15 STEM Summer Programs in Tennessee for Middle School Students
Middle school is a good time for you to start exploring academic interests beyond the classroom. Summer programs can introduce you to advanced topics, practical skills, and new learning environments without requiring a large financial investment. Many of these opportunities also allow you to interact with mentors, professionals, and peers who share similar interests. For those curious about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), summer programs can provide early exposure to technical fields and real-world problem solving. Tennessee offers a variety of in-person STEM programs during the summer months that are open to middle school students and hosted by universities, research institutions, and educational organisations.
Why should I do a STEM summer program in middle school?
Participating in a STEM summer program during middle school can help you explore potential interests before entering high school. These programs often introduce foundational concepts in fields such as robotics, coding, engineering, and life sciences through hands-on projects and experiments. You may also develop important skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and communication while working with peers and instructors. Exposure to university campuses, research labs, and industry professionals can help you understand how STEM fields connect to real careers. Early experiences like these can make the transition to high school STEM courses smoother and help you make more informed choices about clubs, classes, and academic pathways later on.
In this list, we’ve highlighted STEM summer programs in Tennessee that offer hands-on learning opportunities for students in grades 6–8.
Location: Harpeth Hall School, Nashville, TN
Cost: Tuition required (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: June 1 - 11
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Rising 6th-12th grade girls; Open to students from schools across the Nashville and Middle Tennessee region; No prior STEM experience required
The STEM Summer Institute is a two-week interdisciplinary program that introduces girls to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through collaborative, project-based learning. You’ll work in teams to address real-world challenges using the engineering design process, beginning with researching community needs and visiting local labs before designing and testing prototype solutions. Past projects have included developing assistive technologies for people with disabilities, designing flood mitigation structures, creating devices to support small-scale farmers, and building hand-washing stations for communities with limited water access. You’ll strengthen your technical and problem-solving skills while exploring architectural design, prototyping, and applied engineering concepts. Throughout the program, you’ll interact with women working in STEM fields and gain mentorship from professionals. The experience concludes with teams presenting their projects and solutions to STEM experts, showcasing their creativity, innovation, and collaborative work.
Location: Remote (fully virtual)
Cost/Stipend: Not specified (need-based financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines depending on cohort
Eligibility: Middle school students interested in exploring academic interests through mentorship and projects
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program (JEP) is a fully virtual mentorship program designed for middle school students who want to explore their academic interests through guided projects. Participants work one-on-one with mentors from leading research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE. Throughout the program, students develop a project based on a topic they are passionate about while receiving individualized guidance from their mentor. The program emphasizes curiosity, structured exploration, and independent thinking at an early academic stage. Founded by a Harvard and Oxford PhD team, the program aims to introduce younger students to research-style inquiry and project development. Need-based financial aid is available for students who qualify.
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (operated by Lavner Education)
Cost: Typically about $749 per week; one-time $79 annual registration fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Dates: Weekly summer sessions (e.g., June-July, depending on location)
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment until sessions are full
Eligibility: Students ages 11-14; No prior medical or STEM experience required
The STEM & Medicine Camp, offered through Camp Tech Revolution, introduces you to the scientific foundations of modern medicine through interactive activities and case-based learning. You’ll explore topics such as human anatomy, body systems, and neuroscience while investigating how bones, muscles, and nerves work together to support movement and perception. Through virtual dissections and medical simulations, you’ll examine organ systems and trace processes such as digestion and circulation. The program also introduces practical healthcare concepts, including taking medical histories, measuring pulse and respiration, and understanding diagnostic technologies like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. You’ll apply mathematical reasoning and scientific analysis to solve medical case studies and mysteries throughout the week. The course concludes with an introduction to genetics and emerging medical technologies, including DNA science and gene-based therapies, providing you with a broad overview of how STEM disciplines intersect in healthcare and biomedical research.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,790 (Need-based financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio
Dates: Spring cohort: 25 hours over 10 weeks (weekends); Summer cohort: 25 hours over 2 weeks (weekdays)
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 - 8
Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers is a virtual introductory program designed to teach you the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over approximately 25 hours of instruction, you’ll learn core Python programming skills alongside topics such as data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. The program emphasises interactive learning through lectures and collaborative group sessions, supported by a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. You’ll also gain hands-on experience by building simple machine learning projects. Past student projects have included developing a model to classify music genres and creating an algorithm that generates customised educational resource recommendations. The program is intended to provide early exposure to AI concepts while building foundational coding and analytical skills.
