15 STEM Programs for Middle School Students in Philadelphia, PA
- Stephen Turban
- Nov 2
- 9 min read
If you’re a middle schooler interested in STEM but want to explore it beyond the classroom, consider a STEM program!
STEM programs are one of the most accessible ways for middle school students to explore future career paths while developing real-world skills, such as problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. They allow you to move beyond the classroom, working on projects that connect science and technology with practical applications. Early exposure to STEM not only gives you a head start but also helps you discover your interests and prepare for high school and beyond.
If you’re based in and around Philadelphia, consider a local program - there’s plenty of options you can choose from.
Below is a curated list of 15 STEM programs for middle school students in Philadelphia, PA. We have prioritized opportunities that are selective, prestigious, immersive, and accessible. Whether you are interested in coding, robotics, biotechnology, or engineering, these programs will help you nurture your curiosity and open doors to future opportunities.
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: 8 weeks | Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: Middle school students (Grades 6–8)
Through the Lumiere Junior Explorer Program, you’ll work one-on-one with a mentor from top universities like Harvard, MIT, or Stanford to dive into a topic you’re curious about and design your own independent project. The program is fully virtual, so you can join from anywhere in Philadelphia while learning how to research, write, and present like a young scholar. Over eight weeks, you’ll explore your chosen field—whether science, technology, or any other area of interest—while gaining insight into how academic research works. Need-based financial aid is available for students who qualify.
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (on weekends) during the Spring cohort | 25 hours over 2 weeks (on weekdays) during the Summer cohort
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines throughout the year | You can apply to the program here
Eligibility: Middle school students (Grades 6–8)
In the AI Trailblazers Program by Veritas AI, you’ll explore how artificial intelligence works by learning the basics of Python programming, data analysis, and machine learning. Over 25 hours, you’ll dive into projects like building algorithms to recognize images, analyze music genres, or recommend educational content. Sessions are taught by mentors from leading universities and include both live lectures and collaborative group work with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. By the end, you’ll have hands-on experience coding and training AI models, along with a clearer understanding of how technology shapes the world around you.
Location: Columbia North YMCA, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: Open year-round | Summer hours: Monday–Thursday, 12:00–5:00 PM
Application Deadline: None | Walk-ins welcome
Eligibility: Teens aged 13–19 living in the Philadelphia area
At the Best Buy Teen Tech Center hosted by Columbia North YMCA, you can experiment with cutting-edge tools and explore creative fields like coding, photography, music production, film-making, and design. The center provides free access to equipment, software, and mentorship from experienced staff and volunteers who guide you through hands-on projects. Whether you’re editing a short film, designing a game, or recording a track, you’ll gain practical skills while working in a supportive, collaborative space. The center also offers college and career guidance to help you plan your next steps in technology and beyond.
Location: Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: $415 | Need-based scholarships available
Program Dates: July 7–11 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM)
Application Deadline: Typically in spring | Check the Temple College of Engineering website for exact updates
Eligibility: Students who have completed Grades 5–7
Temple University’s Philadelphia Youth for STEM (PY-STEM) program offers a week of hands-on exploration in science, technology, engineering, and math for middle school students. You’ll spend each day working on experiments, group projects, and engineering challenges that help you understand how things around you work. The program also emphasizes teamwork, diversity, and inclusion in STEM fields. Whether you’re curious about circuits, coding, or chemistry, this camp gives you a chance to learn directly from Temple faculty and student mentors while getting a glimpse of life on a college campus.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Fee varies by year ($650 in 2025) | Scholarships may be available
Program Dates: June 22–26 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising 7th–9th graders (students currently in Grades 6–8 during the school year) | Must live and attend school within 60 miles of Penn’s campus
At Penn GEMS, you’ll spend a week at the University of Pennsylvania exploring how engineers and scientists solve real-world problems. Through hands-on activities, you’ll experiment with topics like bioengineering, robotics, nanotechnology, materials science, and AI—all while working alongside Penn students, researchers, and faculty. The camp emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity, providing you with the opportunity to design projects, test ideas, and enhance your teamwork and communication skills. It’s an engaging introduction to engineering for curious middle schoolers eager to build, discover, and create.
