15 STEM Summer Programs in Indiana for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Mar 2
- 10 min read
Summer is a great time to dive into your interests in STEM, and structured programs can help you do just that while you are in middle school. STEM programs typically offer access to projects and opportunities to learn from professionals, academics, and experts, helping you gain insights into different disciplines through advanced exposure. These experiences can also help you build problem-solving skills, confidence, and curiosity before entering high school.
What STEM summer programs are available for middle schoolers in Indiana?
Indiana offers a range of STEM opportunities to cater to every interest, from robotics and game design to environmental science and competitive math, often led by reputable universities and organizations. Depending on the program, you may explore coding, engineering design, laboratory science, or applied math while building foundational skills for high school coursework. Whether you are a local or out-of-state student, these programs provide a structured way to explore STEM subjects in an academic setting.
Here are 15 STEM summer programs in Indiana for middle school students.
If you’re looking for online programs, check out our blog here.
Location: Virtual or Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN
Cost:
In-person: $500 day camp or $850 overnight
Online: $500
Scholarships available
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates:
In-person 2D and 3D sessions: June 8 – 12 or June 14 – 18
Game Art and Storytelling: July 6 – 10
Online camp: June 22 – 26
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students ages 12 to 18; no prior experience required
The IU Game Development Camp offers a five-day experience where you will learn about the full lifecycle of game creation from professional Media School faculty. You can choose from tracks like 2D development, 3D game work using Unreal Engine 5, or Game Art and Storytelling. Within the chosen track, you will develop a functional video game while building skills in pixel art, sound design, and animation. The curriculum includes guest lectures from industry professionals, providing unique insights into careers at major AAA game studios. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with a global community of peers who share a passion for digital world-building.
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: Several cohorts throughout the year, including summer sessions
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 8
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an eight-week, virtual, research-focused experience in which you will work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor. In the first part of the program, you will explore various 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. Then, you will choose a focus area, which can be a STEM topic of choice, and develop a structured research plan under the guidance of your mentor. You will conclude the program by completing a research paper, case study, or presentation that reflects the full research process.
Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: One week in the summer; exact dates vary by year
Application deadline: TBA; registration opens in early spring
Eligibility: Current 7th and 8th grade students
Physics Inside Out is a free hands-on summer program at Purdue University designed to introduce you to the core principles and modern applications of physics. Through lessons led by Purdue faculty and research staff, you will study topics spanning from nanotechnology to astrophysics, including magnetism, lasers, and thermodynamics. You will spend time in university labs conducting experiments, such as synthesising ferrofluids or analyzing laser wavelength. The program offers a glimpse into campus life, including daily lunches at the dining courts and tours of research facilities such as the Birck Nanotechnology Centre. You will also have the chance to hear from faculty and graduate staff about their own pathways into scientific careers.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 25 hours over two weeks (on weekdays)
Application deadline: Rolling; you can view details and apply to the program here.
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 focuses on Python programming fundamentals, then covers 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 access real datasets to understand how machine learning models work. Topics such as ethical considerations in AI use are part of the curriculum. The program ends with a guided project that demonstrates your understanding of AI.
Location: Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne, IN
Cost: $250
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: June 8 – 12
Application deadline: One week before the start of camp or until slots are filled
Eligibility: Middle school and high school students; age appropriate tracks available
The Examine + Explore Science Camp at Indiana Tech offers middle and high school students a hands-on exposure to life sciences, with a focus on biological systems. You explore topics ranging from microscopic organisms to human anatomy and environmental protection. Throughout the week, you will work alongside expert faculty, including specialists in medical microbiology and environmental science, to study how biology shapes our daily world. The program also covers advanced scientific concepts, such as biofilm resistance and biodiversity monitoring. You will also spend time in university labs, participating in experiments.
Location: Ivy Tech Community College Sellersburg, Sellersburg, IN
Cost: $30
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: One day program in the summer; date varies by year
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle school students
Ivy Institute is a one-day program designed to introduce you to a diverse array of professional pathways. You will participate in hands-on exercises such as coding with Lego Robotics and exploring environmental science through outdoor experiences. The curriculum also offers an introduction to the healthcare field, utilising the campus’s medical labs for interactive learning experiences. You will have the opportunity to build key life skills through a dedicated Safe Sitter class focused on childcare and safety. Additionally, you will explore entrepreneurship and business, gaining a foundational understanding of what it takes to start a venture.
Location: Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN
Cost: $145
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Maximum 15 students
Program dates: June 8 – 12
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 6th to 8th graders
This week-long camp introduces you to the world of civil engineering through hands-on design challenges. Each day focuses on a different branch of civil engineering, so you might be building bridges one day and designing earthquake-resistant structures or smart traffic systems the next. The curriculum focused on offering a clearer picture of how civil engineers help design and shape the world around you. You will also get to try out real surveying techniques, just like professional engineers do in the field. At the end of the week, you will have the chance to present the projects you worked on throughout the camp.
Location: Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne, IN
Cost: $200
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: June 1 – 5
Application deadline: One week before the start of camp or until slots are filled
Eligibility: Middle school students
The Build + Learn Middle School Summer Camp at Indiana Tech is a week-long program designed to help you engage in practical STEM exploration. You will work on projects spanning a range of themes, from robotic programming and rocket launches to complex engineering design and testing. The curriculum focuses on the “four Cs”: creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Led by expert faculty and university students, the program offers direct mentorship to help you learn about STEM majors. You will also work with peers on challenges and scientific experiments.