Location: Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, TN
Cost: No information available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Two-day summer program
Application Deadline: No information available
Eligibility: Rising 7th-9th grade students; No prior experience in artificial intelligence or coding required
The ORISE AI Mini Academy is a short STEM enrichment program designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence. Through hands-on activities and interactive discussions, you’ll explore how AI works and how it is used in everyday technologies. You’ll experiment with tools such as AI-generated image systems and AI-powered plant identification apps, allowing you to see how machine learning can be applied to creative projects and real-world observations. The program also encourages you to reflect on the ethical and responsible use of AI. Guided by instructors and student assistants, you’ll develop curiosity about emerging technologies while learning basic concepts in computer science and digital innovation.
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (operated by Lavner Education); Multiple locations nationwide
Cost: Typically $699-$799 per week (plus a one-time $79 registration fee)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Dates: Offered weekly during summer camps (e.g., June-July, depending on location)
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment until sessions are full
Eligibility: Students ages 10-14; No prior veterinary or STEM experience required
The Junior Veterinarians Camp introduces you to the science and practice of veterinary medicine through hands-on STEM activities focused on animal health and care. You’ll explore topics such as animal anatomy, physiology, and common diseases while learning how veterinarians examine and treat patients. Through laboratory-style experiments, you’ll investigate biological and chemical principles related to vaccines, nutrition, and animal health. The program also incorporates engineering challenges where you’ll design solutions for animal care, such as enrichment toys or improved animal enclosures. You’ll practice practical skills, including basic pet first aid and emergency response, while analysing veterinary case studies and presenting treatment plans.
Location: Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 24 students
Dates: June 16 - 17
Application Deadline: No information available
Eligibility: Rising 7th-9th grade students; Open to students in the East Tennessee region
The ORISE Forensic Chemistry Mini-Academy is a short STEM enrichment program that introduces you to forensic science through hands-on laboratory investigations. You’ll work in small teams to solve a fictional crime mystery by analysing evidence and conducting scientific tests. During the program, you’ll perform experiments such as fingerprint lifting, ink chromatography, pH and solubility testing, fibre analysis, burn tests, and basic blood typing. These activities help you learn how chemistry is applied in real-world forensic investigations while strengthening observation, critical thinking, and analytical skills. The academy emphasises teamwork and scientific reasoning as you evaluate evidence and present your conclusions about the case. Through this immersive experience, you’ll gain exposure to chemistry concepts and explore potential interests in STEM and forensic science careers.
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (operated by Lavner Education); Multiple locations nationwide
Cost: Typically $699-$799 per week (plus a one-time $79 registration fee)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Dates: Offered weekly during summer camps (e.g., June-July, depending on location)
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment until sessions are full
Eligibility: Students ages 11-14; No prior programming experience required (basic typing skills and familiarity with Scratch or algebra are recommended)
The Python Coding Camp, offered through Camp Tech Revolution, introduces you to programming using one of the world’s most widely used coding languages. Through hands-on instruction, you’ll learn foundational programming concepts such as variables, loops, logic, and algorithmic thinking while building creative projects. You’ll develop mini-projects like random name generators or interactive story tools before completing a larger final project, such as a text-based adventure game, quiz application, or classic arcade-style game. The course emphasises collaboration and problem-solving, with you testing and improving each other’s programs throughout the week. In addition to learning Python syntax and programming fundamentals, you’ll strengthen logical reasoning and computational thinking skills. By the end of the program, you’ll gain practical coding experience and a deeper understanding of how software applications are designed and developed.
Location: Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, East Tennessee, USA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: One-week summer camp (typically held in June)
Application Deadline: Not available
Eligibility: Rising 7th-9th grade students; Open to students in the East Tennessee region
The ORISE Boe-Bots Academy is a week-long robotics and coding camp designed to introduce you to foundational STEM concepts through hands-on learning. You’ll build and program a Boe-Bot robot using a kit that includes motors, sensors, circuits, and other electronic components. Throughout the program, you’ll learn how to code robots to complete tasks such as navigating obstacle courses and responding to sensor inputs. The camp emphasises problem-solving, teamwork, and perseverance as you’ll troubleshoot challenges and refine their designs. In addition to technical skills, you’ll gain experience in logical thinking, collaboration, and creative engineering.
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (operated by Lavner Education); Multiple locations nationwide
Cost: Typically about $749 per week (plus a one-time $79 registration fee)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Dates: Offered weekly during summer camps (e.g., June-July, depending on location)
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment until sessions are full
Eligibility: Students ages 10-14; Open to girls interested in robotics, engineering, or coding; No prior robotics or programming experience required
The All-Girls Robotics with VEX Camp is a one-week STEM program designed to introduce you to robotics engineering, programming, and collaborative problem-solving. You’ll work in teams using the VEX IQ robotics system to design, build, and program robots capable of completing specific tasks and challenges. Throughout the program, you’ll learn foundational mechanical engineering concepts while constructing your robots and exploring programming through visual block-based coding with an introduction to text-based logic. The teams will test and refine their designs through iterative experimentation before participating in a friendly robotics competition that challenges you to complete tasks on a scoring field.
