13 STEM Summer Programs in Washington State for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 3 hours ago
- 8 min read
As a middle school student, structured summer programs can be a great way for you to explore your interests and prepare for high school and beyond. If you are interested in STEM, programs in the field allow you to learn from professors and industry experts, build technical and soft skills, and explore STEM careers and educational pathways. As a participant, you will study core and niche concepts and learn to use advanced STEM equipment while building teamwork and problem-solving skills through structured summer curricula.
Why should you attend a program in Washington State?
Washington State is home to leading universities and organizations that run summer programs focused on STEM exploration. State programs offer exposure to engineering, coding, robotics, and scientific research through partnerships with leading universities and science centers. These programs can also offer practical skill-building opportunities and the chance to connect with like-minded middle school students and professionals.
To help you find the right learning opportunities, we have put together 13 STEM summer programs in Washington State for middle school students.
If you’re looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
13 STEM Summer Programs in Washington State for Middle School Students
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: $895–$995 (depending on session) + $50 nonrefundable registration fee; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 29–July 10 | July 13–24
Application Deadline: Two weeks before the session starts
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–8
This University of Washington course provides a structured introduction to computational thinking and core computer science concepts in a classroom-style learning environment. Here, you will learn foundational coding principles, basic robotics concepts, and introductory artificial intelligence literacy through guided instruction and supervised practice. You will explore how algorithms are designed, how instructions are interpreted by machines, and how computational systems solve problems. The instruction also covers the ethical and societal implications of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and automation. Daily sessions typically combine instructor-led lessons with hands-on activities that reinforce conceptual understanding rather than informal experimentation.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program; financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer sessions
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines for cohorts across the year; you can check details and apply here.
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 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: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: $895 + $50 nonrefundable registration fee; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 27–August 7 | August 10–21
Application Deadline: Two weeks before the session starts
Eligibility: Rising 6th–8th graders
This UW course covers foundational game design principles while allowing you to practice what you learn by building 8-bit video games using Microsoft MakeCode Arcade. You will learn to work with graphics, motion, and music, and to create functional prototypes from scratch. You will engage in structured coding practice and test your work to refine the designed game. You will collaborate in small groups to review game concepts, debug issues, and discuss design choices. The program ends with a final game showcase, where you will present your work to peers.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program
Dates: 25 hours over two weeks (on weekdays)
Application deadline: Rolling; you can 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 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 on ethical considerations in AI use are integrated throughout the curriculum. The program ends with a guided project that demonstrates your understanding of AI and data science concepts.
Location: University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Mid June–Mid July (four weeks); exact dates TBA
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 enrolled in public schools; must be first-generation college students, from underrepresented or minoritized groups, and/or from underrepresented socioeconomic backgrounds.
SAC is a four-week program that offers hands-on STEAM exploration opportunities for middle and high school students. You will attend in-person sessions in collaborative settings, including classes, laboratories, outdoor areas, and libraries. You will also participate in industry visits and workshops to refine skills in written and oral presentation. The program splits participants by grade level and assigns a unique theme to each group every year. Depending on your group placement, you will explore the engineering and science underlying interior design, marine ecosystems, or applied statistics.
Location: NOAA Western Regional Center, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: $450; scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 6–10
Application Deadline: Not specified; registration opens February 11
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–8
The NOAA Science Camp Middle School Program, offered by Washington Sea Grant, is a structured week-long academic experience focused on ocean and atmospheric sciences. You will conduct hands-on investigations to examine marine ecosystems, analyze water quality, explore coastal processes, and interpret climate-related data. Activities are designed and facilitated by NOAA scientists, researchers, and experienced educators, offering you exposure to real-world scientific methods and STEM career pathways. Through guided experiments, collaborative problem-solving tasks, and data-driven discussions, you will strengthen your critical thinking and analytical skills.
Location: University of Washington Robinson Center, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: $1,450; optional before/after care available at additional cost; financial assistance available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 30 – July 23
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Current 7th–10th graders; prerequisites vary by course
Summer Stretch is designed for middle and high school students who want to dive into a single subject over four weeks. Here, you will join a small class led by specialist instructors. You can choose from accelerated academic courses in math, chemistry, ecology, or other academic tracks, as well as enrichment courses covering mock trial basics, robotics, or American literature. In each course, you will explore core concepts and engage in self-study, group work, and test-taking.
