15 Summer Programs for Middle School Students in Arizona
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 5
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 11
Summer programs can be great opportunities for middle schoolers to explore advanced academics, life skills, and career paths in an affordable way. For students in Arizona looking to make the most of their school break, programs in the state can offer early exposure to academic rigor as well as industry insights without having to move states for a few weeks.
Summer programs typically offer hands-on learning opportunities, skill-building activities, and lecture-based academic exploration. From STEM to arts and business, these programs can help you discover new interests and prepare yourself for future education and career.
To help you get started, we have listed 15 summer programs for middle school students in Arizona. We have focused on opportunities that offer selectivity, strong networking opportunities, and prestigious hosts. Many options are fully funded or low-cost, making them accessible.
Location: Virtual
Application deadline: Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link
Program dates: Eight-week sessions in the summer start in June/July
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 to 8
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an eight-week online mentorship opportunity for middle school students interested in exploring academic subjects through project work. During the program, you will work with a mentor , often a researcher or scholar affiliated with universities like Harvard, MIT, Yale, Duke, Stanford, or LSE , and work on a project in a topic of choice, which can be STEM, business, sociology, economics, medicine, or other areas. The virtual format is designed to strike a balance between structure and flexibility, providing you with space to think independently while receiving regular guidance. You will get to refine skills in research, critical thinking, and analysis as you complete your project.
Location: Virtual
Application deadline: Varied by cohort; typically May/June for summer cohort
Program dates: 25 hours over two weeks (on weekdays) in the summer
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
The AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is an online learning opportunity for middle school students interested in exploring artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over approximately 25 hours, you will explore the basics of Python programming and topics like data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and the ethical issues related to AI. The program offers instructional sessions and small group discussions, with a mentor assigned to every five students. As the program progresses, you will work with a small team to complete a project that applies what you’ve learned. In the past, students' projects involved developing tools to classify music genres or suggest learning materials based on user input. You can apply here
Location: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Cost: $325
Application deadline: Session A: May 23 | Session B: June 6
Program dates: Session A: June 2 – 13 | Session B: June 16 – 27
Eligibility: Students in grades 2–12
The Young Adult Writing Program (YAWP), a part of the Central Arizona Writing Project, provides students with opportunities to develop writing skills in a low-pressure, creative setting. During the program, you will explore different forms of writing while working alongside other young writers. Each camp is centered around a theme and includes a variety of writing activities, including poetry, autobiographical pieces, short stories, persuasive writing, and nature or science-based content. Daily workshops allow you to practice writing, reflecting, and sharing your work with others. Rather than grading written work, the program focuses on trying new approaches and strengthening your voice as a writer. At the end of the camp, you will submit a final piece that will be included in a published anthology, highlighting your progress over the course of the program.
Location: Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe, AZ
Cost: $150 – $250, depending on the class you choose
Application deadline: Not specified
Program dates: June 9 – 20
Eligibility: Students who are 12 to 18 years old
Held over two weeks, the Digital Culture Summer Institute offers half-day classes and project-based learning that combine elements from art, music, digital media, computer science, and engineering. The program is meant for students interested in exploring the connections between technology and creativity through workshops. Here, you will work in small groups alongside faculty and graduate students, gaining exposure to different tools and ideas used in creative tech fields. The workshops are open to all experience levels, so whether you are new to these subjects or already have some background, you will find opportunities to grow your skills.
Location: Arizona State University West Valley campus, Glendale, AZ
Cost: $150
Application deadline: Enrollment is open until slots are full
Program dates: June 9 – 13
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
This week-long camp offers an introduction to the engineering design process through a series of hands-on challenges. Throughout the program, you will work on designing, building, testing, and refining various engineering projects, with a focus on problem-solving, collaboration, and creative thinking. The activities are designed to demonstrate how engineers approach real-world problems and provide you with practical experience in how ideas evolve from concept to solution. You will also learn about engineering programs and opportunities available at ASU’s School of Integrated Engineering
Location: Virtual
Cost: Tuition-free
Application deadline: March 20
Program dates: Summer Course: July 7 – 25 + Weekly sessions in Fall: August 27 – December 10
Eligibility: Low-income students in grades 6 and 7 attending school in the U.S.
The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program (SMSSP) is a free online program designed for students interested in exploring topics beyond the school curriculum. The program offers a three-week summer course followed by weekly online sessions during the fall. During SMSSP, you will explore advanced academics and develop skills that can help you prepare for high school education. Summer courses typically explore niche topics in civics, philosophy, math, and history, such as historical events narrated through graphic novels. You will also connect with other students who share your interests during the program.
Location: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Cost: $300
Application deadline: Not specified
Program dates: May 27 – 30
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12
The Survey of Computing, Coding, and Engineering Software Systems, or SUCCESS, camp is designed for middle school students interested in computing and engineering software systems. During the camp, you will explore different areas like AI, virtual reality (VR), game development, embedded systems, and cybersecurity. This experience can help you develop programming/coding skills through project work. For instance, you will create games, try out VR headsets, build AI-based web applications, and construct an LED message board at camp.
