15 STEM Programs for Middle School Students in Plano, TX
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 7
- 10 min read
STEM programs for middle school students in Plano, TX, are a solid opportunity to explore higher education paths in STEM fields. You will develop key skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication, while engaging in immersive experiences through hands-on STEM projects and activities.
Plano, TX has several leading schools (such as Murphy and Renner) and institutions (such as GEM Academy, Harmony Science Academy) that offer STEM programs for students. These schools may offer reduced tuition fees for local students and studying in STEM programs for middle school students in Plano, TX helps reduce travel and housing costs.
We have compiled a list of 15 STEM programs for middle school students in Plano, TX, that offer exposure to advanced academics, practical skills, industry, and help build valuable future connections. They have been selected based on their rigor, extremely competitive acceptance rate, and the prestige of the school hosting them. They also include a few virtual STEM programs that allow students in Plano, TX to apply.
15 STEM Programs for Middle School Students in Plano, TX
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Dates: Vary by cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Grades 6 - 8; commitment of a minimum of 5 hours/week
Founded by Harvard and Oxford PhDs, the Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is designed for ambitious middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about, including STEM. In the 8-week program, you will work under the mentorship of scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE. You can select a field of your choice in STEM, such as AI and data science, physics and astrophysics, computer science, and more! You will develop key skills to become a STEM professional, including how to read and write scientific literature, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. You can apply here.
Location: Jasper High School, Plano, TX (transportation provided from middle schools across the district)
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 180 across two sessions
Dates: Session 1 - June 2 - June 5 | Session 2 - June 9 - June 12
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Current 8th graders, who will be 9th graders in fall
This program offers a free course for Grade 8 students, especially those who are historically underrepresented in the computer science fields of study and workplaces. You will learn the concepts and principles of computer science and develop problem-solving, reasoning, and Python programming coding skills. You will explore computer science careers while interacting with professionals from the computer science field. There are two levels offered - the beginner level for students with little to no experience in programming, and the novice level for students who have taken Fundamentals of Computer Science and/or attended Python-specific camps. Check details here.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Up to 5 maximum
Dates: Multiple cohorts available each year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on cohort type; the fall application deadline is August 31
Eligibility: Grades 6 - 8
Veritas AI's Trailblazers program is a virtual program designed and run by Harvard graduate students and alumni which teaches middle school students the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. You will get the opportunity to work on an AI/ML project that is based on your interests and abilities. You will learn the fundamentals of Python and build real-world AI models, exploring the use of AI in diverse fields like gaming, chatbots, educational resources, medicine and other STEM-related fields. You will attend online academic lectures and group sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio and work on a group project with peers. Check out the brochure here and apply here.
Location: Renner Middle School, Schimelpfenig Middle School, Plano, TX (also at Murphy Middle School, Murphy, TX); transportation provided from the student's neighborhood elementary campus
Cost/Stipend: $300 for three enrichment courses ($180 and $120 for students eligible for reduced and free lunch, respectively)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 2 - 17
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Current Plano ISD students in grades 1 - 7 who are not registered for a concurrently running summer program
Plano ISD's Exploration Program is a summer enrichment program that offers elementary and middle schoolers an opportunity to have an immersive experience in three courses across diverse fields, including STEM, humanities, language, media, and fine arts. For each course, you will participate in hands-on activities with peers. You can select a STEM-associated course from options like 'Animal Science: Zoo Sleuths' to explore biodiversity and animal-environment relationships; 'Future Engineers' to learn about the use of tech in engineering; 'CodeXplorers' to learn computer science through Python programming, and more! Check course options here.
Location: Davis, Haggard, Harrington, Parr, Schimelpfenig, Plano, TX
Cost/Stipend: None; a library card is required (card is free for Plano residents and residents of reciprocal cities). Know how to get a Plano library card here
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not selective
Dates: Throughout the year (check events calendar here)
Application Deadline: Rolling; some classes may require pre-registration
Eligibility: All age groups
Plano Library offers science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) programs for children and adults across all age groups to participate in hands-on activities at five locations in Plano and virtually (you can pick up supplies before the online session). You will complete experiments, build things, and enhance skills like robotics, coding, and circuitry. Earlier programs have included learning how to build a windmill, working on math puzzles, and more. STEAM kits, including for robots, are also available for check out to support learning and experimentation with books, DVDs, and hands-on activities. Check here for Adapted Library programs designed for the needs of neurodivergent kids, teens, and adults.