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: $895 or $995 (varies by session) + $50 nonrefundable registration fee; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – July 10 | July 13 – July 24
Application Deadline: Two weeks before the course starts
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–8
This UW course is designed like a workshop, where you will learn the basics of electronics by building projects that create light patterns and sounds. You will work with components like LEDs, resistors, capacitors, and transistors to create circuit prototypes. The course focuses on practical experiments with minimal theory and almost no math. You will learn how to build, recognize, and troubleshoot electronic circuits while also developing problem-solving skills through trial and error. By the end of the course, you will modify your projects and create 3D sculptural electronics.
Location: Online + in person at the Museum of Flight, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: February – June (4–6 hours/month)
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–9 who are Washington State residents; preference given to applicants in the Puget Sound region
The Michael P. Anderson Memorial Aerospace Program at The Museum of Flight in Seattle is a free program for middle school students interested in aerospace science. Here, you will explore key concepts in physics, space science, aviation history, and technological innovation using the Museum’s educational resources. The schedule consists of virtual learning, in-person experiences at the museum, and field trips. You will also learn through guided projects, educator-led demonstrations, and discussions that focus on scientific inquiry and engineering thinking. You will learn about STEM educational paths and careers, and the resources and requirements needed to pursue a career in space or flight while connecting with peer Ambassadors and aerospace industry leaders.
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: $895 or $995 (by session) + $50 nonrefundable registration fee; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – July 10 | July 27 – August 7
Application Deadline: Two weeks before the course begins
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–8
UW’s 3D Design & CAD Modeling course introduces middle schoolers to computer-aided design. You will learn to use industry-standard digital modeling tools such as Tinkercad, SketchUp, and Fusion 360, and how they are applied in engineering, architecture, and product design. Through guided lessons and supervised project work, you will develop core skills in 3D printing, geometric reasoning, spatial visualization, and technical problem solving. You will develop virtual designs for puzzle toys, balsa towers, and a marble-run course, and then build those designs. You will also take field trips and hear from guest speakers who work professionally with CAD.
Location: Various schools, WA
Cost/Stipend: $165 per week
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Week-long summer sessions (dates TBA)
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Mead School District students in grades 2–8
The Mead School District Summer STEM Academy runs structured, STEM-focused academic programs for students in elementary and middle school. The program offers teacher-led instruction to help you study core concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. You will learn through organized STEM modules that incorporate project-based learning, scientific inquiry, and applied problem solving to reinforce the skills you developed during the school year. The curriculum typically includes themed units that integrate real-world contexts, encouraging you to collaborate, test ideas, and analyze outcomes while developing a deeper understanding of STEM principles.
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: $895 or $995 per session + $50 nonrefundable registration fee; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – July 10 | July 13 – 24 | July 27 – August 7
Application Deadline: Two weeks before the start of the session
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–8
In this UW course, you will explore engineering while working through challenges across multiple fields, including mechanical, chemical, and aerospace engineering. You will practice applying the engineering design process as you test, evaluate, and improve your designs. The curriculum provides exposure to industry-related design vocabulary and technical terms while enabling you to collaborate with peers and partners. You will also have the opportunity to explore the UW campus labs and facilities during the program.
13. UW Math Olympiad
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: One-day event held on the first Sunday in June
Application Deadline: Not specified; registration opens April 26
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–10
This is an oral competition where you get to work on math problems and explain your solutions to judges. Here, you will spend about six hours on the UW campus, first working on solving five problems in three hours. If you solve at least three of them, you will receive two additional, more challenging problems. You will discuss your answers with the mathematical judges, who will provide feedback and allow up to three presentation attempts for each problem. While not a traditional program, the competition’s collaborative learning format can help you refine critical thinking and communication skills and explore math beyond the school curriculum. Top performers earn certificates. You will have access to UW’s archive of past problems and a handbook to prepare for the event.
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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