14 STEM Summer Camps in Pennsylvania for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 9 min read
Summer camps can be a strong option for middle school students interested in STEM who want to explore advanced topics and practical skills in a focused yet low-risk setting. In these camps, you often participate in structured lessons, guided projects, collaborative activities, and mentorship while learning in areas such as engineering, coding, robotics, and scientific research. They also allow you to explore interests in STEM early, gain independence, and build meaningful skills and connections before entering high school.
What STEM summer camps are available for middle schoolers in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, various universities and colleges, research centers, and nonprofits run STEM-focused summer camps for middle schoolers. These camps allow you to dive into areas like engineering, coding, computer science, robotics, cybersecurity, and the sciences while helping you connect with peers, instructors, and potential future mentors. They can also help you explore different STEM subjects early and see which areas interest you most.
To help you find the right fit, we have put together 14 STEM summer camps in Pennsylvania for middle school students.
If you’re looking for online programs, check out our blog here.
Location: Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia
Cost: Free, includes materials
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: July 28 to August 14
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6 to 9 who live in the Greater Philadelphia area.
This three-week day, held at Thomas Jefferson’s East Falls Campus, introduces middle schoolers to topics such as data analytics, 3D printing, programming, and logistics through hands-on exercises. You will gain exposure to data science by analyzing the performance of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Phillies. You will also design parts in SolidWorks software and develop them via 3D printing. Additionally, you will complete a supply chain planning exercise for product procurement and delivery. You will learn how to write code to retrieve stats such as the Phillies batting averages or the Eagles passing yards.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines for cohorts across the year; you can check details and apply here.
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 8
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an eight-week, virtual, research-focused experience in which you will work individually with a Ph.D. mentor. In the first part of the program, you will explore multiple subject areas to understand different academic approaches and research styles. Weekly meetings will help you build skills in formulating research questions, evaluating sources, and organizing findings. After choosing a focus area, which can be a STEM topic of choice, you will develop a structured research plan under the guidance of your mentor. You will finish by completing a research paper, case study, or presentation that reflects the full research process. analytical, and writing skills that support academic growth as you prepare for high school and future coursework.
Location: 100+ locations across the United States, including Pennsylvania
Cost: Varies by site. Free participation at select locations
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Open registration. Cohort size varies by location
Program dates: Multiple five day sessions from early June to mid August
Application deadline: Varies by location
Eligibility: Middle and high school students. No fixed age requirement.
The Air Force Association offers free STEM summer camps for middle school students at multiple locations across the country. Here, you will focus on computer science and cybersecurity topics, including basic coding, system configuration, and safe computing practices. The program uses hands-on lessons to introduce you to Windows and Linux systems while you practice entry-level security and troubleshooting skills. Camp curricula are structured to cater to different knowledge/skill levels, so you can select a track that aligns with your prior experience. Depending on availability and scheduling, you may be able to attend more than one level during the same summer. The camp concludes with a team-based exercise in which you will apply what you have learned to solve simulated cybersecurity problems.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines; you can check details and apply to the program here.
Dates: 25 hours over two weeks (on weekdays)
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 8
AI Trailblazers is a 25-hour program that introduces you to artificial intelligence through structured instruction and hands-on coding exercises. The curriculum first focused on Python programming fundamentals before moving on to concepts like data analysis, regression, classification, and neural networks. Instruction takes place in small groups, allowing you to receive personalized feedback and ask questions during live sessions. You will work with real datasets to understand how machine learning models are trained and evaluated. Topics covering ethical considerations on the use of AI are integrated throughout the curriculum. The program ends with a guided project that demonstrates your understanding of AI and data science concepts.
Location: University Park
Cost: $335. Includes lunch and snacks
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: June 15 to June 18
Application deadline: Not specified. Registration opens February 3
Eligibility: Students ages 12 to 15
At this Penn State University camp, you will explore the world of modern math through the lens of cryptography. During this hands-on camp, you will learn about real-world applications of advanced math and experiment with both classic and modern encryption methods, including RSA encryption. You will work on STEM challenges and activities, including puzzles, patterns, and cryptography-related problem-solving exercises. The camp may end with a closing ceremony or a showcase for families.
Location: Drexel University ExCITe Center, Philadelphia
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: June 23 to August 8, tentative
Application deadline: May 26, tentative
Eligibility: Rising grades 6 to 8 who live or attend school in the West Philadelphia Promise Zone.
Young Dragons Middle School STEAM Camps are a series of free weekly programs conducted at Drexel’s ExCITe Center. Each week focuses on different STEAM topics through hands-on projects and activities. You will explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math using the scientific method and engineering process. The program also incorporates arts and design to support creativity and self-expression. You will engage in activities that build agency through structured challenges. In the past, topics like coding, health science, environmental science, and physics have been covered.
Location: Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport
Cost: $50. Lunch, snacks, and beverages included
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates:
June 23 to June 27
July 7 to July 11
Application deadline: Not specified. Rolling registration until sessions fill
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6 to 8
At My Tomorrow, you will spend one week at Pennsylvania College of Technology exploring different career pathways through hands-on experiences and activities. The camp is designed to help you preview a variety of careers in fields such as engineering, business, arts, and health sciences. You will participate in faculty-led sessions in the college’s labs and facilities, giving you a realistic look at what different careers in various fields involve. You'll have the opportunity to explore the campus and interact with college faculty and staff. The Soars Family sponsors the program and aims to help middle schoolers start thinking about their future career options while experiencing college life.