Location: Willow Bend Church, Plano, TX; One Community Church, Plano, TX; also at multiple locations across TX (check locations here)
Cost/Stipend: Starting from $395/week + $20 lab fee if applicable
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 20
Dates: Vary by location (5 days/week)
Application Deadline: Registration closes on a Friday prior to camp start
Eligibility: Middle school students going into grades 4 - 7
Club SciKidz STEM summer camps involve hands-on activities and projects that provide an interactive learning experience. Camps for middle school students in Plano include - In Camp Emergency Vet, you will create an origami microscope, use items from a first-aid kit, learn suturing techniques, etc; In Lego Robotics with Mindstorm EV3, you will build and program robots using Legos and the Lego Mindstorms Software; In Camp Young Scientist, you will work on activities related to botany, rocks and minerals, and human anatomy; In Camp: Chemistry Concoctions, you will learn about chemistry symbols and reactions and how to use of chemistry lab equipment safely while conducting experiments.
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., including Plano, TX
Cost/Stipend: $379
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 12 - 14
Dates: Multiple weekly camps between June 9 - July 25
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle school students between ages 5-11 (will be grouped with 9 and older kids)
Destination Science Camps for children ages 5 - 11 are enriching learning experiences which combine understanding academic concepts with hands-on, real-life experiments. You can select from multiple program options, including creating and programming a robot, launching a rocket, understanding the scientific aspect of a carnival ride, and more. You will work independently and in collaboration with peers on different types of projects at a science station, play games and participate in science activities outdoors, and wrap up the day to discuss skills gained and achievements. Check summer camps in Plano here.
Location: GEM Multicultural Center, Plano, TX
Cost/Stipend: $249/week with full day and $50 after-care options; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not selective | Not specified
Dates: June 2 - July 25
Application Deadline: Rolling till spots fill
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 - 8
The GEM Multicultural Center in Plano hosts STEM camps in science and technology with students grouped as per age under supervised guidance and resources, each group working on camp-specific activities. You will engage in hands-on activities, collaborate with peers, and learn from experienced instructors. STEM camps for middle school students include learning Python programming concepts and their applications in web design, data analysis, etc.; how to make creative game designs, programming (Lua) with Roblo, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; and how to build mobile apps. You will develop problem-solving abilities while working on challenging projects. Check the curriculum here
Location: iCode Plano, Plano, TX
Cost/Stipend: Starts at $279 + lab fee
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not selective | Not specified
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Age 5 - 15
The iCode BELT program, offered to students based on their age and interests, provides immersive lessons on a wide range of topics, including robotics, digital design, coding, drones, and more. You will learn STEM skills as well as learn to think critically, work in a team, make a presentation, and other soft skills. All software and hardware are provided, and you will attend classes which include hands-on projects to learn technical coding skills and acquire problem-solving and leadership abilities. Some of the programs for middle school students include Minecraft education activities, the essentials of website development, data science, electronics design, and more.