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Varies by session | Scholarships and financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment for eligible girls with limited spots each session
Program Dates: STEM Saturdays: Every third Saturday, October–March. STEM Summer Camp: Weekly sessions during the summer months
Application Deadline: Rolling | Early registration recommended
Eligibility: Girls in Grades 3–8
Through Esteem Girls’ STEM Saturdays and Summer Camp, you’ll get hands-on experience exploring science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun, collaborative setting. Each month or week focuses on a new theme, such as robotics, chemistry, or environmental science, where you’ll design, build, and experiment alongside other girls who share your curiosity. The program also introduces you to women working in STEM, helping you see what’s possible and find role models who inspire confidence and creativity. Whether you’re coding, testing prototypes, or solving real-world challenges, Esteem Girls gives you the space to learn, lead, and imagine your future in STEM.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: Typically one week in August (9:15 AM–5:00 PM daily)
Application Deadline: Varies each year | Usually announced in late spring
Eligibility: Philadelphia-area middle school students, with preference for those from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds
Hosted by the University of Pennsylvania, the InnoWorks Summer Program gives you a week of immersive, hands-on learning in science and engineering. Each day focuses on a new theme, such as biology, physics, chemistry, or computer science, and combines morning lessons with afternoon design challenges. You’ll work in teams to tackle creative experiments, such as testing materials in an egg-drop competition or exploring the physics of music. The program is led by Penn undergraduates and researchers who make STEM concepts engaging and accessible through active experimentation rather than lectures. With only 20 middle school students accepted annually, it’s a chance to learn, compete, and connect with esteemed mentors who love science as much as you do.
Location: The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: Saturday mornings during the school year (twice a month)
Application Deadline: Varies | Check The Franklin Institute website for current updates
Eligibility: Philadelphia-area students in Grades 6–8 | Interest in STEM encouraged
Through the PACTS program, you’ll engage in hands-on STEM workshops designed to spark curiosity and prepare you for future careers in science and technology. You’ll choose from three possible tracks: Robotics, where you’ll design and program robots and tackle engineering challenges; Science in the City, which explores architecture and urban planning through design projects; or Science Investigators, where you’ll conduct experiments in environmental science and forensics. Each session also includes peer mentorship through the Franklin Ambassador program, giving you guidance, feedback, and the chance to build relationships with high school STEM mentors while practising teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Location: East Falls Campus, Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: July 28 – August 14 (Monday–Thursday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM)
Application Deadline: Rolling | Apply early due to limited spots
Eligibility: Students entering Grades 6–9
In Jefferson University’s STEM Summer Camp Experience, you’ll explore how engineers use math, science, and technology to solve real-world problems. Over the course of three weeks, you’ll work on hands-on projects, including analyzing sports data, designing and 3D printing parts, running a simulated supply chain, and coding programs to track player statistics. The program emphasizes practical applications, teamwork, and problem-solving, providing you with the opportunity to experience engineering in action while connecting with peers who share your curiosity. Mentors and faculty supervision ensure students can iterate on designs, troubleshoot, and present results at the end of the camp.
Location: Drexel University ExCITe Center, West Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: Weekly sessions during summer (June–July)
Application Deadline: Rolling | Early application recommended due to limited capacity
Eligibility: Rising 6th–8th grade students living or attending school in West Philadelphia
At Young Dragons STEAM Camps, you’ll spend each week exploring hands-on projects in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Camp activities are designed to build creativity, problem-solving skills, and confidence, while teaching the scientific method, engineering process, and design principles. You’ll experiment with coding, robotics, music technology, and health sciences, all while collaborating with peers and learning from Drexel student mentors. Each camp offers a fun, interactive way to explore STEAM topics and imagine new possibilities for learning and creating.