Location: Available across the United States through local clubs, schools, camps, and community programs supported by the National 4-H Council and the United States Department of Agriculture Cooperative Extension System
Cost: Usually free or low-cost (varies by local program and funding)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Offered year-round through clubs, camps, after-school programs, and special events
Application Deadline: Varies by local chapter and program
Eligibility: Youth ages 8-18; Cloverbud programs available for ages 5-7; Open to students of all backgrounds and experience levels
4-H STEM programs introduce you to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on projects and experiential learning. You’ll explore topics such as robotics, computer science, aerospace, and physics, among others, while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The programs emphasise learning by doing, allowing you to design experiments, build technological solutions, and collaborate with peers under the guidance of mentors and volunteers. Through club meetings, camps, competitions, and national initiatives such as the 4-H STEM Challenge, you’ll gain practical STEM experience while building leadership, teamwork, and career-readiness skills.
Location: Various locations worldwide through local program sites and partner schools organised by Engineering For Kids
Cost/Stipend: Varies by location and program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Offered throughout the school year in multi-week sessions (commonly 4-8 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment, depending on local program availability
Eligibility: Students ages 4-14; Open to beginners with no prior STEM experience required
The After School STEM Programs offered by Engineering For Kids introduce you to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through interactive, project-based activities. You’ll explore topics such as engineering design, robotics, coding, and digital technology while developing creativity and problem-solving skills. You may build projects like rockets or sailboats, program robots to complete challenges, design video games or 3D models, and create sustainable cities using platforms such as Minecraft. The curriculum emphasises the engineering design process, encouraging you to test ideas, improve prototypes, and collaborate with peers.
Location: Online
Cost: $1,365 tuition + $15 online registration fee (CTY membership fee of $55 may apply). Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Summer A: June 17 - July 22; Summer B: July 13 - August 17
Application Deadline: May 11 (Summer A); June 8 (Summer B)
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 - 11 who meet the CTY Quantitative identification level (typically demonstrated through qualifying test scores)
The Advanced Competitive Math course offered by the Johns Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth is an online enrichment program designed to help you prepare for high school mathematics competitions such as the AMC 10 and AMC 12. The course focuses on advanced problem-solving techniques across key competition topics, including algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics. You’ll learn to approach challenging, non-routine problems using logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and creative strategies. The program also emphasises collaboration, encouraging you to discuss different solution methods and clearly communicate mathematical ideas. In addition to strengthening core mathematical thinking, you’ll practice contest strategies such as time management and strategic guessing.
Location: Online (hosted by Johns Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth – CTY)
Cost: $1,850 tuition + $15 online registration fee (CTY membership fee of $55 may apply). Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Summer A: June 16 - September 1
Application Deadline: May 11
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 - 11 who meet the CTY Quantitative identification level (typically demonstrated through qualifying standardised test scores)
Coding and Creating with Arduino is an advanced online technology course that immerses students in the fundamentals of embedded systems and digital prototyping with Arduino microcontrollers. The course examines the relationship between hardware and software, guiding students through the construction of automated electronic devices ranging from sensor-integrated systems to fully interactive prototypes. You will work hands-on with Arduino boards, breadboards, sensors, and actuators, building the practical skills needed to interpret circuit diagrams and adapt code to meet specific design goals. Computational thinking and engineering design principles are core to the curriculum, which students apply as they tackle real-world problems and engineer functional solutions. With a blend of structured lessons and independent experimentation, you can develop the ability to read and apply pseudocode, master foundational electronics concepts, and assemble operational automated systems from the ground up.
Location: Online (Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies, Stanford University)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12 students per cohort
Dates: Summer Course: July 6 - July 24; Fall Semester Meetings: August 26 - December 9
Application Deadline: March 25; Admissions Notification: Mid-May
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 6 - 7 who live and attend school in the United States, typically from low-income households (admitted families generally have incomes under $90,000)
The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program (SMSSP) is a free academic enrichment initiative that equips students with the tools and mindset needed to thrive in demanding high school environments. The experience kicks off with a three-week online summer course, where you will dive into rigorous academic content within a close-knit cohort, strengthening your critical thinking abilities and building effective habits of learning along the way. As the fall semester gets underway, you’ll continue your growth through weekly virtual sessions covering academic writing, mathematical enrichment, and the development of a growth-oriented mindset, all while receiving guidance on navigating the many pathways available in high school. The program also offers dedicated support in researching and applying to selective high schools and competitive enrichment programs beyond the classroom.
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.