Location: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Cost: $275; free or reduced cost for eligible families. You can check details regarding discounts here.
Application deadline: Not specified
Program dates: June 2 – 6
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
The University of Arizona offers school students various summer opportunities, one of which is the Toxic Detectives program, an opportunity for middle schoolers to explore environmental health and toxicology. During the week-long program, you will participate in science experiments, tours of research labs, and sessions led by STEM professionals. Additionally, you will engage in on-campus exploration and off-campus field trips. The program will end with a final showcase, where you get to present your understanding of a toxin of choice.
Location: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Cost: $700
Application deadline: Until slots are full
Program dates: June 16 – 20
Eligibility: Students, ages 10 to 17
Camp Broadway® Mainstage is a five-day theater program for students interested in exploring performance in a group setting. The camp focuses on developing skills in acting, singing, dancing, improvisation, and scene study. Led by professionals with backgrounds in New York theater, the program offers you a structured approach to learning different aspects of stage performance. You will participate in music theory workshops and group activities that help you refine your teamwork and communication skills. A highlight of the week includes attending a performance of “Life of Pi” on Broadway and engaging in a lunch discussion with members of the cast. At the end of the program, you will participate in a final showcase for family and friends, applying what you’ve learned in a supportive performance setting.
Location: Arizona State University Polytechnic campus, Mesa, AZ; Arizona State University Tempe campus, Tempe, AZ
Cost: $200 for the four-day session | $250 for the five-day session
Application deadline: First-come, first-served basis; registration for each camp session closes one week prior to the start date
Program dates: Multiple week-long sessions from June to July
Eligibility: Students who are 5–15 years old
Sun Devil Kids Camp is a summer experience centered on physical activity, personal growth, and social connection. Designed to help build healthy habits, the camp offers a variety of sports and games to keep you active and engaged throughout the day. The program also emphasizes teamwork and relationship-building, providing numerous opportunities to meet new people and collaborate in group settings. Camp activities are designed to be structured yet fun, allowing you to try new things while developing confidence and communication skills. You will also participate in STEAM activities at camp.
Location: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Cost: $900
Application deadline: Not specified
Program dates: June 16 – 27
Eligibility: Middle school students
ASU’s Robotics Camp is a summer program for students interested in science and engineering. At camp, you will work with instructors to learn how to build and program robots using different components. Within a team, you will design, construct, and program a robot together. In the process, you will explore engineering concepts and tech as well as learn programming (using the Alice programming environment), 3D animation, movie, and game development. At the end of camp, you and your team members will participate in a robotics challenge to test the robot you built.
Location: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Cost: $20
Application deadline: Not specified
Program dates: Full-day event on May 17
Eligibility: Middle school students
Desert CodeSprouts is a full-day computer science workshop for middle schoolers. Here, you will explore a range of topics like programming, machine learning, interaction design, and security. The sessions are led by ASU faculty and student volunteers. During the workshop, you will spend the day on the ASU campus rotating through different activities in small groups. This workshop also offers some experience in coding
Location: Arizona State University Polytechnic campus, AZ
Cost: $350; you can use code ACCESS for a $25 discount
Application deadline: Not specified
Program dates: July 2 – 5
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12
The Logic, Leadership, & Life Skills summer camp, run by the Leadership Society of Arizona at the ASU campus, is designed to help teens develop personal strengths, emotional skills, and overall well-being. Over four days, you will participate in interactive activities based on college-level material. During the camp, you will set personal goals, learn leadership techniques, and receive support from certified life coaches. You will also have the opportunity to complete licensed professional development training. In the process, you will work on building skills that can help you in school and everyday life.
Location: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Cost: $450
Application deadline: May 29
Program dates: June 2 – 5
Eligibility: Students who are 13 – 18 years old
If you are curious about how animated videos are made, this drawing-focused camp offers a chance to learn the basics of traditional hand-drawn animation. Here, you will practice drawing moving objects and live models and study anatomy and motion to understand how to bring figures to life. The camp also covers the history of animation and teaches you how to sequence drawings to create a finished animated video. Hosted by the School of Art at Arizona State University, the camp caters to students with varying levels of experience. Sessions last four or five days and cover a variety of studio art techniques. During the program, you will have the chance to get individual feedback from instructors.
Location: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Cost: $450
Application deadline: May 22
Program dates: May 27 – 30
Eligibility: Students who are 13 – 18 years old
If you are interested in photography, this camp offers a chance to work with analog film cameras and learn how to develop and print photos using traditional darkroom techniques. Over the course of four or five days, you will explore the basics of photography while creating your own images and stories. The program instructors provide individual feedback to help you assess your work and make improvements. At the end of the camp, you will have printed photos and film ready for future use. The experience can help you build and practice traditional photography skills.
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.
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