15 Science Camps for Middle School Students in California
- Stephen Turban
- Sep 5
- 10 min read
Updated: Oct 5
For middle school students, science camps are a fun and meaningful way to go beyond the classroom. They allow you to explore subjects in depth, try hands-on experiments, and develop practical skills that can guide future academic and extracurricular choices. Participating in a camp also helps build confidence and curiosity, which are both important as you prepare for high school and beyond.
Choosing a local camp can make the experience even more accessible and impactful. Staying closer to home often reduces costs, allows for family support, and gives students a chance to connect with peers from their community who share similar interests.
In California, middle school students have access to a particularly wide range of science camps. The state is home to top universities, research centers, tech companies, and environmental organizations that host programs designed to spark curiosity in fields like biology, physics, chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. Whether you’re interested in lab-based research, field studies, or STEM innovation, there’s a camp in California that can help you get started.
To make the search easier, we’ve compiled 15 science camps for middle school students in California that combine academic value with engaging, hands-on learning opportunities.
15 Science Camps for Middle School Students in California
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Dates: 8 weeks, with multiple cohorts yearly
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines for each cohort
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 6-8
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program offers middle school students personalized research opportunities in science within an 8-week structure. Students are paired to work one-on-one with a university mentor, developing a personal project tailored to their academic interests. The program offers options in Physics & Astrophysics, Biology, Medicine and Public Health, and Environmental Studies, allowing students to pursue work across all main scientific fields. In the first half of the program, students will study four specialized topics in their chosen track to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. From there, students spend the following two weeks doing a deep dive into their preferred project area, with the final two weeks dedicated to executing their personal project under the guidance of their mentor. You can find the application form here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small cohorts of 5 students
Dates: 10 weeks, with multiple cohorts yearly
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 6-8
Veritas AI’s Trailblazers program is designed for middle school students who hope to gain practical skills in computer science and artificial intelligence. This project-based learning course teaches students core concepts in AI and machine learning, with specializations in areas like Python programming, data analysis, and neural networks. Students will learn material through a combination of lectures and small-group activities, allowing them to immediately apply their skills in practice. Students will also conduct research during the program, planning and executing an AI-focused project in an area of their choice. Middle school students in California seeking a combination of coursework and hands-on experience in the rapidly growing field of AI may benefit from this flexible option.
Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Cost: $850; scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small group cohort
Dates: July 7 – 11 (Session 1) and July 14 – 18 (Session 2)
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8 living in the San Francisco Bay Area; all genders can apply, but the camp is geared toward girls and gender diverse students
The Girls in Engineering science camp for middle school students in California aims to empower girls and gender-minority students to pursue engineering, a male-dominated field, through a week of hands-on activities and community building. The camp combines engineering ideas with enjoyable activities, such as operating generators and creating a climbing structure. Because the program emphasizes empowerment, campers will also develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. Campers will be mentored by current college students, learning about potential future academic paths in engineering and other STEM fields. Hosted at UC Berkeley, campers will also get a taste of campus life.
Location: UC Irvine, Irvine, CA
Cost: $967 with scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small group cohorts; first-come, first-serve enrollment
Dates: June 23 – 27, July 7 – 11, July 14 – 18, or July 21 – 25
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Programs are split by age; younger middle schoolers will take 8-12Y courses, and older middle schoolers will take 13-17Y courses
UC Irvine’s Chemistry Department offers science camps for middle school students of all ages interested in chemistry and other STEM fields. Courses include specialized topics such as the Chemistry of Food, Forensic Science, the Chemistry of Medicine, and Sustainable Cities, demonstrating to students the nuanced applications of their broader chemistry coursework. Campers will participate in hands-on activities in UCI’s laboratories, a unique opportunity to work in college-level facilities at a young age. Students will also interact with UCI faculty and professionals in the field, adding industry exposure to the learning experience.