Location: Da Vinci Science Center, Allentown, PA
Cost: $50 – $500 (depending on the camp); discounts available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application deadline: One week before each camp starts
Dates: Various camps in June, July, and August; check dates here.
Eligibility: Students, grades 1 – 8
The Da Vinci Science Center runs a wide range of camps for young learners. Camps span various disciplines, including engineering, 3D modeling, animation, coding, and medicine, allowing you to learn through hands-on experiences within STEM and beyond. For instance, if you choose the Take Flight! Camp, you will learn about aerodynamics and apply what you learnt o pilot drones and design flight patterns. In the Fab Lab: Habitat Maker Camp, you will explore the intersection of environmental science and engineering while you work on projects like designing bug boxes or creating solar-powered systems. Each camp allows you to explore a new topic, use the science center’s tools, and leave with a tangible project.
Location: Montgomery County Community College campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown
Cost: $400
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates:
July 13 to July 16, Blue Bell campus
July 20 to July 23, Pottstown campus
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students ages 8 to 14
At this astronomy camp, you will spend four days exploring space and science through hands-on STEAM activities led by a team of educators and experts from the science community. You will learn through collaborative learning experiences, including astronaut challenges, science experiments, Challenger Learning Center simulations, and aviation workshops. You will learn how to maintain an astronaut training journal, engage in a Lunar Quest simulation, learn about NASA's Artemis mission, create mission patches, build your own spacecraft, and design Martian habitats. The camp includes at least one field trip and outdoor astronaut physical training activities. You will interact with scientists working in the field and find opportunities to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Location: Online and in person camps. Sites vary by year
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: Multiple two week camps during the summer
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Women and gender expansive teens ages 13 to 18
Kode With Klossy’s Summer Camps are free, two-week programs designed for middle and high school students from underrepresented genders in STEM. Here, you will learn through one of four tracks: web development, data science, mobile app development, or machine learning. The curriculum covers the basics of programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, Swift, and HTML/CSS, as well as track-specific core concepts. You will use what you learn to build projects focused on website development, mobile app development, chatbot development, or data-driven tasks. You will also explore broader topics like algorithmic bias and digital accessibility. At the end of camp, you will leave with a project that demonstrates your coding skills.
Location: Penn State Berks Campus, Reading
Cost: $225 to $400 per camp. Scholarships available for residential options
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: June 9 to July 31. Multiple week long camps within this period
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students ages 8 to 17. Camp specific age requirements vary, several options open to middle school students.
Camps at Penn State Berks allow you to dive into STEM topics such as CyberPatriot cybersecurity foundations, Minecraft design and modding, drones with satellites and digital mapping, rocket launchers, and 3D game design using Unity. Sessions run daily and are led by expert instructors who guide you through hands-on projects and the use of cutting-edge tools. Activities are structured to help you develop critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, communication, and creativity while tackling science, technology, and engineering challenges.
Location: Saint Francis University, Loretto
Cost:
STEM Art: $80
CubeSat Explorers: $125Financial assistance available
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates:
STEM Art: June 12 to June 13
CubeSat Explorers: July 16 to July 18
Application deadline: Three days before the session start or until seats fill
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7 to 9
STEAM Summer Camps are two- to five-day camps held at Saint Francis University that cover topics such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, and computer science. As a middle schooler, you can participate in STEM Art: The Wonderful World of Wool camp, where, over two days, you will learn how to transform wool fibers into containers. This camp offers exposure to sustainable fiber arts and hands-on crafting experiences. You can also choose the three-day CubeSat Explorers: Mission to Space camp to design and build mini satellite models and study power systems, circuits, physics, and space missions. Sessions include daily playtime, outdoor activities such as hikes and games, and optional aftercare.
Location: Saint Francis University, Loretto
Cost:
STEM Art: $80
CubeSat Explorers: $125Financial assistance available
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates:
STEM Art: June 12 to June 13
CubeSat Explorers: July 16 to July 18
Application deadline: Three days before the session start or until seats fill
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7 to 9
The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum offers various summer camps for elementary- and middle-school students. The Tech Titans Camp teaches you to program games, apps, and animations using languages such as Blockly, Python, and JavaScript. You will build robotics skills while working with motors, sensors, and lights. You will also design, prototype, and program robots with Hummingbird Robotics and LEGO® Education Spike Prime kits. The camp ends with a battle bot event, where you will present and test your work.
Location: Temple University, Philadelphia
Cost: $425. Need based scholarships available
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: July 6 to July 10
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students completing grades 5 to 7
Temple University’s PY-STEM is a week-long program for middle schoolers. You will dive into STEM through hands-on, problem-based learning experiences, including lab tours, demonstrations, and interdisciplinary activities. Mentors from Temple’s College of Engineering will guide sessions on design thinking and problem-solving and help you develop teamwork and leadership skills while you engage in program activities. The curriculum emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields.
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.
Image Source - Lumiere Education logo