10 Science Programs for Middle School Students
- Lydia Park
- 4 hours ago
- 9 min read
For high school students looking to get a head start in science, technology, engineering, or math, summer internships offer an accessible path to professional experience while school's out. STEM summer internships for high school students provide a way to build real-world skills beyond the classroom, whether that's learning lab techniques, exploring coding languages, or working with engineering teams. You also get the chance to connect with professionals in your field of interest, see how different roles work together on complex problems, and sometimes even contribute to meaningful research or product development.
Beyond learning, internships can be a solid addition to your resume, especially if you’re considering competitive college programs or careers in STEM. They help you show initiative, gain confidence in workplace settings, and understand what a STEM career might really look like. Since not every opportunity offers the same level of challenge or professional access, we focused this list on internships that offer a mix of prestige, rigor of professional experience, and opportunities to network with experts in the field.
Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into a STEM-related extracurricular, this curated list of 15 STEM summer internships for high school students can help you explore real-world experience in a meaningful way. If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
10 Science Programs for Middle School Students
Dates: 8-week program
Application Deadline: August 24 (Fall Cohort)
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
Cost: Varies, financial aid available
Location: Virtual
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an intensive and highly selective research program providing middle school students the chance to undertake advanced research. The program provides 1-on-1 guidance from PhD mentors from top universities like Harvard, Columbia, and MIT. You are encouraged to pick your subject of interest, which can range anywhere from artificial intelligence to history. Over 8 weeks, this virtual program lets you dive deep into your chosen subject, build high-standard research skills, and complete your own project by the end. Beyond gaining specialized knowledge, you also build the confidence to think critically, innovate, and approach both theoretical and practical academic endeavors with independence.
Subject Areas: Humanities, Social Science, Math, Writing, and Academic Enrichment
Location: Online (offered by Stanford University, Stanford, CA)
Eligibility: U.S. students currently in grades 6 or 7 from low-income families (household income typically under $90,000); must attend both summer and fall components
Application Deadline: March 20
Program Dates: Summer: July 7 – July 25 | Fall: August 27 – December 10
Cost: Free
The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program is a hybrid academic experience that combines a three-week summer course with weekly fall sessions designed to prepare you for rigorous high school programs like Stanford Online High School. You'll join a cohort of twelve peers in live, discussion-based online classes taught by Stanford OHS instructors, many of whom hold Ph.D.s in their fields. Course topics include critical writing, math applications, and U.S. history through literature and media like graphic novels. Fall workshops expand on these skills while guiding you through selective high school admissions and long-term academic planning.
As one of the more selective science programs for middle school students with a cross-disciplinary structure, SMSSP offers a high-support environment tailored for curious, driven students from underserved communities. You'll build confidence in both academics and collaboration while gaining tools to thrive in challenging academic settings.
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8; no coding or technical background required
Application Deadline: August 31 (Fall Cohort); other sessions may be offered throughout the year
Program Dates:
Weekend Track: 25 hours over 10 weekends
Summer Track: 25 hours over 2 weeks (weekdays)
Cost: Varies, financial aid available
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.
Subject Areas: Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Data Science, Robotics
Location: United States Military Academy, West Point, NY
Eligibility: U.S. citizens currently in 6th or 7th grade (for the middle school session); strong academic performance and interest in STEM; must provide own transportation
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: June 2 – June 6 (Middle School Session)
Cost: Free (includes tuition, housing, meals, and materials; travel not included)
The West Point Summer STEM Program gives you the chance to spend a full week at the U.S. Military Academy exploring science and engineering through hands-on, inquiry-based activities. You'll live on campus in the barracks, work alongside West Point faculty and cadets, and engage in group challenges like bridge building, robotics, and circuits. Past sessions have included activities in water chemistry, biodiversity, and fuel cell cars, giving you direct exposure to a wide range of STEM fields. The program focuses on skill development in problem-solving, collaboration, and applied math, all in a fast-paced academic setting. Meals are provided in the Mess Hall, and you'll be supervised throughout the experience by cadet mentors and staff. Among science programs for middle school students, this one stands out for combining residential life with practical STEM exploration on a military campus, which is especially valuable if you're considering future careers in engineering, data science, or environmental research.
Subject Areas: General STEM (biology, physics, engineering, computer science, space science, math)
Location: NCSSM Durham Campus and Morganton Campus, NC
Eligibility: Rising 5th and 6th grade students; open to students nationwide but must attend in person
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until spots are filled
Program Dates: Multiple weeklong sessions from June 16 – July 25 (varies by course and campus)
Cost: $350 per course; financial aid available for eligible students
The Early Accelerator program at NCSSM offers weeklong, hands-on STEM experiences for rising 5th and 6th graders through non-residential day camps. Held at both the Durham and Morganton campuses, each session centers around a different theme, ranging from robotics and animation to biotech, astronomy, and coding. You'll participate in interactive classes, lab-based activities, and small-group projects that aim to build both curiosity and foundational STEM skills.
As one of the more accessible science programs for middle school students, Early Accelerator is ideal if you're looking to explore specific STEM topics without the pressure of a competitive application or residential stay. With engaging instructors and hands-on formats, this program gives you the chance to learn by doing and to find out which areas of STEM really spark your interest.