Location: Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN
Cost: $145
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Maximum 20 students
Program dates: June 22 – 26
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Incoming 6th to 8th graders
This week-long morning camp focuses on water, specifically where it comes from, how it's cleaned, and how it gets to your home. Each day, you will explore a different part of the water world through hands-on experiments like building your own mini water filtration system and learning how dams manage water flow and generate power. You will also go on field trips to real City Utilities sites, such as water treatment facilities, and hear from guest speakers who work in the field. The camp covers topics such as water pollution, environmental protection, and how energy and water systems are connected through technology known as microgrids.
Location: University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, IN
Cost: $250, includes lunch and a camp T shirtOptional after camp care costs an additional $50
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: 24 campers per session; spots filled on a first come, first served basis
Program dates:Option 1, Beginner: June 23 – 27Option 2, Intermediate: July 14 – 18
Application deadline: TBA; registration opens April 1
Eligibility: Incoming 6th to 8th gradersOption 1 is for students with little to no experience with LEGO Spike Prime robots or drag and drop codingOption 2 is for students with prior experience, such as participation in FIRST LEGO League
This week-long day camp takes place on the University of Southern Indiana campus and focuses on robotics and science. Two camp options, catering to beginners and advanced learners, are available so you can join the one that aligns with your experience level. You will use LEGO Spike Prime robots to learn about the engineering design process and explore other science and engineering topics in real university labs. You can also try rock climbing at USI's Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Center. At the end of the week, you will attend a celebratory outing held in partnership with the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana.
Location: Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN
Cost: $145
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Up to 20 students
Program dates: July 13 – 17
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Incoming 6th to 8th graders
This week-long Purdue University camp is designed for students curious about how video games are made. You will begin the program by learning the basics of game design through analog games like card games and board games, exploring what makes a game fun and engaging. Then, you will create small interactive 2D and 3D digital games with the help of the Unity Game Engine, a tool used by real game developers. Led by Purdue Fort Wayne's Department of Computer Science, the program allows you to learn about game design in a college setting under the guidance of instructors in the field.
Location: Virtual and in person; sites vary by year
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: Two week summer sessions; exact dates announced in spring
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Young women and gender expansive teens ages 13 to 18; no prior coding experience required
Kode With Klossy runs free two-week camps designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of computer science and spark a lifelong passion for technology. You will dive into one of four themed curricula, focused on Web Development, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Mobile App development, or Data Science. Throughout the program, you will learn to code in Python, Swift, or JavaScript and build functional projects, such as websites or mobile apps. The camp prioritises a supportive community environment that connects you with a network of alumni and mentors. You will additionally learn about the ethical implications of technology, such as addressing bias in algorithms, while building coding skills.
Location: Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, IN
Cost: Not specified
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: April 14 – 16
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: 8th grade students, primarily Grant County students
Wildcat Junior is a three-day field-trip-style program designed to help you bridge the gap between your current studies and future career pathways. You will participate in sessions led by university faculty and industry professionals, focusing on career pathways, including STEM options, as well as financial literacy and a personal strengths assessment. Through a collaboration with the organization Project Leadership, you will complete an Agile Work Profiler to identify how your specific talents align with modern STEM careers. The program emphasises hands-on career exploration, allowing you to experience life on a college campus through guided tours and faculty-led workshops. You will also learn about diverse postsecondary options, including military pathways and direct-to-work employment opportunities.
Location: The Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities, Muncie, IN
Cost: $140 per week; $160 if registering after May 29; cost includes lunch
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: June 8 – 12
Application deadline: Early registration deadline May 29; final deadline June 5
Eligibility: Rising 6th to 9th grade students
The Indiana Academy Summer Adventures Camp is a week-long opportunity to explore STEM topics through hands-on activities. Each day, you will dive into a different STEM topic, from mathematics and motor physics to forestry. Throughout the program, you will explore campus resources like the Charles W. Brown Planetarium and the Marilyn K. Glock Centre for Glass. You will spend your days at the Burris Laboratory School and across the Ball State University campus, interacting with expert instructors in a high-energy environment. The program is an opportunity to gain exposure to advanced academic subjects while enjoying a traditional summer camp atmosphere.
Location: Various sites in Muncie, IN
Cost: Varies by camp; some programs are free or low cost
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Program dates: Multiple sessions during summer; exact dates vary by program
Application deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Middle school students; some camps limited to students enrolled in Muncie Community Schools
Muncie Community Schools offers a variety of middle school summer camps and enrichment programs designed to support academic growth, skill-building, and student engagement during the summer months. Programming spans multiple focus areas, including STEM-related opportunities focused on exploration, technology-based learning, engineering challenges, and math enrichment, as well as other academic and enrichment camps. These camps are designed to reinforce core skills, encourage curiosity, and provide hands-on learning experiences in a supportive environment. Many programs emphasise experiential learning, collaboration, and problem-solving, helping you stay engaged as you prepare for the upcoming school year. Offerings vary by year and location, allowing you to choose programs aligned with your interests and needs.
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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