Location: Long Beach, CA
Cost: $500
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 290 students across grades 2-8
Dates: July 14 – 25
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Camps are split by Grades 5-6 and Grades 7-8 (For non-middle schoolers, camps are available for students 2-4)
CSULB’s Young Scientists Camp for middle school students in California provides hands-on learning experiences across scientific disciplines. Camps focus on specialized topics that change annually; recent themes have included ocean science, mechanics, and waves, light, and sound. Students receive mentoring from both local teachers and CSULB students, with opportunities to meet CSULB professors and scientists. The university also provides SEE US Succeed!, a two-week science camp for local students facing homelessness. Eligible students are encouraged to participate, and attendees of the Young Scientists Camp can donate to help sustain the program.
Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Cost: Varies by program; $750 – $1,250 for Secondary division and approximately $60–$75 per class meeting for Explorations
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; classes typically have a maximum of 20-24 students
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 19 (Early), March 17 (Standard), May 23 (Extended; rolling admissions with limited openings)
Eligibility: Secondary courses typically accept students from grades 6 or 7–11, with some variations
UC Berkeley’s ATDP courses in the Secondary division provide science camps for middle school students in California aimed at rigorous academic growth. These courses are designed to introduce advanced students to topics typically reserved for later grades, with summer classes that compress a semester or even a full year of material into only six weeks. These courses focus on a specialized area, with science topics including Biotechnology, Neuroscience, and Advanced Chemistry. For students in California seeking more flexible options or out-of-state students looking to participate, online programs are also available.
Location: Sally Ride Science Academy / UCSD Division of Extended Studies, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: Varies; between $275 and $320 for in-person workshops
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited cohort size for each course
Dates: 3 sessions: July 7 – 11, July 14 – 18, or July 21 – 25 | Specific courses may not be offered in every session
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 6–8 | Requires approval from school Principal or Guidance Counselor
UCSD’s Sally Ride Science Academy offers advanced middle school students in California challenging coursework in specialized STEM subjects. Courses focus on areas from engineering to chemistry, with specialized workshops on topics including CAD and 3D Printing, Pharmaceuticals, and Robotics. With a hands-on workshop structure, courses begin by studying core background material in the subject area, providing fundamental knowledge for more specialized content. Students merge their learning with hands-on activities, using experiential learning to see how these principles can be applied in practice. The camp then provides opportunities for project-based work, where attendees can choose their approach to develop their skills.
Location: USC Main Campus, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; 32 students admitted per year
Dates: July 14 – 25
Application Deadline: May 5
Eligibility: Rising 6–8th grade students | Applicants must have at least a B average in STEM courses
Focused on boosting student interest in engineering, Northrop Grumman’s Summer Engineering Camp hosts students for a two-week learning experience on the USC campus. Attendees explore various engineering fields, including aerospace, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, through educational and project-based work. Hands-on learning experiences include building robots and rockets, constructing circuits, and developing computer science skills through coding exercises. Attendees will receive industry engagement opportunities with Northrop Grumman engineers and staff, learning about careers in engineering at a prestigious engineering and defense company.
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $3,080
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; approximately 15–16 students per class
Dates: June 16 – 27 (Session One) or July 7 – July 18 (Session Two)
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Current 8th graders | Also open to high school students
One option for 8th-grade students seeking a particularly advanced summer opportunity is the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes. As most higher-level pre-college programs limit eligibility to current high school students, this program allows strong graduating middle schoolers to study specialized topics such as bioscience, C++ programming, and game design. By learning alongside older peers, 8th-grade participants gain a head start on high school-level coursework and collaboration with more advanced students. Work includes live lectures, group activities to put learning into action, and a collaborative project with classmates.
Location: University of Southern California or Remote
Cost: $600 (in-person); $200 (virtual)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 6–10 students (in-person); 6–8 students (virtual)
Dates: Varies; each course has 10 sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
The University of Southern California offers computer science camps for middle school students in California. These camps include courses such as Scratch, Web Development, Mobile App Development, Drones, and various other topics. Many subjects feature Advanced tracks; students with prior coding experience or who have completed an introductory CS@SC course might be able to pursue these alongside high school students. Each course meeting covers a specific sub-topic within the subject, including both an educational portion and hands-on coding work that applies their new knowledge to actual computer programs.