Location: FirstHand Lab, University City Science Center, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: Year-round | Schedule coordinated with local schools and semesters
Application Deadline: Varies by track (check the FirstHand site for each)
Eligibility: Middle school students (Grades 6–8) in the Philadelphia area
Through FirstHand’s Middle School STEM Tracks, you’ll explore a range of hands-on experiments, career pathways, and real-world STEM applications. Tracks include Polymer Play to design biodegradable plastics, DNA Selfie to practice microscopy and gel electrophoresis, BioMake to engineer genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and create snack prototypes, Health Hackers to learn coding and app development with an empathy-based lens, Hi5 to explore five different STEM careers in five days, or Future Techstyles to prototype wearable technologies and soft robotics. You’ll work alongside industry mentors, university researchers, and FirstHand alumni while gaining practical skills, building prototypes, and understanding how STEM concepts are applied in careers.
Location: Temple University, Ambler Campus, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: $415 | Need-based scholarships available
Program Dates: June 23–27 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM)
Application Deadline: Typically in spring | Check the Temple Engineering website for the latest updates
Eligibility: Students who have completed Grades 5–7 by summer | Interest in STEM encouraged
At Temple’s From Trees to Tech STEM Explorer Program, you’ll spend a week engaging in hands-on, problem-based learning experiences that highlight the interdisciplinary nature of science, technology, engineering, and math. You’ll participate in lab tours, experiments, and design challenges while developing teamwork and leadership skills. Mentors from Temple’s College of Engineering guide you through interactive projects that integrate engineering concepts and design thinking. Whether you’re new to STEM or already curious about science and technology, this program encourages exploration, creativity, and understanding of how science and technology are woven into everyday life.
Location: Philadelphia, PA (local community-based program)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Check PGP website for updates (rolling enrollment; waitlist often used)
Eligibility: Youth aged 11–15, with preference for students from BIPOC communities attending public schools in Philadelphia
The Teen Internship Program (TIP) gives you the chance to gain hands-on experience while learning essential skills that transfer to school and future jobs. You’ll help care for farm animals, assist at community events, and practice problem-solving, teamwork, and responsibility. TIP emphasizes belonging, personal growth, and connection to your community while providing mentorship and guidance. Families are encouraged to participate through monthly events or the Neighborhood Family Garden, ensuring that your learning experience is supported and meaningful. This program combines skill-building with real-world engagement in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Location: Various locations in the Philadelphia region
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: During the school year (September–June) | Events run from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Application Deadline: Open enrollment | Register early to secure a spot
Eligibility: Young women ages 13–18 interested in STEM and transportation careers
Through the Transportation YOU Program, you’ll explore the many career paths available in the transportation industry while connecting with professional women mentors in engineering, planning, marketing, and finance. The program provides hands-on, interactive activities, career guidance, and opportunities to build leadership skills and self-confidence. You’ll learn how STEM courses relate to real-world transportation careers, gain insight into public and private industry opportunities, and access networking and scholarship resources. Participation helps you develop mentorship relationships, explore internships, and imagine how your skills could contribute to the future of transportation.
Location: Philadelphia, PA (Girls Inc. facilities and partner sites)
Cost/Stipend: Free | Includes paid internships in later years
Program Dates: Five-year program for participants entering 8th grade, including summer sessions and monthly workshops during the school year
Application Deadline: Varies annually | Check the Girls Inc. site for updates
Eligibility: Rising 8th-grade girls committed to the full five-year program
The Girls Inc. Eureka! Program is a five-year STEM-based experience that helps you explore science, technology, engineering, and math while building confidence, leadership, and career readiness. During the first two summers, you’ll participate in hands-on STEM camps. By the 10th and 11th grades, you’ll shadow professionals and complete a paid internship, respectively. The program culminates in 12th grade with opportunities for dual enrollment college courses, college immersion experiences, and additional internships. Year-round Saturday sessions focus on STEM activities, personal development, financial literacy, job readiness, and leadership skills. The program combines mentorship, college preparation, and hands-on learning to empower you for long-term academic and career success in STEM fields.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD 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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