Location: iCode Plano, Plano, TX, with virtual option available
Cost/Stipend: Varies, starting at $499
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not selective | Not specified
Dates: Throughout the year (4-5 days)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Age 5 - 15
iCode organizes STEM and coding camps for diverse age groups (5 - 15), in the summer and spring breaks and on school holidays, with on-site and online options available. You will learn concepts and fundamental skills in STEM activities including robotics, 3D game designing, 3D printing, creating a YouTube channel, building robot squads, creation using Roblox, game development, and more! Some of the options for middle school students include 'Fortnite Designer: Game Development with UEFN', 'Jr Programmer: Intro to 2D Game Development with Scratch', 'Minecraft: Modding Adventure', and more. The program equips you with the latest hardware such as gaming computers, 3D printers, robotics, and even drones! Check camp schedules and programs here.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $275
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not selective | Coach-to-child ratio of 1:20 or 1:25
Dates: Multiple weeklong sessions throughout June–August
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Rising kindergarten through grade 6
This camp provides grades K-6 children the opportunity to discover. STEM concepts through hands-on activities in an at-home environment with virtual support from educators and interactions with peers. You will receive four module kits of materials to design and build prototypes, create solutions to real-world problems, and learn how to protect your intellectual property. You will rotate through a diverse range of STEM activities for five days. You will explore ocean research with aquatic animals (Make a Splash With Robotic Aquatics); create a robotic artist and make spin art (Spin Into NIHF's The Attic); make a mega marble arcade (Spin Into NIHF’s The Attic); and make devices to use in space (Blast Off for Spacecation).
12. Idea Math
Location: John Paul II School, Plano, TX, with online option available
Cost/Stipend: Varies as per type of course, starting at $1,395 + placement test fee if applicable; $100 tuition scholarship/discount to each full-day program student meeting specific criteria (check details here)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Varies as per course type (6-12/6-16 per class)
Dates: Vary with summer, fall, winter cohorts and year-round programs
Application Deadline: Rolling (a course is offered when a minimum number of students have enrolled)
Eligibility: Rising 4th to rising 12th graders
IDEA Math is an in-depth enrichment program for students who enjoy challenging math problems. You have the option to enroll for the in-person programs in Plano, including year-round programs and bootcamps, or the online programs led by educators and alumni. You will experience an immersive learning experience in mathematical areas with the focus on geometry, algebra, number theory, and combinatorics, learning essential theorems and techniques. You will collaborate with peers to develop mathematical ideas. You will develop problem-solving and leadership abilities, academic study skills, and gain self-confidence.
13. Code Wiz
Location: Plano, TX with online options available
Cost/Stipend: Starts at $299 for half-day programs
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 1:4 for younger kids; 1:6 for older children
Dates: Vary
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students aged 7-17
Code Wiz offers coding and robotics programs and summer camps. They provide opportunities to learn programming concepts and develop computational skills through hands-on experience in building STEM projects. Sample programs for middle school students- 'Build Your Own Robots and 3D Printing’ (ages 10-14) in which you will build a robotic mode and create the code to make it interactive and use a 3D modeling program to design and print your creation; 'Design Websites with HTML/CSS' (ages 10 - 17) in which you will understand the workings of the HTML framework that form the backbone of a website and design a multipage website which is mobile friendly.
14. DiscoverSTEM Innovation Program (DIP)
Location: DiscoverSTEM Innovation Lab, Plano, TX (online option available)
Cost/Stipend: $1,000 - $7,500 per year; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly selective | Not specified
Dates: 6 - 8 months, 3 hours/week
Application Deadline: September 30
Eligibility: Age 10 - 17
The DiscoverSTEM Innovation Program (DIP) provides students ages 10 - 17 with the opportunity to discover STEM solutions for real-world problems. You will participate in two modules, the Foundation Course (Part 1) and the Implementation Course (Part 2). In the first part, you will be introduced to the concepts of innovation, patents, research techniques, and the logic of scientific discovery; in the second part, you will identify a real-world problem, ideate and propose solutions for it, analyze its technical and economic feasibility, and test and refine it. You will develop key STEM skills in critical thinking, analyzing data, problem-solving, and more.
Location: The Jonsson School, UT Dallas, Richardson, TX campus
Cost/Stipend: $175
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective | Not specified
Dates: July 21 - 25
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Students in grades 4 - 8, aged 9 - 15
The Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson campus, hosts the STEM Stars Summer Camp, which is open to all middle school students, including those in nearby Plano. You will engage in hands-on projects, team challenges, and problem-solving activities led by mentors and real engineers. You will explore STEM through hands-on projects and participate in team challenges with peers. You will learn programming, electronics, 3D design, and robotics to develop basic engineering skills. You will design and build basic electronic circuits, program Arduino microcontrollers, and more! Check details here.
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 where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - Lumiere Education logo