. Over the course of several weeks, you'll explore topics like the UN’s role in global governance, emotional intelligence, negotiation, and cross-cultural leadership. The curriculum is delivered through live online lectures taught by instructors with experience at institutions like the UN, Harvard, and Oxford. You'll also complete assignments, attend weekly office hours, and work toward a final capstone project that connects a UN Sustainable Development Goal to a real-world issue in your community. For students looking for a globally focused scholarship for middle school students NYC that builds real-world leadership and academic skills, this program offers a rigorous, college-style experience in a flexible virtual format.

6. Cooke Young Scholars Program

Subject Areas: Academic Enrichment, Leadership, College Access, Personal Development

Location: Hybrid; program support offered nationwide (students attend school in the U.S.)

Eligibility: Current 7th-grade students attending U.S. schools; must have mostly As in core subjects since 6th grade and demonstrate financial need (family AGI up to $95,000)

Application Deadline: April 30

Program Dates: Begins summer before 8th grade and continues through 12th grade

Cost: Free

The Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program is a highly selective five-year pre-college scholarship that begins in 8th grade and continues through high school. As a Cooke Young Scholar, you’ll work one-on-one with an educational adviser to create a personalized academic plan, find enrichment programs, and apply to rigorous high schools. The scholarship covers funding for summer programs, extracurricular activities, tutoring, technology, and more. You’ll also attend residential summer experiences and connect with a national cohort of academically driven students from diverse backgrounds. This is one of the most competitive and comprehensive scholarships for middle school students NYC and across the U.S., offering not just funding, but mentorship and long-term academic planning to help you succeed in high school and beyond.

7. Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM)

Subject Areas: Advanced Mathematics, Problem Solving, Logical Reasoning

Location: NYC-based and residential (Upstate NY or college campuses)

Eligibility: 6th and 7th-grade students from low-income families in NYC; selection also considers school access to resources

Application Deadline: Typically early spring (date varies by year)

Program Dates: Summer after 6th grade (5 weeks); Summer after 7th grade (3 weeks)

Cost: Free

Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM) is a multi-year math enrichment program designed to support students who show high interest and potential in STEM, but who may lack access to advanced academic opportunities. If you’re in 6th or 7th grade and love math, BEAM’s summer programs introduce you to subjects like number theory, logic, and proofs—far beyond what’s taught in school. You’ll join other students in a collaborative environment and learn from experienced instructors through hands-on, discussion-based lessons.

BEAM starts with a five-week day program in NYC the summer after 6th grade, and continues with a residential, proof-based math program on a college campus the following year. The program also offers long-term mentorship, school placement advising, and support with STEM opportunities throughout high school and into college. For those looking for a math-focused scholarship for middle school students NYC, BEAM offers both depth and continuity—at no cost to families.

8. Carson Scholarship

Subject Areas: Academic Excellence, Community Service, Leadership Recognition

Location: National (U.S.-based; includes NYC students)

Eligibility: Students in grades 4–11; must have a minimum 3.75 GPA and demonstrate significant community service; first-time applicants only

Application Deadline: Nomination by December 17; full application due January 11

Program Dates: Awards announced in March; recognition events held in spring

Cost: Free

The Carson Scholars Fund awards $1,000 college scholarships to high-achieving students in grades 4 through 11 who also demonstrate a deep commitment to community service. To apply, you must first be nominated by your school—each school may submit one student per grade band. If nominated, you’ll be invited to complete an application that includes an essay, report card, community service description, and a teacher recommendation. Scholars are selected for their academic performance and their efforts to positively impact their communities. In addition to the monetary award, recipients are honored at a regional ceremony, receive a medal and certificate, and have their name engraved on a school trophy. 

9. Scholastic Art & Writing Scholarships

Subject Areas: Creative Writing, Fine Arts, Digital Arts, Photography, Film, Illustration, Journalism

Location: National (includes regional competitions in NYC)

Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 (ages 13+); U.S. or Canada-based or enrolled in an American school abroad

Application Deadline: Regional deadlines vary (typically December–early January); national deadlines follow regional qualification

Program Dates: Entry opens October 1; regional results in January; national results announced March 25; National Awards Week held June 9–11

Cost: Varies by region; fee waivers available

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the nation’s longest-running recognition program for creative teens. If you're in grade 7 or above and passionate about visual or literary arts, you can submit original work in one or more of 28 categories—including poetry, flash fiction, photography, sculpture, film, illustration, and more. Works are first judged at the regional level, with top entries receiving Gold Keys and advancing to national adjudication. National Medalists become eligible for scholarships of up to $12,500 and are invited to special events in New York City. Participation is often a strong addition to portfolios for selective schools and can be listed as a formal extracurricular achievement. As one of the few scholarships for middle school students NYC that focuses on creative disciplines, it rewards talent, originality, and voice—giving you the chance to gain national recognition for your artistic or literary work.

10. Breakthrough Junior Challenge Scholarship

Subject Areas: Physics, Mathematics, Life Sciences, Space, Computer Science

Location: International (includes U.S. and NYC students)

Eligibility: Ages 13–18; must not have turned 19 by October 1, 2025

Application Deadline: September 15, 2025

Program Dates: Open May 1 – September 15; peer reviews due by September 30; winner announced late fall

Cost: Free

The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is a global science video competition that challenges students ages 13–18 to create a short (max 2 minutes) original video explaining a complex scientific or mathematical concept in an engaging, creative way. Entries are judged on clarity, creativity, and difficulty, with top-scoring videos advancing through peer review, expert evaluation, and a public vote. One winner will receive a $250,000 college scholarship, $50,000 for a teacher of their choice, and a $100,000 science lab for their school. 

Finalists often get national recognition, and participating is a valuable experience in public communication, science outreach, and video production. Entries must be submitted on YouTube and reviewed by peers as part of the judging process. Group submissions are not allowed, and all content must be original.This opportunity is ideal for students who are both scientifically curious and creatively driven—and it's entirely free to enter.

Lydia is an alum from Harvard University and studied Molecular and Cellular Biology & Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She is working as a life sciences consultant after graduation. 

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