Subject Areas: Engineering, Computer Science, Urban and Environmental Science
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering & partner schools in Brooklyn, NY
Eligibility: NYC residents aged 12–14 (must be 12 by the program start and not older than 14 on the first day); rising 7th or 8th graders with strong academic performance and an interest in STEM
Application Deadline: May 15
Program Dates: July 7 – August 1 (Orientation: June 28 via Zoom)
Cost: Free (full scholarship provided through National Grid)
In the Science of Smart Cities (SoSC) program, you’ll explore how engineering and technology can solve real-world urban problems. The curriculum covers electronics, microcontrollers, sensors, and basic coding, which are all through hands-on, team-based projects. You’ll be expected to design and present a final project that applies these tools to a real-life issue, like sustainable energy or smart transportation. Alongside the technical work, you’ll participate in Irondale, a theater-based program designed to build public speaking and collaboration skills. Classes are led by NYU faculty and graduate students and take place at local school sites across Brooklyn, combining structured STEM learning with creativity and real-world impact.
This is one of the few science programs for middle school students that’s both fully funded and deeply rooted in current urban challenges, giving you a solid introduction to applied science and engineering.
7. Penn GEMS
Subject Areas: Bioengineering, Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Robotics, Computer Science
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Eligibility: Rising 7th–9th graders living and attending school within 60 miles of Penn’s campus; must have at least a B average
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: June 22 – June 26
Cost: $650; limited financial aid available
Penn GEMS is a weeklong, non-residential STEM camp for middle school students who want to explore how engineering connects to everyday life. Hosted by the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, the camp focuses on hands-on learning in topics like robotics, materials science, computer graphics, and bioengineering. You’ll work with other students on interactive challenges like earthquake engineering simulations, DNA extractions, and basic robotics projects. Guided by Penn faculty and student mentors, you'll also discuss real-world ethics in engineering and learn how technology can be used responsibly. As one of the few science programs for middle school students based at an Ivy League campus, Penn GEMS offers local students the chance to experience advanced STEM content in a supportive and engaging setting.
Subject Areas: Animal Behavior, Biology, Psychology, Scientific Research
Location: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Eligibility: Rising 7th–9th graders; open to students nationwide
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Program Dates: Session 1: June 23 – June 27 (with optional residential add-on June 22–27) Session 4: July 21 – July 25 (no residential option)
Cost: $1,465; additional $1,255 for residential option in Session 1; financial aid available
In Animal Behavior and Investigations, you'll explore how and why animals behave the way they do by stepping into the role of a behavioral scientist. Through hands-on activities, you’ll learn core techniques like observational logging and experimental design, and apply them to your own small-scale research project. You’ll tour research labs, observe live animals, and meet UC Berkeley students and professionals working in fields like evolutionary ecology and animal welfare. The program ends with a final presentation where you’ll share your findings with families and peers.
Among the more specialized science programs for middle school students, this one offers a focused introduction to the biology-psychology overlap in animal studies, perfect if you’re curious about careers in research, wildlife science, or veterinary fields. The optional residential add-on creates space for deeper connection with other STEM-interested students through evening activities and college prep programming.
Subject Areas: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Ecology, Microbiology, Biotechnology
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Eligibility: Rising 7th–9th grade students; 9th grade program currently full
Application Deadline: Rolling (first-come, first-served)
Program Dates: June 30 – July 10 (Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Cost: $675
The Science Exploration Program at Stony Brook University offers grade-specific, lab-based experiences for middle school students interested in scientific research and experimentation. Rising 7th graders focus on developing core lab skills through explorations in physics, chemistry, microbiology, and ecology. Students entering 8th grade dive into biology, genetics, and environmental chemistry through interactive case studies like cholera outbreaks and bioremediation challenges. For rising 9th graders, the program shifts toward independent research in botany, molecular biology, and microbiology, culminating in group-based experiments and presentations. This is one of the more structured science programs for middle school students, blending real lab work with collaborative projects and science writing. With small group sizes and a clear academic focus, it’s well-suited for students who want to build confidence in lab settings while preparing for high school science.
Subject Areas: Engineering, Robotics, AI, Mathematics, Health Sciences
Location: Iona University, New Rochelle, NY
Eligibility: Economically disadvantaged New York State residents in grades 7–12; must have a strong interest in math or science and maintain a B average or higher in related courses
Application Deadline: September 19 (for academic year programming); summer camp deadlines may vary
Program Dates: Engineering Summer Camp: July 7 – July 25 | Math & Science Academy: October 11 – May 16
Cost: Free
The Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) at Iona University is a multi-part initiative supporting economically disadvantaged students with an interest in STEM fields or licensed professions. The Engineering Summer Camp is a hands-on, three-week experience focused on robotics and drone technology, where you'll design and test programmable drones and build Lego Mindstorms systems. Additional offerings include the Math and Science Academy, which features enrichment classes, tutoring, and research opportunities, and the Engineering and Technology Express Program, where you’ll learn about artificial intelligence by building real AI projects using Python and ethical frameworks.
As one of the free science programs for middle school students, Iona’s STEP provides access to high-level STEM content, mentorship, and academic support for students facing economic barriers. It's designed to build long-term skills that extend beyond the classroom, while introducing you to emerging technologies and career pathways.
One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you are interested in doing university-level research in STEM or other subjects, which can become a topic to talk about in your college application, then you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Lydia is currently a senior at Harvard University, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and 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 aims to become a life sciences consultant after graduation.
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