Location: California Science Center, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: $460 (full-day) or $230 (half-day); Science Center members: $430 or $215
Dates: Multiple week-long camps from June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: Rolling admission starting February 26; members can register beginning February 19
Eligibility: Middle schoolers; camps split between Grades 5–6 and Grades 7–8
The California Science Center offers a range of science camps for middle school students in California focused on exploring unique science topics through fun activities. Camps are centered on inquiry and exploration, aiming to enable participants to learn beyond traditional classroom education. Camp topics are divided by grade levels; younger middle schoolers participate in Grades 5 and 6 camps, while 7th and 8th graders have separate options. 5th and 6th graders can study topics such as culinary science, rocketry, and the physics behind skateboarding. They participate in activities that include using lab equipment to create food through molecular gastronomy, building and launching rockets, and designing their own skateboards. 7th- and 8th-grade students study topics such as biology, robotics, marine biology, and chemistry, with activities ranging from animal dissection to building a robot and testing water quality.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Summer Program: July 7 – 25 | Fall Semester Meetings: August 27 – December 10 (weekly commitment)
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Low-income students in grades 6–7 in the US; typically, family income below $90,000/year, average $55,000/year
Stanford Middle School Scholars offers intensive three-week summer courses to talented, low-income students seeking academic enrichment. Generally, the program offers at least three courses, with one dedicated to specialized STEM topics, recently including a class on applying advanced math to real-world fields like data and computer science. Led by Stanford Online High School instructors, most of whom have PhDs, the program provides top-tier instruction usually found only at colleges or elite high schools. The Scholars Program also features ongoing weekly meetings during the subsequent semester, focusing on high school options and preparation, academic writing, math enrichment, and leadership development. Participating can lead to admission at Stanford Online High School.
Location: CSUN, Northridge, CA
Cost: $60 per class (weeks 1 and 3) | $75 per class (weeks 2 and 4)
Dates: June 16 – July 11
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions beginning March 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12
The program enables attendees to explore multiple topics within broad fields, such as Computers, Science, and Mathematics in STEM. Each day at camp is divided into three periods, similar to a mini school day, with all classes focusing on students’ chosen areas of study. Computer courses cover 3D Printing, 2D Computer Animation, Stop Motion, and Video Game Development. Science courses include Robotics, Science Exploration, ChemLab, and Robotics. Courses focus on collaborative teamwork on hands-on projects, using experiential methods to help students learn by doing. The program spans a total of 4 weeks, but students can choose to participate in any number of weeks, including non-consecutive ones. This flexibility allows students to tailor their involvement to their schedule or interests, making it suitable for those seeking shorter commitments. Additionally, courses are available in subjects such as Art, Foreign Language, Language Arts, and Special Interest.
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies by course and length
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; requires testing to determine eligibility
Dates: Courses are offered in June (Session A) and July (Session B); exact dates vary by course
Application Deadline: June 5
Eligibility: Students in grades 3–11; specific eligibility varies by course
JHU offers science camps for middle school students looking for remote opportunities to pursue advanced coursework over the summer. STEM courses are offered in the fields of Computer Science and Technology, Science and Engineering, and Mathematics, with a focus on specialized topics not included in traditional high school curricula. While classes vary from year to year, recent options have included The Physics of Sports, Genetics Uncovered, and Amusement Park Physics. CTY’s live online courses are taught in a classroom-style environment, where students are encouraged to discuss course content, collaborate on assignments and projects, and engage closely with instructors. Some courses are open to both students in grades 7-8 and high schoolers, so middle school students can learn alongside more advanced peers and prepare for their next stage of education.
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,699 – $4,897 depending on course length
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 8 students or fewer per cohort
Dates: Varies; all courses start and end between July 7 – August 8, depending on length
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 12–14; courses also offered for high schoolers aged 15–18
Berkeley Coding Academy offers middle school students interested in computer science three- to five-week courses in Python, AI, and data science. In the lecture component, instructors cover fundamental coding concepts and guide students through writing sample code that illustrates these ideas. Campers supplement lectures with Cohort Time, a discussion-based session of 6-8 students matched based on age and interest level, where students are encouraged to practice new concepts and deepen their skills in collaboration. Courses culminate in a final student-designed research project, which they’ll present to their cohort at the end of the program.
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.
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